Before joining Neighbours in 2004, had you had any previous acting experience?
I’d acted in a few kids’ shows and short films, just plodding along while doing my final year at high school, when I got the Neighbours role.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I just fell into it, really. I liked acting in school plays and thought it would be nifty to get an agent so I could maybe be an extra on a real-life set one day. I ended up getting auditions for actual speaking parts, and landing some of the roles. I wasn’t expecting that.
Lana was a milestone character for the show being the first lesbian character in Erinsborough. And not only that, but Lana and Sky made history by sharing the first lesbian kiss on the show. Did you know at the time how important her role on the show would be for fans and the impact it would have on the show in the long run?
I had no idea how big the response to the storyline would be. I underestimated how underrepresented gay and lesbians teens were in mainstream media, and overestimated people’s tolerance and compassion. It broke my heart to see the negative backlash in the media, and also to hear from people watching the show who were so happy to finally see an LGBTQIA character on a show like Neighbours. It really hit home how poorly-represented queer teens were at the time. The people who matter, the real fans, were incredibly supportive of the storyline and that was fantastic to see. If they had an issue, it was that Sky kissed Lana when she was dating Boyd, not that Lana was gay.
I’d acted in a few kids’ shows and short films, just plodding along while doing my final year at high school, when I got the Neighbours role.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I just fell into it, really. I liked acting in school plays and thought it would be nifty to get an agent so I could maybe be an extra on a real-life set one day. I ended up getting auditions for actual speaking parts, and landing some of the roles. I wasn’t expecting that.
Lana was a milestone character for the show being the first lesbian character in Erinsborough. And not only that, but Lana and Sky made history by sharing the first lesbian kiss on the show. Did you know at the time how important her role on the show would be for fans and the impact it would have on the show in the long run?
I had no idea how big the response to the storyline would be. I underestimated how underrepresented gay and lesbians teens were in mainstream media, and overestimated people’s tolerance and compassion. It broke my heart to see the negative backlash in the media, and also to hear from people watching the show who were so happy to finally see an LGBTQIA character on a show like Neighbours. It really hit home how poorly-represented queer teens were at the time. The people who matter, the real fans, were incredibly supportive of the storyline and that was fantastic to see. If they had an issue, it was that Sky kissed Lana when she was dating Boyd, not that Lana was gay.
Lana was always a guest role, but did you ever wish that she could have stuck around longer and explored more of her character and relationships?
I’ve definitely wondered what could have happened if Lana – or any lesbian character – had been made permanent on the show. It’s really nice to have her back for the 35th and see what she’s been up to, and know that her story has a happy ending.
Apart from her relationship with Sky, what are some other memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera, from your original stint on the show?
This is also really showing our age, but I saw Paddy (Patrick Harvey who played Connor O’Neill) make his first video call with a “fancy new phone” in the green room between scenes on day. I think there was one crew member who also had a video phone and they called each other from about three feet away. When the connection worked, everyone in the room cheered. It was like the moon landing.
Prior to being asked to return for the 35th Anniversary, what did you think Lana would be up to these days?
I would have hoped she’d grown to be more comfortable in her own skin, maybe married or in a long term relationship with a great love. I could have seen her as an author-slash-public speaker or university lecturer.
You have already shared this on Instagram, but how did Executive Producer Jason Herbison manage to entice you back to Erinsborough for the 35th Anniversary?
When Jason told me about the Lana and Sky 35th Anniversary storyline, it sounded amazing to me. I knew I’d be exhausted (I was 8 months pregnant when he called, and knew I’d have a newborn during shooting) and out of practice, but It’d always wished the storyline could have ended differently back in 2005. There are so few gay/lesbian/bi main characters on mainstream TV and so often they’re just fleeting guest roles or don’t have a happy ending. This would still be fleeting but it’s about damn time that a lesbian characters ends up with her soulmate.
Jason was so lovely and understanding of why I was initially reluctant, and said that I could bring the baby to set, have a tiny role, whatever I’d need. I ended up feeling so pumped about the storyline and working for him that by the end of the call, I’d gone from preparing to say no to telling him to write Lana in for as big a part as he wanted.
I’ve definitely wondered what could have happened if Lana – or any lesbian character – had been made permanent on the show. It’s really nice to have her back for the 35th and see what she’s been up to, and know that her story has a happy ending.
Apart from her relationship with Sky, what are some other memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera, from your original stint on the show?
This is also really showing our age, but I saw Paddy (Patrick Harvey who played Connor O’Neill) make his first video call with a “fancy new phone” in the green room between scenes on day. I think there was one crew member who also had a video phone and they called each other from about three feet away. When the connection worked, everyone in the room cheered. It was like the moon landing.
Prior to being asked to return for the 35th Anniversary, what did you think Lana would be up to these days?
I would have hoped she’d grown to be more comfortable in her own skin, maybe married or in a long term relationship with a great love. I could have seen her as an author-slash-public speaker or university lecturer.
You have already shared this on Instagram, but how did Executive Producer Jason Herbison manage to entice you back to Erinsborough for the 35th Anniversary?
When Jason told me about the Lana and Sky 35th Anniversary storyline, it sounded amazing to me. I knew I’d be exhausted (I was 8 months pregnant when he called, and knew I’d have a newborn during shooting) and out of practice, but It’d always wished the storyline could have ended differently back in 2005. There are so few gay/lesbian/bi main characters on mainstream TV and so often they’re just fleeting guest roles or don’t have a happy ending. This would still be fleeting but it’s about damn time that a lesbian characters ends up with her soulmate.
Jason was so lovely and understanding of why I was initially reluctant, and said that I could bring the baby to set, have a tiny role, whatever I’d need. I ended up feeling so pumped about the storyline and working for him that by the end of the call, I’d gone from preparing to say no to telling him to write Lana in for as big a part as he wanted.
What was it like being back on set after 15 years, particularly working alongside Steph McIntosh again?
So surreal! Some things – even crew and cast members – were exactly the same, and others had changed so much. Steph and I had coffee the day before filming our scenes, which was meant to be a quick chat to go over lines but ended up being a three hour catch up. It was really good to see her and work with her again. Steph’s a really generous person and always gave me so much support and authenticity behind the scenes. She’s an icon for a reason.
Soap weddings are always a big deal, and not everyone is lucky enough to get one – what was it like filming the Skylana wedding scene and being a part of Neighbours’ first female same-sex wedding?
The wedding was beautiful. It was a gorgeous day, the people on set were fantastic fun to hang with, my bride was an angel and I didn’t fall down in the high heels. Everything was perfect. The only critique I have is that they served us sparkling apple juice instead of real champagne.
And as for the face that it was Neighbours first lesbian wedding: AMAZING. Hopefully soon there won’t be any more “firsts” like this left, because shows like Neighbours will be inclusive and tell all types of stories without a fuss. I’m so thrilled to see the show continue to push Australian mainstream TV forward. It’s such an incredible experience to be part of this storyline.
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more, both during your original stint and also during your return?
Damien Bodie (Dylan Timmins) and I JUST missed each other on Neighbours back in 2004, but in real life we were good friends. He and Eliza Taylor-Cotter (Janae Timmins) and I would see each other most weekends while they were on the show. It felt like such a shame to not have gotten to work with him – he’s honestly one of the most talented, hilarious, nicest people. Being on set with him this time was a dream.
So surreal! Some things – even crew and cast members – were exactly the same, and others had changed so much. Steph and I had coffee the day before filming our scenes, which was meant to be a quick chat to go over lines but ended up being a three hour catch up. It was really good to see her and work with her again. Steph’s a really generous person and always gave me so much support and authenticity behind the scenes. She’s an icon for a reason.
Soap weddings are always a big deal, and not everyone is lucky enough to get one – what was it like filming the Skylana wedding scene and being a part of Neighbours’ first female same-sex wedding?
The wedding was beautiful. It was a gorgeous day, the people on set were fantastic fun to hang with, my bride was an angel and I didn’t fall down in the high heels. Everything was perfect. The only critique I have is that they served us sparkling apple juice instead of real champagne.
And as for the face that it was Neighbours first lesbian wedding: AMAZING. Hopefully soon there won’t be any more “firsts” like this left, because shows like Neighbours will be inclusive and tell all types of stories without a fuss. I’m so thrilled to see the show continue to push Australian mainstream TV forward. It’s such an incredible experience to be part of this storyline.
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more, both during your original stint and also during your return?
Damien Bodie (Dylan Timmins) and I JUST missed each other on Neighbours back in 2004, but in real life we were good friends. He and Eliza Taylor-Cotter (Janae Timmins) and I would see each other most weekends while they were on the show. It felt like such a shame to not have gotten to work with him – he’s honestly one of the most talented, hilarious, nicest people. Being on set with him this time was a dream.
Since your return was announced and even more-so since the Skylana wedding was revealed, fans have been hoping for a more extended or permanent return for the couple. Would that be something you’d be interested in if asked?
Absolutely! Any time.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 2005?
I stopped acting a couple of years after my Neighbours stint. Since then, I’ve gotten some minor qualifications in social sciences/counselling but mainly worked in office jobs. My long-term goal is either personal assistant or psychologist, but at the moment I’m on maternity leave.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I watched for a little while back in about 2000: I loved Paul and Tad’s friendship so much. It was the whole reason I watched – there aren’t enough good solid friendships on TV in my opinion. I haven’t watched in years but I’m definitely going to state. The current cast was telling be some of their storylines and the show sounds wild.
For a show that nearly didn’t make its 1st anniversary, it’s amazing to see it celebrating 35 years on Australian television – what do you think is the secret to Neighbours’ ongoing success?
Neighbours is this beautiful blend of magnificently dramatic storylines and completely believable, relatable characters. It’s not mean. It doesn’t make fun of people or groups of people. It’s a nice place to visit. You feel like you’re hanging out with your friends when you watch Neighbours.
Absolutely! Any time.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 2005?
I stopped acting a couple of years after my Neighbours stint. Since then, I’ve gotten some minor qualifications in social sciences/counselling but mainly worked in office jobs. My long-term goal is either personal assistant or psychologist, but at the moment I’m on maternity leave.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I watched for a little while back in about 2000: I loved Paul and Tad’s friendship so much. It was the whole reason I watched – there aren’t enough good solid friendships on TV in my opinion. I haven’t watched in years but I’m definitely going to state. The current cast was telling be some of their storylines and the show sounds wild.
For a show that nearly didn’t make its 1st anniversary, it’s amazing to see it celebrating 35 years on Australian television – what do you think is the secret to Neighbours’ ongoing success?
Neighbours is this beautiful blend of magnificently dramatic storylines and completely believable, relatable characters. It’s not mean. It doesn’t make fun of people or groups of people. It’s a nice place to visit. You feel like you’re hanging out with your friends when you watch Neighbours.
Interviewed March 2020