Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman)
Home and Away has embarked on a teen domestic abuse storyline in recent weeks, exploring a turbulent relationship between show newcomer Sasha Bezmel and River Boy Stu Henderson.
Fans of the soap have seen Stu (Brenton Thwaites) lose his temper and get violent with Sasha on a number of occasions, but he has always managed to charm his way back into her affections.
UK viewers will see the situation escalate in the coming days as Sasha's father Sid (Robert Mammone) finally discovers what is going on - resulting in a shocking intervention.
Here, Digital Spy chats to 18-year-old Demi Harman - who plays Sasha - about the storyline.
How are you finding life at Home and Away?
"I've been on the show for nine months now, so I have well and truly settled. Everyone was very welcoming when I first started and now they all just feel like family."
How did you feel about taking on such a hard-hitting storyline so early in your Home and Away career?
"I was scared, but excited at the same time. Anti-violence is something that I am extremely passionate about. It was a really challenging storyline, but one I felt was necessary to my character's development."
Did you know the story was on the way as soon as you joined the show?
"No! It was unexpected!"
Did you do much research for the storyline?
"Yes, I researched a variety of the anti-abuse blogs and websites, such as White Ribbon and The Line, and also studied the psychology behind it."
What kind of a reaction have you seen to the story so far?
"It has been shocking for audiences to see this other side to Stu, but there has also been positive feedback on Home and Away tackling domestic abuse in teenage relationships."
The scenes where Stu hits Sasha are quite heavy, so what were they like to film?
"They were heavy indeed, but both Brenton and I understood how serious it was. It was important not to take those feelings home with you and we supported each other off set and made sure there were still some fun times while filming."
Sasha seems to be convinced by Stu every time he asks her for forgiveness. What's going through her mind?
"When it comes to what's going on in Sasha's head, I think she reminds herself that as much as Stu hurts her, she genuinely loves him enough to want to help him stop doing what he's doing.
"That's the frustrating part - Sasha sees Stu's true colours the first time, but doesn't act on it. She puts up with it for a really long time until it becomes a public scene."
Here in the UK, we'll soon see the season finale week where Sid intervenes in the situation by attacking Stu. Can you tell us about that?
"Yes, the finale is extremely intense! When Sid discovers the truth, he then takes matters into his own hands. While some people understand Sid's protectiveness over his children, it does bring to light in the Summer Bay community the issue of trying to solve violence with violence."
What kind of impact would you like the storyline to have?
"I feel so grateful to have had such an opportunity to play the victim in this storyline. My hope is that if anyone is in a situation like Sasha, as hard as it is to escape, that they seek help and confide in people they trust."
Beyond this storyline, can you give us any hints on where things could be heading for Sasha this year?
"Things get worse before they get better. Keep watching!"
On a lighter note, who have you bonded with on set over the past few months?
"Sam [Samara Weaving]! She's my half-sister on the show, but feels like my full sister in real life. Charles [Cottier] is also extremely fun to work with, he always makes me laugh."
The part of Sasha is one of your first acting roles. Do you feel like you're learning a lot from your time on Home and Away?
"Absolutely! It's been the best experience so far! I am so grateful and excited to come to work and be Sasha every day."
What are your hobbies and interests when you're not busy filming?
"I make record handbags! And I sell them on Etsy, my shop is called 'Demrock'. Other than my bags - I love running, tennis and yoga. I also love sewing, baking, beaching and shopping."
Reply With Quote