‘We help each other learn lines!’
Stefan Dennis is one proud dad as son Declan joins Neighbours
Well, it’s nice to see Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis has some sway over who joins the residents of Ramsay Street! The soap icon, who’s played Paul Robinson since 1985, recently welcomed his real-life son Declan to the show, with Dec, 14, taking on the role of school bully Louis for a four-episode run.
But when we catch up with the boys via Zoom from their “man cave” in Oz
(it looks like a posh cellar!), both assure us there was no nepotism when it came to Declan’s casting. In fact, nailing a good old-fashioned audition got him through the door – and Stefan, 61, couldn’t be more proud of his boy!
Here, the Dennis men discuss life in Erinsborough and what
Declan really thinks of his dad’s pop star past…
Hi Dec, welcome to Ramsay Street! How does it feel?
Declan: It feels great! I was so excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait for you guys in the UK to see my episodes.
What’s it like working together? Stefan: We actually had no scenes together, I was responsible only for driving him to and from the studios! We had no interaction in the building at all, but that’s thanks to the way we’ve been working within the pandemic. We social distance on set – honestly, the cast and crew don’t go near each other.
Declan, did you go to your dad for advice about the job?
Declan: Yeah, we helped each other learn our lines.
Stefan: Not that he needed too much coaching in that respect.
It took me years to be relaxed in front of the camera, but Declan is a natural.
Was it weird growing up with a soap star for a dad? Declan: I guess it was strange in a way, but I was brought up around it – and because of that it feels more natural. I don’t know what it’s like to not grow up like this.
He was also a huge pop star back in the day…
Declan: Ha, so I’ve heard! I wasn’t alive then, but I like his songs. I have heard them!
Does it make you feel proud or slightly embarrassed?
Stefan: Probably the latter I imagine!
Declan: No way, I think they’re good tunes!
Neighbours, weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm, Channel 5