Before joining Neighbours, what sort of acting work did you do?
I played the lead role of Kate in ‘Tagged’ a film which won several international awards, Rebecca in ‘Last night’ which also won international awards and have assisted police in a internal production amongst other film work.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
Frankly Film and television. I LOVE sitting down to a great story – in turn I love to tell stories too. I’m known for my detailed descriptions and sounds effects haha.
What did your audition process involve?
I was given the script for the role of Cassie, I worked on it then had my audition and a few weeks later got the call! I would be Cassie Nicholls.
You joined the show in 2013 as Amber Turner’s nemesis Cassie Nicholls, what was it like to join such an iconic Australian show?
It was an amazing, fast paced adventure. I had a fantastic time – especially since I have worked on Film mostly so it was a great learning experience to work in TV.
I played the lead role of Kate in ‘Tagged’ a film which won several international awards, Rebecca in ‘Last night’ which also won international awards and have assisted police in a internal production amongst other film work.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
Frankly Film and television. I LOVE sitting down to a great story – in turn I love to tell stories too. I’m known for my detailed descriptions and sounds effects haha.
What did your audition process involve?
I was given the script for the role of Cassie, I worked on it then had my audition and a few weeks later got the call! I would be Cassie Nicholls.
You joined the show in 2013 as Amber Turner’s nemesis Cassie Nicholls, what was it like to join such an iconic Australian show?
It was an amazing, fast paced adventure. I had a fantastic time – especially since I have worked on Film mostly so it was a great learning experience to work in TV.
Are there any similarities between you and Cassie?
NO! Haha definitely not. Jenna and I actually had a laugh about me being cast as Cassie - we couldn’t be more opposite! But that’s the fun of acting – getting to play!
What was it like working with Jenna Rosenow and Ashleigh Brewer?
It was great to work with Jenna and Ash, I have known Jenna for years so we were excited to work together. And with Ash it was insightful and wonderful to see a seasoned Neighbours character in the works.
Cassie went on to bully Amber after an autocorrect mistake on Twitter. What was it like playing the bully?
The bad guys are definitely fun to play – it’s exciting to explore those areas of yourself and know there are no consequences so at the end of the day you can laugh about it with your co-star.
NO! Haha definitely not. Jenna and I actually had a laugh about me being cast as Cassie - we couldn’t be more opposite! But that’s the fun of acting – getting to play!
What was it like working with Jenna Rosenow and Ashleigh Brewer?
It was great to work with Jenna and Ash, I have known Jenna for years so we were excited to work together. And with Ash it was insightful and wonderful to see a seasoned Neighbours character in the works.
Cassie went on to bully Amber after an autocorrect mistake on Twitter. What was it like playing the bully?
The bad guys are definitely fun to play – it’s exciting to explore those areas of yourself and know there are no consequences so at the end of the day you can laugh about it with your co-star.
The storyline ended up supporting anti-bullying campaigns. What was it like supporting something as important as anti-bully, especially anti-cyberbullying?
I have been part of the anti-cyberbulling campaign through film/tv for a couple of years now with the film Tagged addressing the same issues– I think it’s important to keep enforcing the message that once it’s out on the internet/social media – it’s there forever. I guess it goes back to that old saying ‘treat people how you wish to be treated’ – whether it be online or offline.
You only appeared in four episodes, but is there anyone you would have liked to work with more?
I would have loved to work with Taylor, a great friend and person. I would have loved to knock out some scenes with him and see the way he works.
It’s been over a year since you left the show, what have you done since then?
I have spent time abroad in America, The United kingdom, Europe and New Zealand. It was lovely to drop back into L.A and London but now that I’m back in Aussie I’m focused on my craft and excited to look at some new opportunities!
I have been part of the anti-cyberbulling campaign through film/tv for a couple of years now with the film Tagged addressing the same issues– I think it’s important to keep enforcing the message that once it’s out on the internet/social media – it’s there forever. I guess it goes back to that old saying ‘treat people how you wish to be treated’ – whether it be online or offline.
You only appeared in four episodes, but is there anyone you would have liked to work with more?
I would have loved to work with Taylor, a great friend and person. I would have loved to knock out some scenes with him and see the way he works.
It’s been over a year since you left the show, what have you done since then?
I have spent time abroad in America, The United kingdom, Europe and New Zealand. It was lovely to drop back into L.A and London but now that I’m back in Aussie I’m focused on my craft and excited to look at some new opportunities!
Are you still in touch with any of the cast?
Yes of course, I was friends with some of the cast before the show and made new friends on the job. It’s always nice working with friends.
Would you ever consider returning to the show? If so, would it be as Cassie again or another character?
I’d love to return as Cassie and watch her find her way in the world – to see her understand where she went wrong and how to improve herself as a person.
Were you a fan of the show before you joined the cast? Do you still watch the show these days?
Of course! Neighbour’s is an iconic show and I’ve seen many a friend have roles on the show. I still tune in as much as I can – and check out everyone’s work.
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?
I always think the success of a show/film is down to the fans they are the ones that keep a show going. But you don’t get a great audience without great storylines, great characters and the magic of everyone behind the camera. So Thank You Neighbours fans! We couldn’t do it without you!
Yes of course, I was friends with some of the cast before the show and made new friends on the job. It’s always nice working with friends.
Would you ever consider returning to the show? If so, would it be as Cassie again or another character?
I’d love to return as Cassie and watch her find her way in the world – to see her understand where she went wrong and how to improve herself as a person.
Were you a fan of the show before you joined the cast? Do you still watch the show these days?
Of course! Neighbour’s is an iconic show and I’ve seen many a friend have roles on the show. I still tune in as much as I can – and check out everyone’s work.
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?
I always think the success of a show/film is down to the fans they are the ones that keep a show going. But you don’t get a great audience without great storylines, great characters and the magic of everyone behind the camera. So Thank You Neighbours fans! We couldn’t do it without you!
Interviewed May 2014