10 shock deaths in Australian TV dramas

Mel (Zoe Ventoura) in Packed To The Rafters (2010)

Rafters fans had been warned someone was going to die, they just didn’t know who. It turned out to be Ben’s (Hugh Sheridan) wife Mel, who was in a car on her way to meet him. Ben grieved for the longest time, as did the fans.

Patrick (Matt Le Nevez) in Offspring (2013)

There really should have been a national day of mourning for this one. Dr Patrick died after being hit by a car, leaving behind Nina (Asher Keddie), who was carrying his baby. Why? Why? Because Matt was off to LA, that’s why.

Claire (Lisa Chappell) in McLeod’s Daughters (2003)

She was the main character, she’d just had a baby, and lover Alex (Aaron Jeffery) had finally bought a ring. There she was, trapped in a ute, dangling over a cliff, telling her sister Tess (Bridie Carter) to save the baby. Then came the plunge. Devastating.

Maggie (Lisa McCune) in Blue Heelers (2000)

For years, Maggie was Australia’s sweetheart. So it was a very dark day when she was shot. As PJ (Martin Sacks) held her and gave her one last kiss, her life slowly ebbed away. For many fans, Blue Heelers was never the same again.

Debbie (Georgia Flood) in Wentworth (2013)

This death was brutal. Jacs (Kris McQuade) got her son Brayden (Reef Ireland) to kill Bea’s (Danielle Cormack) daughter Debbie by injecting her with heroin. How evil can someone be? It was a turning point for Bea and the whole series.

Daphne (Elaine Smith) on Neighbours (1988)

The first major death on Neighbours, Daphne’s passing was a real tearjerker. She was hit by a car on the way to her father’s funeral. In a coma, she regained consciousness long enough to tell Des (Paul Keane) that she loved him. Then she was gone.

Sammy (Tom Green) in Dance Academy (2012)

A promising young dancer, Sammy was struck by a car and died on the way to hospital. His friends at the Academy mourned, as did young viewers everywhere. Like many other Aussie actors, Tom had his sights set on the US.

Nicola (Leah de Niese) in House Husbands (2013)

Ratings got a boost as people turned on to see which House Husbands character would be killed off. It was Nicola, hit as she crossed the road. Tragically, she left behind three young children to be brought up by Justin (Firass Dirani).