Neighbours Star Jackie Woodburne Shares Near-Death Experience During Filming
In a shocking revelation, Neighbours icon Jackie Woodburne, beloved for her role as Susan Kennedy, recently opened up about a harrowing near-death experience that occurred while filming a dramatic scene for the long-running Australian soap. The 69-year-old actress, who has been a staple on the show since 1994, shared the terrifying incident during an emotional interview on The Morning Show earlier this week, leaving fans stunned.
Woodburne recounted the incident, which took place during the filming of a scene in 2023 for the show’s revival on Amazon Freevee. The storyline involved Susan Kennedy getting caught in a sudden storm while on a family camping trip. “We were shooting in a remote area near Melbourne, and the scene required me to be near a riverbank during a staged downpour,” Woodburne explained. “The rain machine was going full blast, and the ground became so slippery. I lost my footing and slid straight into the icy water.”
The actress revealed that the current was stronger than expected, pulling her under as she struggled to stay afloat. “I’m not a strong swimmer, and I panicked,” she admitted. “The water was freezing, and I could feel myself being dragged downstream. For a moment, I genuinely thought I wouldn’t make it.” Fortunately, a quick-thinking crew member dove in and pulled her to safety just in time. “I owe my life to that young man,” Woodburne said, her voice trembling with gratitude.
The incident left the cast and crew shaken, with production halting for the day. Alan Fletcher, who plays Susan’s on-screen husband Karl Kennedy, was reportedly by her side as she recovered from the ordeal. “We’ve been through so much together on this show, but seeing Jackie in danger like that was heart-stopping,” Fletcher shared.
Woodburne, who has faced the emotional rollercoaster of Neighbours’ cancellations and revivals, said the experience gave her a new perspective. “It reminded me how precious life is,” she reflected. Fans have since flooded social media with messages of support, grateful that their beloved Susan Kennedy is safe to continue her journey on Ramsay Street.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/
