Christopher Milligan (Kyle Canning, 'Neighbours' Interview on DS
When did you hear that Kyle would become a regular character on Neighbours and what was your reaction?
"It was in October last year and I was ecstatic. Kyle had been a guest character for nearly three years so it's great to be full-time now and to be able to evolve the character."
When you were in talks about a more permanent role on the show, did the producers tell you much about upcoming storylines?
"I just had to wait and see, but I know they have a lot in store for Kyle so I'm happy to be guided by the producer and writers."
This week, we see a lot of tension between Brennan and Kyle as they clash over Kate. What are Kyle's feelings for Kate at this point?
"Kyle has always liked Kate because she is a nice girl and not like the other girls he's had relationships with. But after seeing her get hurt by Brennan, he is very protective. And while he has always liked Kate, he has never wanted to push her into liking him."
As Brennan is quite intelligent and has a successful career, does Kyle worry that he wouldn't be able to compete with him in a fight for Kate's affections?
"Yes, he knows that Brennan has it over him in terms of intelligence and he knows that Kate is also very smart so he certainly isn't confident about himself on that level!"
We end up seeing Kyle and Brennan team up together when Kyle has some trouble with a dodgy police officer. What can you tell us about the storyline?
"This is where a corrupt cop tries to extort money from Kyle when he is working in the car yard. Kyle is very scared because this guy means business and is very intimidating, and Kyle doesn't know what to do so he goes to Brennan. At first it isn't easy for them to work together because it's hard for Kyle to seek help off someone he's already had problems with, and he knows how Brennan feels about him - plus it's another cop, so he isn't convinced that Brennan will believe him."
After teaming up, is this a turning point for Kyle and Brennan, or will they be back at each other's throats before too long?
"I think it is a turning point, and while they won't be worst enemies, they won't be best buddies, somewhere in the middle - particularly when there is a girl involved!"
Moving forward, would you like to see Kyle have a future with Kate or do you think he's better suited to someone else?
"They would certainly be the nice couple, but I think it would be good for Kyle to be with someone he clashes with."
We know that Scott McGregor, who played Brennan, recently finished filming at Neighbours. Were you sad to see him go?
"Absolutely, Scott was a really funny guy and got along with everyone, and I was lucky to have the last scene with him on set."
We've heard that Kyle will soon be moving into Number 26, which will become a new share house. Are you excited about this?
"It's very exciting and the storylines coming up will involve characters that get along with Kyle, but also clash with him so it will be very interesting as well. You'll see different sides of Kyle including a lot of funny stuff."
Now that Kyle is sticking around as a Ramsay Street regular, where can we expect his character to go this year?
"Well, he needs to get a proper job! He'll start his own business which will bring him into contact with all the residents on the street. And while he is a pretty laid-back guy, you'll find he'll be the unexpected friend to a lot of the characters."
Do you think the writers could ever explore Kyle's background and maybe introduce some of his family?
"Because Kyle is such an 'out there' character, I think it would be fun to see some of his family and friends. I haven't heard if this is in the pipeline but I'd love it."
Kyle was a bit more of a bad boy when he first joined the show, hanging around with school bully Justin and causing trouble. Have you appreciated the chance to show that there's other sides to the character?
"It actually all fits together. He started out as the school bully because at that time of life he was immature and trying to stamp his position in the school. Then there was the rafting accident, then he finished school and couldn't find a job, he wanted to change. He didn't want to be that person anymore."
Your co-star and real-life housemate Jordan Smith recently told us that he'd like to work with you more on set. Is that something you'd like as well?
"Definitely, and while it might be hard to believe, because we do live together we do go through our scenes together and really work on them at home. It would be great to have more scenes together because I know we would be prepared - despite what everyone thinks!"
What are your interests outside of Neighbours?
"With winter coming on here I'm starting to play indoor soccer and I play tennis once a week with Jordan, Val [Novakovic] and Gemma [Pranita]. I came to Melbourne four years ago to work on The Pacific so I've made a lot of new friends and I always try to catch up with them on the weekends, just the usual stuff."