Back to the Rafters: Amazon Prime reveal first cast images

Amazon Prime have released the first cast images for the Packed to the Rafters reboot, which will hit screens later this year. 

On Monday, returning stars including Hugh Sheridan, Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson posed up a storm for the brand new production shot for the 2021 show, which is aptly titled ‘Back to the Rafters’.

The trio were joined by fellow cast members Angus McLaren, Michael Caton and George Houvardas for the beaming picture, which echoes a similar cast shot taken over ten years ago. 

Original cast member Jessica Marais pulled out due to ‘personal reasons’ back in February and has been replaced by Georgina Haig in the role of Rachel Rafter.

The new series will be set in the present time – six years later after the show’s sixth season.

Erik called the reunion: ‘fantastic but a little bit surreal.’

‘When you make these shows and it finishes up you think well that’ll be that, that was wonderful,’ he said.

‘But to have the opportunity to come back and do it all again and with everyone – that hasn’t been an easy task to get every one back together. But we’re here, it’s happening and we’re so thrilled,’ he added.

According to a synopsis on Mumbrella: ‘Dave and Julie have created a new life in the country with youngest daughter Ruby, while the older Rafter children face new challenges and Grandpa Ted struggles to find his place.

‘As Dave enjoys his new found freedom, Julie must reconcile her responsibilities to the family. They might not be under the same roof, but the same honesty, love and laughter bonds them more tightly now than ever before.’

The new series will be the first original scripted drama series for Australia commissioned by Amazon Prime.

Although the cast and crew took the necessary precautions which delayed the release of the much anticipated reboot, filming eventually wrapped up at the end of 2020.

Fans can expect to revisit the Rafters and their adventures at some stage this year.