10 Iconic Ramsay Street residents

ON October 27, 1986, Australian soap opera Neighbours was added to the BBC’s daytime schedule.

The show was soon given an additional 5.35pm teatime slot and became a massive hit – at its peak it had nearly 20 million viewers in the UK.

Stefan Dennis, who plays dastardly Paul Robinson, is the only remaining cast member from the first episode.

He left for 12 years but has been a mainstay ever since and is one of the show’s most iconic characters.

But he didn’t even want the job in the first place.

“It sounds weird for any actor to say that, but I was convinced I was going to land a film role I had auditioned for when my agent called about Neighbours,” Stefan recalled.

“My first reaction was that’s a corny title. I didn’t want to do soap – I was a ‘proper’ actor’.”

But Stefan landed the role of Paul and despite thinking it would only last six months, he stayed seven years, during which time the show became a phenomenon in Britain.

“We had no idea it was really kicking off over there until we saw it for ourselves. Even when we did the Scott and Charlene wedding and 20m watched, it still didn’t hit home.

“The first time I went over was 1988 and I remember not being able to leave my mate’s house to go down the shops without checking for paparazzi first.

“It was only when the entire cast was flown over for the Royal Variety Performance that we realised it was a juggernaut. We had massive security and screaming fans everywhere – it was insane.”

Stefan worked in the UK for several years, including a stint in River City, after he left Ramsay Street in 1992. He also met his Glaswegian wife Gail here.

The family moved to Australia and Stefan was offered a two-week guest return to Neighbours. Eleven years on and he’s still there.

“I’m starting to get itchy feet again, but I’m older and more mature now,” he added. “I used to think I didn’t want to be another William Roache but I’m not bothered by that anymore.

“As long as I can do other stuff like short films with my mates and voiceover work, I’m more than happy.

“I’m fortunate to now be the longest on-going character in Australian TV history.

“I still get a great kick out of it as an actor and it’s a bit of a dream job.

“I love Neighbours.”