The enduring mystery behind McLeod's Daughters is finally revealed as the beloved Australian drama prepares for a spin-off movie 11 years after the show ended

By Demeter Stamell For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

McLeod's Daughters was arguably one of Australia's most beloved TV shows, but despite the title, not much was known about the titular character.

According to a report by 9Entertainment on Thursday, the character of John 'Jack' McLeod was born in 1941 to Hamish and Henrietta McLeod.

His parents founded Drovers Run, the sprawling country property which provides the stunning backdrop for the series.

Enigma: McLeod's Daughters was arguably one of Australia's most beloved TV shows, but despite the title, not much was known about the titular character

Enigma: McLeod's Daughters was arguably one of Australia's most beloved TV shows, but despite the title, not much was known about the titular character

Jack went on to marry Prudence Lachlan in 1968, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Claire in 1973.

Sadly, Prudence died from complications while in labour with the couple's second child, a son named Adam, who was stillborn.

Jack then remarried Ruth Silverman, and the couple welcomed a daughter named Tess, but their marriage proved to be short-lived. 

Mystery solved: According to a report by 9Entertainment on Thursday, the character of John 'Jack' McLeod was born in 1941 to Hamish and Henrietta McLeod. Pictured, actress Bridie Carter

Mystery solved: According to a report by 9Entertainment on Thursday, the character of John 'Jack' McLeod was born in 1941 to Hamish and Henrietta McLeod. Pictured, actress Bridie Carter

After their split, Ruth then moved to Melbourne with Tess, leaving Jack and Claire to operate Drovers Run.

The series begins after Jack dies from a heart attack in 2001, leaving the property to his two daughters, Claire and Tess.

Last month, it was revealed that the beloved Australian drama would be getting a spin-off, more than 11 years after its final episode.

Sister act: The series begins after Jack dies from a heart attack in 2001, leaving the property to his two daughters, Claire and Tess. Pictured, actresses Lisa Chappell (left) and Bridie Carter (right)

Sister act: The series begins after Jack dies from a heart attack in 2001, leaving the property to his two daughters, Claire and Tess. Pictured, actresses Lisa Chappell (left) and Bridie Carter (right)

According to a report in the Mercury, the show's creator, Posie Graeme-Evans, was given $20,000 as part of an arts stimulus package to create a McLeod's Daughters spin-off movie. 

The 68-year-old writer confirmed the news in an excitable post on her Instagram at the time. 

'THE STORY CONTINUES. Yes - it really does. And I'm letting you know first. We're developing a feature film,' Posie began. 

Making a comeback: Last month, it was revealed that the beloved Australian drama would be getting a spin-off, more than 11 years after its final episode. Pictured, actress Rachael Carpani

Making a comeback: Last month, it was revealed that the beloved Australian drama would be getting a spin-off, more than 11 years after its final episode. Pictured, actress Rachael Carpani

'It's called "The McLeods of Drovers Run" and I started writing the story a couple of months ago.'

Posie 'promised' to keep fans updated as production on the new project developed, vowing to keep the show's viewers 'with us every step of the way'. 

'We're just at the beginning, the very beginning, but we're on our way. No promises but I have such a good feeling about this. Hope I'm right,' she finished. 

Coming soon: The show's creator, Posie Graeme-Evans, has been given $20,000 as part of an arts stimulus package to create a McLeod's Daughters spin-off movie

Coming soon: The show's creator, Posie Graeme-Evans, has been given $20,000 as part of an arts stimulus package to create a McLeod's Daughters spin-off movie

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