Andrew Morley joins Neighbours

Ramsay Street is fast becoming the next popular stop after Summer Bay. In recent years, Bob Morley (ex-Drew Curtis), Rebekah Elmaloglou (ex-Sophie Simpson) and Kip Gamblin (ex-Scott Hunter) have all joined the Neighbours clan, and now, Andrew Morley, who played Spencer Harrington on Home and Away, is set to move onto Australia’s most famous street.

Andrew’s manager, Craig McMahon, confirmed that he had commenced filming on one of Australia’s most popular dramas.

The Film & Television Studio International, of which Andrew is a former student, then announced the news of his new role on their website, stating “After his leading role on Home and Away, Andrew returned to Melbourne in November 2015, where he auditioned and won another series regular role, this time on long running iconic Australian series, Neighbours.”

This follows speculation that Andrew would be joining the Seven Network morning show, Sunrise as the new permanent Weather presenter. He then posted the following photo on Instagram, teasing his new role to his fans:


Adding fuel to the fire, Andrew’s bio on the popular photo-sharing app contains a link to a video of his time on Sunrise as the temporary Weather Presenter.

http://www.backtothebay.net/wp-conte...er-768x494.jpg
Harrington Brothers (Chris & Spencer)

Andrew first appeared on Home and Away in January 2013, alongside Kassandra Clementi, as Maddy Osborne. Johnny Ruffo later joined the cast as Andrew’s onscreen brother, Chris Harrington. After storylines including online grooming, getting caught up in a cult and relationships with Maddy, Evelyn and Sasha, Spencer left Summer Bay in April 2015 to take care of his ill father.

Sorry but I'm not a fan. Why leave H&A to join a smaller soap? (Or was he pushed from H&A?)

I wonder who he will be playing… Hope it isn't Ned Willis. Maybe they've recast Mason?

I wonder who he will be playing… Hope it isn't Ned Willis. Maybe they've recast Mason?

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Originally Posted by CuriousCase

I wonder who he will be playing… Hope it isn't Ned Willis. Maybe they've recast Mason?

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I'd say Ned Willis is a good bet.

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

I'd say Ned Willis is a good bet.

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But he doesn't look anything like Natalie Imbruglia. He looks more like Lauren.

Double post.

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Originally Posted by CuriousCase

But he doesn't look anything like Natalie Imbruglia. He looks more like Lauren.

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There is a similarity between Andrew Morley and a young, short haired Kip Gamblin pictured here:

http://backtothebay.net/interviews/kip/kip15.jpg

Anyway, I don't really think they place that much importance on inherited looks when casting for soaps as long as it's within the realms of possibility.

Ned Willis is only a guess anyway; he could be playing someone else entirely.

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

There is a similarity between Andrew Morley and a young, short haired Kip Gamblin pictured here:

http://backtothebay.net/interviews/kip/kip15.jpg

Anyway, I don't really think they place that much importance on inherited looks when casting for soaps as long as it's within the realms of possibility.

Ned Willis is only a guess anyway; he could be playing someone else entirely.

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I do see a similarity between them both Dazzle. It will be strange to see 'Spencer' in Neighbours.
When Spencer left H&A, it wouldn`t surprise me if he left because the producers made Matt Paige the new golden boy and pushed Spencer out to make way for the 'bad boy'. Spencer was just too good goody for them. It would certainly explain why Matt was after all the females that Spencer had been with...... Sasha, and then Maddy.

So who will this characters first love interest be? My guess is that he will have the hots for Paige - until he finds out they`re related if the character di\oes turn out to be Ned lol. Xanthe perhaps? Not sure how old she is.
Then it could be Xanthe

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Originally Posted by TaintedLove

It will be strange to see 'Spencer' in Neighbours.

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I hope Andrew Morley's a better character in Neighbours. I found Spencer completely lacking in charisma, but the actor could improve with good writing I suppose.

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Originally Posted by TaintedLove

So who will this characters first love interest be? My guess is that he will have the hots for Paige - until he finds out they`re related if the character di\oes turn out to be Ned lol. Xanthe perhaps? Not sure how old she is.
Then it could be Xanthe

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I think Sheila said that Xanthe's only 15!

Hope he wears sunnies all the time because he always looks half asleep or glaring from the sun

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

Sorry but I'm not a fan. Why leave H&A to join a smaller soap? (Or was he pushed from H&A?)

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I haven't watched H&A for years so I have no idea who he is!!!!

QUOTE=CuriousCase;841972]I wonder who he will be playing… Hope it isn't Ned Willis. Maybe they've recast Mason?[/QUOTE]

I hope they don't recast Mason I like the original one :(

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Originally Posted by Summer8

QUOTE=CuriousCase;841972]I wonder who he will be playing… Hope it isn't Ned Willis. Maybe they've recast Mason?

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I hope they don't recast Mason I like the original one :([/QUOTE]

I just don't want him to be Ned haha. Besides, it wouldn't make sense to recast a mediocre actor with an even poorer actor.

@Dazzle, I see the resemblance in that image… :'(

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Originally Posted by Summer8

QUOTE=CuriousCase;841972]I wonder who he will be playing… Hope it isn't Ned Willis. Maybe they've recast Mason?

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I hope they don't recast Mason I like the original one :([/QUOTE]

I just don't want him to be Ned haha. Besides, it wouldn't make sense to recast a mediocre actor with an even poorer actor.

@Dazzle, I see the resemblance in that image… :'(

Gilly seems to think that Morley is one of the two newcomers moving into the Kennedy household (as Jason Herbison mentioned in an article). Even though there is a chance that Ned could still move into the Kennedys', if it isn't him, this is the only time I would like Gilly to be correct about something.

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Originally Posted by CuriousCase

I just don't want him to be Ned haha.

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Out of interest, why do you feel so strongly about him not being Ned?

I guess Ned Willis is about a year younger than Paige. Andrew Morley's 26 and I think he looks it (although that doesn't necessarily mean anything because H&A's Spencer was quite a bit younger than him too).

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Originally Posted by CuriousCase

Gilly seems to think that Morley is one of the two newcomers moving into the Kennedy household (as Jason Herbison mentioned in an article). Even though there is a chance that Ned could still move into the Kennedys', if it isn't him, this is the only time I would like Gilly to be correct about something.

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Yes, she could well be right this time.

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

Out of interest, why do you feel so strongly about him not being Ned?

I guess Ned Willis is about a year younger than Paige. Andrew Morley's 26 and I think he looks it (although that doesn't necessarily mean anything because H&A's Spencer was quite a bit younger than him too).

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I don't really rate Andrew Morley as an actor and the Willis' are my fave family.

Ned is younger than Paige by only a few months I believe. But you're right in saying soaps casting older actors in younger roles. All the younger cast is older than the characters they're playing (except for Tyler, who is supposedly the same age as Travis himself). And then there is Grease, which cast actors in their 30s playing late teens haha!

edit.

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Originally Posted by CuriousCase

Gilly seems to think that Morley is one of the two newcomers moving into the Kennedy household (as Jason Herbison mentioned in an article). Even though there is a chance that Ned could still move into the Kennedys', if it isn't him, this is the only time I would like Gilly to be correct about something.

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Why would Ned live with Karl and Susan?

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Originally Posted by tammyy2j

Why would Ned live with Karl and Susan?

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Because it's a soap and they do ridiculous things sometimes. Given Ned and Brad are estranged, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch in soapland for Susan/Karl to suggest for Ned to live with them as they have a spare room and not to force a relationship by having them live together, blah blah blah. And also because his grandparents used to live in that house and wants to feel connected to his family history…

It probably won't happen, but crazier things have happened.

delete.

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Originally Posted by CuriousCase

Because it's a soap and they do ridiculous things sometimes. Given Ned and Brad are estranged, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch in soapland for Susan/Karl to suggest for Ned to live with them as they have a spare room and not to force a relationship by having them live together, blah blah blah. And also because his grandparents used to live in that house and wants to feel connected to his family history…

It probably won't happen, but crazier things have happened.

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He could go and live with Lauren given how all Brad's others kids treat her and have treated her :p despite her being part of the blame for Terese's paranoia, drink problem and marriage break up etc.,

he is a zero charisma black hole

Having played Spencer Harrington on Home And Away from 2013-2015, Andrew Morley is thrilled to be joining another beloved Australian soap, Neighbours.

“It’s not too often that you get a regular role or a regular character, so it’s a brilliant opportunity,” Andrew explains to TV WEEK.

Andrew will be playing a mystery man. So mysterious, in fact, he doesn’t even have a proper name! Debuting as “John Doe”, he is unlike most characters introduced to Ramsay Street, as he doesn’t have any family connection or secret association to any current residents.

“It’s definitely an interesting start,” Andrew says. “I’m sure the audience will have lots of questions like, ‘Who is this guy? What’s he doing here?’ He’s not related to anyone so why is he in the situation that he is the first time we see him?”

While Andrew kept most details under wraps, he did reveal to TV WEEK that he and John Doe share some similarities.

“He’s closer to my age! [On Home And Away] Spencer was 17,” Andrew explains.

After leaving the pristine beaches of Summer Bay last year, Andrew Morley is moving to Ramsay Street in April.

Having played Spencer Harrington on Home And Away from 2013-2015, Andrew Morley is thrilled to be joining another beloved Australian soap, Neighbours.

“I feel anyone I portray, has underlying qualities of mine.

“I’m tooting my own horn here, but I feel he’ll be a very likeable character. However, I guarantee there will be a bit of controversy within his decisions and also about who he is.”

Over time, the mystery of Andrew’s character will unravel.

“He has no family, so it’ll be very interesting to see who he connects with, who he pairs up with and who the romances are,” he muses. “He will definitely shake things up and we’re all going to have a bit of fun trying to work him out.”

Hailing from Melbourne, Andrew is over the moon to be home, moving into a place near the Neighbours studio.

“The fact that the show is in Melbourne, it was perfect for me to get back to my family,” Andrew says. “My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he is now clear of, and my brother also just had a baby.”

With filming already underway, Andrew vividly remembers his first day on set.

“It was nerve-wracking!” he reveals. “Starting all over again, you’ve got to learn people’s names, remember people’s faces and try not to call the cast members their character’s names.

“Then of course, the challenge of the character, not knowing exactly where he is going to go, but that is one of the main things that keeps me excited.”

Source TV WEEK online http://www.tvweeklogieawards.com.au/

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Originally Posted by binky321

“I feel anyone I portray, has underlying qualities of mine.

“I’m tooting my own horn here, but I feel he’ll be a very likeable character.

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Something I've noticed the actor doing in other interviews too. He obviously has a very high opinion of himself. :wall:

I agree with you dazzle, I've seen it too lol! Is he Bob Morley's brother?

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Originally Posted by Topaz

I agree with you dazzle, I've seen it too lol! Is he Bob Morley's brother?

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They are not related as per Wiki :)

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Originally Posted by Topaz

I agree with you dazzle, I've seen it too lol! Is he Bob Morley's brother?

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I've heard they're cousins and there is a similarity in their looks, but there's not much info out there as Perdita says.

What a hunk!! Do we know what sort of a character he will be playing in Neighbours?

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Originally Posted by pyrocanthus

What a hunk!! Do we know what sort of a character he will be playing in Neighbours?

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His character, John Doe, does not have any family ties to the ensemble, but has a mysterious background, which Paige (Olympia Valance) will help him uncover.

Here's a transcript from an actor who audtioned as John Doe.

A scene between Paige & John Doe. This will probably be shown in April. John Doe will be Paige's new love interest.

PAIGE: Hey there - remember me?
JOHN DOE: When do you think you'll get sick of that joke?
PAIGE: Never hurts to check.
JOHN DOE: Your name is Paige Smith, you go to uni. You work in Harold's Store. You got expelled from some posh private school in Adelaide. You like to box and when you laugh, your nose crinkles up, a little bit like an angry squirrel.
PAIGE: I told you all that?
JOHN DOE: Yeah. Except for the angry squirrel bit. That was an observation.
PAIGE: But all that other stuff?
JOHN DOE: You've paid me a few visits now. I think you talk more than you realise.
PAIGE: You've got a good memory. Sorry, I didn't mean -
JOHN DOE: No, no, it's okay. It's the truth - I do have a good memory. It just doesn't go back any more than two weeks.
PAIGE: Yeah but that's okay. Cos everything that happened more than two weeks ago was boring.
JOHN DOE: I'll have to take your word for it.
PAIGE: How could it not be boring? You hadn't met me yet. Must've been the most boring life ever.
JOHN DOE: Yeah, maybe but at least I would've known who I was.
PAIGE: I'm sorry.
JOHN DOE: No, it's alright.
PAIGE: No, it's not. I was trying to make you smile but it was thoughtless. Please, forgive me.
JOHN DOE: Of course. I mean, you are the only person that visits me aside from doctors, nurses, police and social workers.
PAIGE: No-one's come to see you yet?
JOHN DOE: No. Must be some great person, huh? I mean, I have been lying in this bed for two weeks. Police have circulated my information to the media; I've been photographed, fingerprinted, interviewed but no family's come looking for me; no friends. No-one's even chasing me for unpaid bills and I'm obviously Australian - I can't even use the excuse that I'm not from this country. What the hell did I do with my life, just to be so unnoticeable?
PAIGE: I don't know how or why you got here but I do know you're a good person, OK? You're nice and funny and brave and I'll not rest until I find out who you are.
JOHN DOE: You don't have to feel obligated to help me.
PAIGE: I'm doing it because I want to.
JOHN DOE: Paige...
PAIGE: Seriously - if you think you know me so well, then you ought to realise that once I put my mind to something, I do it.
JOHN DOE: Well, I guess I can believe that.
PAIGE: Good. Let's get some lunch. So I've got a nose like an angry squirrel, huh?
JOHN DOE: A cute squirrel. The cutest squirrel that ever lived.
PAIGE: I should hope so.

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Originally Posted by Perdita

His character, John Doe, does not have any family ties to the ensemble, but has a mysterious background, which Paige (Olympia Valance) will help him uncover.

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lets hope his visit is short and he leaves with paige

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Originally Posted by Perdita

His character, John Doe, does not have any family ties to the ensemble, but has a mysterious background, which Paige (Olympia Valance) will help him uncover.

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lets hope his visit is short and he leaves with paige

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Originally Posted by lizann

lets hope his visit is short and he leaves with paige

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Andrew Morley is a permanent cast member.

This Neighbours newcomer might already be familiar to some viewers due to the fact he was in Home and Away, but new pictures reveal more about mysterious character John Doe.

Andrew Morley has joined the Neighbours cast having bowed out of his role as Summer Bay's Spencer Harrington last year. His first scenes as John will air amid the Lassiters explosion.

After coming across Paige during the explosion, John will find himself in a critical condition in hospital. However, an intrigued Paige later decides to learn more about the mysterious newcomer and pays him a visit.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/12/...ep-7336-15.jpg
Paige and Steph try and help John
© Channel 5

With little known about John and desperate to escape personal problems of her own, Paige soon becomes fascinated by the lonely, anonymous man and becomes determined to work out what is going on.

In the wake of her own pain, Paige vows to help John as long as he needs someone by his side, but who is he? And what has bought him to Ramsay Street?
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/12/...ep-7338-01.jpg
John recovers in hospital
© Channel 5
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/12/...ep-7338-04.jpg
Nene treats John
© Channel 5
Neighbours airs these scenes in the week commencing Monday, April 4.

Digital Spy

Former Home & Away star Andrew Morley is joining Neighbours as a mysterious new arrival...
Hi, Andrew! Are you excited about joining Neighbours?
I’m really, really excited. I first found out about the role when I was doing a charity cycle around Cambodia and my manager said Neighbours wanted to see me. The day I flew home I went straight from the airport to the casting and it all fell into place.
We don’t know much about your character - even his name - but why has he come to Erinsborough?
I don’t think there is a definite reason. He arrives at Lassiters just before the explosion and crosses Paige’s path twice but viewers won’t necessarily think he’s of any signifcance. He’s on a mission and is a bit distracted but it’s not until after the explosion that the mystery of who this ‘John Doe’ guy is begins to unfold properly.
What was your first day of filming like? Was it fun?
Neighbours has a similar structure to Home and Away (Andrew played Spencer Harrington until last year), so I slotted in quite naturally. I was pretty lucky that my first day was filming something as massive as the explosion and to be part of this exciting storyline was great. As my character doesn’t have a background, people won’t have any preconceptions about him.
Were you briefed about the role before you started filming?
Not really but that makes it even more interesting for me to play. I’d spoken to the writers when I got the job but to be honest there was never much on paper. It’s all very mysterious! I think it’s going to be every bit of a surprise for the people watching as it’ll be for me!
Who does this guy interact with when he arrives in Erinsborough?
Paige is the first person he meets and that’s the start of what will become a crucial friendship that will unfold when we discover who he is. Olympia Valance is great to work with: she’s a beautiful person with this amazing energy. She’s extremely bubbly and confident, so having her as a co-star is lots of fun.
Have you made many friends amongst the cast yet?
Yeah, there are so many nice people on this show, they’re all so welcoming and one of the things I love about Neighbours is the interaction between the older and younger cast members. It’s really refreshing to be able to walk into the green room and have all these different conversations rolling. We’re like one big happy family.
What happens to your character after the Lassiters explosion?
He gets injured and is suffering from amnesia. No broken bones luckily! You wouldn’t believe how easy my first couple of weeks of filming were, just lying in a hospital bed for 9 or
10 scenes with a tube in my mouth. Paige keeps vigil as his bedside and the fact that she’s willing to stick by this guy - who saved her but has no history or identification - means a lot...
Which other characters would you like to have scenes with in the coming weeks?
I’m looking forward to interacting with the older, more experienced cast because as a teenager I grew up watching Neighbours and the likes of Carla Bonner (Steph), Jackie Woodburne (Susan) and Alan Fletcher (Karl). I’m also a big fan of Ryan Moloney (Toadie).
Which Ramsay Street residents will John be mates with?
As we learn more about him we will see him aligning with the Brennan brothers and Amy. I can’t say where he will end up living yet but he’s invited into a pretty big group when he gets out of hospital. You’ll just have to wait and see what happens next...
Did you know any of the cast before you joined the show?
There was a charity football match I was involved in and a couple of the players couldn’t tell the difference between me and Harley Bonner (Josh). They were calling me Harley and then the next time I met Harley I rocked up at his work! That was a bit strange!
Did you have to relocate when you got given this job?
My family are from Melbourne, so this has been like coming home. It’s good to be back and I’ve just bought myself a place near the studios. When I was filming Home and Away, I had to drive an hour and 10 minutes to the beach location, so it’s been nice to have longer in bed! I don’t miss the traffic jams, I can tell you that.
Do you still get recognised by Home and Away fans?
Oh, yeah. It’s pretty much daily if I’m in the supermarket. I still get the odd call of ‘Spencer’ down the street. It will be interesting when John Doe appears and we find out what his real name is - they won’t know what to call me!
The big reveal
Andrew has given us an exclusive teaser about his character. “There’s no way I would have predicted what he will end up to be,” the actor reveals. “It’s going to be a huge ‘wow’ moment and the reveal will throw up lots of questions. How? Why? I think my character is going to be influential and educational and he will change a lot of people’s opinions. It’ll be really interesting to see where it goes from here.”


All About Soap

Who is John Doe? First look at Andrew Morley in Neighbours - but his character remains a mystery
This Neighbours newcomer might already be familiar to some viewers due to the fact he was in Home and Away, but new pictures reveal more about mysterious character John Doe.
Andrew Morley has joined the Neighbours cast having bowed out of his role as Summer Bay's Spencer Harrington last year. His first scenes as John will air amid the Lassiters explosion.
After coming across Paige during the explosion, John will find himself in a critical condition in hospital. However, an intrigued Paige later decides to learn more about the mysterious newcomer and pays him a visit.
With little known about John and desperate to escape personal problems of her own, Paige soon becomes fascinated by the lonely, anonymous man and becomes determined to work out what is going on.
In the wake of her own pain, Paige vows to help John as long as he needs someone by his side, but who is he? And what has brought him to Ramsay Street?
Neighbours airs these scenes in the week commencing Monday, April 4.

Andrew Morley finds a new home on Ramsay Street.
While cycling across Cambodia for charity last year, actor Andrew Morley received a life-changing phone call. His manager was phoning to let him know about a possible role on Neighbours.
Initially, Andrew was reluctant to try out for the part. focused on his fundraising efforts for Project Futures - a charity that targets human trafficking - an audition was the furthest from his mind.
“My manager wanted me to do the audition in Cambodia. I said, ‘“There’s no chance I’m going to find time,”’ Andrew, 26, tells TV Week.
Only when he arrived back in Australia did he take the role seriously.
“I went into casting the day I flew back,” Andrew tells. “When I got the role, there was no bried, just that the character’s name would be John Doe.
“I was like, ‘What? Is he alive? Is he dead? Is this a dream?’”
Making an entrance
The mystery surrounding Andrew’s new character excited him.
“I read the script and felt like, ‘OK, I can take this anywhere,’” he explains. “There’s no anticipation, no expectectations of the character. I feel really lucky!”
When we meet “John Doe” this week on Neighbours, viewers will be abuzz with questions.
“He arrives, he interacts with Paige (Olympia Valance) and then he’s involved in the explosion, where he throws himself in front of Paige,” Andrew says. “John suffers an injury that starts his whole journey.”
Andrew loved how his Neighbours character was introduced. While we don’t want to give away any spoilers, he reveals that - on a personal level - it was rather an enjoyable way to start a new job.
“My first two weeks of work was spent lying in a hospital bed in a coma - it was the easiest work I’ve done!” Andrew laughs. “I didn’t have to do any acting.”
Having taken a break from acting since leaving Home and Away, Andrew appreciated the gentle transition.
“It worked out really well, just easing my way into TV again,” he says.
Still good friends
Andrew played Spencer Harrington on Home & Away for three years. When news he’d scored the role on Neighbours spread, his former H&A buddies were quick to reach out.
“Jake Speer, Kyle Pryor and Johnny Ruffo sent a text congraulating me,” Andrew remembers.
With the unique experience of working on two of Australia’s longest-running TV shows, Andrew has some interesting insights. It begs the question: how do the two compare?
“The main difference is Neighbours is shot in a lot, so everything is in that 10-acre block, whereas with Home and Away, you’re travelling to get to certain sets,” Andrew explains.
Of course, they are similarities.
“There ‘s a great family feel,” he says.
“If you’re filming on location or in the studio, you’re still interacting with the cast - even if you’re not working together.”
A new family
Andrew has wasted little time bonding with several of his Neighbours cast members and there was one person he connected with immediately.
“Ryan Moloney [who plays Toadie],” the actor says.
“I remember him when I was watching the show 15 or so years ago. Then, to meet him in real life... He’s such a kind soul.”
Andrew says he quickly found common ground with the long-time Ramsay Street favourite.
“We’re bonding more because Ryan has joined his local CFA brigade and I’ve been a member of my fire brigade for 10 years,” he explains. “I’ve been giving him tips and he just listens.”
Working closely with Olympia Valance, Andrew reveals she couldn’t be a better co-star.
“Olympia is so charismatic,” he says. “It’s so nice to work with someone that’s always up.”
Andrew also enthuses about another Neighbours stalwart, Alan Fletcher, who plays Dr. Karl Kennedy.
“Alan is such a funny guy,” he laughs.
“If only some of his lines made it to air! When we do our script read-throughs, he improvises beautifully.
“He bags out the crew, makes up jokes - he’s so quick.”


TV Week