The premiere of season 3 of A Place to Call Home on Foxtel's SoHo has attracted a a consolidated cumulative audience of 500,000 viewers.
According to OzTam figures, that ranks as the third most watched drama series in subscription TV history, trailing Game of Thrones and Wentworth.
The Sunday September 27 broadcast of A Place to Call Home scored. an overnight consolidated audience of 255,000, the most watched program ever on SoHo and the fourth most popular series on pay TV this year behind Game of Thrones, Selling Houses Australia and The Flash.
The figures vindicate the decision by Foxtel executive director of television Brian Walsh to commission two series of the Seven Productions show created by Bevan Lee after the Seven Network elected not to renew it..
Walsh said: .We are knocked out by this outstanding result. It is a timely reminder that Australians love great Australian story telling and quality drama which is well conceived,...
According to OzTam figures, that ranks as the third most watched drama series in subscription TV history, trailing Game of Thrones and Wentworth.
The Sunday September 27 broadcast of A Place to Call Home scored. an overnight consolidated audience of 255,000, the most watched program ever on SoHo and the fourth most popular series on pay TV this year behind Game of Thrones, Selling Houses Australia and The Flash.
The figures vindicate the decision by Foxtel executive director of television Brian Walsh to commission two series of the Seven Productions show created by Bevan Lee after the Seven Network elected not to renew it..
Walsh said: .We are knocked out by this outstanding result. It is a timely reminder that Australians love great Australian story telling and quality drama which is well conceived,...
- 10/15/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
'Neighbours' has screened its first gay kiss in its 27-year history. The Australian soap aired Chris Pappas (James Mason) and his boyfriend Aidan Foster (Bob Morley) locking lips on the dance floor at a party on Ramsay Street. The scene has already been shown Down Under, where it was given the thumbs up from fans. One wrote: ''I love how there's a gay couple in Neighbours. They're so adorable and basically the reason I watch the show these days.'' Another said: ''Well done to @james_mason15 for showing it's Ok to be gay. Be proud.'' The soap's executive producer, Susan Bower, said she wanted to tackle...
- 4/11/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower has revealed that she is "proud" of the way the show handled its first ever male gay kiss. This week, the long-running soap aired scenes in Australia where Chris Pappas (James Mason) passionately embraced on-screen boyfriend Adan Foster (Bob Morley).
> 'Neighbours' James Mason interview: 'Logie nod is amazing' Bower said that she wanted to treat the kiss like any other on the show, telling the Herald Sun: "It's not sensationalist or token - we are very proud of the way we have done this." In 2004, Neighbours faced a backlash when they televised a lesbian kiss between schoolgirls Sky Mangel and Lana Crawford, but last night's episode only invoked praise on social networking sites. One fan wrote on Twitter: "Well done to @james_mason15 for (more)...
> 'Neighbours' James Mason interview: 'Logie nod is amazing' Bower said that she wanted to treat the kiss like any other on the show, telling the Herald Sun: "It's not sensationalist or token - we are very proud of the way we have done this." In 2004, Neighbours faced a backlash when they televised a lesbian kiss between schoolgirls Sky Mangel and Lana Crawford, but last night's episode only invoked praise on social networking sites. One fan wrote on Twitter: "Well done to @james_mason15 for (more)...
- 4/10/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Dangerous Relationships
There’s not much to say here as there was really no movement in the Alejandro/Diego storyline. In fact, they didn’t have any scenes together last week other than Alejandro flashing back to the kiss that we didn’t see. But we did get to see lots of Diego kissing his girlfriend and bragging about his sexual prowess. Thanks, show! Now, obviously Diego was overcompensating because of Alejandro’s revealing the kiss to Nora, but it’s still not clear whether Diego remembers it. But what is clear is that Hector does at least suspect that Diego might be gay. His surprise and relief that his son had a girlfriend was quite telling.
Let’s hope Nora doesn’t count on Diego always being there for her…
So now I’m left to wonder where the situation with Nora finding out that...
Dangerous Relationships
There’s not much to say here as there was really no movement in the Alejandro/Diego storyline. In fact, they didn’t have any scenes together last week other than Alejandro flashing back to the kiss that we didn’t see. But we did get to see lots of Diego kissing his girlfriend and bragging about his sexual prowess. Thanks, show! Now, obviously Diego was overcompensating because of Alejandro’s revealing the kiss to Nora, but it’s still not clear whether Diego remembers it. But what is clear is that Hector does at least suspect that Diego might be gay. His surprise and relief that his son had a girlfriend was quite telling.
Let’s hope Nora doesn’t count on Diego always being there for her…
So now I’m left to wonder where the situation with Nora finding out that...
- 4/4/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Neighbours boss Richard Jasek has joined the debate over alleged racism in Australian TV casting. The soap's executive producer, who took over from Susan Bower earlier this year, said that the show needs to reflect the diversity of the community more than it has in the past. He told The Age: "Our instincts as storytellers is to tell a story about the world as we know it. There's never been pressure that we should or shouldn't have any kind of story. ''It's in our interests to keep the accent of the show current. It would be stupid to cast Anglo characters only. It's not a numbers game, it's about remaining in line with contemporary (more)...
- 3/2/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
People of the Valley
Will Iolo ever have a storyline?
I really don’t have a clip to present about this show as this is more of a commentary regarding why I haven’t had any coverage on this Welsh drama in months. I get a lot of requests and questions about it so I thought I’d address the issue. Regular readers know that I was a big fan of this soap. Iolo, their gay character has always been written well and the actor, Dyfan Rees, is terrific in the role. But Iolo hasn’t had a storyline since his relationship with Alun last year.
Yes, he appears regularly, but only in support of other storylines such as when his brother Macs was raped (a great storyline that the show inexplicably dropped with no resolution). I wouldn’t say he’s a ‘barely there’ gay,...
People of the Valley
Will Iolo ever have a storyline?
I really don’t have a clip to present about this show as this is more of a commentary regarding why I haven’t had any coverage on this Welsh drama in months. I get a lot of requests and questions about it so I thought I’d address the issue. Regular readers know that I was a big fan of this soap. Iolo, their gay character has always been written well and the actor, Dyfan Rees, is terrific in the role. But Iolo hasn’t had a storyline since his relationship with Alun last year.
Yes, he appears regularly, but only in support of other storylines such as when his brother Macs was raped (a great storyline that the show inexplicably dropped with no resolution). I wouldn’t say he’s a ‘barely there’ gay,...
- 2/29/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower has lamented the racist abuse directed at the soap's new Indian family. A vocal minority of fans expressed outrage at the announcement last week that the Kapoor family will become regular fixtures in Erinsborough in the New Year, claiming that their casting is "un-Australian". Bower responded by taking out a column in the country's Herald Sun newspaper saying that although she "expected" the backlash, she was disappointed with the extent of negative feeling towards the Kapoors and believed that actors Sachin Joab, Menik Gooneratne and Coco-Jacinta Cherian had received "a rather sad introduction" to the show. "I should say that for every negative comment about the Kapoor family there were 10 or 15 positive ones," she said. "These racists are certainly (more)...
- 12/12/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Neighbours bosses have announced that the Kapoor family are being added to the soap's regular cast. Local councillor Ajay Kapoor (Sachin Joab) has been appearing as a guest on the show since the summer, while his wife Priya (Menik Gooneratne) has also featured on screen. The couple will become regular fixtures in early 2012 along with their teenage daughter Rani, who will be played by newcomer Coco-Jacinta Cherian. Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower commented: "I'm delighted by how the Kapoors have been introduced. Viewers already know them because of their role in the community and link with other characters, and their cultural background is secondary. "We have had many individual characters who have been representative of Australia's diverse cultural landscape, however to have a family of Indian and Sri (more)...
- 12/7/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours bosses have confirmed rumours that Erinsborough High principal Michael Williams is leaving the soap. The school headteacher, played by Sandy Winton, will bow out on screen in 2012 after nearly two years in Ramsay Street. Michael's daughter Natasha (Valentina Novakovic) will remain in Erinsborough despite her father's exit. Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower commented: "The Michael Williams character will be leaving Ramsay Street as part of a significant story coming up in April. Sandy's contribution to the show has been (more)...
- 11/7/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Good Times, Bad Times
I've read a lot of the commentary about these scenes, and I think Edwin is wildly over-reacting. He acts as if Ron was under some obligation to tell him that was gay, but I don’t think he is. It’s not like it ever came up, and Ron certainly never lied to Edwin about it. I agree with Ron that Edwin is making a big deal about it, mostly because he thinks Ron is after him.
But how does Ron hiding his sexuality, which I don’t feel he did, mean that he is out to snare Edwin? And how would not telling Edwin he was gay help Ron if he really were out to get Edwin? That does not compute to me.
Besides, thus far Ron hasn’t done anything to undermine Lucas and Edwin’s relationship. On the contrary,...
Good Times, Bad Times
I've read a lot of the commentary about these scenes, and I think Edwin is wildly over-reacting. He acts as if Ron was under some obligation to tell him that was gay, but I don’t think he is. It’s not like it ever came up, and Ron certainly never lied to Edwin about it. I agree with Ron that Edwin is making a big deal about it, mostly because he thinks Ron is after him.
But how does Ron hiding his sexuality, which I don’t feel he did, mean that he is out to snare Edwin? And how would not telling Edwin he was gay help Ron if he really were out to get Edwin? That does not compute to me.
Besides, thus far Ron hasn’t done anything to undermine Lucas and Edwin’s relationship. On the contrary,...
- 10/26/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has announced that she is leaving the soap. The Ramsay Street boss stands down from her post in December after four years in charge of the long-running show. She will then take on a new role within Neighbours' production company FremantleMedia Australia, which will include working on the business's international operations. Bower, announcing her intention to depart Neighbours, told the Herald Sun: "It was a hard decision. I love Neighbours, it is a wonderful show and because of this I felt it was important that fresh eyes and brains take over to keep this Australian icon contemporary. "Having said that, I'm really excited about the new role and thank FremantleMedia for this wonderful opportunity." FremantleMedia's CEO Ian Hogg commented: "In her time with (more)...
- 10/25/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Maryada
I can’t help but be amused by Vidya’s determination to reunite Gaurav and Karan. After all, who better to play Cupid than the woman you dumped to be with your fella? Only in soaps. But given that Vidya nearly killed herself and then took a bullet for her ex, I guess I can understand why Gaurav would feel so guilty that he'd be willing to reject the man he loves.
I hope though with everybody and their grandmother pushing these boys to get back together that Gaurav gets over himself and works things out with Karan soon. It’s wonderful that this show is telling this groundbreaking story, but I think it would do even more good if Indian viewers could see these two men dealing with the drama of an ongoing relationship.
*Thanks To Chrollianne For Theclips!
Plus Belle La Vie
This...
Maryada
I can’t help but be amused by Vidya’s determination to reunite Gaurav and Karan. After all, who better to play Cupid than the woman you dumped to be with your fella? Only in soaps. But given that Vidya nearly killed herself and then took a bullet for her ex, I guess I can understand why Gaurav would feel so guilty that he'd be willing to reject the man he loves.
I hope though with everybody and their grandmother pushing these boys to get back together that Gaurav gets over himself and works things out with Karan soon. It’s wonderful that this show is telling this groundbreaking story, but I think it would do even more good if Indian viewers could see these two men dealing with the drama of an ongoing relationship.
*Thanks To Chrollianne For Theclips!
Plus Belle La Vie
This...
- 10/19/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Neighbours star Valentina Novakovic has revealed that she is thrilled to be exploring the background of her character Natasha Williams in a new plotline. Last month, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower announced plans for a "fantastic" story which will see Tash investigate what happened to her late mother, before the truth emerges "in three parts" which will change her life forever. Speaking of Tash's forthcoming storyline for the first time, Novakovic told Digital Spy: "I've known for a couple of months what is coming but before that, I had to make up my own backstory about Tash so I could get a better handle on her, so this is great now. To have the real story is great, and what a story it is!" She continued: "We give away the information in stages. First there is a little bit of the story revealed and you (more)...
- 8/15/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours star Sandy WInton has hinted that there is a big surprise in store for viewers as the background of his character Michael Williams and daughter Natasha is explored in a future storyline. Bosses at the soap recently announced the casting of Freya Stafford (below left) as Tash's long-lost aunt Emilia, who has been tipped to "bring up a lot of old baggage" for Michael once she makes her arrival on the street. Meanwhile, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has promised that the truth about Tash's dead mother will be revealed later this year as viewers "find out the secret in three parts". In his first interview about the forthcoming plot, Winton told Digital Spy: "Emilia certainly knows a lot more about Michael and his late wife than anyone else, and he is scared about what she will reveal to Tash. "Michael (more)...
- 8/3/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours has secured a nomination for 'Best TV Drama' at the Seoul International Drama Awards. The long-running soap has been put up against entries from a variety of countries, including Brazil's Passione, Korea's Twinkle Twinkle, China's Three Kingdoms and Argentina's Left on the Shelf. The other nominees are fellow Australian drama Dance Academy, Romania's In The Name of Honour and Canada's Little Mosque 5. Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower joked: (more)...
- 7/25/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Y&R's Michelle Stafford does not like cat fights
"I actually don’t have fun playing those scenes to be honest with you. I despise playing cat fights. We’re all friends in real-life. I don’t enjoy it. I’m very pro women and I think that women are a lot more intelligent than being catty like that."
Mad Men opening gets an (unofficial) '60s makeover
"I’ve been thinking about adding some motion pieces to my portfolio and here’s the first one, a re-design of the opening credits for Mad Men. I enjoy the show, but the titles have bugged me from the start. It seems to me that they missed an opportunity for a good update of classic film and television titles from the early 1960s."
Is Ryan Murphy "Bored With Glee"?
"I think he's bored with Glee now," says a show insider who's very familiar with Murphy.
"I actually don’t have fun playing those scenes to be honest with you. I despise playing cat fights. We’re all friends in real-life. I don’t enjoy it. I’m very pro women and I think that women are a lot more intelligent than being catty like that."
Mad Men opening gets an (unofficial) '60s makeover
"I’ve been thinking about adding some motion pieces to my portfolio and here’s the first one, a re-design of the opening credits for Mad Men. I enjoy the show, but the titles have bugged me from the start. It seems to me that they missed an opportunity for a good update of classic film and television titles from the early 1960s."
Is Ryan Murphy "Bored With Glee"?
"I think he's bored with Glee now," says a show insider who's very familiar with Murphy.
- 7/21/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower recently had a chat with Digital Spy about her future plans for the soap in a very revealing interview. For chat about the show's recent performance, a new family joining Ramsay Street, Chris's new love interest and more, make sure to read the first part of the Q&A. Here, though, Soap Scoop asks Susan for teasers on some of Ramsay Street's residents... The character of Jade has received a really positive response. Can you tease any future developments for her?
"She is going to continue to be a naughty girl and the audience will see she has very strong feelings for one of the characters and she fights them. She has a very dark secret from her past and she has put up a brick wall to protect herself. She loves and adores her sister and nephew, and from that we see she...
"She is going to continue to be a naughty girl and the audience will see she has very strong feelings for one of the characters and she fights them. She has a very dark secret from her past and she has put up a brick wall to protect herself. She loves and adores her sister and nephew, and from that we see she...
- 7/19/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' police detective Mark Brennan will depart the soap in dramatic circumstances, executive producer Susan Bower has promised. The popular character will soon bow out from the Ramsay Street serial after less than a year as Scott McGregor has decided to leave the role. As revealed earlier this month, Brennan makes his departure in a special real-time episode of Neighbours which focuses entirely on a 30-minute timeframe. "A beloved character was leaving us. We didn't want him to go out with a whimper. We wanted him to go out with a bang," Bower told TV Week of the special episode. The instalment in question (more)...
- 6/13/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours bosses have announced the casting of Orpheus Pledger as a new student for Erinsborough High. The 18-year-old actor has taken on the role of guest character Noah Parkin, a free-spirited senior at the school who has been tipped to cause mayhem for the life of one Ramsay Street resident. Pledger filmed his first scenes on set with Kaiya Jones (Sophie Ramsay) last week and the soap's official website promises that Noah will "set some hearts on fire" as he begins to make his mark in the area.
Pictured: Orpheus Pledger as Noah Parkin Speaking of the new arrival, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower commented: (more)...
Pictured: Orpheus Pledger as Noah Parkin Speaking of the new arrival, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower commented: (more)...
- 5/25/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Kym Valentine has taken indefinite leave from Neighbours. The actress is said to be recovering from a depressive illness following a series of health issues. Executive producer Susan Bower explained that the soap star has the full support of the production team. She said: "Kym is a much-loved member of the Ramsay St family and her health is our paramount concern. "We wish her all the best with her recovery and we'll continue to provide support where appropriate." Valentine, who plays Libby Kennedy in the drama, came down with pneumonia in 2008 and a collapsed lung on a flight from (more)...
- 4/15/2011
- by By Kristy Kelly
- Digital Spy
Former Home and Away star Dieter Brummer has landed a guest role on Neighbours, taking on the part of Captain Troy Miller. The actor - who played Summer Bay's Shane Parrish between 1992 and 1996 - will appear on Ramsay Street for a seven-week guest stint later this year. Troy is an ex-boyfriend of established character Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey) and show bosses are tipping the soldier to be at the centre of drama in Erinsborough during his time on screen. Speaking of Brummer's casting, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower told Holy Soap: (more)...
- 3/2/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has insisted that the soap's forthcoming channel change will not lead to a major shift in style or tone. As announced last August, as of this month, the show will no longer air on Channel Ten in Australia and will instead be screened on the network's new digital station Eleven. Network bosses have confirmed that Eleven will focus on targeting a youth audience, leading to speculation that Neighbours' storylines could be altered to suit this aim. However, speaking to The West Australian, Bower explained: "I like to think the show moves along and has always resonated with the same (more)...
- 1/4/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has insisted that the soap has a "strong future" at home and abroad. The Ramsay Street show will change channels in Australia in the New Year, switching to Network Ten's new digital station Eleven following recent poor ratings. Viewing figures for Neighbours have fallen to as low as 385,000 on Ten this year, but programme bosses are hoping that it can be a strong performer as Eleven's flagship show in 2011. Reflecting on the drama's performance this year, Bower told The Sunday Telegraph: "Ratings weren't all that flash, yes, but the stories were amazing and we had a very positive response from the audience. This move is an opportunity for Neighbours (more)...
- 12/13/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has insisted that there is no link between the soap's forthcoming channel change and a recent batch of cast departures. Jane Hall (Rebecca Robinson), Matthew Werkmeister (Zeke Kinski), Erin Mullally (Declan Napier), Sam Clark (Ringo Brown), Margot Robbie (Donna Freedman) and Carla Bonner (Steph Scully) have all quit the long-running show this year ahead of its shift from Channel Ten to digital station Eleven. However, in an interview with TV Soap, Bower dismissed talk of poor morale on set and pointed out that cast departures are nothing new. She explained: "When I first arrived here, there were four people who all left at the same time and there was all this negative press. It happens all the time. It's (more)...
- 11/11/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has admitted that she would have preferred the soap's 6,000th episode to have featured a more shocking attack on Paul Robinson. The show's milestone instalment - which airs in the UK on October 15 - sees the Ramsay Street villain pushed from the mezzanine level of Lassiters, sparking a whodunit mystery. However, in an interview with Atv News Network, Bower confessed that she would have liked the drama's special edition to have seen someone shoot Paul (Stefan Dennis) instead. Discussing how the 'Who pushed P.R?' storyline was created, Bower explained: "We have four forward planning meetings a year, where all we do for an entire Saturday is plot major story arcs, and we knew that the 6,000th had to be incredibly important and sensational. "We wanted (more)...
- 9/13/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has backed the decision for the show to switch channels in Australia. Last week, it was announced that the long-running soap will be dropped from Channel Ten's schedule next year, but will become the flagship programme on the broadcaster's new digital network, Eleven. Writing on the official Neighbours website, Bower commented: "This is very exciting for us. To think that after 25 years, Neighbours is seen to be fresh and vibrant enough to help launch a new channel - quite amazing. "Neighbours will continue on Ten until Christmas with (more)...
- 8/31/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Melbourne, August 07 – After 25 years, Australian TV show ‘Neighbours’ will get its first gay male character.
Ramsay St newcomer James Mason, 20, will reveal he is gay in an upcoming episode.
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower said the coming-out storyline was a direct result of requests from young viewers in Neighbours” online forums.
Bower said though lesbian romances had featured on Home and Away and Neighbours, love scenes between men are still fairly taboo on Australian dramas.
She said the show copped flak for its teen pregnancy and surrogacy storylines, so teen homosexuality was.
Ramsay St newcomer James Mason, 20, will reveal he is gay in an upcoming episode.
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower said the coming-out storyline was a direct result of requests from young viewers in Neighbours” online forums.
Bower said though lesbian romances had featured on Home and Away and Neighbours, love scenes between men are still fairly taboo on Australian dramas.
She said the show copped flak for its teen pregnancy and surrogacy storylines, so teen homosexuality was.
- 8/7/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
Paul Robinson is to play a central role in Neighbours' milestone 6,000th episode, executive producer Susan Bower has confirmed. Writing on the soap's official website, Bower announced that the forthcoming special edition will feature a twist involving the Ramsay Street villain, marking the long history that his portrayer Stefan Dennis has had with the programme. The show boss explained: "Last week I saw episode 6,000. This marks Australian television history. The 6,000th episode falls on a Friday so the whole week is a special one. "As Stefan Dennis - Paul Robinson - was in the first episode 25 years ago, it was decided that his character play a most (more)...
- 7/14/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has encouraged fans to step up their support for the soap amid its current ratings slump in Australia. In recent months, the Ramsay Street serial has been attracting some of its lowest ever figures on Channel Ten, despite the current build-up to the show's milestone 6,000th episode. Writing on the drama's official website, Bower remarked: "You may have read in the paper that Neighbours is not enjoying the popularity that it once did so it's time all you loyal fans band together to celebrate this wonderful show. "Why don't you write some emails to your favourite cast? Tell them how much you like their characters and why. They'd love it." Speaking about what the future holds for Erinsborough's residents, the show boss (more)...
- 7/14/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Australian soap actress Kym Valentine was hospitalized with a blood clot on her lung earlier this week. The "Neighbours" star, who plays longrunning character Libby Kennedy in the hit show, was admitted to a Melbourne hospital after falling ill.
Doctors diagnosed the blood clot and the actress is expected back at work on a restricted schedule next week. "Neighbours" executive producer Susan Bower says, "Unfortunately it is that time of year when people are prone to illness. We wish Kym a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her next week when we return from a production break."
The blood clot is not Valentine's first health scare - she suffered a collapsed lung during a long-haul flight from the U.S. to Melbourne in 2008.
Doctors diagnosed the blood clot and the actress is expected back at work on a restricted schedule next week. "Neighbours" executive producer Susan Bower says, "Unfortunately it is that time of year when people are prone to illness. We wish Kym a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her next week when we return from a production break."
The blood clot is not Valentine's first health scare - she suffered a collapsed lung during a long-haul flight from the U.S. to Melbourne in 2008.
- 7/8/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Australian soap actress Kym Valentine was hospitalised with a blood clot on her lung earlier this week (begs05Jul10).
The Neighbours star, who plays longrunning character Libby Kennedy in the hit show, was admitted to a Melbourne hospital after falling ill.
Doctors diagnosed the blood clot and the actress is expected back at work on a restricted schedule next week (begs12Jul10).
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower says, "Unfortunately it is that time of year when people are prone to illness.
"We wish Kym a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her next week when we return from a production break."
The blood clot is not Valentine's first health scare - she suffered a collapsed lung during a long-haul flight from the U.S. to Melbourne in 2008.
The Neighbours star, who plays longrunning character Libby Kennedy in the hit show, was admitted to a Melbourne hospital after falling ill.
Doctors diagnosed the blood clot and the actress is expected back at work on a restricted schedule next week (begs12Jul10).
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower says, "Unfortunately it is that time of year when people are prone to illness.
"We wish Kym a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her next week when we return from a production break."
The blood clot is not Valentine's first health scare - she suffered a collapsed lung during a long-haul flight from the U.S. to Melbourne in 2008.
- 7/8/2010
- WENN
Neighbours star Kym Valentine has been rushed to hospital. The 33-year-old actress, who plays Libby Kennedy in the Australian soap, was on a two week break from filming when she was taken to a Melbourne hospital and found to have a serious blood clot on her lung. Executive producer of the show Susan Bower told The Daily Telegraph: "Unfortunately it is that time of (more)...
- 7/8/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has hinted that the show's 6,000th episode will feature a major storyline for one of its most iconic characters. Speaking in an interview with Holy Soap, Bower appeared to suggest that the milestone instalment will contain a twist involving Paul Robinson, marking his long history with the programme. The show boss revealed: "[The episode] includes an iconic character, who has in fact been in the show since episode one. He's our favourite person, the one we love to hate, and it's really been a nice slow burn, and we set up different scenarios of other characters who interact with him, and it's pretty special. "It's pretty special because the whole block (more)...
- 6/23/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has defended her decision to recast Declan Napier, arguing that the soap needed to hold on to the character. Earlier this year, it was announced that James Sorensen had quit the role and would be replaced by Erin Mullally, who was seen on UK screens for the first time yesterday. Speaking to Holy Soap, Bower confirmed that the recast went ahead as Declan has a number of big storylines on the way - including one which is to feature in the milestone 6,000th episode later this year. She explained: "[It's] always a very difficult decision, (more)...
- 6/22/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has promised that new character Poppy Rogers will bring "fun" and "mischief" to Ramsay Street. Poppy - a friend of Karl and Susan Kennedy's son Malcolm - is to arrive in Erinsborough later this year for a one-month guest stint. Show bosses have described her as a "free-spirited young woman in her early 20s". Earlier this year, Neighbours launched a UK talent hunt in order to find a budding female actress who will play the role. More than 1,500 people applied for the opportunity and five finalists have now been chosen. Speaking to Holy Soap about what fans can expect from Poppy, Bower revealed: "Obviously [she's a visitor] from the UK. Because of the perceived meddling in a storyline, [her] part in that storyline is misunderstood by a couple of the teens. That's (more)...
- 6/21/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Kylie Minogue has insisted that she was only joking when she recently spoke about the possibility of returning to Neighbours. Last month, the singer declared that it could be "hilarious" and "so much fun" to reprise her role as mechanic Charlene Robinson for a one-off episode. Minogue's comments prompted Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower to release a statement which said that the Ramsay Street soap would welcome her back "with open arms". However, asked by Access Hollywood whether she will be back in Erinsborough, (more)...
- 6/18/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours star Carla Bonner has quit the soap after nearly 11 years in the role of Steph Scully. The actress, who is one of the Ramsay Street serial's longest-serving cast members, will bow out to pursue new projects when her current contract expires in September. Responding to the news, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower told the Herald Sun: "I'm very sad that Carla is leaving us and she knows the door is always open for Steph to return to Ramsay Street. "The storylines on air and coming up showcase what an exceptional talent Carla is and while fans (more)...
- 6/3/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has announced that Kylie Minogue is welcome to make a return to the soap anytime she wishes. The show boss made the invitation in response to a recent interview which saw Minogue ponder reprising her iconic role as car mechanic Charlene Robinson. Speaking last week, the popstar confessed that it could be "so much fun" to film a one-off episode which would see Charlene "screech up the drive in her souped-up Mini which she's been working on all the time". In a statement released on Neighbours' (more)...
- 5/26/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Bosses at Aussie soap opera Neighbours tricked fans with an April Fools' Day spoof on Thursday by announcing they had changed the name of the street where the beloved show is set.
The series' executive producer Susan Bower took to the show's official website to announce that Ramsay Street would be changed to 25th Avenue in recognition of the hit soap's 25th anniversary.
The move caused a huge backlash from fans, who flooded the site's forums with complaints about the name-change.
However, the unrest soon calmed after Bower removed the post, and replaced it with the message: "April Fools!"
The soap is famous for launching the careers of pop stars Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Natalie Imbruglia.
The series' executive producer Susan Bower took to the show's official website to announce that Ramsay Street would be changed to 25th Avenue in recognition of the hit soap's 25th anniversary.
The move caused a huge backlash from fans, who flooded the site's forums with complaints about the name-change.
However, the unrest soon calmed after Bower removed the post, and replaced it with the message: "April Fools!"
The soap is famous for launching the careers of pop stars Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Natalie Imbruglia.
- 4/1/2010
- WENN
Neighbours has confirmed that its announcement of a name change for Ramsay Street was an April Fools' Day joke. Yesterday, the soap's executive producer Susan Bower told Neighbours' official website that the Erinsborough cul-de-sac was to be renamed 25th Avenue in order to mark the drama's silver anniversary. However, Neighbours has now removed the news story from its site and replaced it with the message: "April Fools!" Additionally, a (more)...
- 4/1/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has apparently renamed the show's fictional street as part of the Australian soap's silver anniversary celebrations. In the coming weeks, residents of the Ramsay Street cul-de-sac will allegedly find themselves living on 25th Avenue. Speaking of the name change, Bower told the soap's official website: "No other Australian drama has reached this incredible milestone and I think it's so important to remember this occasion. '25th Avenue' marks the beginning of our next 25 years, it's so exciting." She added: "One of the reasons Neighbours has been so successful is we have continued to evolve with the times and this is just another adjustment which may take time getting used to (more)...
- 3/31/2010
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
An extra on Neighbours apparently slashed her wrist in front of other cast members last Friday. The woman, who has been a regular walk-on actress on the Australian soap for 12 years, reportedly became distressed on set. Executive producer Susan Bower told The Herald Sun: "It was a bit of a shock. One of our regular extras wasn't really feeling the best and started behaving in an extraordinary way." Bower said that the woman became agitated and "swung her (more)...
- 3/12/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Filming on Australian soap opera Neighbours was halted last week (beg01Mar10) after police were called to deal with an actor in a "distressed" state who began smashing up the set.
Producers on the TV show stopped the shoot on Friday and called emergency services after the unnamed extra started behaving in "an extraordinary way" - breaking objects in the Melbourne studio and accidentally slicing her wrist on some cut glass.
Filming was cancelled and the cast was escorted away from the set while police and ambulance crews dealt with the woman, who was later admitted to hospital.
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower tells Australia's Herald Sun newspaper, "It was a bit of a shock. One of our regular extras wasn't really feeling the best and started behaving in an extraordinary way. She was very distressed and swung her hand and knocked a glass off a table."
Producer Neal Kingston adds, "We were concerned for the welfare of everyone and removed all cast and crew until the police arrived to assess the situation. She broke a couple of items so we cleared the situation to make sure everyone was Ok and waited for authorities to arrive. She was assisted by police and went willingly outside with them. Authorities assessed the situation and (the) cut on her hand and decided to seek further treatment. The ambulance came and took her to hospital and, from our understanding, her injury was successfully treated."...
Producers on the TV show stopped the shoot on Friday and called emergency services after the unnamed extra started behaving in "an extraordinary way" - breaking objects in the Melbourne studio and accidentally slicing her wrist on some cut glass.
Filming was cancelled and the cast was escorted away from the set while police and ambulance crews dealt with the woman, who was later admitted to hospital.
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower tells Australia's Herald Sun newspaper, "It was a bit of a shock. One of our regular extras wasn't really feeling the best and started behaving in an extraordinary way. She was very distressed and swung her hand and knocked a glass off a table."
Producer Neal Kingston adds, "We were concerned for the welfare of everyone and removed all cast and crew until the police arrived to assess the situation. She broke a couple of items so we cleared the situation to make sure everyone was Ok and waited for authorities to arrive. She was assisted by police and went willingly outside with them. Authorities assessed the situation and (the) cut on her hand and decided to seek further treatment. The ambulance came and took her to hospital and, from our understanding, her injury was successfully treated."...
- 3/10/2010
- WENN
Police were called to the Neighbours studio last week after one of the soap's regular extras began acting strangely and damaged part of the set. According to the Herald Sun, the woman in question - who has not been named - had to be taken to hospital by ambulance on Friday after slicing her wrist with a glass in a disturbance which took place during filming at Charlie's Bar. It is understood that all shooting was subsequently cancelled for the day and members of the cast and crew were removed from the set. Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower commented: "It was a bit of a shock. One of our regular extras wasn't really feeling the best and (more)...
- 3/10/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower says she plans to celebrate the show's "future as well as the present" when the series turns 25 next year. In an interview with Holy Soap, Bower revealed that Neighbours will kick off its 25th anniversary celebrations with a new set of titles. "I'm calling it 25 years young and I'd like to celebrate the future as well as the present," she said. (more)...
- 9/22/2009
- by By Darren Rowe
- Digital Spy
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower has praised the talents of departing actress Pippa Black. In June, Black announced she was quitting her role as Elle Robinson after four years with the series. In an interview with Holy Soap, Bower said: "The door would always be open for Pippa Black. She's been absolutely marvellous. "She has grown enormously in the time that she's been with us and we're very sad to see (more)...
- 9/22/2009
- by By Darren Rowe
- Digital Spy
Neighbours actress Pippa Black is the latest star to quit the iconic Australian series, reports the Herald Sun. Last year, the 26-year-old - who has played the role of Lucinda 'Elle' Robinson since 2005 - announced her intentions to leave the series before later signing an extension on her contract. Speaking of Black's decision to leave, Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower said: "We've anticipated that Pip would want to spread her wings and have been incredibly (more)...
- 6/20/2009
- by By Darren Rowe
- Digital Spy
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower has said that she should have killed off Harold Bishop. In May, Erinsborough legend Harold, played by Ian Smith, left Ramsay Street for good to travel around Australia and visit his granddaughter Sky (Stephanie McIntosh) after more than 20 years on air. Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower said: "To be honest, I just wish that with the amount of discussion that happened, and I (more)...
- 6/19/2009
- by By Darren Rowe
- Digital Spy
Ramsay Street will be plunged into mourning in a few weeks following the death of a much loved local, Digital Spy can reveal. The Ramsay Street resident will tragically pass away following a car accident and their death will have a devastating impact on a number of those who loved them most. Speaking to Digital Spy about the emotional death, Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower said: "It's a fortnight (more)...
- 6/3/2009
- by By Darren Rowe
- Digital Spy
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower has responded to claims that the soap lacks cultural diversity, admitting that it is still an issue for the long-running series. Last year, the show was criticised for its lack of non-white characters and failure to represent a multicultural Australia. "Cultural diversity is still an issue in Neighbours," Bower told fansite The Perfect Blend. "We are getting there in 'background (more)...
- 4/8/2009
- by By Darren Rowe
- Digital Spy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.