Neighbours child star unrecognisable after becoming a German news anchor

Neighbours child star looks unrecognisable after quitting acting to become a German TV news anchor

She was known for playing Hannah Martin, the daughter of Philip and Julie Martin, on Neighbours in the 1990s.

But after retiring from acting in the late 2000s, Rebecca Ritters changed careers and became a television journalist.

She is now a bilingual news anchor for the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

Neighbours fans would be forgiven for not recognising the 39-year-old today, as her slick, professional look is nothing like the frizzy-haired schoolgirl she used to play.

She recently posted a gallery of throwback photos on Instagram from her time on Ramsay Street, which were originally taken for a ’90s magazine.

Rebecca Ritters was known for playing Hannah Martin on Neighbours in the 1990s (pictured)

After retiring from acting in the late 2000s, Rebecca Ritters changed careers and became a TV journalist. She is now a bilingual news anchor for the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle

After retiring from acting in the late 2000s, Rebecca Ritters changed careers and became a TV journalist. She is now a bilingual news anchor for the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle

Neighbours fans would be forgiven for not recognising the 39-year-old today, as her slick, professional look is nothing like the frizzy-haired schoolgirl she used to play

Neighbours fans would be forgiven for not recognising the 39-year-old today, as her slick, professional look is nothing like the frizzy-haired schoolgirl she used to play

‘Someone sent me this blast from the past on Twitter,’ Rebecca wrote in the caption. ‘Why were the ’90s so unkind? Mum and dad looking cute, though.’

Neighbours fans were quick to share their enthusiasm for the flashback snaps, with one commenting: ‘This is how I remember you from when I watched.’

Another said the ‘pics should be cherished’ but perhaps ‘not the hat though’.

‘That’s awesome! Take me back to the ’90s!’ commented another fan. 

Rebecca joined the cast of Neighbours in 1992 when she was eight years old. She was written out of the show in 1999, but briefly returned for a cameo for its 20th anniversary six years later

Rebecca joined the cast of Neighbours in 1992 when she was eight years old. She was written out of the show in 1999, but briefly returned for a cameo for its 20th anniversary six years later

Rebecca (right) fronted Deutsche Welle's coverage of the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth

Rebecca (right) fronted Deutsche Welle’s coverage of the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth

Rebecca joined the cast of Neighbours in 1992 when she was eight years old.

She was written out of the show in 1999, but briefly returned for a cameo when the program celebrated its 20th anniversary six years later.

The jet-setting journalist is often asked by fans if she will return to Neighbours, but she has said she has no interest in being an actor anymore.

The jet-setting journalist (pictured in a Neighbours promo photo) is often asked by fans if she will return to Ramsay Street, but she has said she has no interest in being an actor anymore

She cut her teeth in journalism at the ABC as a news and current affairs producer, before emigrating to Germany to join Deutsche Welle in Berlin

The jet-setting journalist (left, in a Neighbours promo photo) is often asked by fans if she will return to Ramsay Street, but she has said she has no interest in being an actor anymore 

After leaving the soap, she starred in the Australian series Blue Heelers and Pig’s Breakfast before performing in several theatre productions in the UK, including the RSC’s Romeo and Juliet (2002) and The Wizard of Oz (2003).

She also had a short-lived role as a backpacker on British soap Coronation Street.

After a decade of living in Europe and America, she returned to Australia in 2011 to study political science and media and communications at Melbourne University.

She cut her teeth in journalism at the ABC as a news and current affairs producer, before emigrating to Germany to join Deutsche Welle in Berlin. 

Rebecca is seen here with a man believed to be her partner

Rebecca is seen here with a man believed to be her partner

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