Ray Meagher is up there as one of the nation’s most beloved stars.

The veteran television actor is the man behind the iconic Home and Away character Alf Stewart and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The 30-year-old Australian drama has launched some of our local talent into worldwide fame, with Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher and Simon Baker among the alumni.

Ray tells Deborah Knight he often gets asked who the next “big” star will be.

He says he knew, from the moment he met Chris Hemsworth, that the rising star was destined for global acclaim.

“You wouldn’t meet a nicer bloke.

“As soon as he walked in the room, built like that, looking like that, with a voice like that and then an attitude that he wanted to learn and wanted to improve.

“(He) couldn’t miss.”

Click PLAY below to watch the interview in full 

To celebrate 30 years on our screens, Home and Away will be airing a tribute episode “Endless Summer” on Tuesday night at 7:30pm.

Ray is keeping tight-lipped on what’s in store, but he has revealed the names of a few of our favourite cast members coming back.

Click PLAY below for the full interview