'OFFSPRING WAS A BLESSING'

The creator of the hit show is still writing stories and killing off her characters

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Debra Oswald has written novels, children's books, dozens of plays and won countless awards, but diehard Offspring fans still haven't forgiven her for penning Dr Patrick Reid's death.

"I'm still in witness protection," Debra jokes to Woman's Day when we visit her and partner, Richard Glover, at their Sydney home.

"People still talk about it, which is a glorious thing for a writer, to think that a character you created still generates such feeling."

Debra created the hit Ten drama series that starred Asher Keddie as Dr Nina Proudman. Nina had finally found love with Matthew Le Nevez's character when he was fatally knocked down by a car in season four, thanks to Debra.

"Offspring was such a blessing in my life," Debra admits. She was head writer for the show for its first five seasons, winning an AACTA and NSW Premier's Award.

"It was an idea I'd pitched that no one wanted - it was rejected everywhere for four years - then we finally had this chance and I had to write the pilot in three weeks."

Although she opted not to return for the last two seasons when Ten decided to reboot the multi-Logie winning show 18 months after it ended for the first time, Debra has no regrets.

“I got to create a family that I didn’t have but wished I had,” says the 65-year-old. “It was such a blessing in my life and I was so lucky on that show – the particular combination of actors and directors and crew worked.”