Before his final audition, Thor actor Chris Hemsworth lent a hand to Luke Van Os, and now he’s poised to debut as a new character dubbed Xander.
Chris Hemsworth’s younger cousin is ready to follow in his footsteps by joining the cast of Home and Away, some 15 years after he departed the sands of Summer Bay for the bright lights of Hollywood.
Hemsworth earned a Logie for his role as heartthrob Kim Hyde in 2005 before relocating to the United States and becoming a star in blockbuster movies like the Thor and Avengers franchises.
Luke Van Os, Hemsworth’s cousin, is poised to make his first appearance on the long-running drama as a new character named Xander.
Van Os was joined on The Morning Show by long-time Home and Away star Lynne McGranger, who recounted the guidance he received from Hemsworth during his final audition when he practiced his lines with the celebrity.
“The most important thing was the chemistry test after I’d had a few auditions, where I was testing with females who were auditioning for the role of Rose, who would play my sister.”
“Let’s run the scene, let’s get in a very nice headspace so you’re free and able to accept as much direction as possible on the day,” Chris said. Van Os has been unveiled.
McGranger, who portrays fan-favorite Irene and is currently the show’s longest-serving female cast member, reflected on her time working with Hemsworth.
“Chris is lovely, I’m not just saying that, I’m not peeing in your pocket,” McGranger told Van Os.
“He’s lovely. The thing that stood out about Chris was he was hard-working, he never took himself too seriously and he was always working on his American accent with the view to go to the States and work.
“Just a delightful human being, a lot like this fellow here,” said McGranger gesturing to Van Os.
Van Os, who has been filming for several months, described what it was like to join the cast of the long-running soapie ahead of his on-screen debut.
“It’s the finest work I’ve ever had, and I think you’re definitely nervous coming here, but everyone is so supportive.”
“Lynne and all the other cast, all the crew, and I stand on the beach all day and say a couple of words, it’s the best job in the world,” he said.
