Before joining Neighbours in 1997, had you had any previous acting experience?
Yes! I had always been performing at school, attended drama lessons at VCA, NIDA and Drama With A Difference. I was scouted by an agent at 12 and by 14 I was working on a childrens TV show called Genie From Down Under which was Co produced by ABC and the BBC. By that stage I was getting close at all my auditions too, almost landed the role of Ocean Girl and self taped for Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. Soon after Genie I landed Caitlin Atkins on Neighbours.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I’ve always been into film and popular culture and I’m a very visual person. So many things inspired me. I was brought up in a creative family so I guess I was exposed to art and cinema and creativity early on. I have a good imagination and found myself leaning towards performance and character story telling naturally. I love the environment on set too, the most collaborative.
You were initially vying for the role of Anne Wilkinson. What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
I remember auditioning for Jan Russ and thinking she was god. I thought my audition was terrible, I was so excited and nervous but she liked me!
Yes! I had always been performing at school, attended drama lessons at VCA, NIDA and Drama With A Difference. I was scouted by an agent at 12 and by 14 I was working on a childrens TV show called Genie From Down Under which was Co produced by ABC and the BBC. By that stage I was getting close at all my auditions too, almost landed the role of Ocean Girl and self taped for Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. Soon after Genie I landed Caitlin Atkins on Neighbours.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I’ve always been into film and popular culture and I’m a very visual person. So many things inspired me. I was brought up in a creative family so I guess I was exposed to art and cinema and creativity early on. I have a good imagination and found myself leaning towards performance and character story telling naturally. I love the environment on set too, the most collaborative.
You were initially vying for the role of Anne Wilkinson. What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
I remember auditioning for Jan Russ and thinking she was god. I thought my audition was terrible, I was so excited and nervous but she liked me!
You arrived in Ramsay Street as Caitlin, the younger sister of Ben Atkins. What was it like coming into the show during this time?
It was amazing honestly. I got to work with some of the greatest and most memorable members of the cast. I even got to cross over with the Queen Anne Haddy who played the legendary and iconic Helen Daniels. I worked with so many great cast and crew members. Jessie Spenser was on my walls when I was a kid too so that was fun landing Caitlin.
The thing Caitlin is probably most remembered for is coming between high school sweethearts Billy and Anne. What was it like working alongside Jesse Spencer and Brooke Satchwell, and essentially playing the villain in this situation?
It most certainly was a triangle that went on for years! We all had fun playing the conflict but all got on just great off set
Are there any similarities between you and Caitlin?
Mainly her determination but playing her as a kid in my teens she was a lot more feisty than I was so it was a fun character for me.
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera?
Shooting some big episodes in Sydney with the cast was memorable and fun, I loved all the studio work too. Behind the scenes- the 3000th episode party was great as was the TV Week Logie Awards. Meeting the fans and receiving mail was interesting because as the character developed the fans grew fonder of the role and it was cool to read the letters from all over the world especially from England. I’ve kept lots of them! And just spending day to day time with great people was memorable, very at home and felt like a family at the time. Lots of line learning!!!!
It was amazing honestly. I got to work with some of the greatest and most memorable members of the cast. I even got to cross over with the Queen Anne Haddy who played the legendary and iconic Helen Daniels. I worked with so many great cast and crew members. Jessie Spenser was on my walls when I was a kid too so that was fun landing Caitlin.
The thing Caitlin is probably most remembered for is coming between high school sweethearts Billy and Anne. What was it like working alongside Jesse Spencer and Brooke Satchwell, and essentially playing the villain in this situation?
It most certainly was a triangle that went on for years! We all had fun playing the conflict but all got on just great off set
Are there any similarities between you and Caitlin?
Mainly her determination but playing her as a kid in my teens she was a lot more feisty than I was so it was a fun character for me.
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera?
Shooting some big episodes in Sydney with the cast was memorable and fun, I loved all the studio work too. Behind the scenes- the 3000th episode party was great as was the TV Week Logie Awards. Meeting the fans and receiving mail was interesting because as the character developed the fans grew fonder of the role and it was cool to read the letters from all over the world especially from England. I’ve kept lots of them! And just spending day to day time with great people was memorable, very at home and felt like a family at the time. Lots of line learning!!!!
Caitlin and her brother Nicholas farewelled Ramsay Street in 1998. What led to the decision to write Caitlin out and were you happy with her exit?
The Atkins were set to take over the street but the actor who played our Dad decided to take another role in a different show so we all got axed. Script writers decided to take a different direction all together sadly. I was happy with the exit, they knew I loved Kylie so there was a subtle nod there if you can recall.
What do you think Caitlin would be up to these days?
Probably married multiple times and be writing saucy novels on love and relationships.
If Caitlin had had the opportunity return to Erinsborough, what would be your ultimate return storyline for her?
Returns with Billy Kennedy’s teenage love child.
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more?
Kylie, Margot Robbie, Russel Crowe, more with the fabulous Anne Charleston.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 1998?
Lots of creative things. I’m still acting, working in the industry in front and behind the camera. I’ve been married and divorced, travelled the world, had many life adventures. I’m now a citizen of the UK and landed on my feet in England. I’m grateful for all my friends and loved ones here in the Britain and around the world.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I was a fan but my parents didn’t let me watch the show. So I used to sneak it in whenever they weren’t looking.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it almost hit 9000 episodes. What do you think has been the secret to the 37 year success of Neighbours?
The Sun!
The Atkins were set to take over the street but the actor who played our Dad decided to take another role in a different show so we all got axed. Script writers decided to take a different direction all together sadly. I was happy with the exit, they knew I loved Kylie so there was a subtle nod there if you can recall.
What do you think Caitlin would be up to these days?
Probably married multiple times and be writing saucy novels on love and relationships.
If Caitlin had had the opportunity return to Erinsborough, what would be your ultimate return storyline for her?
Returns with Billy Kennedy’s teenage love child.
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more?
Kylie, Margot Robbie, Russel Crowe, more with the fabulous Anne Charleston.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 1998?
Lots of creative things. I’m still acting, working in the industry in front and behind the camera. I’ve been married and divorced, travelled the world, had many life adventures. I’m now a citizen of the UK and landed on my feet in England. I’m grateful for all my friends and loved ones here in the Britain and around the world.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I was a fan but my parents didn’t let me watch the show. So I used to sneak it in whenever they weren’t looking.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it almost hit 9000 episodes. What do you think has been the secret to the 37 year success of Neighbours?
The Sun!
Interviewed July 2022