Home and Away’s Alf Stewart is leaving Summer Bay after 30 years as soap legend Ray Meagher returns to the stage
The star was the sole remaining cast member of the hit Aussie soap opera before he announced his departure
HOME and Away star Ray Meagher has packed in his job playing Alf Stewart after 30 years - to return to the stage.
The soap legend, 74, has reprised his role as Bob the mechanic in theatre extravaganza Priscilla Queen Of The Desert.
He told Australia's : "It's a privilege to have a job for 30 years and really enjoy it for that time."
And he said about his other favourite role in the hit musical: "I always think Bob is like Alf on Valium! He’s more of a laid-back character than Alf.
"I do have a couple of verses of a song solo, which are the most petrifying minutes of the show for me!"
Ray remained tight lipped on if fans will see Alf again, but said he couldn't turn down the chance to play Bob after he starred in the original Sydney production of Priscila back in 2007 and the West End production of the show.
He added: "I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d ever do a big musical like Priscilla, because singing and dancing are not my forte, but I just love it! It’s fantastic entertainment."
His Home and Away character Alf Stewart was the sole remaining original cast member, appearing in the 1988 pilot episode.
Despite going on to hold a Guinness World record for being the longest-serving actor in an Australian serial, Ray revealed he almost didn't sign on to the show as an anticipated two-year commitment felt like a "lifetime".
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Speaking to the he previously told them: "No, I'm not signing for two years, that's a lifetime."
He added: "I refused. That was 30 years ago. And I'm still here."
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