Home and Away fame Ada Nicodemus, aka Leah Patterson, sets the record straight! You may think that the life of a soap star is all about glamourous red-carpet appearances and being loved by fans. But Ada reveals that long-term fame isn’t always so picture-perfect and has its share of challenges. What could they be? Dive in to know more.
Home and Away: Ada Gets Candid on the Fame
The Home and Away diva did a fun catch-up with TV Week to give us the full picture. Nicodemus shared some of the “surreal” challenges she has faced over the years—and there are many! Moreover, the actress looked back on the pressure of social media, the constant public gaze, and her long journey in Summer Bay.
For Ada, one of the biggest wake-up calls came in 2012 when she gave birth to her son, Johnas. It was like everyone’s attention shifted to her personal life. “People want to know more about you and your private life, which can be a juggle sometimes,” she admitted. Her popularity was an offshoot of her amazing portrayal in the H&A.
In fact, the role of Leah Patterson made her a global sensation! At first, Nicodemou embraced her newfound fame, believing she had to put out every personal milestone online. That included little Johnas’ birth. “I bought into it all [social media]; I did it all because I thought I had to,” she recalled.
However, in hindsight, the pressure of being an open book became overwhelming. The feeling of staying low-key after welcoming the child because paparazzi might chase you was horrible. And the biggest problem? Once you let the world in, there’s no going back. The H&A actress felt that sharing the sad moments became mandatory if you posted the happy ones.
The Downside of Fame
“Opening yourself up that much, naively, when something bad or heartbreaking happens, you feel the responsibility to do it again,” she explained. Now, after being in the fame game for years, Ada has found a healthier balance. “I work hard, and this is just what Mum does,” she added.
Furthermore, the actress is not here for the fame but enjoys the work she loves these days. Fame may came unexpectedly, but so did her H&A career itself. Nicodemou originally signed a contract for just six months, thinking her time in Summer Bay would be a short ride.
“The Aussie soap head writer had written the character of Leah for me and asked if I would do it,” she revealed. But after a rough experience on her previous soap Breakers, she wasn’t convinced. “It left a bad taste in my mouth,” she admitted. Nevertheless, six months turned 25 years, and Nicodemou wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ada genuinely loves it, and it’s a real achievement that she can’t take it for granted. “Half of my life has been spent in H&A, and while I never expected to be here, I’m so proud of it,” she said. Don’t forget to check out Soap Opera Daily for more scoop on Home and Away celebs. What do you think about Ada’s journey on the soap?
