Valentina Novakovic (Natasha Williams, 'Neighbours') DS Interview

[Perdita]

Natasha's behaviour continues to spiral out of control on Neighbours this week, as she remains determined to keep Andrew trapped in her web of deceit. When the pair attend a pre-natal class and Natasha sees how committed Andrew is to fatherhood, she starts to feel guilty for lying to him about being pregnant.

However, when she learns that Andrew's watch was found in Summer's bedroom after the recent fire, Natasha is reminded of his infidelity and why she wanted revenge in the first place. Will the schemer ever come clean or is she heading for a fall? Here, actress Valentina Novakovic, who plays Natasha, speaks to Digital Spy about her character's lies.

Now that a few weeks have passed since Natasha started lying to Andrew, how is she feeling?
"I don't think she is thinking straight or feeling anything at the moment. It's a lie on top of another lie. She hasn't planned anything, she is making it up as she goes along. Her only goal is to keep Andrew and Summer apart because of what they did to her and because she was hurt - but she doesn't have an escape plan."

How does Natasha feel when she attends the pre-natal class with Andrew?
"They have been getting along quite well at this stage and they do the class, and while she hates all the baby stuff, she gets close to Andrew and realises what she liked about him in the first place. He does have this kind and gentle side that you don't see a lot of. She almost gets caught up in the fantasy she has created."


Natasha certainly seems to be wrestling with her conscience at the moment - does she get close to confessing the truth?
"She doesn't. There's times when she is getting along with Andrew and then the guilt sets in about what she has done, but she certainly doesn't have a plan to come clean because she knows Andrew will be angry with her."

What happens when Natasha finds out that Andrew's watch was found in Summer's room?
"She breaks the watch and then puts even more pressure on Andrew to get a job and to buy all this expensive stuff for the baby, which has him stressing out!"

Then Andrew gets a lucrative job opportunity when he's offered a trainee position at Eden Hills Music…
"Yes, but Natasha's still very angry and hurt about Andrew and Summer being together at the Scully house during the fire, so instead of being supportive of this great new job opportunity, she accuses him of being selfish because she's going to be stuck at home with the baby. She's so over the top and he doesn't take the job."


Did you have any sympathy with Natasha when you were filming this storyline?
"Well, I have to have sympathy for her and I need to understand how she is feeling. I know she goes to these extremes - it's so full-on, the whole pregnancy thing, but she was upset and hurt and it was the first thing that came into her head. Once she started the lie, she couldn't take it back."

Do you hope the viewers will also have some sympathy for her?
"Yes, of course I do. When I first read the scripts I thought, 'What on earth is she doing?' - however, you have to think deeper into it. It was because she was so upset and while it's not obvious, she is very self-conscious deep down - this is her defence mechanism and you have to consider what started this."

Did you enjoy filming this storyline?
"Yes, it was fun because there was so much heightened drama, and I enjoy playing all of Natasha's ups and downs!"

Could this experience change Natasha in the long term?
"I hope so. You would think she would start to grow up. She'll have to realise she can't keep lying - eventually everyone will turn against her and the one thing Tash can't cope with is being alone."


Recently, some fans have remarked that they'd like to see Natasha's background explored more to explain her behaviour. Could that happen?
"I am hoping that we'll delve into what happened to her mother and it develops into a larger story with her dad and he explains what happened. I'd love her mum to turn up one day and I know Sandy [Winton] would too."

What's the tone of the material that you're filming at the moment?
"It's definitely a lot lighter now. Tash is now friends with Chris and things have smoothed over with Summer and Andrew, so they're all friends again."

In the aftermath of this storyline, would you prefer to see Natasha become more of a villain or be redeemed?
"I've played the villain for over a year now so I would like to show a softer, funnier side of Tash, but she is what she is and it takes time to change a character."

Finally, as a number of characters from the younger age group are about to leave Neighbours, including Declan and Zeke, would you like to see some fresh faces for Natasha to interact with?
"Yeah, I would really like that. Chris is gay and Andrew and Summer are off doing their own thing, so it would be nice for Tash to find someone. Maybe someone outside the school or Erinsborough!"

[alan45]

Neighbours' tearaway teenager Natasha Williams faces another turbulent few days in this week's episodes as she remains isolated from her father Michael. Although Michael is starting to feel guilty about ignoring Tash, his resolve is strengthened when he hears her continuing to lie about the graffiti incident during an appearance on PirateNet. Afterwards, Michael carries on snubbing Tash's attempts to get back in his good books, pushing her to the limit until she breaks down in front of Paul Robinson at Harold's Store. Here, actress Valentina Novakovic (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/celebrities/valentina-novakovic/) - who plays Tash - chats to Digital Spy about this week's episodes and the big storyline planned for her character later this year.

How is Tash feeling following her father's decision to stop playing an active role in her life?
"It's very different, very weird and something she didn't expect! She is quite hurt about it, far more than if she had actually been punished. And she is very disappointed in herself for hurting him so much."

With Michael trying to act like he's not interested in her, Tash is having to be a lot more independent. Does she find that easier or harder than she expected?
"It's easier in the sense that she can do what she wants, but it's harder because she wants her father's attention, which is why she goes to the extremes of abusing this freedom that she has so she'll get his attention. It's very complex!"

Tash ends up making the situation worse as Michael hears her lying about the graffiti on the radio. Why does Tash carry on her deception in public?
"She just doesn't know how to tell the truth when she is caught out. She just keeps going and going with more lies to cover things up until she is at the point of no return."

We see Tash trying to get back on her father's good side by playing an active role in the housekeeping and ironing his shirts. Is Michael responsive to Tash's attempts to reach out?
"Not at all - he just brushes it aside, even though it's hard for him to do that. She knows how much her father loves her which is why this is even more jarring, as she realises it must be killing her father to act this way."

Paul also becomes involved in the storyline when Tash breaks down in front of him. Do you enjoy those opportunities to show Tash's softer side?
"Yes, absolutely, it shows she does have a vulnerable side and she isn't nearly as tough as she appears! Michael also gets angry that someone else is now involved."

How long do you think it will take for Tash and Michael to get back on track as father and daughter?
"Without giving too much away, they do make amends - however, it's not easy! There is a lot to work through and Tash needs to earn Michael's respect."


http://i1.cdnds.net/11/31/M/soaps_neighbours_sandy_winton_4.jpg

Do you think viewers will sympathise with Tash as she's so lonely in this storyline, or is there an element of her getting what she deserves?
"Of course the natural reaction would be that she deserves everything that has happened to her, but I think viewers will feel that enough is enough and have a little sympathy for her."

We've seen Tash go through various dramas, but she often doesn't seem to learn from them! Do you think this could be the storyline that changes her as a character?
"I think it is. What we are filming at the moment features a Tash which is a lot more sensitive and not quite so self-absorbed."

On a different note, Tash's friendship with Chris has been nice to watch. Have you enjoyed filming those scenes with James Mason?
"Absolutely, we've had some great scenes together which are often very funny and completely different from when she is with her girlfriends. James is just as nice as Chris!"

We know that Chris has a relationship story on the way, so will Tash have any involvement in that as one of his close friends?
"Definitely. Chris and Tash have become closer because of the dramas in her life and are now almost best friends. Something as big as a relationship is something they would share."


http://i2.cdnds.net/11/29/M/soaps_neighbours_freya_stafford.jpg

The big news recently has been Freya Stafford joining the show as Tash's aunt Emilia. Are you enjoying working with her?
"Yes, it's like a breath of fresh air. Freya is a great actress so for me, it's a privilege to be working with someone like her and she is also terrific fun."

Has Tash ever met Emilia before, or is she a complete stranger to her?
"She did meet her, but it was when she was just a toddler so she basically is a complete stranger to her."

Will we see Tash get along with Emilia or is there some tension there?
"The only tension is they are seeing each other behind Michael's back but from the start, they get along really well. Although when Tash mentions her mother, Emilia's reaction is quite strange. But there is so much coming up between these two that all this could change!"


http://i1.cdnds.net/10/33/M/soaps_neighbours_valentina_novakovic_aka_natasha_w illiams.jpg

Tash and Michael's pasts have been something of a mystery for quite a while now. Is it nice to be delving into it now?
"Oh, absolutely. I've known for a couple of months what is coming but before that, I had to make up my own backstory about Tash so I could get a better handle on her, so this is great now. To have the real story is great, and what a story it is!"

We know that there's a big revelation on the way regarding Tash's mother, which is currently top secret. Were you shocked when you heard what's in store?
"Oh yeah, it's a great story. We give away the information in stages. First there is a little bit of the story revealed and you think 'Wow', but then there is more and more and more!"

For a while, yourself and Sandy Winton were the most recent additions to the Neighbours cast. As there's been so many new arrivals recently, is it nice to not be the newbies now?
"For a while we were the newbies, but now it has definitely changed! We've been filming on the show now for nearly a year and half so feel very much part of the furniture now."

[Perdita]

Neighbours' tearaway teenager Natasha Williams faces another turbulent few days in this week's episodes as she remains isolated from her father Michael. Although Michael is starting to feel guilty about ignoring Tash, his resolve is strengthened when he hears her continuing to lie about the graffiti incident during an appearance on PirateNet. Afterwards, Michael carries on snubbing Tash's attempts to get back in his good books, pushing her to the limit until she breaks down in front of Paul Robinson at Harold's Store. Here, actress Valentina Novakovic (\"http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/celebrities/valentina-novakovic/\") - who plays Tash - chats to Digital Spy about this week's episodes and the big storyline planned for her character later this year.

How is Tash feeling following her father's decision to stop playing an active role in her life?
\"It's very different, very weird and something she didn't expect! She is quite hurt about it, far more than if she had actually been punished. And she is very disappointed in herself for hurting him so much.\"

With Michael trying to act like he's not interested in her, Tash is having to be a lot more independent. Does she find that easier or harder than she expected?
\"It's easier in the sense that she can do what she wants, but it's harder because she wants her father's attention, which is why she goes to the extremes of abusing this freedom that she has so she'll get his attention. It's very complex!\"

Tash ends up making the situation worse as Michael hears her lying about the graffiti on the radio. Why does Tash carry on her deception in public?
\"She just doesn't know how to tell the truth when she is caught out. She just keeps going and going with more lies to cover things up until she is at the point of no return.\"

We see Tash trying to get back on her father's good side by playing an active role in the housekeeping and ironing his shirts. Is Michael responsive to Tash's attempts to reach out?
\"Not at all - he just brushes it aside, even though it's hard for him to do that. She knows how much her father loves her which is why this is even more jarring, as she realises it must be killing her father to act this way.\"

Paul also becomes involved in the storyline when Tash breaks down in front of him. Do you enjoy those opportunities to show Tash's softer side?
\"Yes, absolutely, it shows she does have a vulnerable side and she isn't nearly as tough as she appears! Michael also gets angry that someone else is now involved.\"

How long do you think it will take for Tash and Michael to get back on track as father and daughter?
\"Without giving too much away, they do make amends - however, it's not easy! There is a lot to work through and Tash needs to earn Michael's respect.\"


http://i1.cdnds.net/11/31/M/soaps_neighbours_sandy_winton_4.jpg

Do you think viewers will sympathise with Tash as she's so lonely in this storyline, or is there an element of her getting what she deserves?
\"Of course the natural reaction would be that she deserves everything that has happened to her, but I think viewers will feel that enough is enough and have a little sympathy for her.\"

We've seen Tash go through various dramas, but she often doesn't seem to learn from them! Do you think this could be the storyline that changes her as a character?
\"I think it is. What we are filming at the moment features a Tash which is a lot more sensitive and not quite so self-absorbed.\"

On a different note, Tash's friendship with Chris has been nice to watch. Have you enjoyed filming those scenes with James Mason?
\"Absolutely, we've had some great scenes together which are often very funny and completely different from when she is with her girlfriends. James is just as nice as Chris!\"

We know that Chris has a relationship story on the way, so will Tash have any involvement in that as one of his close friends?
\"Definitely. Chris and Tash have become closer because of the dramas in her life and are now almost best friends. Something as big as a relationship is something they would share.\"


http://i2.cdnds.net/11/29/M/soaps_neighbours_freya_stafford.jpg

The big news recently has been Freya Stafford joining the show as Tash's aunt Emilia. Are you enjoying working with her?
\"Yes, it's like a breath of fresh air. Freya is a great actress so for me, it's a privilege to be working with someone like her and she is also terrific fun.\"

Has Tash ever met Emilia before, or is she a complete stranger to her?
\"She did meet her, but it was when she was just a toddler so she basically is a complete stranger to her.\"

Will we see Tash get along with Emilia or is there some tension there?
\"The only tension is they are seeing each other behind Michael's back but from the start, they get along really well. Although when Tash mentions her mother, Emilia's reaction is quite strange. But there is so much coming up between these two that all this could change!\"


http://i1.cdnds.net/10/33/M/soaps_neighbours_valentina_novakovic_aka_natasha_w illiams.jpg

Tash and Michael's pasts have been something of a mystery for quite a while now. Is it nice to be delving into it now?
\"Oh, absolutely. I've known for a couple of months what is coming but before that, I had to make up my own backstory about Tash so I could get a better handle on her, so this is great now. To have the real story is great, and what a story it is!\"

We know that there's a big revelation on the way regarding Tash's mother, which is currently top secret. Were you shocked when you heard what's in store?
\"Oh yeah, it's a great story. We give away the information in stages. First there is a little bit of the story revealed and you think 'Wow', but then there is more and more and more!\"

For a while, yourself and Sandy Winton were the most recent additions to the Neighbours cast. As there's been so many new arrivals recently, is it nice to not be the newbies now?
\"For a while we were the newbies, but now it has definitely changed! We've been filming on the show now for nearly a year and half so feel very much part of the furniture now.\"

There is already a thread with this title, maybe a mod could merge the two please
/www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?120221-Valentina-Novakovic-(Natasha-Williams-Neighbours-)-DS-Interview

[Perdita]

Neighbours star Valentina Novakovic has revealed that she would like to see a new romance storyline unfold for her character Natasha Williams next year.

Tash's love life has always been rocky during her time on Ramsay Street as Andrew Robinson (Jordan Smith) cheated on her with Summer Hoyland (Jordy Lucas), while older guy Ivan DeMarco embroiled her in a raunchy photograph scandal.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Novakovic confessed that she would now like Tash to have an easier time with men.

Asked what she hopes 2012 will bring for Tash, the actress replied: "It would be nice for Tash to meet a boy, she hasn't had a lot of luck in that department so far - and definitely more outrageous behaviour, it's great fun to play."

Tash's current storyline explores the mystery surrounding her late mother, and next week's episodes on Channel 5 see the student discover exactly how Helena died.

However, Novakovic has now confirmed that the plot will continue into 2012 with more surprises in store.

She said: "There is a lot more to come and you will have to wait until next year, but it's worth the wait. Just when one piece of the puzzle is revealed, there is another piece and then another."

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 in the UK, and weekdays at 6.30pm on Eleven in Australia.

[alan45]

Neighbours student Natasha Williams makes a life-changing discovery in next week's episodes as she finally learns the truth about her mother's death.

While celebrating her 18th birthday, Natasha's big moment turns sour as she receives a copy of her mum's death certificate, which shows that she didn't have an illness after all - she actually drowned all those years ago.

Upset that her father Michael (Sandy Winton) has been lying to her for so long, Tash storms straight home and confronts him and Emilia (Freya Stafford), who are now on better terms.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Valentina Novakovic - who plays Tash - explained: "She is devastated. She can't believe her father has lied for all these years to her about something so important as this.

"The fact Emilia is in on the lie as well makes it even more distressing. Of course, this leads her on to wanting to know more and wonder what else have they been hiding - and there is more!"

As Tash demands an explanation, how will Michael react?

http://i2.cdnds.net/11/47/618_soaps_neighbours_wk_48_1.jpg

http://i2.cdnds.net/11/47/618_soaps_neighbours_wk_48_2.jpg



Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 in the UK, and weekdays at 6.30pm on Eleven in Australia.

Neighbours airs these scenes on Monday, November 28 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5. Unfortunately i neither know nor care when these scenes were/will be shown on Oz TV

[alan45]

Neighbours' UK fans will see the latest twists in Natasha and Michael's storyline unfold next week as the truth about Helena's death is finally revealed.

Tash's 18th birthday gets off to an eventful start in an upcoming episode as Emilia (Freya Stafford) arrives on the doorstep of Number 32, determined to spend time with her niece. Despite initial tension, Emilia manages to bond with both Michael (Sandy Winton) and Tash as they discuss matters of the past.

However, Tash soon gets a shock as she receives a copy of her mother's death certificate, which shows that she actually drowned all those years ago.

Keen to know why Michael never revealed this to her, Tash demands answers - and eventually realises exactly what went on: Tash had wandered into the water at the beach and Helena went in after her. Helena later died as Michael was unable to save them both…

Here, Valentina Novakovic - who plays Tash - chats to Digital Spy about the shock revelation and more.

We've seen Tash spend a lot of time trying to find out the truth about her mother's death. Why has this been so important to her?
"It's her heritage, the other half of herself - it would be important to anyone. Also, her father has been so guarded about any details about her mother that it has made her even more curious. Summer has also been prompting her to find out more about her mother - she can't understand why Tash knows so little."

How do Michael and Tash react when Emilia turns up on their doorstep on Tash's 18th birthday?
"Michael just freaks. Emilia is a part of his past that he obviously wanted to keep secret, and we find out why later. Tash is actually really excited because she now has her father and aunty together - it's finally some semblance of a family unit. I think she also enjoys Emilia talking about her mother - she feels connected for the first time because her father rarely mentions her."

After seeing the stress that Michael has been under, how difficult is it for Tash to confess that she's been seeing Emilia in secret?
"Very hard. Tash and her father are very close and while she has put him through hell and back with her antics, she hates seeing him hurt. I think she is also surprised by how much this has impacted on him because he isn't one to wear his heart on his sleeve."


How does Tash feel when she receives her mother's death certificate?
"She is devastated. She can't believe her father has lied for all these years to her about something so important as this. The fact Emilia is in on the lie as well makes it even more distressing. Of course, this leads her on to wanting to know more and wonder what else have they been hiding - and there is more!"

How does Tash come to the realisation that she was also in the water on the day that her mother drowned?
"Tash has been having these strange dreams and subconsciously thinks she can hear water in her ears, which is pretty weird. She has no idea what this means and when she mentioned it to Michael, he instantly realised that Tash was starting to remember things from the day at the beach when her mother drowned. When the truth comes out about how her mother really died, she puts two and two together and realises she was part of it."


What's her response to the news?
"Tash is definitely angry and disappointed with Michael for not telling her the truth, but this starts to subside and turns to guilt when she realises that she may have been the cause of her mother drowning."

Even after these scenes have aired, Michael and Emilia still seem to be hiding something. Is the biggest shock in this story yet to come?
"Oh yeah, there is a lot more to come and you'll have to wait until next year, but it's worth the wait. Just when one piece of the puzzle is revealed, there is another piece and then another."

Does Chris support Tash during this difficult time?
"Yes, Chris has become Tash's rock, which is an unlikely scenario when you consider how their relationship began - she wasn't actually supportive when the poor guy came out. However, he has become her yin and she is his yang. I love the way their friendship has evolved."


What's your reaction to the news that Sandy Winton is leaving Neighbours?
"Oh, I'm very sad - he is wonderful to work with and let's face it, he is the sexiest on-screen dad a girl could have. Sandy and I have become great friends, in fact it's been like having a second father as my real dad is in Sydney. I've had lots of dinners with Sandy and his wife Tess and their kids during the time we've worked together. I know this is only goodbye on Ramsay Street - we've forged a life-long friendship."

Is there any word on whether Emilia will be sticking around, or is she remaining as a guest character?
"Emilia was always a guest character, I believe, and the conduit for this huge storyline between Michael and Tash. It will certainly be a memorable exit!"

We know that Tash is staying on the street after Michael departs. Will she stay at Number 32 or are there more house changes afoot?
"It's probably too soon to reveal that, but she'll definitely be staying on Ramsay Street and no doubt some people won't be happy about her new living arrangements!"

What do you hope 2012 has in store for Tash storyline-wise?
"Oh, it would be nice for Tash to meet a boy, she hasn't had a lot of luck in that department so far and definitely more outrageous behaviour, it's great fun to play."

Finally, how do you feel about the announcement of new bosses at Neighbours?
"Just like actors, producers bring their own flair or style to the show which I think is great, change is a good thing. Richard [Jasek] and Alan [Hardy] are quite a formidable team."

uyp

[LostVoodoo]

Those are some horrible trousers Tash is wearing!

[walsh2509]

How deep is that water at the edge of the beach ... Tash as a 2 - 3 year old toddles off into the water her mum dies trying to save her ? how far out was the 2-3 year old tash that an adult had to swim out to recuse her.

If it was far enough that an adult had to swim out to get to her, would the 2-3 year old not have drowned, how long from a toddler being at the waters edge to being far enough out that an adult had to swin out to get to her.

Storyline seems stupid.

[LostVoodoo]

i woukd assume she was pulled out/knocked over by a wave. If she couldn't swim she wouldn't know what to do and freak out. But yes, it's a bit odd when you think about it!