Latest news with #HomeAndAway
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Former child star Matt Doran teases Home and Away return after surprise Star Wars fan revival
He's best known to Aussie soap fans as Damian Roberts from Home and Away. But Matt Doran has spent years quietly building a cult following thanks to his roles in two of the biggest film franchises on the planet: Star Wars and The Matrix. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the actor and father-of-two has opened about life after fame, the double life of being a dad and a sci-fi icon, and why he's never ruled out a return to Summer Bay. Speaking ahead of a fan convention appearance, Doran, 48, admitted he once felt 'strange' attending sci-fi expos like Supanova – until he realised just how much love fans had for his characters. 'Whoever comes up to have a chat, they obviously know my work. It's such a great reminder of how lucky I've been to be part of these iconic films,' he said. Doran – who played Mouse in The Matrix and the infamous 'death sticks' dealer Elan Sleazebaggano in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones – said his brief scene in George Lucas' space opera left a huge impression on fans. 'Little did I know such a small role would be so well received,' he laughed. 'They love it. Everyone comes up and asks, 'Are you the death sticks guy?' The role, just three lines opposite Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi, was written by Lucas himself after initially asking Doran to audition for a CGI character. 'I thought, it's Star Wars, of course I'm going to jump at the chance. But the fact that it became so iconic… I still get people asking me to sign cigarette packets because of the death sticks line!' Despite the blink-and-you'll-miss-it role, Doran has his own Star Wars figurine – and proudly revealed his daughters and mum still have them in their boxes. 'I found a few in a London toy shop and brought them back. My nephews broke theirs straight away, of course,' he laughed. 'But I've kept a couple – they're pretty special.' When asked if he'd return to the Star Wars universe, Doran didn't hesitate. 'I've seen fan theories on YouTube that explore what happened to Elan after Obi-Wan told him to 'go home and rethink his life'. I like to believe he didn't. He's probably still pushing death sticks somewhere in the galaxy!' The Aussie actor is also a favourite among The Matrix fans – with his explosive death scene as Mouse still a major talking point. 'I call it my Tony Montana moment,' he joked. 'Me with two massive machine guns going out in a blaze of glory. It's actually the photo I sign the most at Supanova.' Doran says the difference between Star Wars and The Matrix was stark. 'My Star Wars role was shot in a day – it took longer to get through security than film it. The Matrix was about nine weeks of shooting over nine months. You had time to bond with the cast and crew.' He added that reading the Matrix script was a rare moment where 'you just knew' the film would be a hit. 'They actually brought that script to life exactly how I read it. Usually when I watch something I've done, the magic's gone. But The Matrix still pulls me in – I forget I'm even in it.' And what about a Matrix reboot? 'I always joke that I don't care about the sequels because I died in the first one,' he said. 'But honestly, nothing beats the original.' Doran, who now lives in Sydney with his young children, said acting is still his passion – even if family life takes priority. 'I've been acting since I was 12. I still audition and take roles when I can. It's part of me – always has been.' He recently starred in a psychological thriller Intersection, now streaming on YouTube. The one-man film, shot just before the pandemic, features Doran in nearly every scene. 'It's just me in a car, talking on the phone, trying to get my son back. It's low-budget, but from an acting perspective, it was a great challenge.' Despite often being confused with other high-profile Aussie names - including former Sunrise presenter Matt Doran – the actor said he's 'the OG.' 'There are three of us – the Sunrise Matt, the ABC journalist, and me. I'm the original Matt Doran,' he laughed. And for Home and Away fans wondering what became of Damian Roberts? 'He flunked uni, became a photographer, then joined the priesthood – didn't see that one coming!' he said. While Doran is unsure if a return to Home and Away is on the cards, he admitted he wouldn't say no. 'I still have the classic dream where I'm back on the Home and Away set but can't remember any of my lines. Maybe that's the universe telling me something.' He remains in touch with co-star Tina Thomsen, who played his sister Finlay, and says a reunion special – like Neighbours pulled off for its finale – would be a treat for fans. 'I think people would love it. I'd be happy to come back. Bring Damian out of the priesthood and back to Summer Bay!' And when he's not acting or signing figurines, Doran is focused on being a hands-on dad.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Home and Away star Sarah Roberts passionately kisses new boyfriend Jake Iesu - after shock divorce from James Stewart
Sarah Roberts packed on the PDA with her new beau Jake Iesu on Friday as the happy couple attended an art show in Sydney. The pair were very loved up as they perused the displays during their date night, some of which were created by Jake who is a photographer and cinematographer. Expressing pride in her new hubby's work, the former Home and Away star could be seen sharing a passionate kiss with her hunky man, who gladly returned the favour. Sarah, 40, kept her look casual for the outing, flaunting her slim pins in a pair of black jeans which she paired with a black T-shirt. She was spotted in blue jeans and a warm black coat earlier in the day as she helped her boyfriend set up his display in the studio. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The actress kept her wavy dark tresses down for the showing, highlighting her natural beauty with a very minimal makeup look. Meanwhile, Jake kept the same outfit throughout the day, slipping into a white T-shirt with black jeans and a navy jacket. Sarah and Jake were first spotted hand-in-hand while out in Sydney on Mother's Day. It marked the first time she had been seen publicly with a partner since her divorce from former co-star James Stewart in 2023. The pair appeared smitten as they strolled the streets, grabbed food, and packed on the PDA while window shopping. It's a new chapter for the actor and DJ, who admitted in a raw interview with Stellar magazine last year her marriage breakdown had left her emotionally shattered. 'I've been really afraid of talking about this because of what I've felt to be the stigma and shame around it. But I just want to say that I am divorced,' she said in April 2024. Sarah and James met on the Home and Away set in 2017, quickly falling in love before tying the knot in a fairy-tale wedding in Ireland in 2019. Expressing pride in her new hubby's work, the former Home and Away star could be seen sharing a passionate kiss with her hunky man, who gladly returned the favour Sarah kept her look casual for the outing, flaunting her slim pins in a pair of black jeans which she paired with a black T-shirt But behind closed doors, cracks had already started to appear. 'I'll never speak on anyone else's behalf, but my belief in marriage is that two people grow and learn from each other together,' she said. 'Sometimes people just grow apart, and that's OK.' While James has since moved on with his Home and Away co-star Ada Nicodemou, Sarah is now carving out a path of her own. According to New Idea, Jake works as a Steadicam operator and 'occasional pilot', and recently showcased his work at an exhibition titled A Piece of Art in Crows Nest. Although the couple have yet to post any photos together, sources say they've quietly been attending events around Sydney - including the Sydney Film Festival. Speaking about her new romance, Sarah recently said: 'I feel grateful that I found him, because he's allowed me to grow in beautiful and unexpected ways. 'But if I didn't have that, I would still be OK. Because I finally found myself, as cliché as that may sound.' She was spotted in blue jeans and a warm black coat earlier in the day as she helped her boyfriend set up his display in the studio Sarah added she's no longer afraid to speak her truth. 'I have beaten myself up for a long time over the fact that I stayed in something that wasn't healthy,' she said. 'But I've finally found a love for myself that I didn't have – and that's the most important relationship of all.' Sarah rose to fame playing the character of Willow on Home and Away from 2017 to 2021.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ada Nicodemou like you have never seen her before! Home and Away star busts out of daring dress as she accompanies partner James Stewart at charity ball
Ada Nicodemou left jaws on the floor over the weekend as she made a rare red carpet appearance in one of her most daring looks yet. The Home and Away favourite, 47, turned heads as she arrived at the annual Tour de Cure Gala in Sydney on Friday night, stepping out alongside her longtime partner and co-star James Stewart. Known for her more conservative style choices, Ada broke away from tradition in a jaw-dropping black halterneck gown emblazoned with oversized red floral details and featuring a series of bold cut-outs across the chest and torso. The dramatic design clung to her enviable figure, with the sheer panels and plunging neckline putting her toned physique firmly in the spotlight. She styled her brunette tresses in soft waves and kept her glam glowing, pairing bronzed skin with a nude lip and smoky eye. Ada completed her risqué look with black stiletto heels and a confident smile. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Beside her, James Stewart, 48, looked every inch the leading man in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, flashing a grin as he posed proudly with Ada. The glamorous couple were just two of the high-profile guests attending the Tour de Cure gala, which raised an impressive $1.6 million for cancer research, support and prevention. The star-studded night saw appearances from some of Australia's most beloved personalities, including Paul Hogan, David Koch, Mark Beretta, Larry Emdur, Jamie Durie, Edwina Bartholomew, and Delvene Delaney. A major highlight of the evening was a powerful and emotional speech from 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, who has inspired millions with his groundbreaking work and personal cancer journey. Last month, Ada gave a heartwarming update on her relationship with co-star James, just a few weeks after celebrating their one-year anniversary together. The Home and Away star gushed over the couple's recent romantic connection, which blossomed after 25 years of friendship, in an issue of Stellar. Revealing she is usually very private about their intimate life together, the actress said she couldn't help but post about their recent relationship milestone because she and James have had a great year together. 'It's been a really lovely year together,' she told the publication when asked about her rare social media post about the pair. Edwina Bartholomew (pictured) stunned in a chic strapless white gown featuring a structured blazer-style bodice with lapels, pocket detailing and a sleek mermaid silhouette, which she paired with minimalist heels and an elegant up do Jamie Durie (right) looked suave in a sharp black tuxedo featuring a satin peak lapel, crisp white shirt and black bow tie, completing the polished ensemble with black leather shoes 'I don't like to post a lot of stuff about us online but, at the same time, I'm really proud of the last year we've had, and wanted to share that.' Earlier this year, Ada shared a tribute to James, as she took to Instagram to post a sweet collection of pictures celebrating their one year anniversary at Mimi's in Sydney. The Sydney-born star recently revealed how her Home and Away co-stars discovered her off-screen relationship with James. The soap opera stars, whose characters are married on the Channel Seven show, were first linked at the beginning of 2024 when they were seen sharing a kiss on Anzac Day before Ada confirmed their romance in an interview. Speaking on Mamamia's No Filter podcast, the actress revealed she had only told a small group of people she was 'close with' on set before 'word got around' about the couple's off-screen relationship. In July, Ada finally broke her silence on her romance with James after months of speculation. She confirmed she was dating her longtime co-star James in a magazine interview, describing their romance as 'unexpected'. The couple began dating after Ada split from her ex-partner Adam Rigby just before Christmas in 2023 and James finalised his divorce from Sarah Roberts in March 2024.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Roberts finds love again following heartbreaking divorce from James Stewart as she is spotted holding hands with new man in Sydney
Former Home and Away star Sarah Roberts has officially moved on from her split with ex-husband James Stewart - and she's looking happier than ever. The actress, 39, was spotted hand-in-hand with her new boyfriend while out and about in Sydney on Mother's Day, marking the first time she's been seen publicly with a partner since her 2023 divorce from Stewart. Sarah looked effortlessly chic in a fitted grey long-sleeved top and white pants. The brunette beauty showed off her natural beauty, and appeared to be wearing little makeup for the outing. Meanwhile her new flame – Sydney-based cinematographer Jake Iesu – kept things casual in a black T-shirt that read 'We are stronger together', navy shorts and a beige cap. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The pair appeared smitten as they strolled the streets, grabbed food, and packed on the PDA while window shopping - a far cry from the heartache Roberts opened up about last year. It's a new chapter for the actor and DJ, who admitted in a raw interview with Stellar magazine that her marriage breakdown had left her emotionally shattered. 'I've been really afraid of talking about this because of what I've felt to be the stigma and shame around it. But I just want to say that I am divorced,' she said in April 2024. Roberts and Stewart met on the Home and Away set in 2017, quickly falling in love before tying the knot in a fairy-tale wedding in Ireland in 2019. But behind closed doors, cracks had already started to appear. 'I'll never speak on anyone else's behalf, but my belief in marriage is that two people grow and learn from each other together,' she said. 'Sometimes people just grow apart, and that's OK.' He kept things casual in a black T-shirt that read 'We are stronger together' While Stewart has since moved on with his Home and Away co-star Ada Nicodemou – a pairing that stunned fans when it was revealed - Roberts is now carving out a path of her own. According to New Idea, Jake works as a Steadicam operator and 'occasional pilot', and recently showcased his artwork at an exhibition titled A Piece of Art in Crows Nest. Although the couple has yet to post any photos together, sources say they've quietly been attending events around Sydney - including the Sydney Film Festival - and are slowly going public with their blossoming relationship. Speaking about her new romance, Roberts recently said: 'I feel grateful that I found him, because he's allowed me to grow in beautiful and unexpected ways. 'But if I didn't have that, I would still be OK. Because I finally found myself, as clichéd as that may sound.' Roberts added that she's no longer afraid to speak her truth. 'I have beaten myself up for a long time over the fact that I stayed in something that wasn't healthy,' she said. 'But I've finally found a love for myself that I didn't have – and that's the most important relationship of all.' They grabbed food, and packed on the PDA while window shopping It's a new chapter for the actor and DJ, who admitted in a raw interview with Stellar magazine that her marriage breakdown had left her emotionally shattered 'I've been really afraid of talking about this because of what I've felt to be the stigma and shame around it. But I just want to say that I am divorced,' she said in April 2024 Sarah rose to fame playing the character of Willow on Home and Away from 2017 to 2021 and recently revealed she still keeps close with her former soap co-stars - and why Hollywood is her next stop. 'One of my best friends was one of my cast mates on Neighbours. That goes way back. Another one of my best friends, Emily Weir, she's from Home and Away,' Sarah told Daily Mail Australia in February. 'I've also made friends with a lot of the new cast from Home and Away because Emily is friends with them and we all hang out together. 'I just had my 40th birthday party at the end of last year and I had a party on a boat on the Sydney Harbour. 'It was full of a lot of the Home and Away cast. I get really close to people and really value my friendships.' She is currently reprising her role as reporter Beth Ramachandran on the Stan Original series Scrublands. Sarah went on to say a large part of the reason she is still so close with her former castmates, despite having left soap shows behind four years ago, is because of how vulnerable the stars become with each other during filming. 'You share so many deep dark secrets about yourself and you have to develop a lot of trust between each other. That lends itself to strong friendships,' she said. Sarah also did two stints on Neighbours, making her debut in 2010 and later appearing as the character Sienna in 2014. As for what's next for the TV star, Sarah said she has her sights set on the next big HBO hit in Hollywood, adding she wants something she 'can sink her teeth into'. 'My next dream it would be to book a television show where I'm in a contract for five years. I would like that to be a character I can sink my teeth into. I'm not sure I'd want to do another soap,' she said. 'I would have loved to have done something like Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones. That would be a dream job for me.'
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Lisa Millar and Poh Ling Yeow among nominees for Gold Logie award
Former ABC News Breakfast host Lisa Millar and chef and presenter Poh Ling Yeow are among this year's nominees for the 65th Gold Logie, announced on Monday. Comedians Hamish Blake and Julia Morris, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon, and presenter Sonia Kruger will also vie for the title of most popular personality on Australian television, along with the longest-serving female actor in an Australian soap, Lynne McGranger, who recently announced her retirement from Home and Away after more than 32 years. Still administered by TV Week magazine, the Logies have historically been an unusual awards event, with a mix of popularly voted awards – which celebrities have always actively campaigned to win – and peer-voted awards. That system was overhauled last year and now the awards in the 'best' categories (formerly called 'most outstanding') are determined by a combined score, 50% of which is peer assessment and audience data supplied by the broadcasters and 50% is by public vote. The Gold Logie, Bert Newton, Graham Kennedy and Ray Martin awards remain solely determined by popular vote. Guy Montgomery, the host of Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont Spelling Bee on the ABC, is nominated for the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent, alongside Hailey Pinto for Home and Away, Jenny Tian for Taskmaster Australia, Kate Miller-Heidke for The Voice, Kylah Day for Territory, and Sofia Levin for MasterChef Australia. Blake, Morris and Kruger are also nominees in the Bert Newton award for most popular presenter, along with Australian Idol's Ricki-Lee, the ABC's Zan Rowe and one half of former Woodies tennis powerhouse duo Todd Woodbridge, for his coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Australian Open. Langdon is joined by ABC journalists David Speers (Insiders) and Sarah Ferguson (7.30), Michael Usher (7News), Peter Overton (9News) and 60 minutes report Tara Brown, for her 60 Minutes reporting on Belle Gibson, as nominees for the Ray Martin award for most popular news or public affairs presenter. The Netflix series Territory dominates the Silver Logies category for best actor and actress in a drama, with Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor and Sam Corlett all in the running. Kaitlyn Dever and Alycia Debnam-Carey are Silver Logie nominees for another Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar, which also draws inspiration from the Belle Gibson scandal. Apple Cider Vinegar is in the running for best miniseries or telemovie, along with Stan's Critical Incident, Paramount+'s Fake, Binge/Foxtel's How to Make Gravy, Nine's Human Error and the ABC's Plum. Streaming platforms also dominate the best drama category with the ABC's Return to Paradise and The Newsreader the only free-to-air nominees. The network that hosts the Logies, Seven, dominates the best news coverage category, with its reports on Cyclone Alfred, Melbourne protests and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump all nominees, along with the ABC's coverage of scandals in the childcare sector, Nines' Courage & Science report and its 2024 Gold Walkley winning expose on the CFMEU, Building Bad. Voting for nominees opened at 9am on Monday and will continue until 7pm on 1 August. The winners will be announced in Sydney on 3 August.
