Rachael Carpani, known for her iconic role in McLeod’s Daughters, has made a thrilling return to Australian television, joining the cast of Home and Away. After spending a significant portion of the past decade in Los Angeles, Carpani is back on home soil, marking what she describes as a full-circle moment in her career.
In an exclusive interview with TV Week, the 43-year-old actress shared her excitement about joining Home and Away, a show she feels is as iconic as her previous hit, McLeod’s Daughters. Carpani revealed that although the idea of joining Home and Away had been floating around since McLeod’s ended, it wasn’t until the perfect role came along that she felt ready to jump in. “I think I was waiting for the right time and the right role,” she explained. When her agent presented her with the opportunity, Carpani didn’t hesitate to accept, impressed by the character’s depth and the quality of the writing.
Carpani’s new role is a far cry from her beloved character Jodie Fountain. She steps into the shoes of Claudia, a determined businesswoman who makes a dramatic entrance into Summer Bay following a car accident caused by faulty brakes. Claudia’s injury and subsequent quest for justice against the mechanic, Justin, set the stage for a storyline that Carpani teases will bring significant drama to the bay. “This role will really shake things up,” she promises, hinting at a departure from her previous on-screen personas.
Reflecting on her career, Carpani admits she is eager to shed her “good girl” image. “I think when Australians think of me, it’s usually as the sweet, doe-eyed characters,” she said, acknowledging a desire to break away from that typecasting. Her time in the U.S. allowed her to explore darker, more complex roles, but these were often overlooked in Australia. “I wanted to play against type, and it’s been a while since I’ve done something that might provoke strong reactions,” she added, admitting she’s excited at the prospect of being a character viewers might love to hate.
Despite her extensive experience in both television and film, including roles in NCIS: Los Angeles and Flowers in the Attic, Carpani admits that working on Home and Away has been more demanding than she anticipated. “I thought I’d just slip in and do my thing, but it seriously knocked me on my butt,” she confessed. Carpani praised the show’s welcoming environment, noting that the kindness of the crew was a pleasant surprise.
As for the future, Carpani’s role in Home and Away is currently a guest appearance, but she leaves the door open for potential returns. “Never say never,” she said, though she hinted that she might also be involved in a new project related to McLeod’s Daughters. There are rumors of a McLeod’s reboot or prequel, and Carpani expressed her enthusiasm, despite the secrecy surrounding the project. “It’s exciting, but I’m not sure if ‘reboot’ is the right word. It could be more of a prequel,” she speculated.
Fans of both McLeod’s Daughters and Home and Away will be eagerly watching as Rachael Carpani brings her new character to life. The twists and drama she introduces promise to add fresh excitement to Summer Bay.
