Collette Mann - Sheila Canning Interview
There have been plenty of new additions to Neighbours in the past 12 months, but Sheila Canning is proving to be one of the standouts and is now a regular character on Ramsay Street.
Since arriving back on UK screens in January following time away, outspoken Sheila has landed a new job at Charlie's and has also been keeping an eye on her grandson Kyle's complicated love life!
Colette Mann, who plays Sheila, recently chatted to Digital Spy about life on Neighbours and what's coming up for her character.
You've been with Neighbours for a while, but now Sheila is a permanent fixture on the Street. How are you finding your time on the show as a regular character?
"There is a familiarity now with the character which makes things feel a lot more natural. I'm really enjoying it. The cast and crew are great and I love working!"
Most fans seem to agree that Sheila has been a fantastic addition to the cast!
"That's so nice to hear. Look, she's a tough old bird, but she definitely has some endearing characteristics. It's just sometimes a little harder to find those - but she is a first-class meddler!"
Sheila is certainly a very outspoken character! Do you share any similarities with her in real life?
"That, sadly, is probably the only quality I share with Sheila. We both do speak our minds when it's required. However, I think - or hope - I choose my moments better than she does. But I love it when she tells Paul what she thinks."
How involved have you been in the creation of Sheila? Are you given room to put your own stamp on the character?
"When you're playing a regular character, you certainly get to know them better than anyone - so you almost subconsciously add layers, it just happens. The producers have allowed me great leeway with her lines - and now all the directors have just given in to me, which is lovely of them."
Last year you took some time away from Neighbours to appear in a play. Are you hoping to continue juggling Neighbours with other projects?
"The play had been in the pipeline before I took on the role of Sheila and at the time, she was a guest character. Now she is a regular, taking those sort of sabbaticals is more difficult, but I don't mind as I'm loving what I'm doing."
What is your co-star Christopher Milligan, who plays Kyle, like to work with?
"He is heaven on a stick, and one of the most prepared young actors I've worked with. The relationship between us on screen and off is one of the most valued friendships I have had in my life. But I admit there is probably way too much laughing going on when we do work together!"
At the moment, Sheila is quite concerned that Georgia is trying to seduce Kyle. Do you think there's any chance that Sheila could warm to Georgia in the long run?
"I think everyone goes through a screening process with Sheila, but what you have to remember is that family is everything to her, so her grandson's welfare will always come first. She will give anyone close to him a really hard time for a while."
There's also a real rivalry between Sheila and Lou Carpenter, but usually in soapland, there's a fine line between love and hate! Do you think there's any chance of a Sheila/Lou romance?
"No, I think these characters work best when they are at each other's throats, and that also provides much more scope for the writers in terms of humour. Besides, Tom and I did that when I stood in for Caroline Gillmer in 1995!"
As you mentioned there, you took over from Caroline in the role of Cheryl Stark for a short time in 1995. What are your memories of that experience?
"I was told on the Friday that I was starting on the Monday. As we were filming, the different actors in the scenes were wheeled in, and someone was on the sideline explaining who they were, what our relationship was and handed me my lines. It was like that for the first two weeks. But I think I got better eventually."
After appearing temporarily as Cheryl, did you ever imagine that you'd be back on Neighbours so many years later?
"It's certainly not unusual to return to Ramsay Street. Just in my relatively short time on the show, we've had quite a number of former cast return for guest appearances - Nicola Charles, Kirsty Child and Melissa Bell - so I have to admit it was on my bucket list, and now I am back as my own character!"
Did that early experience on Neighbours help to prepare you for joining second time around, or is the show completely different now?
"Well, that was a long time ago and I've done a lot since then, but part of this business is being able to adapt to new situations.
"The fundamentals of the show are the same, but it's moved with the times in terms of the way it is shot. And of course, technology has advanced and the style of acting has been refined. I would be a bit nervous if things had not changed!"
Neighbours fans were crying out for another 'grandparent' character for a long time before Sheila came along. Do you think the show has the balance right now in terms of age groups?
"Yes, I do actually. The Kennedys, Lou and Sheila fill the matriarchal and patriarchal roles, and then you have the new parents, the Turners and, coming up, the Willises. Then there's the next tier with Toadie and Sonya, Lucas and Vanessa, then Kate, Kyle, Georgia and Chris, and then the teenagers, so I think it is very balanced."
With lots of new kids arriving on the Street, do you think we'll see Sheila become a figure who the youngsters can turn to for advice?
"Gosh, is that a good thing? I'm sure Sheila will be very happy to offer her 'incredible wisdom' where she feels it is needed. Whether it will be useful, or indeed whether the young ones actually ask for it… well, that's another thing!"
Are there any plans for new Cannings to join the Street?
"Well my two other grandsons have visited, so you never know, do you?"
Can you give us any extra hints on the stories you're filming at the moment?
"Sheila is very busy sorting out Kyle's love life - it's a full-time job! However, her attention is somewhat diverted by a visitor to Erinsborough. That's all I can say for the moment, watch this space."
Given your connection with the show, how do you feel about Prisoner being remade?
"I am thrilled to see good-quality drama being made again with strong roles for women. It is what gave me my real start in TV and I have a soft spot for the old series, but am excited to see this new one because we in this industry have all learned so much in the last 35 years - it is going to be a smash. And it's one less reality show… oooh, did I just say that out loud?"
Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe