Hugh Jackman's wife Deborra-Lee Furness is returning to Neighbours
Deborra-Lee Furness is heading back to Neighbours as a director.
The wife of X-Men actor Hugh Jackman, Furness previously appeared in the Australian soap for five episodes back in 1985, playing a character named Linda Fielding.
She'll be overseeing several episodes that will cover a story where two Erinsborough favourites become permanent carers of displaced children.
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With the subject matter extremely close to the director's heart (she and Jackman adopted their two kids), Furness said: "I am thrilled to be collaborating with the team at Neighbours to direct these episodes and tell a story that is not often represented in mainstream media.
"There are almost 50,000 Australian children currently in temporary out-of-home care. We only get glimpses into their reality, and unfortunately that is usually when there are catastrophic outcomes."
She continued: "To have an iconic television institution like Neighbours joining the conversation and reflecting the lives of so many Australian children is extremely powerful.
"Awareness is the essential first step in creating a positive shift in both culture and policy towards permanent solutions."
Neighbours' Executive Producer Jason Herbison added: "To have a director who is so personally committed and emotionally invested in telling such an important story, lifts the bar for all us and we're just thrilled to have Deborra-Lee join us on Ramsay Street."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
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