It has been quite some time since Australian audiences last glimpsed Emma Harrison on their television screens, but the former Neighbours star is ensuring she remains unforgettable with a striking new photoshoot that defies the passage of time.
A Glamorous Return to the Spotlight
The actress, who rose to prominence in the 1990s portraying Joanna Hartman on the iconic soap opera, has re-emerged with a series of captivating images that blend nostalgic allure with contemporary sophistication. At 52 years old, Emma Harrison demonstrates that age is merely a number, showcasing a timeless elegance in her latest photographic endeavour.
From Ramsay Street to International Fame
After departing Neighbours in 1997, Emma swiftly transitioned back into the modelling industry, which she had first entered as a teenager of just 15. Her post-soap career was nothing short of spectacular, gracing the covers of prestigious publications such as Loaded, Maxim, Inside Sport, and FHM. Notably, she posed alongside a then-emerging Isla Fisher, further cementing her status in the glamour world.
In July 1997, Emma achieved a pinnacle moment by securing the coveted Australian Playboy cover, with the magazine honouring her as one of the ten sexiest women globally at that time. This landmark feature remains a significant chapter in her professional journey.
Reflecting on a Full Circle Moment
In an exclusive conversation with Daily Mail, Emma revealed that her recent photoshoot represents a profound sense of completion. "It wasn't really about nostalgia, or trying to look young again," she explained. "It was more about honouring where I've been and what I've become – I'm not the same woman as I was back then."
She elaborated on her personal growth, stating, "I feel like I'm stronger, more grounded, more confident... I wanted to celebrate that." Emma added that she feels prouder of her current self than her younger incarnation, describing the experience as "closing a beautiful circle."
The Secrets to Youthful Vitality
When questioned about her remarkably youthful appearance, Emma attributed it to a consistent healthy lifestyle. "I do a lot of yoga and I eat really healthily and I always have," she disclosed. "Look, it could be partly genetics as well, but a lot of it has to do with my lifestyle. I'm just quite a healthy person. I exercise daily, and yoga is definitely my go-to."
Memories of Neighbours and UK Fame
Recalling her tenure on Neighbours as Joanna Hartman, the younger sibling of Annalise Hartman portrayed by Kimberley Davies, Emma admitted she underestimated the show's impact until visiting the United Kingdom. "Being famous in England was surreal. The level of recognition that I got was on another scale," she reflected.
She recounted overwhelming fan interactions, including letters, flowers, and even inappropriate mail. One particularly memorable incident involved a spontaneous marriage proposal on a street in Hempstead. "Moments like that kind of made me realise how unreal the show was. It's iconic and will always be iconic," Emma remarked with amusement.
A Tranquil Life on the Gold Coast
Today, Emma enjoys a quieter existence on the Gold Coast with her long-term partner Cade Currey, her daughter Jemima from a previous relationship, and Cade's son. In 2022, they embraced minimalist living by constructing a tiny home from two custom-designed shipping containers.
"I just wanted to simplify my life and be more intentional about how I live," she said of this decision. "The tiny home movement isn't about deprivation, it's about clarity and sustainability, and reducing your footprint on the planet."
Emma finds this lifestyle incredibly liberating, noting, "For me, it's incredibly freeing. I feel lighter – mentally and emotionally. I guess it challenges the idea that bigger isn't always better." She views downsizing as gaining time, peace, freedom, and environmental kindness rather than sacrificing comfort.
Continued Passion for Acting and Advocacy
Since leaving Neighbours, Emma has appeared in various television series and films, including McLeod's Daughters and the Coen brothers' comedy Intolerable Cruelty. Her most recent credit is the 2024 Japanese drama Black Pean, though acting has taken a backseat to family responsibilities.
However, her passion for performance persists. "These days, I'm still auditioning. I've been up for a couple of movie roles, and I go out for commercials quite regularly," she shared. Emma's priorities have evolved with age, now balancing creativity with advocacy. "I'm pretty passionate about advocacy as well. So I'm also looking at doing some stuff around giving voices to women and children who feel unheard. I feel a responsibility now to use my voice for something meaningful," she affirmed.
Wisdom for Her Younger Self
When asked what advice she would offer her younger self from the Playboy cover days, Emma expressed compassion for navigating an industry with narrow ideals of femininity. "The advice would just be, you know, to my younger self would be to believe in yourself and just not care what people think of you," she advised. "I really don't care what people think of me, and that's the beauty that comes with ageing."
Emma Harrison's journey from Neighbours star to sustainable living advocate illustrates a remarkable evolution, proving that true glamour transcends time and trends.
