Actors Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart are eager to celebrate the long-awaited nuptials of Home and Away couple Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan.
The romantic sequences were shot in the picturesque Hunter Valley of New South Wales, and the Australian performers reflected on the day’s filming while sharing behind-the-scenes photos and details.
Despite the happy occasion of the episode, which premieres tonight at 7pm AEST, the actors opened out about the challenging days and some unforeseen challenges.
According to Nicodemou, 7NEWS.com.au, “the thing about a Home and Away wedding is that it looks lovely on screen but it goes for days and it was so hot and there were so many flies.”
In reference to the 45°C heat, her co-star Stewart said, “It was pretty full-on.”
As they thought back on the constant flies during the picturesque winery filming, both actors burst into laughter.
Stewart remarked, “I think we ate about 10 each at least.” He also mentioned that every time the director called for action, a fly would quickly land on someone’s face or the performers would have to rush through their lines in order to avoid the bothersome insects making an appearance in the scene.
The performers chuckled that most flies were deleted out of the shot and did not make the final cut, despite the challenge.
Nicodemou adds that there were “peacocks running around everywhere” in addition to the insects.
The birds would frequently squawk loudly and high-pitched in between lines; at one point, they even interrupted Justin’s vows.
Matt Little, who portrayed Leah’s son VJ Patterson, and Penny McNamee, who portrayed Justin’s sister Tori Morgan, are returning for the momentous occasion, making the wedding a family affair.
“Were we not having a great time, Nicodemou asked, chuckling.
“Because we had the nicest time dancing on the dance floor at the end of our two days of filming! Additionally, it was a night shot.
Ian Hughes, a New Zealander by birth, directed the episode and brought inspiration and unity to every department participating in the shoot.
Stewart stated, “On the first day, Ian spent ten minutes bringing everyone into this lush, lovely garden area and giving this welcome speech.”
“It seemed to me like a Maori welcome speech, and he thanked all the departments—sound, lighting, runners, etc.—without distinction.
“He established the tone by recognizing them and making them feel significant.
In my professional experience, I have never witnessed something like it.
“After that, everyone just gave it their all; you can see the love on the screen.”
Stewart claimed he was only a “passenger” on the trip, observing the convergence of all the departments.
“It was pure joy for me,” he remarks of the encounter.
Although this is Leah’s fourth wedding, Justin is getting married in this episode.
After multiple failed efforts at proposing, Justin successfully arranges the entire wedding on his own.
“We really wanted a beautiful, normal wedding,” adds Nicodemou.
“That’s exactly what happened; all I wanted was for it to be like a nice wedding with nothing bad happening.”
The actors reminisced about their four-year romance with Leah and Justin, praising how their characters “laugh a lot and are a really good team.”
Nicodemou remarked, “There’s not a lot of angst; it’s a really nice adult relationship.”
“They’ve been through far too much together, and I believe that they genuinely care about one another.”
And he gives her a song! It’s perfect—she sings and she cooks.
Co-stars Nicodemou and Stewart have known each other for “a very long time,” and Nicodemou compliments Stewart on how “he always has an idea and brings something new to every scene.”
Stewart proposed that the reason for the magic is because both actors are parents of kids who are roughly the same age.
Nicodemou has a son named Jonas, while Stewart has a daughter named Scout.
He responded, “Children do something to your ego.”
It seizes control and forces you to decide what matters most in life.
“I believe that definition was discovered simultaneously by us.
“Ada and I prefer to arrive at work punctually, be familiar with our assigned tasks, and if possible, arrive early. This allows us to arrive home and spend quality time with our children.”
“I think that’s a really good way of looking at it once that started rolling.”
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