Home and Away star Georgie Parker teases outcome of Martha's illness story
"The idea of her dying, that was incredibly stressful for everyone."
Georgie Parker has teased the future of Martha Stewart's illness storyline on Home and Away, and what could come next for her character Roo.
Fans will know that Martha has been unwell for a number of months, with UK viewers set to see daughter Roo donate a kidney in an attempt to save her life.
Reflecting on filming the story, Georgie exclusively told that it has been "quite emotional in many ways".
"It's quite distressing to see how much it's affected Alf to see his wife so ill and that's affected Roo in many ways too," said Parker.
"She feels a great sense of responsibility in trying to keep her mother alive, partly for her own sake as Martha has only been back in her life for a few years and also for her father. If she can help out in any way, she's pretty determined to do that."
The star admitted that Roo was surprised that Martha finally agreed to go ahead with the transplant, despite initial reluctance, explaining: "It confusing as she feels, 'Why did they go through all of that just for Martha to change her mind?', but that's drama and that's what people do.
"In the end, no matter what happens it doesn't matter. If someone's life is in danger you'll do whatever you can. Ultimately, that's what Roo feels.
"I think it's never really been an easy bond with them both," Georgie admitted. "Roo and Martha don't know each other that well, but they understand each other. It's a different thing – Alf and Martha have found each other again and fallen in love again in many ways.
"For Roo, this is the mother that wasn't her mother. She understands she had struggles and mental health issues and understands why she left, and why she came back, but they don't really have a relationship.
"They've had to create an understanding – Roo is very grateful she came back, but it doesn't make it easy. I think she's so grateful Martha has said yes and Roo can help with the situation."
Asked whether she'd done research into transplants as an actor, the star revealed: "You won't see too much of the reality, but viewers will get to see the emotional dilemma and the drama around it.
"It's not a medical show and we can't go into too much of what's actually involved in kidney donation as it's quite extensive. We compressed all of that a bit. All of the things that happen, happen, but in a compressed timeframe.
"I did have a friend who went through the process – she had to lose a certain amount of weight before the operation, eat certain foods and there were certain steps she had to take after to recover."
Going forward, Georgie said that there will be less for the Stewarts "to butt their heads about," adding: "Once Martha to take the steps to improve her health, everyone starts to relax and see things heading in the right direction. The idea of her dying, that was incredibly stressful for everyone."
As for Roo, "she gets a bit more independent and is bustling around! She's more herself and I think it's nice when she's not always with her parents. She's actually very fun and relaxed – it's nice to play that."
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.
In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.
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