INSIDE SHANE & ANNE'S PRIVATE MARRIAGE!

THE COUPLE’S ON-SCREEN DAUGHTER, EMILY NICOL, OPENS UP ABOUT THEIR FAMOUS ROMANCE

- Phillip Koch

During A Country Practice’s golden years, millions of Aussies would tune in every week to watch the love story between Molly (played by Anne Tenney) and Brendan Jones (played by Shane Withington) unfold.

But devoted fans had no idea that, away from Wandin Valley, Anne and Shane had also fallen head over heels in love with each other, and were desperately trying to keep their real-life romance a secret.

Even Emily Nicol, who played their on-screen daughter, Chloe, was oblivious about the relationship for years, despite the former child actor exclusively telling New Idea that Shane and Anne became like parents to her.

“There was a close bond with both of my on-screen parents,” Emily reveals, 40 years since ACP’s first episode went to air on Channel 7.

“Both Shane and Anne are the loveliest of people and most of my scenes were of course with them and in their care. I don’t think it would have worked if there wasn’t a natural affinity.