Sheila Kennelly - Number 96/Home and Away actress - has died

[Spells & Karma]

On 14th September, aged 88.

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Andrew Mercado on Instagram

141 likes, 12 comments - andrewsupermercado on September 14, 2026

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Article here.

 

[Carrie Fairchild]

I was really surprised to read that Floss was only on H&A for one year (bar her guest stints in the 00’s). She’s one of my main memories from the show’s early period, although that’s probably testament to Sheila Kennelly’s portrayal of her.

 

[Spells & Karma]

I was really surprised to read that Floss was only on H&A for one year (bar her guest stints in the 00’s). She’s one of my main memories from the show’s early period, although that’s probably testament to Sheila Kennelly’s portrayal of her.

Yes - it did feel like longer and I'm sure you're right about the reason. She left a big mark on the series from the beginning, and added some colour without getting daft or annoying (as Lance and Martin could).

Really, Floss's tarot prediction in the pilot (about Bobby being the death of one of the Fletchers) seems like too much on paper, but it was sold so brilliantly it really worked (apparently, her Number 96 co-star Elaine Lee taught Sheila how to read tarot cards for the role of Floss). I also enjoyed the stuff with her becoming a nanny to her snooty grandson who had been told his grandparents were dead.

The reason for Floss and Neville being axed from the series - so that the series could focus more on younger characters - was a really poor show. I don't believe I ever saw any of her returns, as they began almost a decade later and I'd long since moved on from the series.

 

[Carrie Fairchild]

The reason for Floss and Neville being axed from the series - so that the series could focus more on younger characters - was a really poor show. I don't believe I ever saw any of her returns, as they began almost a decade later and I'd long since moved on from the series.

A lot of the “older” characters like Floss, Neville, Celia, Colleen and Morag were written out between 1989-90. I say “older” because most of them were only in their early 40’s or 50’s but were obviously too old for the youth audience that the network was going for.

Regarding Floss’ returns in the 00’s, I think they were mainly short stints for weddings and anniversaries.

 

[Spells & Karma]

A lot of the “older” characters like Floss, Neville, Celia, Colleen and Morag were written out between 1989-90.

Yes.

I'm not sure about Lyn Collingwood, but of the others I remember the only one of these who said it was their choice to leave was Fiona Spence. Looking back at it, though, I have to wonder if she could see the writing on the wall.

Regarding Floss’ returns in the 00’s, I think they were mainly short stints for weddings and anniversaries.

That makes sense. In the best possible way, Floss was a supporting character more often than not, so I can't imagine her returns being hugely dramatic (even though there was no doubt lots of drama going on around her with how high octane the series had become by then).

 

[Carrie Fairchild]

That makes sense. In the best possible way, Floss was a supporting character more often than not, so I can't imagine her returns being hugely dramatic (even though there was no doubt lots of drama going on around her with how high octane the series had become by then).

I looked it up and surprisingly, one of her returns saw Floss ask Alf and Sally to euthanise her because she thought that she was terminally ill! Thankfully it was a misdiagnosis and she returned to the circus.

The rest of her returns were gentler affairs for things like Sally’s wedding and a Summer Bay centenary celebration.

 

[Spells & Karma]

surprisingly, one of her returns saw Floss ask Alf and Sally to euthanise her because she thought that she was terminally ill!

Hmmm. Now that you say it, this rings a bell with me. I must have read about it at some point.