Home and Away cast pay sweet tribute to show legend on special occasion

 "Australia's favourite icon."

Home and Away stars have paid tribute to Ray Meagher as he celebrates a special occasion.

The veteran actor, who has played Alf Stewart on the Australian soap since the first episode in 1988, turned 81 on Friday 4 July.

His co-stars shared some loving posts and photos of themselves with him to mark the occasion.

Happy birthday to you dear Raymond," wrote Marilyn Chambers actor Emily Symons on Instagram. "You're the best person I know, the world's greatest Queenslander and my other favourite red head.

"I'm so lucky I get to work with you every day! Thank you for making me laugh, singing old songs, buying me coffees, giving me advice, fixing my problems, for being unbelievably kind to my Henry, and for paying attention to my iPhone tutorials! But most of all - thank you for 36 years of friendship."

Ada Nicodemou, who plays Leah Patterson and is the third-longest actor in an Aussie soap behind Meagher and Lynne McGranger, wrote on her Instagram: "Happy Birthday to Australia's favourite icon.

"Ray you're one of the best people I know, my role model, father figure and a true friend. Thanks for always looking out for me and my family, we all love and adore you."

Last year, ahead of his milestone 80th birthday, Meagher revealed that he'd much rather celebrate in a low-key way than throw a huge shindig.

I've always shied away from celebrations a bit. I used to joke with Lynne McGranger because she would tell everybody her birthday was coming up a month in advance and keep celebrating it for a month after," he said.

"I am perfectly happy to slink under the radar and go along quietly, but I love a party, meaning a few beers with a few friends."

He's also got a few more years left on the most recent contract he's signed, so don't expect to see Alf going away any time soon.