Surprise cameo on TV soap Home and Away with former Olympian to make a splash in Summer Bay

A surprise guest role has been revealed for TV soap Home and Away. The guest joins an elite club which includes Ed Sheeran, John Farnham, Ian Thorpe, and Jessica Mauboy.

Former Olympian turned broadcaster Matt Shirvington is in auspicious company.

The Sunrise breaky TV host has joined a short — yet esteemed — list of guest stars to film the top Aussie soap, Home And Away.

The 45-year-old father of three spent Tuesday shooting scenes at Palm Beach, which is the location of the fictional coastal township of Summer Bay.

Details of his role are being kept secret, although he filmed scenes with show veteran Ray Meagher, who won the Gold Logie for playing Alf Stewart.

“I’m so excited to take a trip to Summer Bay and be a part of Australia’s most iconic show, a show I watched as a kid,” Shirvington said.

Ray Meagher and Matt Shirvington on set of Home and Away.

“To be in a scene with Ray Meagher is so surreal, everyone loves (his character) Alf. I’ve been practising my lines, Ray has given me a few tips and I think I’m ready for my acting debut … playing myself … what could possibly go wrong?”

Producers rarely allow outsiders on set of the Seven soap, keeping the circle tight.

John Farnham with Kate Ritchie and Sharyn Hodgson on Home and Away in 1988.

Lisa Curry-Kenny with Fleur Beaupert on set of Home and Away.

Ed Sheeran guest stars on Home and Away. Celebrity guest stars. Photo: Supplied

“It was great having Shirvo join us on Home and Away – and I knew I could beat him over 100 … and I proved it in between takes up at Palm Beach,” Meagher joked.

To film a guest spot is considered an exception with other famous names to have appeared on the show since its launch in 1988 to have included Ed Sheeran, John Farnham, Ian Thorpe, Jessica Mauboy, Kostya Tszyu and Lleyton Hewitt.

Shirvington’s scenes will screen next year, with the 2023 season finale airing on Wednesday night.