For many rising Australian actors, securing a recurring role on iconic soaps like Neighbours and Home and Away is often seen as a major stepping stone to greater opportunities. But for Sarah Roberts, it was more than that—it was a challenge she took on and conquered.
Sarah’s journey in Aussie television included a successful run as Willow Harris on Home and Away from 2017 to 2021, as well as a role on Neighbours. Now, she’s stepping into new territory, starring in Season 2 of the Stan Original Series Scrublands.
In a recent interview, Sarah shared why she continues to stay close with her former soap co-stars—and why she’s got her eyes firmly set on Hollywood.
“One of my best friends was one of my cast mates on Neighbours. That goes way back. Another one of my best friends, Emily Weir, she’s from Home and Away,” Sarah told Daily Mail Australia.
She also revealed that through Emily, she’s become close with many new cast members on Home and Away, spending time together off-set as well.
Sarah attributes these strong bonds to the deep vulnerability actors share while filming intense scenes together. “You share so many deep dark secrets about yourself and you have to develop a lot of trust between each other. That lends itself to strong friendships,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sarah is dreaming big. She’s hoping to land a major role in a long-running American TV show, perhaps something like Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones.
“My next dream would be to book a television show where I’m in a contract for five years. I would like that to be a character I can really sink my teeth into. I’m not sure I’d want to do another soap,” she added.
Still, she wouldn’t say no to returning to Home and Away or Neighbours for a longer stint. “Yeah, sure. I’d love to,” she said. “I mean, sadly I don’t think Neighbours is running anymore, is it?”
Sarah, who previously lived in the U.S., revealed she came close to landing some big roles in America. Although she didn’t get them at the time, she soon returned to work in Australia—and hasn’t ruled out another shot at Hollywood.
“I’d love to get a US show under my belt. I’ve got a pretty clear slate at the moment… America could be next on the cards potentially,” she said.
“I’d love to do an action film. That would be high on my priority list. I used to be a dancer and I love learning all that choreography and using my body. It makes me feel alive.”
As she gears up to reprise her role as Beth Ramachandran in Scrublands: Silver, premiering April 17 on Stan and Nine Network, Sarah shared her excitement about returning to the gritty crime drama.
“I find Beth really intelligent and smart and quick witted. It’s not often I get to play characters like that,” she said.
“I was really drawn to her job as well. She’s a crime reporter… I find it so intriguing. I find human nature super interesting.”
With her talent, determination, and a strong support system from her soap roots, Sarah Roberts might just be Australia’s next big Hollywood export.
