Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington, host of the television program Sunrise, made his acting debut on the Australian soap “Home and Away” with a unique tradition. Shirvington, 45, and his co-star Natalie Barr, 56, shared a segment on their breakfast show revealing behind-the-scenes details of their guest appearances.

Shirvington filmed his scenes on a beach alongside veteran actor Ray Meagher, who portrays Alf Stewart. Meagher introduced Shirvington to a “Home and Away” tradition, encouraging him to run into the ocean fully clothed immediately after completing his first scene. Shirvington complied, plunging into the sea in his white shirt and brown pants.

In the episode, set to air Wednesday at 7 p.m., Shirvington will play himself in a storyline featuring Catherine Van-Davies as Stevie Marlow, an “A-list” actress. Shirvington’s character interviews Stevie in a live segment with his co-host Natalie Barr on “Sunrise.” The scenes were filmed on location at Palm Beach, north of Sydney.

Reflecting on his experience, Shirvington described the opportunity to act with Ray Meagher as surreal, given his childhood memories of watching the show. The episode also marks Barr’s appearance in “Home and Away” as herself.

Shirvington recently succeeded David Koch as the host of Sunrise after a three-year preparation period. He lives with his wife Jessica and their three children.