'I have been waiting 27 years for a role like this': Leah Purcell talks about her dream gig as tough Rita Connors on Wentworth ahead of the Logie-nominated show's season premiere By Caleb Taylor For Daily Mail Australia Published: 16:51 BST, 27 May 2019 | Updated: 16:51 BST, 27 May 2019 Viewcomments She plays tough Rita Connors on the hit show, Wentworth. And while some actors might find it daunting, Leah Purcell, 48, admitted she can't get enough of the challenging role. On Tuesday, the actress spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the role, saying she loves the 'physicality' and 'emotional journey' of the characters. Challenge: Wentworth actress Leah Purcell, 48, (pictured) has spoken about her dream role as tough Rita Connors ahead of the show's season premiere. Here in Sydney, 2018 'I have been waiting 27 years for a role like this,' she said. 'I love the physicality and the emotional journey you can have with the characters.' She continued: 'There's that mystery and thriller aspect to it and working with other actors just makes it a dream. 'There's a soft side, being vulnerable, and I get to play a tough b**ch and kick some a**e.' 'I love the physicality and the emotional journey you can have with the characters': Leah said of her character, Rita Connors (pictured) Earlier this week, Leah was named as a Logie nominee for Most Outstanding Actress, while the show itself is up for six awards. Leah's co-star Celia Ireland was nominated for Most Outstanding Supporting Actress. Speaking to Stellar magazine in May, the TV star spoke candidly about how her craft intersects with her family's indigenous heritage. Homage: 'I feel if I wasn't justifying my talents, then what my mother, my grandmother and my great-grandmother had gone through is a waste,' Leah told Stellar. Pictured in May in Sydney '[Indigenous stories] didn't have a voice,' she said adding that her grandmother was part of the stolen generation,' she said. 'I feel if I wasn't justifying my talents, then what my mother, my grandmother and my great-grandmother had gone through is a waste.' Wentworth, the new season, returns exclusively to Foxtel on Tuesday May 28. Stream seasons 1 - 6 on Foxtel now Logie nod! Wentworth received six Logie Award nominations this year. Pictured: The cast at the AACTA Awards Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility