The big question that all Home and Away fans have wanted an answer to over the last month or so is, “Is Esther Anderson (who plays Charlie Buckton) leaving Home and Away?” For the first time in a long time, this has been a well guarded secret, and finally the answer was revealed today (when Home and Away returned to Australian TV screens, after its summer break). If you don’t want to know, please don’t read on ….
** SPOILER ALERT **
Unfortunately, the answer to this questions is, Yes, Esther Anderson is leaving Home and Away. Her character Charlie was shot by Jake and doesn’t survive the shooting.
In an episode which aired tonight in Australia, Charlie was rushed to hospital and put on life support. In upcoming episodes, her daughter Ruby (Rebecca Breeds) has to make the heart breaking decision of whether or not to turn Charlie’s life support machine off.
Before the episode aired, Rebecca Breeds (@BecEBreeds) tweeted: “30 mins ppl. I’m actually NERVOUS. I haven’t seen any of it yet so I’m watching if for the first time with Australia! Ahhh! X
She also tweeted:
“Shaking…. Heart in chest. Feel like I’m living it again. Ahhh. Amazing chase scene with Steve!” (She is referring to Steve Peacocke who plays Brax)
It seems the response from Australian fans, to Rebecca’s performance was positive. After the show, Rebecca tweeted:
“Completely overwhelmed by this response… Wow. U guys r amazing. Thank you.”
“And in answer- yes. Hardest couple of weeks of my career, may have had a few break downs (poor Luke) but SO worth it just for u guys!! Xx” (She is referring to her boyfriend Luke Mitchell who plays Romeo)
But back to the woman of the moment, Esther Anderson. It’s remarkable to think that Anderson shot her final scenes in August yet no-one let slip that she left the show.
How does she feel about leaving the show? According to http://www.estheranderson.net Anderson said, “five months on and I am happy with my decision to throw my life in the air and see what happens … One minute your life is one thing and the next you have no ties, no job and feel fantastic. It’s liberating,”
Like many former Home and Away, and Neighbours stars, Esther has decided to try her luck in Hollywood. She briefly visited LA before Christmas and had some meetings. In the process she picked up some modelling jobs but it is acting that she would like to continue with.
Hopefully this is not the end for Esther Anderson, but the start of a very long, and successful, acting career.
Here’s a sneak peek at this heartbreaking episode (the episode will hit Irish screens in late February/early March)
That’s Entertainment!
Sarina