ALF’S AIR RAGE IN HOME & A RUNWAY! Jet noise causes wedding hold-up

HOME And Away was thrown into chaos during filming of Alf and Martha’s wedding.

The big day was shot on location near a military airbase and noise from planes caused a string of delays.

Ray Meagher, who plays Alf, said: “It was a fantastic day, but we happened to be there on a day when they were training pilots so planes were going over at regular intervals. And every time that happened there was noise, so we had to stop shooting.

“There was lots to film that day. The more people there are in a scene, the longer it takes. And of course there are always a lot of people at a wedding.

“Nothing ever goes smoothly on Home And Away.”

The delays meant a key scene couldn’t be filmed that day and producers had to arrange for another session a month later.

Ray said: “They had to round up all the extras who were at the wedding to do another day of filming. It was a logistical nightmare. We needed it to be a perfect match so the scenes could air in sequence. But we managed to get hold of everyone in the end.

“Everything came together nicely, so I don’t think viewers will notice.”

The big day will be shown on Friday. It comes after months of turmoil for Martha, played by Belinda Giblin.

Ray said: “People might say it’s a bit out there. But Martha had a very good reason for wanting to leave and fake her own death before.

“Now things have settled down and they’re happy. One of the lines at the wedding is, ‘You were my first love and I want you to be my last.’

“I don’t know if it will inspire viewers to get married, but if it does then good luck to them.”

Catch Home And Away on weekdays on Channel 5.