'Home and Away' Brax, Charlie romance is wonderful, says Esther Anderson

Home and Away star Esther Anderson has praised her character's on-off romance with bad boy Brax, describing the pairing as "wonderful" and "exciting".

The actress's alter ego - policewoman Charlie Buckton - embarked on a turbulent relationship with Brax (Steve Peacocke) earlier this year, leaving her with divided loyalties due to the criminal activities of his River Boys gang.

Anderson told The Daily Telegraph: "What is wonderful about this relationship is that it is forbidden love. There is this element of danger that brings excitement along with it.

"It is quite different for Charlie. In all her previous relationships she has been hesitant and held back physically and with her feelings. With Joey, she didn't want anyone to know about it. With Brax, along with the danger, it's quite fun and flirty."

Reflecting on the row which surrounded Charlie's romance with Joey (Kate Bell) in 2009, she continued: "The Charlie/Joey storyline was the first time you got to see Charlie's vulnerable side. [The controversy] blew my mind - I wasn't expecting it at all.

"I think it was a fantastic storyline because for the first time I got to show the producers and audience what I could do. This new romance with Brax shows another layer. Now I think you're getting to see Charlie's fun side."

Anderson also remarked that "women of all ages" have been going "gaga" over Brax since his debut on screen earlier this year.

Home and Away is currently on a five-week break in the UK but returns to Channel 5 on September 5.

> Home and Away star: 'Brax will be at death's door'
> Read our March 2011 interview with Steve Peacocke
> Read all of the latest Home and Away news

Watch a recent Home and Away promo from Australia featuring Charlie and Brax below: