Gayle Blakeney “Christina is surprised by the intensity of her own feelings”
EX-NEIGHBOURS STARS GAYLE & GILLIAN BLAKENEY RETURN TO OUR SCREENS AS THE ALESSI TWINS AFTER ALMOST THREE DECADES AWAY…
Paul prepares to make Terese the sixth Mrs Robinson this week – but after the reappearance of four of his ex-wives, the groom has big doubts whether or not to go through with the wedding! Could the arrival of former sister-in-law Caroline put things into perspective for him?
“Caroline thinks her sister Christina is way too bitter for her own good!” reveals Gillian Blakeney, who reprises her role as Caroline. “She acknowledges Chrissie’s resentment towards Paul, but doesn’t condone her plan. She sets out to help Chrissie see the error of her ways, while trying to protect Paul and Terese.”
Caroline and Christina were last seen on screen way back in 1992 – and both Gillian and twin sister Gayle say they had a blast returning to Neighbours…
It’s great to speak to you both! How did your return come about?
Gayle We were approached earlier this year about returning for a great storyline and we figured, ‘why not’? It was only then we realised it’s almost 30 years since we first arrived on Ramsay Street! It’s been a fun ‘high-school reunion’ type of experience. We loved catching up with people we hadn’t seen in decades.
What did you think of the ‘ex-wives’ club plot when you heard about it?
Gayle It’s a clever storyline and the audience will enjoy it. Christina’s arrival throws Paul for a loop, to say the least!
Gillian Caroline most definitely doesn’t approve! She feels enough time has passed for Paul to have grown as a person, and to give him the benefit of the doubt. This ex-wives scheme is something she feels is very wrong. She also doesn’t want Terese to get hurt.
Gayle I think Christina is surprised by the intensity of her own feelings, and the resentment that’s brewed over time.
What was it like to be back on the Neighbours set after so many years?
Gayle The studio was a big thrill to come back to. The indoor sets are similar to what we used in the 90s, but the exterior set has grown and was quite impressive!
Gillian It was wonderful. Stefan [Dennis, aka Paul] hadn’t changed one bit –
he’s still down-to-earth and adorable. Rebekah [Elmaloglou, aka Terese] is a riot. We were non-stop laughing with her! The entire week of filming was a complete departure from life as we know it these days, and it was fantastic.
Have you and Stefan kept in touch over the past three decades?
Gayle I hadn’t seen him for years. Gillian saw him at a wedding about 10 years ago. We share a close mutual friend, so we’ve kept abreast of each other’s lives.
What are you both up to nowadays?
Gayle I’ve been married for over 16 years to my darling husband, Mark. I’m a hard-working stay-at-home mum to my two kids Jack [15], and Kate [13].
Gillian I love being a mum and wife. I remarried three years ago – I adopted his kids and he adopted my daughter, so we are a blended family. Life is good!
Would you consider going back to Neighbours for a longer stint?
Gayle I live in LA, so it’s tricky. And I’m not looking to restart my acting career. But yes, I’d return for a bit more fun. Gillian If we’re invited back, we are definitely saying yes!