Life doesn’t imitate art for Home and Away star Juliet Godwin, who found love on the dance floor

Home and Away star Juliet Godwin’s character has faced some rocky roads in her quest for love, real life has proved quite different.

While life for Summer Bay’s newest doctor has been anything but easy, off screen love has run a lot smoother for Juliet Godwin.

She’s found her real-life Romeo – Sam Masters. The former Perth girl and the Brisbane-raised boy locked eyes across the dance floor at a party some 18 months ago.

“He couldn’t resist my awesome ’70s dance moves. I showed him how good I was at the sprinkler and the rest is history,” Godwin says with a laugh.

The couple moved in together late last year.

Juliet Godwin on the set of Home and Away.

It’s polar opposite to her Bree Cameron storylines on Home and Away which culminated in the doctor killing her abusive husband in self-defence, after he kidnapped her.

Godwin had to consciously work at shaking off her character’s trauma at the end of each day.

But she’s acutely aware she’s only acting. She’s not counted among the one in six Australian women who have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner.

“I would often remind myself that I was so lucky I don’t actually live through this,” Godwin shares.

“There’s a lot of women for whom that is their reality. That knowledge was helpful to remind me I’m just playing a part that I get to clock off from, while there’s women out there that don’t.”

Home and Away actress Juliet Godwin with partner Sam Masters. Picture: Supplied

Fortunately, as episodes air ahead of Valentine’s Day, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for Bree, who’d started to fall in love with Remi Carter (Adam Rowland) before her past caught up with her.

“She does have to navigate a healing journey first,” Godwin says.

“She’s got quite severe PTSD. But also for a lot of victims of domestic violence, one of the hardest things to deal with once they’ve left their partner is how do they rediscover their identity. But there are definitely some sprinkles of hope in there.”

Actor Juliet Godwin. Picture: Richard Dobson

Coming home to Masters each night was the perfect antidote for the emotional turmoil of her Summer Bay alter ego.

“He’s got a great sense of humour – he’s always making me laugh,” she says.

And while Masters’ important work exam will keep them from celebrating on Valentine’s Day, the pair will have a postponed celebration.

“He got himself out of the dog box because he planned in advance a really special night,” Godwin says.

Home and Away, Monday-Thursday, 7pm, Seven

Do you need help? Counselling and support (24/7): 1800 737 732

Originally published as Life doesn’t imitate art for Home and Away star Juliet Godwin, who found love on the dance floor