Neighbours legend Paul Robinson receives a setback on UK screens next week as Susan Kennedy learns of his dastardly plan to oust her as the newspaper's editor.
Paul has been scheming to take control back at the paper for the past few weeks, but with shrewd Susan (Jackie Woodburne) able to stay one step ahead of him, he's gutted to realise that all of his recent plotting has come to nothing.
Soon afterwards, Paul also reaches the end of his tether with his girlfriend and PR consultant Zoe Alexander (Simmone Jade Mackinnon), deciding to end their relationship as he feels she is getting too involved with his family.
However, realising that his niece Sophie won't be pleased with the break-up, Paul makes the mistake of lying to her by claiming that Zoe initiated the split…
Digital Spy recently caught up with Stefan Dennis, who plays Paul, to hear more about his character's big week and where things are heading for him in the coming months.
Why does Paul's scheme against Susan go so wrong?
"He asks his new publicist Zoe to organise a lunch with advertisers while Susan is away, and stipulates that the deals are only valid if he is in the editor's chair. Summer finds out and lets Susan in on the plan. It all unravels from there…"
How does Paul react to his plan failing? And what does Susan say?
"Well, this is a situation which seems to be out of his control and he certainly isn't used to this, so he doesn't like it one bit! He is struggling to remain patient and focused.
"As for Susan, she isn't one for holding back and lets Paul have it when she returns. Understandably, she is furious."
Do you think Paul will give up on his ambitions to reclaim the editor's chair now?
"Paul never gives up!"
We also see that Paul is getting fed up with Zoe seeming to interfere in his family's lives. Would you say Zoe is overstepping the mark, or is Paul just being irritable?
"That's an interesting one, because from the outside she doesn't really do anything that I think you would call interfering. I think in this case, because everything is sort of falling apart with his control over the paper and his family, he can see Zoe having some influence over Sophie - and he doesn't like it."
How does Zoe react when Paul bites the bullet and finally dumps her?
"I think she is stunned, because again she didn't really do anything that was so wrong. She's a beautiful woman, very successful and Paul has just dismissed her."
Paul tells Sophie that Zoe dumped him, but it doesn't take long for her to discover the truth… Is she angry?
"Well, I guess the last thing anyone wants is to be lied to, particularly by your uncle, so Sophie is not happy with Paul painting Zoe as the bad guy."
These are Zoe's final scenes as her guest stint comes to an end. Did you enjoy working with Simmone?
"It was an absolute pleasure working with Simmone - we had a lot of fun."
With Rebecca and Lyn out of the picture and no signs of Gail returning, would you like Paul to have a long-term love interest again anytime soon?
"I actually like Paul the playboy! He had his heart shattered by Rebecca, and that's toughened him up even more. I think it will be a while before you see him settling into another relationship, if he ever does."
How do you feel about having Patrick Harvey back on set at the moment?
"It's terrific - it's like he never left the show! He has slipped right back in."
Connor's exit in 2006 was quite a mysterious one, all involving Paul's son Robert. Do you think viewers' questions will be answered at last when Connor returns?
"He comes back for a whole lot of personal reasons which will make sense to fans…"
Here in the UK, we also have the big car crash episodes to look forward to soon. What can we expect from this huge storyline?
"The fabulous thing about it is the plethora of stories that evolve from these events. Andrew will certainly experience a drastic change in his life as a result of the accident and this will definitely impact on Paul, and you may even see a softer side for an episode or two… not long though!"
We've heard that Paul is going to be quite ruthless towards Chris as he blames him for the crash…
"Yes, it's typical Paul - someone has to pay and he decides that Chris should take all of the blame before he knows the full story."
With Ajay living on the street, are you enjoying Paul having a new rival?
"Definitely - I enjoy it when Paul is toying with someone, and at the moment it's Ajay. It also provides some light relief because not all situations are high drama - Paul's pettiness can add a lot of humour to the story."
The forums are full of speculation about a possible Paul and Priya affair. Do you think that's a possibility?
"These are two of the most unlikely people to have an affair, which is precisely why it's definitely worth watching!"
Can you give us any final hints on what you're filming at the moment?
"A lot of very intense scenes as a result of Paul's actions on those around him. Let's just say, in the coming months you'll see Paul Robinson on his worst behaviour in a long time…"
Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe