McLeod's Daughters 25 years on: Where the leading ladies of Drover's Run are now as Bridie Carter marks heartfelt anniversary

This month marks 25 years since McLeod's Daughters started filming and it's not just fans who are feeling the wave of emotions as the anniversary passes.

Series star Bridie Carter, who played Tess McLeod, took to Instagram to share a carousel of images and pen a reflection about the show that changed her life.

"And - in the beginning….FIVE women….Just thought I'd share some memories, from when it all began….25 years ago this month…..Thank you for the opportunity," Bridie began.

"Thank you for the experience. Thank you for the gift. Thank you for this family. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the love.

"Thank you for the MD world that was created, that is BIGGER THAN US. Never gone. Never forgotten. Always with us. SENDING LOVE, LOVE, LOVE….Bridie x."

Stream every episode ever of McLeod's Daughters for free on 9Now.

Fans' loyalty and love for McLeod's Daughters hasn't wavered since 2001 but that's not to say a lot hasn't changed.

From heartbreaking goodbyes to career pivots here's where the leading ladies of Drover's Run are now:

Bridie Carter – Tess McLeod

It all started when city slicker Tess McLeod returned to the farm after 20 years away.

Bridie Carter captured hearts as optimistic Tess McLeod. Viewers quickly came to love Tess' commitment to the Drover's Run and of course her romance with Nick Ryan.

Bridie, now 55, has had an extensive TV and stage career since leaving McLeod's in the sixth season. She had a recurring role as Jan on the Aussie drama 800 Words and reunited with McLeod's co-star Aaron Jeffery for the play Love Letters in 2009.

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She married designer and fourth generation farmer Michael Wilson in a romantic Byron Bay wedding in 2004. Together they are parents to sons James, Tobias and Otis.

Rachael Carpani – Jodi Fountain

Rachael Carpani sadly passed away in December 2025. She was 45.

Her sister Georgia shared the news on Instagram

"It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness, in the early hours of Sunday 7th December," the post read.

Rachael's standout role was as Jodi Fountain, the daughter of Drover's Run housekeeper Meg Fountain. Perhaps one of Jodi's most memorable storylines was discovering her biological father was actually Jack McLeod, making her the half-sister of Claire and Tess.

Rachael left McLeod's Daughters as a main cast member in 2007 to pursue her career in the US, though she did return for the show's final episode.

She has had a string of roles in NCIS: Los Angeles, The Glades and Against the Wall. She also appeared in 800 Words in 2018.

Lisa Chappell – Claire McLeod

As co-owner of Drover's Run, Claire was the life of McLeod's Daughters.

Claire's TV death went down as one of the most iconic and heart-wrenching moments in Aussie TV history. In 2003, the nation was left stunned after Claire's jeep tragically fell off a cliff.

You can rewatch the shocking TV moment right here:

While Claire's death had audiences reeling, actress Lisa Chappell thought it was time.

Lisa decided not to renew her season four contract, hoping to pursue a new career direction.

"I said, 'Look, I'm not coming back – Claire would never leave the property, so we have to kill her off,'" Chappell told TV Week.

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After Claire's end, Lisa pursued a career in theatre and music releasing her debut album When Then Is Now in May 2006. She's also starred in Rescue: Special Ops, The Cult, Stingers and in 2016 Lisa had a role in the Netflix series Roman Empire: Reign of Blood.

Lisa now resides in Puhoi, New Zealand and is currently filming Disney's Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.

Michala Banas – Kate Manfredi

After Claire McLeod's exit Michala Banas joined the series as Kate Manfredi, a sweet but hard-working farmhand who eventually took over Drover's Run.

Michala, now 47, has worked steadily in Australian TV post-McLeod's. She had a guest role as Tiffany Turner on the drama series Winners & Losers.

She also starred in the ABC comedy series Upper Middle Bogan as Amber Wheeler and played Jesse in Nine's Bad Mothers.

In 2019, Michala and fellow Aussie actor Toby Truslove eloped in New York's Central Park. In a smitten social media tribute to her husband Michala wrote: "The best thing I ever did was get hitched to such an incredible human. I love you, Toby."

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Simmone Jade Mackinnion – Stevie Hall

Simmone Jade Mackinnon played Stevie Hall in the much loved series.

Stevie was a reckless but emotionally intelligent woman who'd been living as a nomad before settling at Drover's Run homestead.

Since her McLeod's days, Stevie mostly stepped back from acting. In 2010, she welcomed her first and only child, a son named Madigan.

Nowadays, Simmone is a proud single mum and Stevie's adventurous spirit lives on in her as she and her son Madigan live life largely on the road.

She made a small return to the small screen in 2023 in the reality series The Summit where she won $100,000.

Stream every episode ever of McLeod's Daughters for free on 9Now.

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