Before appearing on Neighbours, what sort of acting work did you have?
Mainly TV work in shows such as Breakers, City Homicide, Echo Point.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I was always drawn to it appearing in my first play at age 5. It was the Wizard of Oz and I was a rainbow. My parents don’t know where it started.
You first appeared on Neighbours in 2007 in as Abby Stafford, what was it like to be on the show at that time?
It was fun because I was playing an escort so it had a touch of the risqué about it.
Mainly TV work in shows such as Breakers, City Homicide, Echo Point.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I was always drawn to it appearing in my first play at age 5. It was the Wizard of Oz and I was a rainbow. My parents don’t know where it started.
You first appeared on Neighbours in 2007 in as Abby Stafford, what was it like to be on the show at that time?
It was fun because I was playing an escort so it had a touch of the risqué about it.
Abby was a rebound for Toadie, what was it like working with Ryan Moloney?
He is a true gentleman and goes out of his way to make you feel welcome as a guest.
You then returned in 2013 as detective Ellen Crabb. What was it like returning?
Everyone was still lovely and a few old friends are currently on the show so it was cool to catch up with them. I did like playing more of a hardline character.
Are there any similarities between you and Ellen?
She and I are both very practical people. I like being direct too but I do avoid confrontation.
Were there any story lines or scenes that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
Oh the interrogation scenes. Makes me feel like I was in Law and Order SVU (one of my fav shows ever). I even wore clothes reminiscent of that show.
He is a true gentleman and goes out of his way to make you feel welcome as a guest.
You then returned in 2013 as detective Ellen Crabb. What was it like returning?
Everyone was still lovely and a few old friends are currently on the show so it was cool to catch up with them. I did like playing more of a hardline character.
Are there any similarities between you and Ellen?
She and I are both very practical people. I like being direct too but I do avoid confrontation.
Were there any story lines or scenes that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
Oh the interrogation scenes. Makes me feel like I was in Law and Order SVU (one of my fav shows ever). I even wore clothes reminiscent of that show.
Are there any cast members you wish to work with more?
Tough question because everyone was awesome but I have to say Josef Brown because we just talked TV and politics endlessly.
You first left seven years ago, what have you done since moving away from Ramsay Street?
I have been in shows like Offspring, Rush, Killing Time, John Doe and an amazing play recently called Rhonda is in Therapy.
Is there anything you would have changed about Ellen or her story?
Nothing I would change but I would like to see more around the family unit – I think it would be good to see two mothers being represented more.
Your character is mother to recurring character Josie Lamb, is there a chance Ellen will appear on our screens again?
I hope so. There has been some talk.
Tough question because everyone was awesome but I have to say Josef Brown because we just talked TV and politics endlessly.
You first left seven years ago, what have you done since moving away from Ramsay Street?
I have been in shows like Offspring, Rush, Killing Time, John Doe and an amazing play recently called Rhonda is in Therapy.
Is there anything you would have changed about Ellen or her story?
Nothing I would change but I would like to see more around the family unit – I think it would be good to see two mothers being represented more.
Your character is mother to recurring character Josie Lamb, is there a chance Ellen will appear on our screens again?
I hope so. There has been some talk.
Were you a fan of Neighbours before you joined the cast? Do you watch the show these days?
Yes!!! I remember when Scott married Charlene. If I am at home, I still tune in.
If Ellen does not return to the show, would you like to return again as another character?
Of course but that would be a long time away. I think I would prefer to be Ellen again.
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?
Good Storylines, likeable characters…. Ooh I am not sure I could pinpoint it at all.
Yes!!! I remember when Scott married Charlene. If I am at home, I still tune in.
If Ellen does not return to the show, would you like to return again as another character?
Of course but that would be a long time away. I think I would prefer to be Ellen again.
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?
Good Storylines, likeable characters…. Ooh I am not sure I could pinpoint it at all.
Interviewed April 2014