In the glittering yet emotionally charged world of soap operas, few stars leave behind the kind of lasting impact that Sarah Roberts has made on Home and Away. The talented actress, known for her gripping portrayal of Willow Harris from 2017 to 2021, recently opened up about the enduring friendships and deep connections she formed during her time in Summer Bay—relationships that continue to shape her life and career four years after her dramatic exit from the iconic Australian soap.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail Australia, Roberts offered an intimate glimpse behind the scenes, reflecting on the unique emotional terrain actors navigate when working on long-running soaps like Home and Away. With passion in her voice and nostalgia in her words, Roberts revealed how the bonds forged in the high-stakes world of serial storytelling often become some of the strongest in her life.

“You share so many deep, dark secrets about yourself,” Roberts said candidly. “And you have to develop a lot of trust between each other. That lends itself to strong friendships.”

A Sisterhood Born in Summer Bay

Roberts’ character, Willow Harris, was introduced as a fiercely loyal, tough-yet-tender personal trainer with a troubled past. Over the course of four years, she became a fan favorite—navigating complex storylines including heartbreak, betrayal, redemption, and personal growth. Whether she was falling in and out of love, dealing with addiction, or supporting friends through trauma, Willow always brought intensity and heart to every scene.

Off-screen, that intensity translated into something equally profound: real-life friendships. Roberts shared that some of her closest relationships were formed on set—not only during her time on Home and Away but also during her earlier stint on Neighbours, another beloved Australian soap.

“One of my best friends was one of my castmates on Neighbours. That goes way back,” she said, before adding, “Another one of my best friends is Emily Weir—she’s from Home and Away. I’ve also made friends with a lot of the new cast from Home and Away because Emily is friends with them, and we all hang out together.”

The depth of those connections was on full display during a milestone event late last year. As Roberts celebrated her 40th birthday with a stylish party on a boat in Sydney Harbour, she was surrounded by familiar faces from Summer Bay.

“It was full of a lot of the Home and Away cast,” she said. “I get really close to people and really value my friendships.”

Life Beyond the Bay

Since leaving the show in 2021, Roberts has continued to build an impressive career. She’s currently starring in the gritty crime drama Scrublands, which showcases her versatility as an actress in a vastly different genre. Yet despite her success in new roles, the allure of the Bay still lingers—and Roberts isn’t closing the door on a possible return.

“I’d love to. You know, I would go back and do longer stints on both Home and Away and Neighbours,” she said wistfully. “I mean, sadly I don’t think Neighbours is running anymore, is it?”

While Neighbours did face cancellation in 2022, it has since made a surprise comeback—something Roberts may not yet be aware of. And with Home and Away continuing to thrive, the possibility of Willow Harris making a dramatic return isn’t just fan fiction—it’s entirely plausible.

The actress also revealed aspirations beyond Australian shores, hinting at her desire to break into long-running, globally acclaimed dramas such as Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad. Her talent and drive make such ambitions feel not only reachable but inevitable.

“I have my eyes on a long-running American show,” she said. “Something like Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad—I’d love to be part of something like that.”

Emotional Vulnerability and the Actor’s Craft

What sets soap opera actors apart, Roberts explained, is the emotional vulnerability required of them. With episodes airing multiple times a week, the workload is intense, and the storylines often demand raw, honest performances. In this pressure cooker of performance, trust is everything.

“You’re working long hours, you’re in intimate and emotional scenes, and you have to be completely open with your co-stars,” she said. “You create a space of trust that’s rare—and that trust doesn’t go away when the cameras stop rolling.”

This emotional labor can forge connections that feel more like family than friendship, and Roberts cherishes the rare intimacy that comes with sharing the stage—or screen—with fellow artists in this unique setting.

A Star Who Still Shines in Summer Bay’s Glow

Even four years after leaving Home and Away, Sarah Roberts remains indelibly linked to the soap and its devoted fan base. Her portrayal of Willow Harris left a mark not just on the show’s viewers but on the very fabric of Summer Bay itself. Her storylines—complex, emotional, and deeply human—resonated with audiences around the world.

More than anything, Roberts’ reflections are a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human connections that blossom through it. In an industry often painted as fleeting and fickle, Roberts’ story is one of steadfast loyalty, grounded friendships, and a passion for her craft that continues to burn bright.

Whether she returns to Home and Away, joins a major American production, or continues blazing her own path in Australian drama, one thing is clear: Sarah Roberts is a force to be reckoned with—both on and off the screen.

And if she ever does return to Summer Bay, you can bet that the bonds she forged there will still be waiting, strong as ever, beneath the golden sun and crashing waves.