‘Home and Away’ star Sam Barrett has revealed Chloe’s discovery that her long-lost dad is in the Bay is set to be her most challenging storyline yet.
Sam Barrett, who plays Chloe Anderson on Home and Away, has spoken out about the recent bombshell twist that revealed a horrible secret about her history.
As far as we know, she was raised by her mother Mia Anderson (Anna Samson) and stepfather Ari Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams), with no mention of her biological father.
But all changed when Chloe’s biological father, Matthew Montgomery (James Sweeny), appeared out of nowhere to confront Mia and insist that he meet his daughter!
Mia revealed to Ari that she had run away from Matthew after becoming pregnant. He took advantage of her while she was blacked out drunk and sexually assaulted her.
“When Chloe was younger, Mia just told her that she and her father were both young and that he didn’t want to be involved in Chloe’s life,” Sam added.
I don’t think Chloe’s ever wanted to find him. She figured that wasn’t possible, so she hasn’t dealt with those feelings about her father and maybe pushes them down a bit.
“She’s also had Ari as a father figure. When Ari wasn’t in the picture for a while when he was in prison, it made it push all those feelings down even deeper.”
Matthew’s presence in the Bay is a ticking time bomb for Mia, who is trying to keep the dreadful truth hidden. Matthew approaches Chloe in Salt, determined to get to know his daughter!
“When Matthew first approaches Chloe, she thinks he’s simply an average guy. “She’s fascinated because he’s not like the average Summer Bay inhabitant, so she’s not sure what his issue is,” Sam explained.
“When Matthew tells her he’s her father, he appears sincere. But it’s all a little daunting, and it’s all staring her in the face.
“I think she’s like, ‘I don’t know how to feel because that’s not what I’ve believed my whole life.’”
Desperate for some answers, Chloe calls her mum and when she arrives it’s all too clear that Matthew is telling the truth. Will it cause a rift between her and Mia?
“Chloe is disappointed in Mia and has some repressed feelings that come to the surface.
“It’s just not the story she’s been told her whole life,” Sam explained, “and Mia becomes the target for all of Chloe’s unresolved sentiments.”
“However, Chloe and Mia’s connection is unbreakable. It’s the one thing both the viewer and the characters can cling to during the entire ordeal.
“In terms of Mia keeping her secret, I believe there is no perfect way to handle any issue, especially one as difficult as this.”
“I admire Mia’s bravery and understand why she does what she does.
Sam has only been with Summer Bay for a year, but she has already been a part of some major plotlines, including a relationship with Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich), being abducted by gangsters, and being pierced by shrapnel when her food truck exploded!
Is this going to be her most difficult narrative yet?
“Yes, it is!” It’s amazing to have so many layers to deal with, and I’m hoping that people will learn more about Chloe and why she is the way she is,” Sam explained.
“But we’ve come to know Chloe in one aspect, and I think we’re in for a big character arc.”
“We’ll get to know Chloe in a way we’ve never seen her before, and it’ll have an influence on people around her.”