STARS SAY A SAD GOODBYE
The cast of the iconic Aussie soap are already eyeing up exciting new roles
The love-hate relationship between long-serving Neighbours stars Terese Willis and Paul Robinson was made completely believable and hilarious due to talented actors Rebekah Elmaloglou and Stefan Dennis.
Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day ahead of the hotly anticipated final-ever episode, soap star Rebekah – who joined the Ramsay Street team in 2013 – reveals that while they have a perfect on-screen relationship, they’re nothing like their characters in real life.
INCREDIBLE SUPPORT
After almost a decade on the series, Rebekah, 48, admits she’s emotional about the end – and has even resorted to swiping a few props from set!
Looking back, the actress is grateful for everything the iconic show has afforded her. As for the fanfare, she insists the outpouring of emotional support and tributes has been nothing short of incredible.
“I mean, it’s just insane,” Rebekah tells, noting that the petition to keep the show on air blew her away. “For me, personally, it really has been very helpful in knowing that it was so loved, so I think it’s beautiful.
“A massive chunk of my adult life has been committed to the show and I have to say that I have loved every second of working on that job. I’ve done hundreds and hundreds of jobs in my 40 years, but Neighbours gave me a second chance to fulfil my burning passion for what I love doing. Fast-paced soap is a very unique style – not a lot of actors can do it properly because it is so fast-paced. I just thrive in this sort of environment.”
PERFECT PAIR
Playing tough hotel manager Terese has seen the character get into some precarious situations opposite owner Paul – a co-star she’ll dearly miss.
“Stefan and I couldn’t be further from our characters if we tried,” Rebekah confides. “We’re both absolute nutters, we’re goofy and we have fun. We get along really well.”
Admitting the Terese-Paul dynamic has always felt very natural to both of them, she continues, “Stefan and I have a very, very deep connection, and I’ll really miss him because we just work. He’s crazy, fun and he’s silly.
“And he’s gorgeous – he’s an absolute delight to work with. I don’t think I’ll ever, ever find a male co-star again that
I work with closely like that.”
As for the future, Rebekah reveals she’s not ruling out a soap return.
“Would I go and work on a soap in the UK? Why not?!” she declares. “I don’t know which one – they’re all amazing. And they’ve all got such longevity like Neighbours had. There’s quite a few, isn’t there? There’s EastEnders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale. I mean, it’s just amazing. I don’t know, whoever would have me really!”
Neighbours: The Final Farewell will air in early September on TVNZ 1.