Even though it was over six months ago that Rebecca McEwan decided to leave Shortland Street, emotions ran high when it was finally time for her to say goodbye to the character she has played for the past two years.
“I had six months of mental preparation knowing that I was going to be killed off, but it was still so sad," says the 26-year-old, whose character, unlucky-in-love single mum Tess Hutchinson, was brutally stabbed on her wedding day in last year's cliffhanger and died from her injuries last week.
“I read my final scripts and just bawled my eyes out, feeling all the feels. I couldn't even talk about it to people without tearing up, especially talking about Amelie being an orphan!" Being an on-screen mum to Amelie, played by two-year-old Eleanor Tankard, has been a highlight for Becky.
“It was so fun to get to play with a baby all day and then get to give her back at the end of it!" laughs the New Plymouth-born actress, who also starred in Filthy Rich. “I've worked with Eleanor since she was four weeks old, so I've gotten to form a really cool relationship with her. I'm definitely going to keep in touch."
While she's relished some unusual on-screen moments, such as giving birth on camera and a tricky scene where Tess was drunk while wearing rollerskates, Becky says the strangest thing about her time on the iconic TVNZ 2 soap has been playing opposite her real-life husband, actor Jay Kiriona, who stars as Prince Kimiora.
This story is from the January 31, 2022 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 31, 2022 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Brid get's new lease of life I'M THRIVING & SURVIVING!
After beating breast cancer, the Tauranga teacher has found a passion for dragon boating
MORGANA'S TRUIMPH I'VE GOT ALL OF NZ BEHIND ME!
The Mean Mums actress is sinking her teeth into juicy new parts in Friends Like Her and The White Lotus
HAS RUSTY CALLED OFF HIS WEDDING?
Russell Crowe refused all invites and requests to celebrate his 60th birthday on 7 April, telling friends he had \"no plans\" to mark the milestone due to work commitments.
ROYAL RAPPER HOW I FOUND MY STRENGTH
Having overcome many challenges, talented Queen Shirl'e is helping young people thrive
SHANNON NOLL & COSIMA DE VITO IDOLS REUNITED!
Once rivals for the top spot, they've always had each other's backs
Rising star's journey FROM FOSTER CARE TO FAME!
Young trans actress Paipera reveals why her new TV role was destined to be
AFTER THE CAMERAS STOPPED ROLLING...
We find out who's really together and who's not!
WARNIE'S EX SIMONE HOW HEALED I FROM HEARTBREAK
The late cricket legend's ex-wife is turning over a new leaf in her life story
Piki & Michael BEHIND-THE-SCENES HEARTBREAK
Their TV experience was bittersweet for these Te Kuiti cousins, who suffered a tragic loss during filming
PENNY'S BIG COMEBACK
Good friends and happy me mories see her return to Summer Bay