It’s been almost a decade since Christie Hayes left Home And Away.
Now the actress is set to return, but it won’t be to the beloved Bay. Instead, Christie is headed to another iconic (fictional) town, Erinsborough.
“I was really nervous [to return to acting] but I just had to remember to trust myself,” Christie, 32, tells TV WEEK of her new role on Neighbours.
Christie was known for her character, Kristy Sutherland, sister of Dani Sutherland (played by Tammin Sursok). Involved in one of Summer Bay’s most controversial romances, she began dating Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell), who had previously sexually assaulted her sister on the show.
Christie has a new home on Ramsay Street.
As for her new Neighbours alter ego, Christie remains tight lipped. But teases that fans can expect an equally fiery and fun character.
“The characters I’ve always played are girls with a mischievous side,” she says.
“She certainly comes in with fire and there’s a lot of dama ahead but it all comes from a place of love.”
Ah, the anticipation!
Christie won’t appear on Ramsay Street until June but something tells us it will be worth the wait.
The actress and mother of two also had the chance to catch up with ex Home And Away-now-Neighbours co-star, Jodi Anasta.
“It was kind of like a little reunion,” she recalls, “she is a beautiful friend of mine.”
We can’t wait to meet her new character!
Christie has been splitting her time between the Neighbours set in Melbourne and her usual gig as a breakfast radio host on i98fm in the New South Wales coastal city of Wollongong.
“You feel a little displaced but it’s a tiny sacrifice to do what I love and both jobs have been amazing to me,” Christie explains.
“Its been great to get such support in this day and age as a working mum. The hardest part is being away from my children.”
Christie has two boys, Harley and Hendrix, also based in Wollongong.
Neighbours airs weeknights, 6:30pm, on 10 Peach.
