 In a smart casting move the show has revamped
its image to be young, sassy and vibrant. Former Home
and Away teen star Dee Smart was first on the new
cast list. When she appeared at the end of last season,
as uncercover cop Alew St Clare, she set men's pulses
racing with her short skirts and revealing tops. But her
take-no-prisoners attitude and her commitment to her job
earned Dee the respect of fellow Rats, both on
screen and off. Dee spent many years out of the glare of
the showbiz spotlight after her departure from Summer Bay.
Her face didn't completely disappear from our screens,
however, and she was soon noticed by the makers of the
police action drama. With the demise of Goldie (Catherine
McClements) the show needed another strong female
presence and Dee fitted the niche perfectly. Her sparring with Jack Christey (Steve Bisley) has given the show a new edge and won many more fans. Her work schedule is now one of the busiest in the industry and Dee finds very little time to socialise. Although she's married she has made a conscious effort to keep her private life just that and she is rarely photographed with her husband. But the veteran of Australian TV can lay claim to some very famous and ifluential friends, including Australia's wealthiest son, James Packer, and his new wife, Jodi. Her elusiveness just adds to her mystery ensuring Dee stays on top as one of this country's most sought-after stars. Since she first appeared on The Shiralee alongside acting veteran Bryan Brown, Rebecca Smart - no relation to namesake Dee - has been a favourite of Australian audiences. As Constable Donna Janevski, Rebecca brings a fresh face to the otherwise staid and formal front desk of the Water Rats headquarters. Despite her diminutive size she is big on experience and her initially small role - originally only meant to last six weeks - has been going on for six months. "They were originally only going to cast one character - a male - but then Jay (Laga'aia) left and the producers thought they may need two," Rebecca said of her move to the show. "I had actually auditioned six weeks before I got the call to say they wanted me (on Water Rats) and had actually thought I didn't get the part. I love the show. I know that people really enjoy it and that it is considered to be a mature Aussie drama. But, even more importantly, I get to work with a great cast of players and I never stop learning about this industry." by Keeli Cambourne |
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