In January 1988, when Home and Away first started, one of the original residents of Summer Bay was Alf Stewart, a self-made businessman.
Portrayed by Ray Meagher, Alf is the only original character who is still a regular on the soap opera after all these years. Due to his grumpy attitude, colorful expressions, and sayings—and a kind heart—Alf has become an icon worldwide.
“I just get out of bed and go to work and the lines just come out of my mouth, but having said that, it is really lovely people have taken to the character,” Meagher told the Springfield Daily Record .
Who is Ray Meagher?
When we first met Alf, his life was in ruins after the drowning of his first wife. The show began with him selling the caravan park to the new Fletcher family, who planned to foster children.
Over the years, Alf has remarried, flirted, discovered more children and grandchildren, and had many hobbies, mainly his bait shop, boat, and the surf club, while getting involved in everyone’s lives. He has survived earthquakes, mudslides, heart attacks, PTSD, brain tumors, assaults, and many other difficult situations.
How old is Ray Meagher?
In July 2005, the soap celebrated its 4000th episode with a special 60th birthday party for Alf. That would make him 73 years old now. During the party, his grandson Ric (Mark Furze) described him like this: “He loves his beer and his footy and, as we all know, he loves his fishing.
He hates bludgers and whingers and … bludgers. He’s not afraid of hard work and he’s the first person to give you a hand when you need help … He loves his friends and family more than words.”
Ray Meagher (Credits: Getty Images)
Who is Alf Stewart’s wife?
Alf’s first wife, Martha, was said to have drowned before the show started. Early in the show’s history, he married Ailsa (Judy Nunn, who later went on to write bestsellers). They had a difficult relationship but eventually made up before Ailsa passed away from a heart attack after moving some boxes.
A few years later, she appeared to Alf in visions, but it turned out the visions were caused by a brain tumor. Since then, Alf has had a few romantic interests, and his first wife, Martha (Belinda Giblin), reappeared this year, but Alf has mostly focused on the relationships of his children, foster children, and everyone else in town rather than his own love life.
Who is Alf Stewart’s daughter?
In addition to being a father figure to many in Summer Bay—especially to Sally Fletcher, played by Kate Ritchie—Alf has two daughters. The official one is Roo, who is the daughter of Alf and his first wife, Martha.
Roo was first played by Justine Clarke as a rebellious teenager, but now the character is portrayed by Georgie Parker. When she was younger, Roo had a daughter named Martha, after her mother, before Roo left for the United States for many years. As Martha grew up, she returned to the Bay, played by Jodi Gordon.
Alf later discovered that he had another daughter, Quinn (played by Danielle Spencer in the 1990s), whom he had after an affair during his time in Vietnam. Quinn’s son, Ryder (Lukas Radovich), now lives with Alf in the Bay.
Alf has two sons as well. His official son is Duncan, played by different actors over the years, who is the child of Alf and his second wife, Ailsa. His other son is Owen, a result of a short affair and the father of Ric, another character on the show.
In addition to his biological children, Alf has also fostered many children and has bickering sisters: Morag (Cornelia Frances), Celia (Fiona Spence), the lesser-known Barbara, and half-sister Colleen.
Has Alf Stewart ever been arrested?
Yes, he has! Alf has always had a short temper, but his run-ins with the law were often due to random situations. In the late 1990s, he was arrested for trying to cover for his foster son, Curtis. A few years later, he was arrested for allegedly stealing money from the surf club after being set up by Josh West.
He was sent to prison for nine months, but his conviction was overturned when it was revealed that the judge was corrupt. Later, Alf was arrested for the murder of Penn, the son of a woman who had been left by Alf.
Penn had overdosed after the breakup and had been stalking Alf, blaming him for his mother’s death. After spending time in jail, Alf was released on bail and then cleared of the crime when Will confessed to killing Penn.
How old is Ray Meagher?
Ray Meagher, the actor who has played Alf for over 30 years since he was 43, was born on July 4, 1944, in Roma, Queensland. He grew up on a sheep and cattle station. His first performance was at the age of 11, where he played the wicked witch in a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs . A passionate sportsman, he even represented Queensland in rugby.
Now 74 years old, his ability to stay in the game might be due to his farming roots and strong work ethic. “I have never had a day off sick in my life.
I have never missed a call time. I have never turned up not knowing my lines,” he told the Queensland Times . “I don’t think that’s saintly; that’s a requirement of doing your job.”
Net Worth of Ray Meagher
Ray Meagher’s estimated net worth is $10 million. His main source of income comes from his acting career. Meagher earns over $2 million each year from his salary or pay-per-film earnings, along with other professional income.
His successful career has given him the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and travel in style. He is one of the wealthiest and most famous performers in Australia.
Ray Meagher (Credits: Getty Images)
Is Ray Meagher married?
Yes, Ray married his long-term partner, Gilly, in 2010.
“We got hitched in secret, mainly because no one would really care,” he told the UK Mirror . “We invited the couple who introduced us down for the weekend, but didn’t tell them we were getting married – we just said it was for a dinner and to bring smart-casual gear.
Gilly said, ‘I’ll do flowers and catering,’ and produced a single rose and a cheese platter. What a day!”
Does Ray Meagher have any kids?
Ray doesn’t have any children of his own. “When I was younger as a freelance actor, I wondered whether I’d be able to feed myself let alone anybody else,” Meagher told The Daily Telegraph about why he doesn’t have kids. “It’s a funny old profession, it’s very precarious, it’s a pretty dodgy old profession employment-wise.”
However, he is a stepdad to Gilly’s grown children, including her daughter, Rebecca. “I talk to her at least once a week and see her for brekkie or brunch whenever the Home And Away schedule permits, which is maybe once a fortnight, and I love that.”
Has Ray Meagher been on any other shows or movies?
While Home and Away has been almost a full-time job for Ray since he started on the show’s pilot in January 1998, he had appeared in other Australian classics before that, like Breaker Morant and The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith . He also had guest roles in TV shows like Prisoner and A Country Practice .
He originally thought Home and Away would be a short-term job: “We filmed the pilot in a couple of weeks and then they said they were going to make it a series. I thought ‘that’s good, might be three months’ work,’ ” he told The Daily Telegraph . “That was 30 years ago. And I’m still here.”
During breaks from filming Home and Away , Meagher has done stage work, especially in UK pantomimes, and is currently playing the mechanic in the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert .
“I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d ever do a big musical like Priscilla ,” Meagher told New Idea . “Because singing and dancing are not my forte, but I just love it!”
His first professional role was playing the back end of a horse in a kids’ pantomime in the early 1970s. “I had great aspirations to be the front end the next time around, so I went back for more,” he says.
[Updated: 03/31/2025]
Shirlie Holliman was born on April 18, 1962, in Watford, Hertfordshire. She grew up in a modest working-class family. Her father was a builder, and her mother worked part-time.
From a young age, Shirlie loved music and dance. She often mentions how her parents supported her artistic interests and taught her the value of hard work and determination.
Educational Background
Shirlie went to a local school in Hertfordshire, where she did well in performing arts. During her teenage years, her love for music grew, and she started looking for chances to share her talent. This period also helped her develop a deep appreciation for the pop and soul music of the late 1970s.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Early Career
Shirlie’s career began in the early 1980s when she joined Wham! as a backing singer with her close friend Dee C. Lee. Wham!, led by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, became one of the most popular pop groups of the decade. Shirlie’s energy and vocal harmonies added a special touch to their performances and helped the group gain worldwide popularity.
Pepsi & Shirlie
Pepsi & Shirlie are an 80s pop duo who initially worked as backing singers and dancers for George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s band Wham!
After Wham! broke up, Pepsi and Shirlie decided to go solo. In 1987, they released their first single, “Heartache,” which became a huge hit.
They followed this up with the single “Goodbye Stranger” and their debut album All Right Now .
Their first album, All Right Now , showed their strong partnership and made a lasting mark in the music industry.
In 1991, the duo released the album Change and the single “Someday,” a song that was produced by George Michael.
Pepsi & Shirlie made a comeback in 2000 when they recorded backing vocals for Geri Halliwell’s (now Geri Horner) UK number one hit “Bag It Up.”
The duo reunited again in 2011 for the Here & Now 10th Anniversary tour.
Pepsi & Shirlie (Credits: Getty Images)
Important Works and Achievements
Music Contributions
While in Wham!, Shirlie helped with famous hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas,” both of which remain popular today. As part of Pepsi & Shirlie, she enjoyed success with their lively pop songs that connected with fans all over the world.
Although she wasn’t always in the spotlight, Shirlie earned great respect in the music industry for her work in 1980s pop music. Her collaborations with stars like George Michael proved her talent and professionalism.
Personal Life and Relationships
Marriage to Martin Kemp
Shirlie married Martin Kemp, the bassist for Spandau Ballet and actor, in 1988. Their strong relationship has been an important part of Shirlie’s personal life. They have two children: Harley Moon Kemp, who is a photographer and songwriter, and Roman Kemp, a radio host and TV personality.
Family Life The Kemp family is close-knit and often shares moments from their lives through social media and interviews. Shirlie and Martin’s relationship is known as one of the most stable and inspiring in entertainment.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Shirlie Kemp’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, which reflects her music career, collaborations, and other ventures. Although she lives a private life, her financial stability is clear from her investments and family’s comfortable lifestyle.
Shirlie Kemp (Credits: Getty Images)
Assets and Lifestyle
The Kemp family lives in a beautiful home in Hertfordshire, blending modern and traditional styles. Shirlie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family, focusing on a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Shirlie was a close friend of George Michael and shared a lifelong friendship with the late pop star.
- She and her husband Martin co-wrote a book called It’s a Love Story , which details their relationship and life together.
- Shirlie’s daughter, Harley Moon, directed the music video for “In the Bleak Midwinter,” a song Shirlie and Martin recorded in 2019.
- Despite her fame, Shirlie values family over the glitz of show business.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Philanthropy
Shirlie and Martin Kemp support various charitable causes, such as cancer research and mental health awareness. Their efforts show their dedication to giving back to the community.
Lasting Impact Shirlie Kemp’s legacy is tied to her contributions to 1980s pop culture and her steady role in British entertainment. Her influence is felt by newer generations through her family’s ongoing creative work.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Upcoming Projects
Though Shirlie has stayed out of the spotlight recently, she still participates in music and media projects with her family. Fans look forward to seeing what new projects she might be involved in.
Influence on Pop Culture
Shirlie played an important role in shaping the music of the 1980s, and her influence is clear in the lasting popularity of Wham! and Pepsi & Shirlie.
Shirlie Kemp and Martin Kemp (Credits: Getty Images)
When did she marry Martin Kemp?
Shirlie married Martin Kemp, the handsome guitarist, bassist, and singer from Spandau Ballet, in 1988.
In August 2017, Holliman shared on Good Morning Britain that it was George Michael who introduced her to Martin.
She remembered, “I did fancy Martin, as many girls did. We bumped into him and he gave me his number.”
However, Shirlie was too shy to call him, so George decided to take matters into his own hands. He called Martin’s number and handed it to Shirlie before she could stop him.
Luckily, Martin was happy to hear from her, and they have been together ever since. They later had two children: a daughter named Harley and a son named Roman. Roman is well-known for hosting the Capital Radio Breakfast Show and The One Show , as well as appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
How many kids do Shirlie and Martin have?
The couple has two children, Harley Moon and Roman.
Harley Moon
Harley Moon, their first child, was born in 1989. She works as a photographer, director, and singer-songwriter.
Roman
Roman was born on January 28, 1993. At just 15 years old, he signed a record deal with Universal Music and has since modeled for major clothing brands like Topshop and Asos.
Roman currently hosts the breakfast show on Capital FM from 6 am to 10 am on weekdays, and from 6 am to 9 am on Saturdays. In 2019, he competed on the nineteenth season of I’m a Celebrity , where he finished in third place.
In 2023, he began presenting The One Show on BBC.
