Yahoo News Home and Away's Emily Symons admits reservations over Marilyn storyline
Home and Away spoilers follow.
Home and Away star Emily Symons has opened up about playing Marilyn Chambers in the Australian soap, and why she wasn't always on board with the storyline.
Symons first arrived on Summer Bay back in 1989 as the ditsy hairdresser and despite leaving the show in 1992, she came back for several additional stints as the character.
In a new plotline that started airing this year, Marilyn was one of the victims of the poison gas attack at Salt, causing personality changes that have made her uncharacteristically mean.
"It was quite a shock when it was first pitched to me and I had to be really talked into it," the actress told Stuff in a recent interview.
Related: 10 huge Home and Away spoilers for 2022
"Obviously, I was very grateful for the opportunity to tell a different Marilyn story but it was a real challenge because Marilyn messages kindness and happiness and nurturing. Now, all of a sudden, I have to go around being mean to everybody."
Since the attack, Marilyn has clashed with various characters including filing an official complaint against Dr Logan Bennett (Harley Bonner) and fighting with Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Symons admitted it was challenging to have the character change so drastically.
"It starts off quite comical, because she suddenly doesn't have a filter and she's saying things that she would never normally say," the actress continued.
Related: Former Home and Away star Dan Ewing reveals whether he'd return again
"The directors really had to hold my hand because I was like, 'I can't say that?' and they said, 'No, you have to say it because Marilyn is not herself'," she added.
"It was very hard, kind of like having an argument with your best friend. I kept saying, 'I'm really sorry. I'm so, so sorry'. I wasn't allowed to soften it or change it in any way."
Will Marilyn ever get back to her usual happy-go-lucky self?
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 (Australia). Selected classic episodes are available via Amazon Prime Video in the UK.
Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
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