‘MY SECRET CRUSH... ON MARCO PIERRE WHITE’

HELL’S KITCHEN’S DEBRA LAWRANCE

Debra Lawrance famously played Pippa #2 on Home And Away, and won her first TV Week Logie this year for her role on Please Like Me, at 60. Now the TV veteran is tackling celeb reality TV!

What made you apply for Hell’s Kitchen?

Three words – Marco Pierre White! If you ask any woman of a certain age, they’ll admit to swooning over him [Marco is 55]. It may surprise people but he is one of the kindest men I have ever met. And it was a chance to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Australia – it was a no-brainer, really.

Did you form any unlikely friendships in the kitchen?

I’m a huge fan of Issa Schultz so when I met him I was a bit of a ‘fan girl’ because I love watching him on The Chase. Gaz Beadle is also a lovely young man, however I won’t be watching him on Geordie

Shore anytime soon as I don’t want to spoil my impression I have of him!

Who do you keep in touch with from Home And Away?

Kate [Ritchie] and I keep in touch. Our relationship has evolved into a really good friendship. Once you’re part of the Home And Away family everybody knows everybody, which is nice. I think Sam Frost will do an incredible job when she joins the cast – and I’ll always be at the end of the phone if she ever needs advice.

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