Ada Nicodemou, who played Leah Patterson-Baker on Home And Away for 21 years and over 2000 episodes, is a recognisable face to millions of people around the world. Summer Bay previously appeared in the 1990s shows Heartbreak High (now available on Netflix), Police Rescue, Breakers, and the film The Matrix.
What would you do if you weren’t an actress?
I’d want to spend more time at home with Johnas (her eight-year-old son with her ex-husband Chrys Xipolitas), taking him to school every day and picking him up, and doing what I’m doing now (during Sydney’s lockdown). A few years ago, I might have stated something else, but now it is undeniably a stay-at-home mom.
What does it feel like to know that Heartbreak High will be screened once more?
I haven’t seen it because I don’t want to see myself as a kid, but I believe it’s interesting for Home And Away fans to understand where I started. Heartbreak High was a unique school in its day. Many of the younger performers, like myself, had never worked as actors or in television or film before, so we contributed a raw, genuine spirit to the project. Even now, I don’t think there’s anything on TV that compares to Heartbreak High.
What significance does your Greek Cypriot ancestry hold for you?
It’s really crucial. It’s a part of who I am. I didn’t appreciate it as much as I do now because I didn’t like being different as a kid, but I do now. It’s my upbringing, the food I consume, my principles, and my ideals, and I make sure Johnas understands the language. We eat all of the Greek cuisine. Fortunately, my mother is present, so she can converse with him in Greek, and he has visited Cyprus twice.
Do you still feel the urge to appear fit and beach ready after 20 years in Summer Bay?
I take care of myself because it’s one of my favourite things to do and it’s who I am. But I’ve never felt compelled to dress a specific way on television. Obviously, as we get older, our form and everything changes, and getting into a bikini in your 40s is a little different than getting into a bikini in your 20s. However, I believe it’s fantastic that people of all shapes and sizes, as well as all ages, are represented on television. Even though I’m under lockdown, I take a stroll every day. I performed an outside workout yesterday, but I’m also cooking and eating a lot, and I’ve never loved Tim Tams for some reason, but I’m eating a lot of them. That has to come to an end.
When did you make the decision to pursue a career as an actor?
My theatre instructor took us to watch the play The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice while we were in high school. It featured amazing performers like Amanda Muggleton and Magda Szubanski, who chatted with us later and simply described the process. That one day had such an impact on me.
What one piece of advise would you give to your younger self?
Don’t fool yourself into thinking you know everything; you don’t. Ask a lot of questions and be really curious. Listen. Don’t be too ready to provide advise or make snap judgments.
What’s the most memorable fan experience you’ve had?
Years ago, I went in Florence and was completely enthralled with the David monument. I was suddenly tapped on the shoulder by an English couple who requested if they may take a picture with me. ‘What?’ I think to myself. Take a look about you.’ It was incredible to be on the opposite side of the world, gazing at something so iconic, and immediately recognise it.
What are your thoughts on Leah’s departure from Summer Bay?
That is something I have never considered, but I can tell you what I would enjoy. I’d want Leah to be a little mischievous, a little cheeky, and cause some mayhem in the bay for a while. But I don’t believe you’d want Leah to leave the programme with a terrible reputation. Even so, you’d hope for a nice conclusion. If Vinnie (Ryan Kwanten) hadn’t died, maybe running away with him would be a good idea.
