Ray Meagher
'Home & Away' legend Ray Meagher isn't planning on retiring from playing Alf Stewart any time soon.
The 69-year-old actor has been in the soap since the first episode aired in 1988, but he feels that time has flown by and he still hasn't tired of his famous role.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It hasn't felt like 27 years, although when you get up in the morning and shave, it does look like 27 years then."
Ray is the longest serving cast member of the Australian soap - which airs on Channel 5 in the UK - and has become a national treasure in his native Australia, as well as recognised whenever he visits the UK.
Quizzed about his longevity, he said: "It's wonderful, you don't set out to achieve that, but it is really nice. All I have tried to do for all my time on the show is play him as honestly as I possibly can."
The soap star also revealed that his veteran status on 'Home & Away' allows him some perks, such as being given free rein to change Alf's dialogue when he is handed his scripts.
He explained: "You're stuck with storylines but you're not stuck with the words that come out of your mouth. The rate we make the programme, no one can write accurately for every character so I only change what would suit Alf to say.
"A lot of expressions that I have remembered from my earlier days round the bush, or from playing rugby and hearing expressions that you really like - they get thrown in."
'Home & Away' airs weekdays at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5.
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