Home and Away’s Meagher has ‘no plans’ to retire

Ray Meagher has confirmed that he has no plans to retire from Home and Away.

The actor, who has starred as Summer Bay stalwart Alf Stewart since the show’s inception 25 years ago, has told Inside Soap he never tires of his alter ego.

He said: “I don’t like the ‘R-word.’ I stay active by walking for an hour around the harbour where we film. And I try to eat healthily, too – well apart form the Curly Wurlies Georgie Parker [Roo] leaves in my dressing room!

“The show is different all the time. Alf’s daughter Roo went away and a completely new one came back!

“There have been times where I have wanted to go off and do other things but I couldn’t get out of Home and Away.”

Meagher also spoke of the variable relationships he has with his co-stars on the Aussie serial.

“In a cast where there are 20 regulars and lots of extras, you’re not going to get on with everyone. Sometimes you might not want to do a scene with someone, but once it’s done, I just think, ‘Right where are Georgie and Emily [Marilyn]? I want someone I can have fun with.”

In the UK Home and Away transitioned to Channel 5 in 2001 following a long run on ITV1 between 1989-2000. It currently airs weekdays at 6pm.