Home and Away spoilers follow for Australian and UK viewers.
Home and Away's Mackenzie Booth has been struggling to keep her restaurant Salt afloat over the past few months, thanks to rising debts – and Emily Weir has shared a real-life connection to her character's storyline.
Mac has become increasingly desperate, ever since she was told her insurance claim over last year's gas attack was turned down. Soon, she will turn to the world of illegal underground poker games, hosting them at Salt after debt collectors arrive at her doorstep.
Mac's money problems are something many will be able to relate to, including Emily, who shared with Stuff that she has also struggled with debt.
"Unlike Mac, I've never been at risk of losing everything but when I was in my early 20s I did have the debt collectors coming after me," she recalled.
The actress' problems began when she got an Australian credit card before heading off to Europe.
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"I went through all my saved money but wanted to continue travelling so I started withdrawing cash on my Australian card in Europe," Emily continued. "The interest on that is unbelievable but I was just so young and naive that I thought, 'Oh, yeah, I'll pay it back once I settle in'."
Emily was soon told by her mum in Australia that debt collectors were calling the family home looking for her, causing Emily to take action to clear her debts.
"I had to really hustle and work three jobs and, luckily, I paid it off before it got too bad but I was in hot water for a little bit there," she said.
Speaking about her character's storyline, Emily revealed that it will have a far-ranging affect on Summer Bay.
"The storyline is super exciting," Emily said. "It's got so many different levels dramatically and it really is something that eventually takes over the entire Bay.
"Everyone becomes affected by this illegal gambling storyline, like it really spreads out and into a lot of other people's storylines."
Emily added that many viewers will be able to related to Mac's money problems, even if they don't agree with her method of trying to solve them.
"Being in debt is such a dark, gloomy place to be because it really does infect every aspect of your life," Emily said.
"It's constantly in the back of your mind and it kind of makes you unwell. All your stress levels and anxiety go through the roof and, when you're in that state, you make really bad decisions and start doing things that you wouldn’t normally do."
Organisations including Citizens Advice, the National Debtline (0808 808 4000) and StepChange (0800 138 1111) can provide information and support around debt in the UK. In Australia, organisations that can help include the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007).
Home and Away airs at 1.15pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.
Selected classic episodes are available via Amazon Prime Video in the UK.
