Neighbours star is ‘forever grateful’ for TV tribute

A television soap star has said a “heartfelt” thank-you to the people of Carrickfergus after their recent tribute to her.
The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston, highlights the town's links with the Aussie soap star during the light-hearted broadcast. INCT 38-701-CONThe Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston, highlights the town's links with the Aussie soap star during the light-hearted broadcast. INCT 38-701-CON
The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston, highlights the town's links with the Aussie soap star during the light-hearted broadcast. INCT 38-701-CON

Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan Kennedy in the long-running show Neighbours, was a guest on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ programme in early September when she was given a surprise reminder of her Carrickfergus roots.

Ahead of that appearance, the first citizen, Alderman Charles Johnston, and other members of the community were filmed in a light-hearted segment that was played to actress, who was born in the borough and lived here for the first three years of her life.

The amusing piece for national TV featured souvenir mugs, tea towels and the unveiling of a fake wall plaque. It was regarded by Carrickfergus Council as “fantastic PR for the borough and something we should all be immensely proud of”.

In correspondence with the local authority this week, Jackie, who made her first appearance in Neighbours in 1994 and plays the long-suffering wife of Dr Karl Kennedy, explained how surprised she was by the short film.

She stated: “I was recently in London for a week, to do publicity for ‘20 years of The Kennedys’ and to generally promote the show.

“I appeared on a breakfast show, where the hosts were asking me about my Irish origins. We were talking about my being born in Carrickfergus, when they crossed to a video that had been shot over there, interviewing the locals about my connection to Carrickfergus.

“I was completely taken off guard, and I confess, very moved by this tribute. The host made a comment about the mayor being involved, hence my email to you.”

Asking for her “heartfelt thanks” to be passed on to all of those involved, Jackie went on to say: “It was a great thrill for me, and in particular, a loving reminder of my late father and all things ‘Irish’ that he instilled in me.

“Thank-you again. I am forever grateful.”