Willow Harris
Willow Harris | |
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Home and Away character | |
Russell Harris | |
Grandmothers | Judy Lawson |
Willow Harris (also Ranger) is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera
Writers quickly paired her with Justin and their relationship is marred by a feud with gang member
Casting
Prior to securing the role of Willow, actress
Development
Characterisation
Filled with energy and fun, the attractive, fit and dynamic Willow Harris is a delight – but cross her and it's like having a firecracker go off in your face. Raised a single child in a broken home to a rough 'n' tumble dad, she learnt to look out for number one early.
— An excerpt taken from The official Home and Away website.[2]
Willow is characterised as "a tough, dynamic and powerful" female and is surrounded by mostly male characters. Roberts made sure she was strong on set to "do justice to her character" in the male dominated scenes.[4] She was raised by her father, a single parent, which made Willow learn how to look after herself early in life.[5] Roberts has described Willow as a "strong female character", who is also independent, loyal and fierce. The actress said Willow would bring "mischief and a bit of trouble" to Summer Bay.[6] Willow's introduction into Home and Away showcased her characteristion. Roberts said that Willow proves herself to be "a tough cookie – she's a total firecracker", as she rides into Summer Bay on a motorbike.[7] She immediately makes herself known to Justin and accuses him of stealing $15,000. Roberts said that Willow validates her tough persona in the scenes where she attacks Justin, ties him up and locks him in his garage overnight.[7] Roberts told Tamara Cullen from TV Week that Willow "rode into town with a lot of power, she's definitely going to cause some mischief!"[4]
Roberts told a journalist from
Relationship with Justin Morgan
Willow was introduced into the show as a new love interest for Justin Morgan.
On screen their relationship burgeons when Justin helps Willow secure employment in Summer Bay. Willow competes against Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger) for a job at the gym. The gym's manager John Palmer (Shane Withington) asks Justin to make the decision about hiring staff. They equally impress him and both receive a job. Willow thanks Justin for his help and they soon end up having sex in her caravan. Their romance has a tumultuous start after Justin asks if their sexual encounter means they are in a relationship. Willow states that she wants a casual arrangement and throws him out.[15] In later episodes the pair resume their romance. Justin's sister Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) soon disapproves of Willow and tells her that Justin is unhappy with a casual relationship. The pair clash and Willow is put off by Justin's over protective family.[citation needed] Producers soon introduced Willow's ex-boyfriend and old friend, Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) into the show. Dean is a member of the show's fictional criminal gang The River Boys, which Willow also has connections with. Initially Justin does not realise that Willow used to be romantically involved with Dean.[16]
Writers continued to create trouble between the couple. She was unaware Justin has a daughter,
Gambling addiction
"Justin has past experience with addicts [...] but Willow's going to be a tough nut to crack when she doesn't even want to help herself."[21]
—A Home and Away publicist on Willow's addiction (2018)
Writers planned a gambling addiction storyline for the character. Roberts found it challenging to portray because she had not experienced gambling addiction before. She carried out extensive research into the issue and spoke to gambling addicts to gain an insight into their lives. Roberts said that she used the new found knowledge to deliver a better story on screen.
Jasmine later learns that Willow has been gambling and tells her that she needs help to treat her addiction. Willow does not take kindly to Jasmine's interfering and slaps her across the face.[23] Roberts said that Willow "immediately goes on the defensive" around Jasmine. She added that her character instantly regrets slapping Jasmine because she "knows she's gone too far." The actress was nervous about filming the slap scene. A stunt coordinator taught Roberts and Frost how to make a fake slap without contact look authentic.[24] Writers continued to make Willow down on her luck when she tells John the truth about her thefts from the gym. He is upset with her and fires her from her job. Willow is once again left without any money to pay her rent.[25] Willow and Dean begin squatting in Colby's apartment and he borrows money from a loan shark but cannot pay it back. They decide to skim credit cards and tamper with the card machine inside the local restaurant Salt. When they exit the building, they knock Alf to the ground and leave him unconscious.[26] Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) becomes their first victim of card skimming when money disappears from her account. The actress told Ellis (Inside Soap) that Willow does not want to steal from "decent people", but feels that she has no choice. She also defended her character over Alf and Irene's misfortune, revealing Willow "feels terrible" and "never meant to hurt anyone."[22]
Writers planned a break-up for Willow and Dean following her continuous problems. Dean confides in Justin about Willow's gambling and requests that he look after her. He then breaks-up with her leaving Justin free to help her. A Home and Away publicist revealed that Dean "reluctantly" ends the relationship and "knows that Justin is the only person she will listen to."[27] Justin struggles to help Willow overcome her addiction. She lashes out at Justin and blames him for her addiction, but Tori tells her that she ruined her own life.[21] Roberts did not believe that Willow and Dean's relationship was good for her character. She branded it a "whirlwind relationship" that created a "worrying future". Despite this she noted that Home and Away viewers "love" the duo's "history and unyielding friendship".[22]
Departure
During a feature on her relationship with Stewart, Roberts told Amy Price of
Reception
Willow's tough persona and dramatic entrance into the series have drawn critical analysis. Ali Cromarty from New Idea said "If you saw Willow roll into Summer Bay last week, you'd be right to feel a little scared. The new Home And Away recruit is all leather and motorbikes while rocking a 'don't mess with me' attitude."
References
- ^ Yahoo7. Archived from the originalon 15 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "Willow Harris". 7plus. 1 January 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ New Idea. (Pacific Magazines). November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
- ^ a b c Cullen, Tamara (22 November 2017). "Meet Home And Away's new bad girl, Sarah Roberts". Now To Love. (Bauer Media Group). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Willow Harris". TVNZ. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- Yahoo7. Archived from the originalon 15 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK): 49.
- ^ a b Cromarty (20 November 2017). "Home And Away's Sarah Roberts: 'I hide behind my smile'". New Idea. (Pacific Magazines). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ Brygel, Jackie (1 October 2018). "Home And Away's James Stewart on co-star and girlfriend Sarah Roberts". New Idea. (Pacific Magazines). Retrieved 2 October 2018.
- ^ a b Byrne, Fiona (27 January 2018). "James Stewart and Sarah Roberts: Home and Away stars confirm real life romance". Herald Sun. (News Corp Australia). Retrieved 13 August 2018.(subscription required)
- ^ a b c Crick, Claire (10–16 February 2018). "Justin puts his life on the line!". Soaplife (426). (TI Media): 34–35.
- ^ a b Crick, Claire (17–23 February 2018). "Watch out, Justin... she's trouble!". Soaplife (427). (TI Media): 36–37.
- Hearst Magazines UK): 25.
- Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ Morris, Sasha (20 February 2018). "Home and Away spoilers: Summer Bay goes X-rated as two characters have steamy romp". Daily Star. (Northern & Shell). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ Crick, Claire (17–23 March 2018). "Willow's blast from the past!". Soaplife (431). (TI Media): 37.
- ^ a b Crick, Claire (5–11 May 2018). "Happy Families for Justin & Willow!". Soaplife (438). (TI Media): 37.
- ^ Crick, Claire (19–25 May 2018). "Ava hostage drama turns fatal!". Soaplife (440). (TI Media): 36–37.
- ^ Darling, Michael (16–22 June 2018). "Justin & Dean's beach brawl". Soaplife (444). (TI Media): 44.
- Hearst Magazines UK): 29. 9–15 June 2018.
- ^ a b Crick, Claire (11–17 August 2018). "Willow hits rock bottom!". Soaplife (452). (TI Media): 37.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK): 47.
- ^ a b c d Groome, Imogen (11 July 2018). "Willow descends into gambling addiction – and slaps Jasmine in Home and Away". Metro. (DMG Media). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ a b c "Jasmine faces the brunt of Willow's rage on Home and Away". Now To Love. (Bauer Media Group). 11 June 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ Crick, Claire (28 July – 3 August 2018). "Dean & Willow get desperate!". Soaplife (450). (TI Media): 38.
- ^ a b Crick, Claire (4–10 August 2018). "Willow's week of hell!". Soaplife (451). (TI Media): 38.
- ^ Price, Amy (19 March 2021). "Home and Away stars reveal the moment they knew their on-set chemistry was true love". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
I've left Home and Away now, but we still work together because we set up an audition space in the bedroom.
(subscription required) - ^ a b c Downie, Stephen; Cullen, Tamara (12 April 2021). "Exclusive: Sarah Roberts gets candid about leaving Home And Away as her character Willow says goodbye to Summer Bay this week". TV Week. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Anderton, Joe (14 April 2021). "Home and Away star Sarah Roberts discusses possible return after Willow Harris's exit". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "Dean risks everything to protect Willow this week on Home and Away". Now To Love. (Bauer Media Group). 16 July 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
- ^ "Justin and Willow's real-life romance". TVNZ. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- Fairfax New Zealand). Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Home and Away's James Stewart reveals he's in a relationship with co-star". The Hits. 10 January 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ Crick, Claire (24–30 March 2018). "Robbo's last stand!". Soaplife (432). (TI Media): 38.
- TV Soap. (nextmedia): 3.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
External links
- Willow Harris at the official AU Home and Away website