Celebrity

EXCLUSIVE: Nic Cartwright and Jacqui Purvis reflect on their first year as Home and Away newcomers: “It has been non-stop and super challenging”

The pair have been welcomed with open arms by fellow cast members.
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Everyone who comes to Summer Bay seems to have a secret. So when two siblings arrived earlier this year, it was double the trouble – and a whole lot of fun.

For newcomers Nic Cartwright and Jacqui Purvis, getting to work on Home and Away together felt like all their Christmases had come at once!

“It has been non-stop and super challenging, in the best way,” Jacqui, who plays wild girl Felicity, gushes to TV WEEK. “I’ve loved every single day [on set]. I love that my character has no filter and says what she feels, usually, completely unapologetically, which I really admire.”

Playing the role of the local cop Cash has been a thrill for Nic – even if he has to double check his character is still alive in the script each week.

For newcomers Nic Cartwright and Jacqui Purvis, getting to work on Home and Away together felt like all their Christmases had come at once!

(TV WEEK)

“I’ve heard of the curse of the cops!” Nic, 33, says with a laugh. “I’m always checking the scripts closely to see what’s coming up. I’m not too worried, what could possibly go wrong? But it’s been great getting to know Cash and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

It didn’t take long for the duo to find their feet in Summer Bay, as well as with each other and their fellow cast mates.

“I love working with Sam [Frost, who plays Cash’s girlfriend Jasmine] and Jacqui. We all work together so much on the show and we all love a coffee and a laugh.”

Jacqui has not only made fast friends on set with Nic and Ethan Browne who pays her character’s love interest Tane, but she has also gained a new housemate!

As the year comes to a close, Jacqui and Nic are ready to celebrate their professional wins with the ones they love.

(TV WEEK)

“Matt Evans [who plays Theo] and I are having a blast being roommates. He is one of my favourite people in the whole world,” she says.

As the year comes to a close, Jacqui and Nic are ready to celebrate their professional wins with the ones they love. Jacqui will fly home to Victoria, while Nic – who served in the Australian Army as a rifleman for six years before turning to acting – will soak up some good food and company wherever he can.

“I’ll be going to my cousins farm for a big family reunion,” Jacqui says. “We will eat a lot of food and drink and talk a lot… it’s going to be magical. After that it will just be a lot of beach days where I’ll surf, water ski, snorkel… then take a well-deserved rest!”

Nic, however, won’t be participating in all the Christmas traditions.

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“I’m a grinch with Christmas carols. I’d rather put on music by Crowded House!” he says.

So once the tree comes down and the Summer Bay drama swells up, what’s ahead for the dynamic duo? Only time will tell – but Jacqui and Nic promise it’s going to be exciting to watch.

“2022 is a massive year for cash. He’s set up in the bay now, he’s got family and a girlfriend and everything looks great. But anyone who knows the show knows you don’t stay that good for long…” Nic hints, with Jacqui adding that a new chapter is on the horizon.

“Times are changing… it’s exciting,” she says. “But as for buried family secrets, who knows. It could all change!”

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