Home and Away Star Shane Withington’s Daughter Madeleine Makes Her Summer Bay Debut — and Opens Up About Family and Fame
It’s a full-circle moment in Home and Away history as Madeleine Withington, daughter of long-time cast member Shane Withington (who plays John Palmer), makes her acting debut in the very same series that made her father a household name.
A Family Affair in Summer Bay
The 24-year-old actress steps into the spotlight this week, guest-starring as Monica, a new character who shares a date with Chris, played by the late Johnny Ruffo. The episode, filmed at Palm Beach, marks a special milestone for the Withington family — and a touching continuation of their shared love for storytelling.
Madeleine, who grew up in Church Point with her parents Shane Withington and Anne Tenney (best known for A Country Practice and The Castle), admitted she tried to keep her identity under wraps when she first arrived on set
“I was trying to play it really cool,” she recalled with a laugh. “But as soon as I went in, everyone looked at my hair and went, ‘You’re Shane’s daughter, aren’t you?’”
Although her father wasn’t on set during her scenes, Madeleine said it was a bittersweet experience. “It was sort of good and sort of disappointing — we always have so much fun together.”
From Stage to Screen
Madeleine knew she wanted to act from the age of eleven. After completing drama school last year, Home and Away became her first professional TV role. Earlier this year, she wowed critics in The School for Scandal at the New Theatre in Newtown, earning glowing reviews that even left her dad speechless.
“She got a standout review,” Shane proudly said. “I texted her and said, ‘That’s fantastic. I’ve never seen a rave review with the word Withington in it before!’”
Still, he admitted he had mixed feelings when Madeleine first told him she wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps. “I remember the day she said, ‘Dad, I’ve decided I want to be an actor,’ and I burst into tears. It’s a great life, but it’s also a very hard run.”
Despite his initial concern, Shane insists that his daughter’s success is entirely her own. “Maddy’s run her own career — we have no involvement. I didn’t want to be a stage dad,” he said.
Proud Parents and Big Dreams
Shane and Anne, both veterans of Australian television, couldn’t be prouder of their daughter’s early success. “She’s a very funny girl,” Shane added. “I’m looking forward to the next thing she does.”
Meanwhile, Madeleine’s ambitions stretch far beyond the Bay. A self-confessed sci-fi fan, she revealed her dream role would be to play the first female Doctor in Doctor Who.