Shane Withington ‘Playing Palmer Is Like Therapy

As he celebrates 10 years as Summer Bay’s John Palmer, The TV veteran is revelling in his latest iconic role.

- Jackie Brygel

There are few actors who can lay claim to bringing to life not one but two of the most memorable characters in the history of Australian television. Such is the case for Home and Away’s much-loved star Shane Withington.

This year celebrating his 10th anniversary on the hit weeknight series as the often cantankerous but always warm-hearted John Palmer, Shane is also known to viewers for his portrayal of nurse Brendan Jones in the wildly popular ’80s drama A Country Practice.

Through it all, Shane – happily married to his former A Country Practice co-star Anne Tenney, with whom he has a grown-up daughter, Madeleine – has never lost sight of what’s most important.

Here, the acclaimed star reflects on a hugely enjoyable career and gives a revealing insight into his work and life away from the Bay.

Shane, when you were offered the role of John Palmer, did you imagine you’d still be playing him a decade on?