Pollard set for Summer Bay

From his home in a quiet corner of the South West to the tumultuous waters of Summer Bay, Perth-raised actor Myles Pollard is thrilled to be diving headfirst into a new role on Home and Away.

After living on the east coast for over a decade while working on programs including McLeod’s Daughters and Underbelly, Pollard is now based in Dunsborough.

But he was only too happy to leave behind the sleepy coastal town for a guest part as Dr James Edmunds on Seven’s popular soap, with his first scenes set to air next week.

“It was a big change of pace,” Pollard toldAAA . “I’m really excited, though, because it’s been a while since I’ve been on TV in any lengthy capacity. (The show) is great and a lot of fun.”

It’s been a hectic start to the year for Pollard, who’s balanced his TV commitments with a starring role in upcoming feature film Looking For Grace alongside Radha Mitchell and Richard Roxburgh while also working with local high-school students on a trio of short films.

Drawing on skills acquired during a teaching degree before his NIDA studies, the 42-year-old enjoyed his involvement with Murdoch University’s Creative Arts Initiative, which enables teenagers to shadow professionals on a working film set.

“They’re all getting really inspired to get involved in the creative arts and it’s been really good for me as well because I’m learning to direct,” Pollard said.

With extensive experience across the entertainment industry, Pollard is passionate about teaching his craft to the next generation of performers and he relished the opportunity to coach WA’s own Courtney Eaton as she prepared for her role on Mad Max: Fury Road.

“She’s an amazing actress,” he enthused of the 19-year-old. “I feel really privileged to have been through that part of her journey.”