Neighbours launches a big new storyline for Rhys Lawson on UK screens next week as his life-long dream of becoming a surgeon comes under serious threat.
Having injured his hand at the scene of the teens' car crash, Rhys is left devastated when hospital tests reveal that he only has a small chance of a full recovery - leaving him fearing that his career will go no further.
Rhys later decides to go through the difficult process of rehab, but it's clear that there's a long journey ahead for him - and absolutely no guarantees that he'll get the outcome he's hoping for…
Digital Spy recently caught up with Ben Barber, who plays Rhys, for a quick chat about the storyline and more.
Here in the UK, we've just seen the car crash and rescue episodes. What was it like to film these huge scenes for the show?
"Great! It was a big scene and being shot at night, we had lights set up all around the site. It had a real feature film feel about it."
How does Rhys's hand injury storyline play out?
"Rhys knows his hand is injured, but he has no suspicion at all that the injury will turn out to be so serious. He is very confident about having the tests done - as far as he's concerned, he has nothing to fear.
"You'll see that Rhys tries to take on some ordinary work chores at the hospital in order to keep himself busy while his hand heals, but he is bored to tears and driving everyone crazy.
"Afterwards, the tests on Rhys's hand are brought forward and he finds out that he only has a 5% chance of a full recovery. He is devastated - becoming a surgeon is the most important thing to him and he has no plan B. This is a guy who manipulated himself into the surgical programme, it means that much to him."
Vanessa is keen to support Rhys, but he keeps pushing her away. How much of a test is this going to be for their relationship?
"Vanessa hasn't seen this side of him so she is struggling, and let's face it, he is wallowing in self-pity at the moment. In fact, he's a bit of a pig to anyone who is trying to help."
Susan and Rhys haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but she is one of the characters who tries to offer him some advice. What can you tell us about those scenes?
"Rhys has to realise that he hasn't got all the answers. He has to learn to listen to others, and Susan is no slouch when it comes to giving out advice! I always enjoy scenes with Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan - I learn something each time."
If Rhys didn't make a full recovery, do you think he'd stay in the medical profession in a different role?
"At this moment, he can't consider anything past surgery."
This is quite an emotional storyline for Rhys. Were you excited to show another side to his character?
"Absolutely. I enjoy any storyline which shows another layer to his character."
The Rhys/Vanessa/Lucas triangle is turning out to be one of the year's biggest storylines. Does Rhys have any idea or suspicion of Lucas's feelings towards Vanessa?
"Not at this stage, but he is starting to piece things together… But Rhys doesn't see Lucas as a threat, he is too confident for that. In reality, though, he is a big threat. He is the father of Vanessa's baby and it's not a normal situation."
Are you looking forward to working with a baby on set when Vanessa's child arrives?
"Yeah, it will be different. One thing I've learnt from nieces and nephews is they control the situation, so I'm expecting a scene stealer!"
What else can you tell us about what's coming up for Rhys over the rest of the year?
"The Vanessa and Lucas storyline will certainly dominate Rhys's world for most of the time!"
Will we see more of Rhys's mother in future episodes? Will his friends get a proper introduction to her?
"We certainly see more of her and Vanessa meets her, but that's the extent of it."
Are there still plans for more revelations to do with Rhys's mother, or do we already know her full background?
"We learn more about her marriage to Rhys's father, which may explain why Rhys is the way he is."
Finally, there have been some rumours doing the rounds on Twitter that Chris could be moving in with Rhys and Kyle. Can you tell us whether this is true?
"Let's just say there is certainly some house hopping coming up with Jade off the scene…"
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 in the UK, and weekdays at 6.30pm on Eleven in Australia.
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