Matt Shirvington appears to be the jack of all trades, his career began as an Olympian before joining as co-host on Sunrise, however, he has now earned a role on Australian soap Home and Away.
The breakfast host secretly filmed scenes in Sydney’s iconic Palm Beach in 2023, with the episodes to be released soon.
Matt is joining Home and Away legend Alf!
(Image: Instagram)While the morning host may be accustomed to being in front of the camera, this is a whole new playing field for Matt. In Home and Away, Matt will portray himself as he takes to the sandy Palm Beach to interview leading-lady Steve (Catherine Van-Davies) about the new film All Our Tomorrows.
“I was certainly nervous remembering my lines,” Matt admitted to TV WEEK. “I spent a lot of time doing my lines and testing out a few deliveries. I got into character as much as I could – even though that character was me!”
Matt previously revealed the acting gig was a dream come true.
“As a kid who grew up watching Home and Away, it was all a bit surreal to be in Summer Bay with Alf Stewart!” he told 7News. “What a fun experience. The entire cast and crew were so welcoming and generous with acting tips and advice for this novice.”
Matt will appear in H&A in 2024.
(Image: Instagram)Speaking of tips, the former Olympian revealed H&A veteran Ray Meagher gave some sound advice.
“He was like, ‘You’ve always got to be ready for your bit’, because you never know when they’re going to switch the scene up and you have to deliver,” Matt told TV WEEK. “Georgie Parker [who plays Roo] also said it was great to have me on set.”
With this guest role under his belt, would he ever think about returning to Summer Bay full-time?
“I do feel very comfortable doing it,” Matt revealed. “And who knows? Maybe a role where I don’t play myself might be on the cards somewhere down the track!”
This type of gig is one some of his other Sunrise co-stars aren’t estranged to either after weatherman Sam Mac made a cameo on the show in October 2021.
“My @homeandaway episode is on TONIGHT 🏖 I’m not sure Alf is on board with my line of commemorative “Sam Mac-chandise” 🤷🏽♂️ He threatened legal action 😬,” the young dad captioned the photo of him standing alongside Home and Away legend Ray Meagher.
In addition, Matt’s predecessor David Koch – who departed Sunrise in June – made an appearance in 2007, however, he was only seen on screen for a few seconds.
While it is an incredible experience for Matt, the father revealed his three children with wife Jessica may have differing opinions on his new role.
“I think this will be one of those things my kids are never going to let me live down!”
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