Home And Away actor Shane Withington says soap is successful as it ‘reinvents’ itself

Shane Withington has celebrated 10 years being John Palmer on Home And Away — but he has revealed that wasn’t initially the plan. The veteran actor believes the show is going from strength to strength with their storylines.

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Shane Withington has celebrated 10 years being John Palmer on Home And Away — but that wasn’t initially the plan.

“I was only asked in for 12 weeks and I stayed for 10 years,” he told Confidential.

“I think I qualify as the kind of guy you don’t ask to dinner.

“In 10 years it’s gone from strength to strength, it has capacity to reinvent itself and stay at the forefront of whatever is happening. It’s perennial.”

Home And Away star Shane Withington was only meant to be on the show for 12 weeks but ended up staying for 10 years. Picture: Supplied/Seven

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A quick browse of the storylines over the years will have anyone thinking the show can be just a touch farfetched.

There was the time Tash (Isabelle Lucas) fell pregnant to a cult leader or Vinnie (Ryan Kwanten) being imprisoned then dying but coming back dressed as a giant teddy or even the time Withington’s own character developed a brain tumour that turned him into a serial arsonist.

He says this is purely down to how much the writers are expected to churn out.

His storylines have included a wedding and becoming a serial arsonist after developing a brain tumour. Picture: Supplied/Seven

His character also met his long-last daughter during on the of the episodes.

“Sometimes they stretch, but we write two and a half hours a week — a feature film a week,” Withington said.

“To write a feature film a week is an extraordinary amount. “Sometimes a thin storyline might slip through.”

But overall Withington said he believed the storylines were actually quite relatable, it’s merely the fact that they’re all happening in one tiny coastal town that makes them unbelievable.

“I thought I’d have to deal with a lot of unrealistic scenarios but I’ve been really surprised,” he said.

“We’ve dealt with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), coming out as being gay in a small town, bullying, anorexia, dealing with a major injury.

“So we’re dealing with very hard-hitting issues — that’s not usual of a soap — and I’m proud of that.”

Originally published as Home And Away actor Shane Withington says soap is successful as it ‘reinvents’ itself