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Ella Scott Lynch joins the All Saints cast as "efficient and compassionate" nurse Claire Anderson.

Born in Sydney's inner west, Ella's upbringing left her destined for show business in some form, her father in theatre and her mother an Oscar-nominated film producer.

But it wasn't until after she finished high school and spent a gap year travelling that her passion for acting was confirmed.

"I grew up on and around sets and in the back of theatres ... that world is very seductive," Ella says.

"I had worked on some of mum's films and didn't entirely enjoy it, but when I'd matured a bit after travelling when I finished high school, I realised this is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life."

Ella's enthusiasm was matched by her talent and after graduating from the National Institute of the Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in 2004 she was snapped up immediately for a role on Home and Away.

Raven-haired Ella replaced audience favourite Bec Hewitt (nee Cartwright) as Hayley Smith. Ella says taking on the role straight out of NIDA was the ultimate introduction to TV drama.

She has since featured in theatre, a string of Australian telemovies, including Emerald Falls and The Silence, and films, including Monkey Puzzle and Emulsion.

"I'd really love to be able to make a living out of working in Australia, or at least with Australia as my base,' Ella says.

She says her latest role, as one of All Saints newest cast members, is a brilliant opportunity.

"It's great to be joining such a fantastic cast. There's an amazing mix of actors who are experienced and have so many achievements behind them already or young and talented," she says. .

"John Waters and John Howard are actors that I've always looked up to, so it's amazing to be working beside them and my boyfriend (actor Toby Schmitz) is a massive fan of the show."