Before joining the show, what
sort of acting work had you done?
I'd studied theatre at St. Martins and at school, and had done work in other TV series and film.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I've just always loved performing, since I can remember basically, so it was just a natural progression really.
You joined the cast in 2002 as Erinsborough High student Taj Coppin. What was it like coming into the iconic soap?
It was all a bit of a blur really, in the best of ways, as I had come straight out of high school and into this big, adult world filled with so many characters. Good times.
I'd studied theatre at St. Martins and at school, and had done work in other TV series and film.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I've just always loved performing, since I can remember basically, so it was just a natural progression really.
You joined the cast in 2002 as Erinsborough High student Taj Coppin. What was it like coming into the iconic soap?
It was all a bit of a blur really, in the best of ways, as I had come straight out of high school and into this big, adult world filled with so many characters. Good times.
What was it like working
alongside Delta Goodrem?
She's a real sweetheart. Is now, and was then.
One storyline involved Taj kissing and then sleeping with teacher Libby. What was it like being involved in this sort of storyline and working with Kym Valentine?
To be honest, looking back it was a pretty heavy and leftfield storyline, and Kym was very patient working alongside a teenage-me with that one.
Were there any scenes or stories that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
Any scenes with Ian Smith were always a trip.
Who would you of liked to work with more?
Jay, Michelle and Delta would be pretty cute.
Is there anything you would have changed about Taj?
His hair.
She's a real sweetheart. Is now, and was then.
One storyline involved Taj kissing and then sleeping with teacher Libby. What was it like being involved in this sort of storyline and working with Kym Valentine?
To be honest, looking back it was a pretty heavy and leftfield storyline, and Kym was very patient working alongside a teenage-me with that one.
Were there any scenes or stories that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
Any scenes with Ian Smith were always a trip.
Who would you of liked to work with more?
Jay, Michelle and Delta would be pretty cute.
Is there anything you would have changed about Taj?
His hair.
What led you to your decision
to leave the show?
I never intended to be on the show for a long stint as I was always wanting to travel and get my music going after finishing school, so I actually was on longer than initially planned.
You are also a singer. What inspired you to pursue singing?
Same thing as acting; I've loved playing and singing and it just naturally progressed into performing live and recording etc.
What was it like touring with Pat Benatar?
That was an amazing tour opening for Pat, and the Bangles. I got to perform, just me and my guitar, at iconic venues that I'd always dreamt of playing, and everyone on the tour was a legend of the highest order.
Do you prefer acting or singing?
I gotta say, Apples and Oranges.
I never intended to be on the show for a long stint as I was always wanting to travel and get my music going after finishing school, so I actually was on longer than initially planned.
You are also a singer. What inspired you to pursue singing?
Same thing as acting; I've loved playing and singing and it just naturally progressed into performing live and recording etc.
What was it like touring with Pat Benatar?
That was an amazing tour opening for Pat, and the Bangles. I got to perform, just me and my guitar, at iconic venues that I'd always dreamt of playing, and everyone on the tour was a legend of the highest order.
Do you prefer acting or singing?
I gotta say, Apples and Oranges.
You left Neighbours a decade
ago. What have you done since moving away from Ramsay Street?
Singing mainly.
What plans do you have for the future?
I don't really make plans.
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
Sure thing.
Would you ever consider returning to the show? If so, how would you like your character to return?
Via parachute.
Were you a fan before joining the show and do you still watch these days?
Of course, naturally.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it approach 7000 episodes and a 30th anniversary. What do you think is the secret of the ongoing success of Neighbours?
It's bangin' theme-song.
Singing mainly.
What plans do you have for the future?
I don't really make plans.
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
Sure thing.
Would you ever consider returning to the show? If so, how would you like your character to return?
Via parachute.
Were you a fan before joining the show and do you still watch these days?
Of course, naturally.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it approach 7000 episodes and a 30th anniversary. What do you think is the secret of the ongoing success of Neighbours?
It's bangin' theme-song.
Interviewed July 2014