Sarah Roberts’ new reality after shock Home and Away exit

Popular Home And Away star Sarah Roberts opens up about her emotional last moments on set and reveals what’s next for her career.

Fans of Home And Away may still be getting used to the departure of Willow Harris from Summer Bay, but actor Sarah Roberts has had time to come to terms with it. After filming her last scene on the Seven Network soap at the end of October last year, Roberts had close to six months to reflect on the experience before the episode went to air two weeks ago.

“My last day filming was very emotional. It was hard saying goodbye to everyone,” she tells Stellar On Friday.

“It was hard saying goodbye.” (Picture: Steven Chee)

“Home And Away is all-consuming. We’ve been filming for six days a week for three years, so it was scary to think about walking away from that. But now I’ve had space to decompress and realise there’s a life outside the show.”

In her final episode, Robert’s character, wild-child Willow, rides off into the sunset to live with on-screen love interest Dr Alex Neilson, played by Zoe Ventoura. Roberts explains that she didn’t make the decision to leave the show; however, with her three-year contract coming to an end, she could sense that her time was up.

“I was open to staying on the show. Home And Away really did become my family and I was reluctant to say goodbye,” she explains.

“But I had a feeling the time was up for my character and I was happy that she got a happy

ending. She didn’t get killed off, so there’s always a possibility of return.”

Since saying goodbye, the once LA-based Roberts has hit the audition circuit and says the amount of US productions being made in Australia has opened up opportunities, so she’s put up for roles in big productions, including opposite Melissa McCarthy.

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The 36-year-old has also continued her work as a DJ, and recently played at a party

thrown by Chris Hemsworth at Crown Sydney. It was there that Roberts ran into fellow actor – and DJ – Idris Elba.

“I saw him walk in and I was so nervous but I just tried to keep my cool. But he came up to me and we talked about mixing ’80s songs, because it was an ’80s party,” she says.

“He was so cool and introduced me to his wife. It’s so nice to meet celebrities of that calibre.”

As to what the future holds, Roberts isn’t making any firm plans.

“I mean, if I don’t work for the next three years maybe I’ll touch base and see how I’m feeling but, for now, it sounds like a cliché but my focus is on living and enjoying life. I’m taking a leap into the unknown and seeing what the universe has in store for me.”

Whatever happens, Home And Away will always be family – literally. “I met my husband [actor James Stewart] on the show and he’s still on it, so I’ll never lose that connection.”