You were involved in the Dolly “Neighbours Next Big Stars” Competition – what was that experience like?
It was really exciting! I had auditioned for the show and gotten close a few times prior so it felt like I was getting another step closer. I remember being really upset and disappointed when I missed out on the role but still felt hopeful for the future.
What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
It was quite a long process! I think there were 4 or 5 auditions in total for the role of Summer. The last one was actually at the studio where I went in and met hair/makeup and did a scene with Sam Clarke in the studio, which was really exciting. I had been a big fan of the show so that in itself was an incredible experience! I still remember getting the call late at night that I had won the role. My Mum and I just sat crying!
In 2010 you joined the show as the new face of Summer Hoyland, taking over from Marisa Siketa. What was it like coming into the show as a character that already had so much onscreen history?
I definitely felt a lot of pressure but I think the audience really embraced the new Summer. I think I would have been more nervous if social media had been around at that time!
It was really exciting! I had auditioned for the show and gotten close a few times prior so it felt like I was getting another step closer. I remember being really upset and disappointed when I missed out on the role but still felt hopeful for the future.
What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
It was quite a long process! I think there were 4 or 5 auditions in total for the role of Summer. The last one was actually at the studio where I went in and met hair/makeup and did a scene with Sam Clarke in the studio, which was really exciting. I had been a big fan of the show so that in itself was an incredible experience! I still remember getting the call late at night that I had won the role. My Mum and I just sat crying!
In 2010 you joined the show as the new face of Summer Hoyland, taking over from Marisa Siketa. What was it like coming into the show as a character that already had so much onscreen history?
I definitely felt a lot of pressure but I think the audience really embraced the new Summer. I think I would have been more nervous if social media had been around at that time!
During your time on the show, you got to work with Neighbours legends Janet Andrewartha, Carla Bonner, Alan Fletcher, Jackie Woodburne and Stefan Dennis. What was it like working alongside Neighbours royalty?
It was incredible working alongside people that I had watched on TV for such a long time. I learned so much from them all and have such respect for them not only as actors but as people. There was such a family vibe on set and the older actors really take care of the young ones.
A lot of Summer’s stories revolved around a love triangle with her friends Andrew Robinson and Tash Williams. What did you think of their relationships and what was is like working with Jordan Patrick Smith and Valentina Novakovic, as well as James Mason who played Chris Pappas?
We were affectionately known as the ‘rat pack’ so it’s safe to say we had a lot of fun! I think Summer and Andrew were such a great match, I really thought they would end up together.
Summer and the rest of the teen gang, along with Sophie Ramsay, were involved in a car accident in 2012. What was it like filming these scenes, and the struggles Summer faced afterwards?
The car accident scenes were such fun to shoot. They were all night shoots in Winter so it was physically challenging but so great to do something that tested us all.
It was incredible working alongside people that I had watched on TV for such a long time. I learned so much from them all and have such respect for them not only as actors but as people. There was such a family vibe on set and the older actors really take care of the young ones.
A lot of Summer’s stories revolved around a love triangle with her friends Andrew Robinson and Tash Williams. What did you think of their relationships and what was is like working with Jordan Patrick Smith and Valentina Novakovic, as well as James Mason who played Chris Pappas?
We were affectionately known as the ‘rat pack’ so it’s safe to say we had a lot of fun! I think Summer and Andrew were such a great match, I really thought they would end up together.
Summer and the rest of the teen gang, along with Sophie Ramsay, were involved in a car accident in 2012. What was it like filming these scenes, and the struggles Summer faced afterwards?
The car accident scenes were such fun to shoot. They were all night shoots in Winter so it was physically challenging but so great to do something that tested us all.
What are some of your memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera?
I have nothing but fond memories of my time on Neighbours. Apart from growing as an actor, I grew so much as a person. I loved every part of that job and loved going to work every day.
What led to your decision to bid Erinsborough farewell, and were you happy with how Summer was written out?
Unfortunately at the time, the producers felt Summer didn’t have a future on Ramsay St so it wasn’t exactly my choice to leave the show. I was really happy though that Summer was leaving to pursue her dreams and that the door was left open for a possible return.
If Summer were to ever return to Ramsay Street, what would be your ultimate return storyline for her?
I think it’d be amazing for her to come back in some sort of executive position at Lassiter’s and really give Paul and run for his money! She could also return as the Editor in chief of the newspaper and bring it back to Erinsborough!
I have nothing but fond memories of my time on Neighbours. Apart from growing as an actor, I grew so much as a person. I loved every part of that job and loved going to work every day.
What led to your decision to bid Erinsborough farewell, and were you happy with how Summer was written out?
Unfortunately at the time, the producers felt Summer didn’t have a future on Ramsay St so it wasn’t exactly my choice to leave the show. I was really happy though that Summer was leaving to pursue her dreams and that the door was left open for a possible return.
If Summer were to ever return to Ramsay Street, what would be your ultimate return storyline for her?
I think it’d be amazing for her to come back in some sort of executive position at Lassiter’s and really give Paul and run for his money! She could also return as the Editor in chief of the newspaper and bring it back to Erinsborough!
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more?
I wish I’d been able to work with Kate Kendall, who started just as I was finishing. She’s such an accomplished actor so it would be been amazing to learn from her.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 2013?
I spent 2.5 years living in LA but returned to Melbourne after realising it wasn’t working for me. It also wasn’t conducive to the life I wanted. I came home and met my fiancé in 2017. We now have a beautiful baby girl, Evie, I couldn’t be happier. In terms of work, I run female lifestyle site and social media agency, SheDoesThis.com. I also do some voice over work for radio and TV. Life is pretty amazing!
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I absolutely was! I watched the show from as early as I can remember. My fiancé is British so he was also a fan of the show. We tune in from time to time to see what’s happening! We are watching this week’s episodes to see how the 35 year anniversary plays out.
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?
I think it’s that sense of familiarity that people love. You can tune in after a long day and watch these characters that we’ve all come to know and love over the years. The show tells great stories and has a lot of heart. I think it also offers a great escape from the pressures of life too. I’m so proud to have been part of Neighbours.
I wish I’d been able to work with Kate Kendall, who started just as I was finishing. She’s such an accomplished actor so it would be been amazing to learn from her.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 2013?
I spent 2.5 years living in LA but returned to Melbourne after realising it wasn’t working for me. It also wasn’t conducive to the life I wanted. I came home and met my fiancé in 2017. We now have a beautiful baby girl, Evie, I couldn’t be happier. In terms of work, I run female lifestyle site and social media agency, SheDoesThis.com. I also do some voice over work for radio and TV. Life is pretty amazing!
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I absolutely was! I watched the show from as early as I can remember. My fiancé is British so he was also a fan of the show. We tune in from time to time to see what’s happening! We are watching this week’s episodes to see how the 35 year anniversary plays out.
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?
I think it’s that sense of familiarity that people love. You can tune in after a long day and watch these characters that we’ve all come to know and love over the years. The show tells great stories and has a lot of heart. I think it also offers a great escape from the pressures of life too. I’m so proud to have been part of Neighbours.
Interviewed March 2020