Home and Away star Matt Evans addresses change in fan reactions to Theo

 "They've stopped disliking him."

Home and Away star Matt Evans has addressed the change in fan reactions to Theo.

In the soap, Justin falsely reports that Theo has cheated with his studies in mechanics.

Facing possible expulsion, Theo is informed that he can prove his abilities by sitting an exam, but he's worried he won't be able to cope under such pressure.

Speaking about how fan reactions have changed towards Theo since he first arrived in the Bay, actor Matt Evans told  "They've stopped disliking him and started liking him!

"I feel like the fans have done a complete 180 on Theo. Coming in with his ego and the front he had, people just thought he was a cocky little kid when there was obviously stuff that had happened behind that.

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"He was able to work out his problems and I think the fans can now empathise with him. His cheeky side isn't a naughty cheeky anymore, it's a bit more of a cute cheeky, people understand him."

Asked if it always the plan to soften up the character after his troublemaking start, Evans said: "For me personally, yeah! There were times where I was struggling to play some of the things I had to because I felt like such a naughty little kid, which is so different to me.

"I wanted to soften him but still keep the cheeky, fun, sarcastic side which I think I've managed to do. Obviously, it depends on the storyline and the things he goes through but I still want to be able to keep the cheeky smiley side to him which I still believe he has now.

"It helps being around Justin as well because when Theo is around Justin, he's very cheeky still which I find is a fun dynamic and it works really well. But yes, it definitely was my plan!"

Evans went on to say that it's "hard" for Theo to comprehend being accused of cheating by Justin as it's "one of those shock moments".

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"It feels like he's always been accused his whole life by his dad so it's just another moment of him feeling like he's being accused when he hasn't done anything wrong, which he hasn't in this case. It feels like a broken record for him.

"I think he just blames it on Justin, as usual. Leah never cops it, she's the sweet auntie he's always had a soft spot for!

"Theo is really annoyed, Justin was the one that wanted to get involved and do the assignment for him but Theo was happy to do it himself. It just feels like a massive slap in the face when he first finds out."

Asked if he enjoyed showing a different side to his character in these scenes, Evans said: "Absolutely. It's always a constant challenge to be able to do different colours within acting so I really enjoy that, I just enjoy showing different sides of Theo. He's a more complex character and there's a lot more depth to him than people think."

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.