Soap star back in front of camera

By LOUISA CLEAVE

Another popular Shortland Street character is returning to the local soap.

Angela Bloomfield played Rachel McKenna on the soap for seven of its eight years.

She quit a year ago to pursue directing and take time off from a screen character which at times engulfed her personally.

She joins Michael Galvin, who has come home from London to resurrect Dr Chris Warner, as a new "old face" on the show.

Bloomfield has directed episodes of Shortland Street and sister production Jacksons Wharf since February, but has missed the acting.

"A couple of times [executive producer] Tony [Holden] said 'If you want to come back, you know ... ' so that kind of sat there and I really missed it."

Bloomfield said that during her last two years on the show she felt weighed down wondering how and when to leave.

Now, a year on, she is looking forward to bringing back a more grown-up Rachel McKenna, although she promises the character will be no less dry-witted and quick-tongued.

"I don't think that will change. Her expectations of the world ... will still be there."