… as Chloe busts Leo & Terese!
IIt’s a little bit saucy, isn’t it?” giggles
Neighbours star Rebekah Elmaloglou, as we quiz her on her character Terese’s steamy romance with younger employee Leo. “When our producer first called me into his office to pitch the idea of Terese and Leo together, I was like, ‘Whaaatttttt?! No way! Are you serious?’ It was the last thing I was expecting! But I have to say that the feedback we’ve had from viewers has been amazing so far.”
This unlikely romance has taken everyone by surprise – including Chloe, who’s stunned to catch the pair getting jiggy on a boat this week! But as we sit down with Rebekah and co-star Tim Kano (Leo) for a chat, they appear to be having a ball filming the risqué scenes…
What was your reaction when you first heard about this storyline, Tim?
Tim I thought it was great! I was really excited about it, because I could see where Leo’s attraction to Terese was coming from. But I was also a bit nervous, because I didn’t know how the audience would respond. Not just because of the age gap, but because Leo is betraying his father, Paul.
What sort of feedback have you had from the fans?
Tim It’s a real mixed bag. I read some comments on social media, and a lot of people are saying, “Don’t do that to your dad – Terese should be with Paul!” But then others have been saying that Leo should just go for it!
Do Terese and Leo have genuine feelings for each other?
Rebekah I actually think they do. A lot of people have questioned whether
AS TERESE AND LEO’S STEAMY FLING CONTINUES, STARS REBEKAH ELMALOGLOU AND TIM KANO ARE IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE SHOCK PAIRING…
they’re just doing it out of revenge towards Paul, but I think that’s the last thing on their minds. Terese is really flattered that this gorgeous young man fancies her, then she sees a side to him that’s quite lovely.
Tim I don’t think Leo would pursue such a risky relationship if it wasn’t true love. Terese is his ideal woman, and everything he’s looking for in a partner.
Might Terese still have feelings for Paul, though?
Rebekah There will always be something between her and Paul – that’s never going to end. And I’m sure that will come into play with her relationship with Leo… Tim Definitely – Leo will always be insecure about that. Certain situations will bring Terese and Paul closer together, which worries Leo. It’s not simple or straightforward!
The scenes seem pretty saucy! How do you approach filming those?
Tim Working with Bek is heaps of fun, she’s always makes those scenes really comfortable. They are quite risqué – they were the raunchiest scenes we’ve done on the show yet! But we both just embraced them.
Rebekah I actually find it easier doing those type of scenes with actors that I don’t know well – it’s a bit tricky when you’re good friends with someone! I was actually more nervous about kissing Tim than I was about kissing any of the hundreds of other actors I’ve had to kiss before. But once we broke the ice, it was fine.
After Chloe busts them this week, surely it’s only a matter of time before everyone else finds out…
Tim Yeah, it’s pretty difficult to keep it under wraps, especially when they’re both working with Paul! A showdown between Leo and his father is inevitable.
Rebekah They’re really worried about Paul finding out, because they know all hell will break loose when that happens! But also, Terese wants to make sure that she can tell Piper before she finds out from anyone else.
So what advice would you give to the pair of them about their fling?
Rebekah I’d say, “Just go for it, darl! He’s hot!” I’d definitely encourage it!