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Neighbours star Calen Mackenzie has introduced new cast member Felix Mallard in a behind-the-scenes video.
As announced last month, Mallard has taken over the part of Ben Fitzgerald, who is the grandson of Ramsay Street favourites Karl and Susan Kennedy.
Ben will appear on screen later this year as part of the show's plans to celebrate the Kennedys' 20th anniversary on the Street. His mum Libby will also be returning.
Speaking in the new video, Mallard explained: "My first impression is that Ben's a pretty chilled-out country sort of kid, and he then comes to Erinsborough and gets into a bit of trouble…"
Hit play below to see the full video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4OxJYukjSA
UK viewers saw Susan and Karl's stepson Zeke Kinski (Matthew Werkmeister) return to screens earlier this week, while other future returnees include Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong-Hall) and Malcolm Kennedy (Benjie McNair).
Neighbours' Libby Kennedy will face a testing time upon her return to Ramsay Street.
As announced previously, Libby will return for a three-week guest stint to celebrate 20 years of the Kennedys. She will be joined by her teenage son Ben, who will be played by Felix Mallard.
Viewers will learn that Libby (Kym Valentine) has offered to step in as deputy principle at the school for a few weeks in order to help mum Susan.
However, her new role does not run smoothly as Libby struggles to discipline Ben, who has become a student at the school.
When Ben learns of Bailey Turner's problems with Jayden Warley, he decides to intervene, leaving Bailey mortified. Later, Jayden refuses to take Ben's interference lightly and hassles Ben, causing a fight.
Libby is forced to take charge of the situation, but when Bailey tells Libby that Jayden taunted Ben about his dad, who died years ago, she takes sympathy on her son and suspends Jayden.
Still forced to follow the rules, Libby gives Ben a detention, but when Bailey is blackmailed into changing his story, both Ben and Jayden are punished for lying.
Neighbours will air Libby and Ben's return later this month.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Felix Mallard will be reprising his role as Libby Kennedy's son Ben Kirk.
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Felix Mallard as Ben Kirk in Neighbours
© Fremantle Media
Felix Mallard as Ben Kirk
Last seen for a short guest stint in 2014, Ben will be moving in with his grandparents Karl and Susan with a few surprises in store - including a hidden talent.
Neighbours' series producer Jason Herbison commented: "I'm delighted Zoe, Matt, Darcy and Felix are joining the cast and we have a lot in store for their characters. There will be a few bewildered faces when they arrive and one in particular makes a memorable entrance."
Susan and Karl are shocked when Libby's son Ben arrives on their doorstep. Why does he want to move in straight away?
Susan and Karl haven't seen their grandson Ben since he was in town with his mother Libby 12 months ago, so they answer the door and discover the distressed teenager berfore them.
They knew he was coming for a visit but they didn't expect him to turn up in such a terrible state. Desperate to find out what has happened to make Ben (Felix Mallard) show up in town early and alone, Susan (Jackie Woodburne) and Karl (Alan Fletcher) gently get the information from him that he's broken up with his girlfriend. As Benn begs them to let him move in, Susan is struck by his uneasy demeanour and senses that there's more to his urgent need to leave Ballarat than he's telling them. Not wanting to puch for answers, the Kennedys let Ben settle into the house.
Soon, Karl's relieved when Ben strikes up a fast friendship with Tyler (Travis Burns) and eases Susan's misgivings about the youngest Brennan brother being a bad influence on Ben.
Tyler quickly boots his new mate's low confidence with a wild dirt bike ride and uses the opportunity to get him to open up about his problems. Comforted by their isolated surroundings, Ben finally admits that he broke up with his girlfriend because she decided to post naked photos of him on social media.
Although Tyler is supportive, Ben feels so humiliated by the experience that he feels he can never return home again. He's planning on living in Erinsborough full-time, even though his mum and grandparents don't know it yet.
In carrying his secret around with him, Ben becomes more isolated and withdraws from everyone at school. His stance doesn't go unnoticed by Brad (Kip Gamblin) who reports his concerns to an increasingly fretful Susan, who can't fathom why Ben won't interact with other students or why he has deleted his social media profile.
The situation worsens when Ben skips school, paranoid that the selfies will be seen by his Erinsborough peers. Ben's fears appear founded when a Ballarat schoolmate texts him a message telling him he's still a loser. Unable to find an escape from his pain, Ben reneges on appearing in the interschool concert that Erinsborough High is hosting, after the naked shots are found by his new classmates. Susan is shocked by her grandson's inexplicably rash action and petrified that Ben's pain may manifest into eventual self-harm, forces Tyler to break Ben's confidence about the photos.
However, there's no easy solution on offer when the Kennedys and Brad join forces to try and solve Ben's dilemma. Feeling railroaded into dealing with his torment and anguish, Ben stonewalls the adults' efforts to help him and defiantly declares that he's going to China to join his mother and they can't talk him out of it!
Soap World
gillyH1981
24-07-2015, 09:41
Perdita, It is August issue of Soap World not September. the month needs changing.
The truth always has a habit of coming out
Schoolboy Ben has landed himself in a terrible predictament and is terrified something he deeply regrets doing is about to be revealed.
Ben (Felix Mallard) is mortified in Neighbours this week when his ex-girlfriend posts cheeky photos he sent her on the internet.
"She put them online and everyone back home [in Ballarat] finds out," Felix, 17, reveals to Soap Extra. "He's very ashamed of what he's done and he's looking for ways to escape."
Having fled home, Ben goes to stay with his grandparents, Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan (Jackie Woodburne). He refuses to say what's bothering him.
"I wouldn't want to tell anyone in my family that everyone at school has seen me naked," Felix explains. "Ben isn't proud of it."
The actor applauds the storyline.
"A lot of teens have a good idea of what you should and shouldn't do," Felix says. "Sometimes their own needs get in the way."
"Neighbours is helping kids who might not know how to overcome this sort of problem."
Later, when Ben meets Tyler (Travis Burns), the two form a bond and he spills his secret.
Putting on his "big brother" hat, Tyler offers some sage advice to the troubled youngster.
Tyler tells him to own it," Felix explains.
"To acknowledge he's made a mistake and move on. He shouldn't forget that it happened but should learn from the mistake."
When Tyler learns of Ben's musical talents, he suggests he enter the interschool concert.
Not only is it a great opportunity to reinvent himself but it might help him ease into life in Erinsborough better.
Will Ben be able to make his debut and keep his secret under wraps?
"He tries to stay under the radar but drama always finds Ben," Felix teases.
tammyy2j
11-08-2015, 16:41
What age is Ben meant to be?
What age is Ben meant to be?
14
tammyy2j
11-08-2015, 16:51
He could be trouble with the police for sending nude pictures of himself at that age yes?
He could be trouble with the police for sending nude pictures of himself at that age yes?
I would imagine so, yes but not sure
He could be trouble with the police for sending nude pictures of himself at that age yes?
I would imagine so, yes but not sure
Also ahead on Ramsay Street, teenager Ben Kirk will make a brave move after he finds his past catching up with him.
Since coming to live with his grandparents Karl and Susan, Ben (Felix Mallard) has been keen to hide his humiliation after his ex-girlfriend posted naked pictures of him online following their break-up.
Although Ben has managed to keep his secret at bay for now, the pictures will come back to haunt him shortly after a successful school concert audition which blows everyone away.
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Ben shows his video to the class
© Channel 5
Ben shows his video to the class
Humiliated that his risqué photos have been discovered by the other students, Ben pulls out of the concert, prompting Susan to turn to Tyler Brennan in order to get to the bottom of her grandson's unusual behaviour.
After Tyler tells Susan the truth, Ben is initially furious, but is later given an opportunity to rectify his embarrassing situation when Brad proposes an idea for him to own up to his mistake.
Taking Brad's advice, Ben records a video of himself which moves his fellow students as he succinctly explains what he did, how stupid it was and his desire to see no one repeat it. Will Ben be able to move forward now?
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Ben makes a video of himself, admitting to his mistake
© Channel 5
Ben makes a video of himself
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The students are moved by Ben's honesty and performance
© Channel 5
The students are moved by Ben's honesty
Neighbours airs these scenes on Thursday August 27 and Friday August 28 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a663246/soap-spoilers-toadie-is-left-paralysed-in-neighbours-and-billie-stages-an-attack-in-home-and-away.html#ixzz3iqu9zRdj
gillyH1981
29-10-2015, 15:06
Teenage turmoil
Ben and Piper take drastic measures to avoid retribution for their actions during the school fire.
Ben Kirk's life is in a spin. He's overwhelmed by guilt and remorse for the actions that he perpetrated on the night of the Erinsborough High School fire and is desperate to keep his involvement a secret fearing that he could go to jail. When Ben is involved in a life-threatening accident, he's shaken by his ordeal and recognising the plight of the victims, he finally breaks down and admits to Karl adn Susan what he did on the night of the fire.
As the Kennedys take in their grandson's confession, there's no escape for Ben when he's arrested for his actions and told that he'll have a juvenile criminal record until he's 18. When Karl and Susan add that Libby is returning from China to take Ben home to Ballarat, he's devastated at his imminent departure from Erinsborough. Meanwhile, Piper is struggling with her guilt over her involvement in the fire and when she suggests to Ben that they run away, he jumps at the chance to flee his demons.
When Karl and Susan discover that the teens have fled, an anxious search begins to track them down. Meanwhile, Ben and Piper lay low in Erinsborough as they nervously plot their next move while coming to grips with life on the run. Although sleeping rough isn't much fun, they determine to stick it out, not wanting to face the music for their actions.
When Piper makesthe shocking discovery that Ben has fractured ribs as a result of the car accident, she's hit with a sudden reality check. As a new day dawns, Piper wonders if they should abandon their plan and return home so Ben can seek treatment for his injuries.
However, Ben is resolute. As he disguises the depth of his injuries, he assures Piper that he wants to flee town. Reluctantly, Piper supports him and they leave Erinsborough, bound for an uncertain future as fugitives from justice.
Credit: TV Soap 5th November 2015
did ben and piper start the school fire
did ben and piper start the school fire
Yes, they are responsible, need to find out yet how and why according to a post on another thread
Ben and Piper do a mad dash after their involvement in the fire is exposed.
They may be fast new friends but that hasn't stopped Neighbours' Ben and Piper from getting along like a house on fire - or should we say school on fire?
The troubled twosome find themselves in hot water when Ben (Felix Mallard) confesses to starting the blaze at Erinsborough High.
Poor Ben thought it couldn't get any worse than Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan (Jackie Woodburne) finding out about his culpability.
When Mark (Scott McGregor) arrests him - the reality of Ben's actions hit home.
The young Erinsborough resident is not only photographed and booked but he's also given a permanent record until his 18th birthday!
Unable to deal with the outcome of his confession, Ben and Piper (Mavournee Hazel) decide to leave town. It seems he's not the only one struggling with a guilty conscious.
"Both Felix and I discussed why our characters felt that running away was their only option," Mavournee, 19, says.
"What we found was that both Piper and Ben have a tendency to avoid confronting their emotions."
Piper and Ben start their journey by laying low in Erinsborough but it's only a matter of time before the excitement and adrenaline of running away begins to wear off.
"I think they fell in love with the idea of running away," Mavournee says. "More so than the actual deed itself and didn't think it through logistically.."
The two are quickly left facing the reality of being homeless - sleeping on the street and roughing it.
What's more, Ben finally reveals he's nursing broken ribs!
Ever since Sheila (Colette Mann) hit him with her car, he hasn't been feeling right and the pain is getting worse.
Ben starts struggling with his breathing as the two head further away from home. With their money quickly running out, the pair decide to get jobs.
It becomes obvious within a matter of minutes, however, that Ben is in no state to work.
Piper instead takes a job as a fruit picker, leaving Ben alone. As she heads out and closes the door, a struggling Ben collapses onto the floor.
"He is adamant he feels fine and that his pain won't get in the way of their plan," Mavournee says.
"However, as time progresses and Piper's guilt intensifies, she feels it's only right to call a taxi and take Ben to hospital."
Will the pair get there in time?
TV Week
tammyy2j
05-11-2015, 12:19
Why does Ben burn the school, it is deliberate or an accident?
lellygurl
06-11-2015, 09:19
Why does Ben burn the school, it is deliberate or an accident?
Yeah... I want to know why too... maybe to impress Piper or her blog? Stunt gone wrong?
lellygurl
06-11-2015, 09:19
Why does Ben burn the school, it is deliberate or an accident?
Yeah... I want to know why too... maybe to impress Piper or her blog? Stunt gone wrong?
Neighbours teen Ben Kirk will find himself in danger later this month after he runs away with his friend Piper Willis in a bid to escape the consequences they face for starting the school fire.
Upcoming scenes will see Ben (Felix Mallard) confess that he was to blame for the blaze at Erinsborough High, but he decides to keep quiet about Piper's role in the incident.
Piper (Mavournee Hazel) is also suffering a tremendous amount of guilt as she watches her mum Terese suffer as a result of her actions. Reaching breaking point, she eventually finds herself confiding in Lauren Turner, admitting that she was responsible as well.
Although a shocked Lauren advises her to come clean, Piper realises that she cannot face admitting the truth and chooses to flee Erinsborough instead.
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Piper and Ben land in Glenrowan having gained little from their pitstop in Ballarat
© Channel 5
Unable to face what is in store for him either, Ben decides to go with her but it's clear that the pair have underestimated life on the run as they are forced to get a fruit picking job and pay the money for their expenses up front.
With Ben struggling with his health - following a car incident that left him with fractured ribs - Piper is forced to work solo.
When Piper is out for the day, Ben continues to struggle to breathe and eventually collapses. Will anyone come to his rescue, or has his decision to run away had far-reaching consequences?
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Piper leaves Ben alone just as he starts struggling for breath
© Channel 5
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Piper leaves Ben alone just as he starts struggling for breath
© Channel 5
Neighbours airs these scenes on Thursday, November 26 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Susan and Karl are left reeling when Ben confesses to accidentally starting the school fire. The reality of what he's done hits home when Mark arrests him. Ben will have a record until he's 18 and Libby will return from China to take him home to Ballarat. This means his time in Erinsborough is limited, other than returning for court appearances.
Piper's guilt over her mother's burns comes to a head when she learns that Ben has confessed. The pressure of knowing she's also responsible becomes too much. In the face of kindness offered by Lauren, Piper finally purges herself of her guilty secret. A shocked Lauren advises that honesty is the only solution - Piper must tell her parents no matter how difficult it will be.
Piper acknowledges the wisdom of Lauren's advice, but cannot face it and decides to do a runner instead. Ben decides to go with her, unable to face what is in store for him either.
Meanwhile, when Steph learns that Vanessa is passing through that night and staying at the Rebecchis', she wishes she could have the chance to apologise in person for the past. Sonya's attitude to Steph has turned a corner and she offers to ask Vanessa if she'd be happy to talk with Steph. Steph is grateful and then delighted when Vanessa agrees to see her. While she waits, she's rattled by a strange call - can it really be her son Charlie, calling to say he misses her?
Ben Kirk is back! Neighbours star Felix Mallard returns to set as a regular
Young Neighbours star Felix Mallard has returned to the show's set this week - and he's finally a regular.
The actor has played Ben Kirk on and off since 2014 and had particularly lengthy stints last year, but was also busy with school at the time.
Having now finished Year 12, Mallard is focusing on a full-time acting career and will become a main cast member on Neighbours when he returns to screens in March.
Ben's return will no doubt spark drama for his grandparents Karl and Susan Kennedy (Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne), especially as the locals won't have forgotten that he started the Erinsborough High fire last year.
"Jackie and Alan are always very supportive on set and Alan and I both share a passion for music," Mallard commented.
Mallard is pictured above with fellow newcomer Lilly Van Der Meer, who makes her debut on screen as Sheila Canning's granddaughter Xanthe this week.
Neighbours actress-turned-superstar Margot Robbie once grew up in the same neighbourhood as Van Der Meer, so could this be a good omen for her future career?
Colette Mann, who plays Sheila, joked: "There are times the Cannings could be mistaken as a colourful mob family, but it all comes from the right place! Lilly's world has certainly been opened up since joining Neighbours and we're loving having her here."
Neighbours teen Ben Kirk finds himself in an impossible position later this month as he clashes bitterly with newcomer Angus Beaumont-Hannay.
Sarah's troublesome son will be moving in with the Kennedys while his mum heads abroad to seek treatment for her cancer, but Angus makes an immediate enemy in the form of his new housemate Ben (Felix Mallard).
Angus (Jai Waetford) starts the war when he stumbles across Ben's stash of stolen money, which belonged to Tom Quill.
Bold as brass, Angus takes the cash for himself and cheekily starts spending it - knowing that Ben can't complain to Karl and Susan without explaining the dodgy situation that he's in.
Although Ben feels powerless, Piper Willis encourages him to stand up to Angus by seizing the money back - but an angry scuffle breaks out when Ben is caught trying to break into his enemy's locker.
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Angus catches Ben trying to break into his locker.
© Channel 5
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Ben and Angus fight
© Channel 5
Susan (Jackie Woodburne) breaks up the fight, but round two is only moments away when lighting fluid and matches are found in Ben's locker.
Convinced that Angus has set him up, Ben punches him but Susan is appalled by her grandson's violent actions.
Susan steps in and orders Ben to explain himself, but how can he tell her about the stolen money?
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Susan breaks up the fight
© Channel 5
Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday, May 11 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Digital Spy
Neighbours kicks off an exit storyline for Ben Kirk next week as he's given an opportunity to start afresh in Oakey.
Felix Mallard, who plays Ben, finished filming with the Aussie soap late last year and will bow out on screen in March.
Next week's episodes see the build-up to Ben's departure begin when he realises that he's at a loose end, despite his recent reunion with Xanthe Canning.
Ben is missing Tyler Brennan at the garage and is struggling to bond with Mark as his replacement boss. He also feels that he's lacking direction in his life – especially compared with Xanthe, who's full of drive and determination over her future.
Steph Scully (Carla Bonner) soon steps in by suggesting that Ben should pay a visit to his late father's family in Oakey, pointing out that it could provide some much-needed inspiration for him.
Steph kindly accompanies Ben on the trip, but it gets off to a pretty bad start when his uncle Dougal Kirk (Brandon Burns) doesn't seem too pleased to see him.
Once again, it's left to Steph to intervene when she confronts Dougal over his frosty behaviour, forcing him to admit how he finds it difficult talking to Ben because he reminds him so much of Drew.
Later on, Dougal finally strikes up a bond with Ben and even offers him a position at his own garage as his apprentice – leaving Ben with a very difficult decision to make. What does it mean for him and Xanthe?
Since finishing at Neighbours last year, Felix has travelled over to Los Angeles and has been keeping fans posted over his travels on his Instagram account.
So far his adventures have included meeting former Neighbours actress and Hollywood star Margot Robbie, who got her big break playing Donna Freedman on the show between 2008 and 2011.
Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday, March 7 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Digital Spy
Pantherboy
28-02-2018, 12:25
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours star Felix Mallard lands a US role after filming Ben Kirk's exit.
He'll play an emerging popstar called Cooper.
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/news/a851102/neighbours-felix-mallard-ben-kirk-us-tv-comedy-role/
Neighbours star Felix Mallard has landed a lead role in the US in an untitled comedy.
After filming his exit scenes as Ben Kirk on the Australian soap, Mallard will star opposite Damon Wayans Jr in the CBS comedy pilot (via Deadline).
Written by Tim McAuliffe (The Last Man on Earth) and Austen Earl (9JKL), the comedy follows Peter (Wayans) and Claire, a couple who have grown tired of their boring life.
As they attempt to relive their youth, an emerging popstar called Cooper (Mallard) moves in, and is drawn to their suburban existence.
Cooper is described as sweet, charming and positive. He sees the good in everyone and everything, while also being effortlessly cool.
Exec producing are McAuliffe and Earl, alongside The Late Late Show with James Corden executive producer Ben Winston, and Michael Rotenberg and Jonathan Berry.
Mallard finished filming with Neighbours late last year and will bow out on screen in March – and next week's episodes of the Aussie soap see the build-up to Ben's departure begin.
Since finishing at Neighbours last year, Felix has travelled over to Los Angeles and has been keeping fans posted about his travels on his Instagram account.
So far, his adventures have included meeting former Neighbours actress and Hollywood star Margot Robbie, who got her big break playing Donna Freedman on the show between 2008 and 2011.
What an underwhelming good bye for Ben, very disappointed how he left yesterday!
TaintedLove
22-03-2018, 04:50
I didn`t know Ben was leaving. What a shame, I liked him.
So who will be Xanthe`s next boyfriend? Any guesses? Please don`t let it be Mark Brennan. Any pretty female with a pulse who happens to give Mark the glad eye, he`ll be declaring undying love by the second date. That`s Marks usual MO.
:p
badirene
22-03-2018, 09:38
I didn`t know Ben was leaving. What a shame, I liked him.
So who will be Xanthe`s next boyfriend? Any guesses? Please don`t let it be Mark Brennan. Any pretty female with a pulse who happens to give Mark the glad eye, he`ll be declaring undying love by the second date. That`s Marks usual MO.
:p
Next up Mark is in a love square with Sheila, Clive and Xanthe! The Dashing Doctor or the Muscled Mechanic, who will Sheila choose? Watch as one of the gruesome foursome fall into the pond in front of Lassiter's comedy style.
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