Georgie Parker has caught Home and Away fans – and her castmates – by surprise with the sad news she’s making a sudden exit from the long-running Aussie soap.
Having played Ruth ‘Roo’ Stewart since 2010, the actress will disappear from our screens in August to take an extended break.
WATCH: Georgie Parker and Home and Away cast video chat
Georgie’s quick exit comes at a tumultuous period for the close-knit Summer Bay family, who only just said farewell to co-stars Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor (aka Ziggy and Dean).
While there wasn’t a dry eye on the set the day that Georgie, 58, shared her big news, it was Ray Meagher who was understandably hit the hardest.
Ray plays Georgie’s on-screen father Alf Stewart, and the pair have forged a close friendship off-screen too.
“We’re both very, very blessed to have the sort of working relationship that we do,” Ray, 78, has gushed of Georgie.
Georgie has even credited the veteran actor as being a big reason why she’s hung around in Summer Bay for more than a decade.
“I’m more than happy to be anchored to such an iconic character [in Alf],” the former All Saints favourite says. “But more importantly, it means I get to do most of my scenes with Ray and that’s a huge drawcard for me to want to stay with the show.”
But despite their deep connection, Georgie is ready to spread her wings and seek out new acting challenges.
The Gold Logie winner will be taking a seven-week leave of absence to star in the stage play, Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, which runs at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre in March and April.
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While Georgie is the second actress to play Roo after Justine Stewart originated the role back in the ’80s, it’s not believed the part will be recast this time around. Instead, Roo will just not be seen for a few weeks until Georgie is ready to return to Summer Bay.
“I’m lucky that with Home and Away or any other TV productions I’ve been involved with, I’ve been very fortunate that I kind of put it out there – if it’s going to be long term – that I need time out for plays.”
“Channel 7 has always been very generous with letting me do that, and ask for [time off]. I just get it written into my contract,” she says.
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