In Neighbours you were part of the cast as a singer and actor, what roles did you have before you arrived on Ramsay Street?
In Australia I have been on TV since I was about 8 or 9 first on a kids show called The Tarax Show
Then The Don Lane Show, Hey Hey It's Saturday, Countdown, MTV,The Midday Show, the Bert Newton Show. Blue Heelers and as a Nightclub owner on Halifax FP.
What inspired you to pursue singing and acting?
I sort of grew up in the industry so it was all I really knew.
Your first ‘appearance’ on the show was as one of singers of the theme song. What was it like recording the iconic theme?
I had also sung on 3 other versions as some of them had group vocals so I was quite used to singing the song however it was weird hearing your own voice solo over the Theme.
Your theme song version was used from 1999 to 2001. Did you know how long your tune would run for and were you asked to record for the next rendition?
No I didn't know how long they would use that version, but then again i don't think they know how long they will use a version either.
In Australia I have been on TV since I was about 8 or 9 first on a kids show called The Tarax Show
Then The Don Lane Show, Hey Hey It's Saturday, Countdown, MTV,The Midday Show, the Bert Newton Show. Blue Heelers and as a Nightclub owner on Halifax FP.
What inspired you to pursue singing and acting?
I sort of grew up in the industry so it was all I really knew.
Your first ‘appearance’ on the show was as one of singers of the theme song. What was it like recording the iconic theme?
I had also sung on 3 other versions as some of them had group vocals so I was quite used to singing the song however it was weird hearing your own voice solo over the Theme.
Your theme song version was used from 1999 to 2001. Did you know how long your tune would run for and were you asked to record for the next rendition?
No I didn't know how long they would use that version, but then again i don't think they know how long they will use a version either.
Apart from your own rendition, which Neighbours theme is your favourite?
The original with Barry Crocker
Your first acting appearance came in 2003 when you joined the cast as Nina Tucker’s mother Trixie. What was it like joining the cast at that time? Were you prepared for the popularity of the show?
Everyone is aware of the popularity of the show , however when I joined the show Delta was only about 4 weeks away from being diagnosed with lymphoma. It was a massive shock for everyone and the direction of my role had to change dramatically.
Are there any similarities between you and Trixie?
We both sing, that’s about it.
Trixie ended up marrying Lou Carpenter, what was it like working with Tom Oliver?
Tom Oliver is a lovely man, and he helped me a lot,
The original with Barry Crocker
Your first acting appearance came in 2003 when you joined the cast as Nina Tucker’s mother Trixie. What was it like joining the cast at that time? Were you prepared for the popularity of the show?
Everyone is aware of the popularity of the show , however when I joined the show Delta was only about 4 weeks away from being diagnosed with lymphoma. It was a massive shock for everyone and the direction of my role had to change dramatically.
Are there any similarities between you and Trixie?
We both sing, that’s about it.
Trixie ended up marrying Lou Carpenter, what was it like working with Tom Oliver?
Tom Oliver is a lovely man, and he helped me a lot,
Although Nina and Trixie did not get a lot of screen time, what was it like working with Delta Goodrem, especially during a time when her career was escalating?
Well that was very exciting because Delta was already a big star and my daughter who was 12 at the time, thought that was pretty cool .
Were there any story lines or scenes that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
I particularly enjoyed doing all the silly Trixie cooking dinner scenes, as they made her out to be such a shocking cook and a real klutz in the kitchen. It was fun. In real life I adore cooking and am quite a good cook (even if I say so myself)
Are there any cast members you wished to of worked with more?
All the people who were on the show were lovely. I bump into Jackie Woodburne and Allan Fletcher a bit. they are fun.
Trixie headed off to Hong Kong with new husband Lou in 2004 to star in her own show. The show was a flop and Lou ended up broke. What led to your decision to leave the show? What did you think of Trixie’s exit?
Actors have no control over what happens to them in a show. Well to clarify that, I mean casual actors , not the people who have been in it for years. I should think they would have a bit of a say as to what happens to their characters. I wasn't happy about Trixie's behaviour , but we still don't know what actually happened to Trixie . Do we ?
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
As I said before I occasionally bump into Jackie and Allan.
Well that was very exciting because Delta was already a big star and my daughter who was 12 at the time, thought that was pretty cool .
Were there any story lines or scenes that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
I particularly enjoyed doing all the silly Trixie cooking dinner scenes, as they made her out to be such a shocking cook and a real klutz in the kitchen. It was fun. In real life I adore cooking and am quite a good cook (even if I say so myself)
Are there any cast members you wished to of worked with more?
All the people who were on the show were lovely. I bump into Jackie Woodburne and Allan Fletcher a bit. they are fun.
Trixie headed off to Hong Kong with new husband Lou in 2004 to star in her own show. The show was a flop and Lou ended up broke. What led to your decision to leave the show? What did you think of Trixie’s exit?
Actors have no control over what happens to them in a show. Well to clarify that, I mean casual actors , not the people who have been in it for years. I should think they would have a bit of a say as to what happens to their characters. I wasn't happy about Trixie's behaviour , but we still don't know what actually happened to Trixie . Do we ?
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
As I said before I occasionally bump into Jackie and Allan.
You left ten years ago, what have you done since moving away from Ramsay Street?
I perform with my band weekly and I compere a show on Channel 31 called Wrokdown, which involves interviewing people in the music industry. I have been involved in theatre productions , some of which have taken me overseas, I consult for a Singing Business and I interview for The National Film and Sound Archives of Australia.
How much input did you have into your storylines? Is there anything you would have changed about the character or her story?
I had no input at all. Trixie wasn't a horrible character, just totally delusional. She was on a different planet.!!!
Would you ever consider returning to the show? If so, how would you like your character to return?
Of course I would consider it. Maybe Trixie made all that money back over ten years and she's going to show up and pay up. Lou would have to like that.
Were you a fan of Neighbours before you joined the cast? Do you watch the show these days?
I was always aware of Neighbours but I didn't watch it religiously. In the entertainment industry and especially if you are working in bands as I do , you are out at nights.
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?
Continuity for people who have always watched it and something new for younger audiences. There is something for everyone in that show.. It shows people overseas the Australian lifestyle and people love that. We are a lucky country.
I perform with my band weekly and I compere a show on Channel 31 called Wrokdown, which involves interviewing people in the music industry. I have been involved in theatre productions , some of which have taken me overseas, I consult for a Singing Business and I interview for The National Film and Sound Archives of Australia.
How much input did you have into your storylines? Is there anything you would have changed about the character or her story?
I had no input at all. Trixie wasn't a horrible character, just totally delusional. She was on a different planet.!!!
Would you ever consider returning to the show? If so, how would you like your character to return?
Of course I would consider it. Maybe Trixie made all that money back over ten years and she's going to show up and pay up. Lou would have to like that.
Were you a fan of Neighbours before you joined the cast? Do you watch the show these days?
I was always aware of Neighbours but I didn't watch it religiously. In the entertainment industry and especially if you are working in bands as I do , you are out at nights.
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?
Continuity for people who have always watched it and something new for younger audiences. There is something for everyone in that show.. It shows people overseas the Australian lifestyle and people love that. We are a lucky country.
Interviewed February 2014