In 2003, one of Home and Away’s biggest on-screen romances was between Kirsty Sutherland (played by Christie Hayes) and Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell).
Controversially, the characters struck up a relationship after Kane had sexually assaulted Kirsty’s sister Dani (Tammin Sursok) but the couple was depicted as star-crossed lovers who beat the odds stacked against them to eventually tie the knot.
Now, 16 years on from the fictional romance, actress Christie Hayes admits the scenes never should have made it to air.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Christie confessed the problematic storyline would be unlikely to see the light of day in 2019.
“It wasn’t even that long ago, but I look back on storylines that we did on Home and Away and I think: ‘That would never be okay now!'” she said.
“I don’t think they would be getting away with something like that in this day and age. Which is good – I think it just forces the writers to think outside the square and be a little bit more creative.
“But hell no. I can’t imagine a lot of that stuff going down now – not at all.”
Christie said of the controversial Kane/Kirsty romance: “Hell no. I can’t imagine a lot of that stuff going down now – not at all.”
(Image: Channel Seven)Despite being given such a controversial storyline, Christie said she was grateful for her time on the show and wouldn’t rule out a return to Summer Bay.
However, fans of Christie can rejoice, as the 32-year-old recently joined rival soap Neighbours, playing a character called Ebony.
“I was really nervous [to return to acting] but I just had to remember to trust myself,” Christie previously told TV WEEK of her Neighbours gig.
“The characters I’ve always played are girls with a mischievous side,” she says.
“She certainly comes in with fire and there’s a lot of drama ahead but it all comes from a place of love.”
New gig: Christie Hayes recently joined rival soap Neighbours.
(Image: Network Ten)The actress and mother of two also had the chance to catch up with ex Home And Away-now-Neighbours co-star, Jodi Anasta.
“It was kind of like a little reunion,” she recalls, “she is a beautiful friend of mine.”
WATCH: Neighbours stars Ryan Moloney and Eve Morey play TV WEEK’s two-minute challenge.
