Benjie McNair (Malcolm Kennedy, 'Neighbours') DS Interview
Neighbours bosses recently unveiled a treat for long-term fans of the soap as they announced that Benjie McNair had signed up for a four-month return stint as Malcolm Kennedy. Malcolm makes his screen comeback later this year amid fresh marital problems for his parents Susan and Karl, which begin when Susan starts to develop an emotional connection to another man. Here, Benjie chats to Digital Spy about being back on Ramsay Street and what's to come for the Kennedys.
Why did you decide to return to Neighbours?
"It's always good to be in work as an actor and to be asked to come back to Neighbours is a real gift. It's a great place to work and being so familiar with people, it's terrific to see the old faces again as well as meet a lot of new ones."
What brings Malcolm back to Ramsay Street?
"Malcolm speaks to his parents regularly and senses there is a problem - things are tense between them, and also his siblings agree there is trouble brewing. Malcolm is trying to get to the bottom of it without appearing too nosy. He cares about his parents deeply and wants them to live a life of harmony, so if he can help, he'll certainly try."
Has Malcolm changed much since the last time we saw him, or is he the same old guy?
"He is very similar. He is still quite assertive in a business sense. He has given up on the project he was trying to force upon Harold's and moved on to working with a large company as an area manager. And being a man of the world, he tends to take things in his stride and has an air of confidence about him."
Is Malcolm surprised to learn that his parents are facing marital problems again?
"No, he isn't surprised. I think like any marriage they have their ups and downs. It's not a surprise for Malcolm that they have troubles, but it may be a surprise as to where the troubles are coming from. Prior to this, most of the problems stemmed from Karl and his infidelity issues, however this could be something quite different with more unfolding. I can't say any more!"
What's the mood like between Karl and Susan when Malcolm returns?
"Really, Karl and Susan are treading different paths at the moment - and Karl wants her to tread his path, but Susan is digging her heels in and doesn't want to compromise what is important to her, like caring and nurturing people."
How is Karl feeling about his problems with Susan?
"I think Karl feels quite justified with his concerns, as he really doesn't appear to have done anything wrong in this instance and his fear would be that Susan may be turning the tables and taking an interest in another person…"
Do you think Malcolm has what it takes to get things back on track for his parents?
"Of course. Yes, he does have what it takes, although I think it is going to be a challenge for him. He has a lot of compassion for his parents and while sometimes it can be a struggle with his father, as the years have gone by he has grown into the type of person who has the maturity to deal with both sides of the story without necessarily taking sides, but we'll have to wait and see."
What's it like to be working with Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne again?
"Fantastic. A lot of fun, still the same and in all sincerity, it doesn't feel like I've been away. The first day on set was a lot of fun."
Has Neighbours changed much since you were last on the show?
"I don't feel it has changed too much. It's still the same successful formula and still going strong. In essence, the show hasn't changed, it still has that same interactive quality that communities have which makes it a very watchable programme."
You've returned to Neighbours a number of times since your original departure in 1997. What is it that brings you back each time?
"It's a great place to work and I know when I do come back, it's going to be a lot of fun and very enjoyable. I think it's great for the viewers to see how characters have developed and return from time to time. I think that is testament to the strength of the show that a character can return and viewers pick up where they left off. It's a real pleasure."
Along with Susan and Karl, who does Malcolm share scenes with after his return?
"Gee, pretty much everyone at some stage! Today I filmed scenes with Toadie and Summer. The Kennedys' is a hub of activity with characters dropping in constantly, so I'm sure there's lots more to come."
Four months is a long time for Malcolm to be back, so will we see him get a job nearby? What keeps him in Erinsborough?
"This is the longest guest role I've done. He is in a position to do what needs to be done work-wise without compromising his main objective, which is to help his parents."
What's going on with Malcolm's relationship with Catherine at the time of his return? Are they still together?
"All is going well on that front!"
Would you ever consider a more permanent return to Neighbours?
"As an actor, it's nice to be working and I think all offers need to be considered."
Finally, the news of your return seems to have gone down really well with Neighbours fans. Is it nice to know that Malcolm is so fondly remembered?
"It's always reassuring to know you are fondly remembered in any arena of life so yes, it's very nice!"
