Groundhog day on Ramsay Street
Repetitive storylines curb actor’s creativity
GOLD Coast actor Lilly Van der Meer revealed her recent struggle to feel creatively fulfilled by her work on Neighbours.
The 18-year-old rising star, who plays Xanthe Canning on the hit soap, said she felt as though her character’s journey repeated itself rather than developed throughout the year.
“It (this year) definitely had its challenges,” she said. “With the (show’s) storylines, it was about trying to stay creative.
“It was an interesting start to the year with storylines but then, as an actor, that interest kind of dropped off.
“But hopefully it picks up again next year.”
Van der Meer, who has previously been dubbed “the next Margot Robbie”, is holidaying at home on the Coast to recharge for 2018.
“I have missed surfing with my friends and hanging out at the beach.
“I love sitting on the balcony, watching the surf, having an acai bowl and relaxing.
“I have had a big year so it’s great to get back home to my roots.”
Van der Meer, who moved from Queensland to Melbourne for Neighbours in 2015, also made her major modelling debut in a campaign for Novo Shoes this year – an experience she said “got my creativity back”.
But despite enjoying the change of pace, she said she had “no interest” in pursuing a career in the industry.
“It (modelling) is not my vibe or my scene. It was fun and exciting, and seeing a life-size poster of myself in the city was surreal, but it’s not something I would focus all my time and energy on.”
She said acting remained her “number one priority” and she was thankful for her opportunities this year.