They were just an average Aussie family with grown children, but they captured the hearts of many Down Under and now, eight years after Packed to the Rafters said its final farewell, it’s set to return to screens. And Erik Thomson, who plays the family patriarch Dave, can’t quite believe it’s finally here.
“It’s kind of surreal, actually,” the 54-year-old tells the Weekly. “There was always talk about doing something after the show ended, but it always came to nothing.
“There were lots of hugs in the read-through and we were pinching ourselves, not fully believing that it was actually happening.”
The show followed empty nesters Dave and Julie Rafter as their homes filled up as one by one their adult children moved home. The new six-part series Back to the Rafters sees Erik reunite with his TV family, Hugh Sheridan, 36, and Angus McLaren, 32, who play his sons Ben and Nathan, and Aussie acting legend Michael Caton, 78, who stars as father-in-law Ted.
This season, however, there will be one person missing – Jessica Marais, who played the eldest Rafter child. The 36-year-old had to pull out due to personal reasons and is replaced by Georgina Haig, also 36.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills