What's ahead on Ramsay Street?
Executive producer Richard Jasek gives us a sneak peek at what's in store for the residents of Australia's famous cul-de-sac in 2012.
How do you feel about taking over from Susan Bower as executive producer?
It's a huge pair of shoes to fill, but I'm just thrilled to bits and so proud to be part of this iconic Australian show. It just has the most marvellous cast and crew and wonderful people to work with, so I couldn't be happier.
Is there anything you want to change about Neighbours?
Neighbours has such a wonderful heart and soul, and it's that heart and soul that I want to keep growing and developing with - I don't want to reinvent that.
Do you feel the show lost its way when it moved from Network Ten to Eleven?
There was a lot of concern about what it would mean for the show, but I think Neighbours is comfortably at home on Eleven and it's one of the best things that could've happened for us.
What's in store for Neighbours in 2012?
There's an entire new family moving into Ramsay Street, so there's going to be some new faces on the street and that's going to throw a real rock in the pond. We'll also see more of the Canning family in the form of Kyle's grandmother coming and spending some time. [There are] no casting announcements yet, but this will be quite a big character, in all senses.
You've shot some upcoming episodes in Port Douglas. Will you be shooting more on location this year?
We haven't decided what all the special locations will be - they're still in the pipeline - but, yes, you'll see some wonderful and exotic places.
Do you think just filming in Ramsay Street puts constraints on the show?
It does, but the interesting thing is that it also opens up a lot of story freedom. You'd think not going anywhere means you have a smaller universe, but, in fact, we've found it just focuses on the stories that really matter. Ramsay Street is the heart and soul of Neighbours, so we're just concentrating on that.
Tell us about the sets - aren't Toadie and Sonya about to renovate their lounge room?
Their place is going to look very different soon, but it's still going to be the same Sonya, Toadie and Callum living there.
Is there room for a budget increase to revamp some of the other sets?
We're still working that through - we'd love for that to happen.
In 2011, we saw many familiar faces return - can we look forward to the same this year?
We'll be seeing a few people come and visit us again.
Are there any special guests coming up?
Yes. We've got ['80s Eurogliders singer] Grace Knight in a small cameo part; and, of course, in Port Douglas we have Lincoln Lewis, who's the romantic interest for Kate. And there may be a few more surprises in store...
Home And Away did well with the River Boys last year - how does Neighbours compete with all those hot boys taking their shirts off?
I guess the RIver Boys work in the Home And Away world, but we're going to have a few hot bods, too - of course, we've got a couple of hot guys in the cast already! But Neighbours is always going to be Neighbours.
Who's that girl?
Adding a new face to Erinsborough this year is Tangle star Alin Sumarwata, who will play professional chef Vanessa Villante. "I'm very excited - this caps off a very busy year for us," says Alin, who welcomed her first child, Tilda, three months ago with actor hubby Don Hany. Alin makes her debut in March, and Richard Jasek couldn't be happier with his new recruit. "We're thrilled to bits that she's joined the cast," Richard tells TV WEEK. "She's a wonderful actor and we think her character has so many exciting possibilities for us." Set to play a love interest, Alin's character is destined to turn the world of Erinsborough's favourite sons "upside down and more". Ooh!
A glimpse into the future
Paul
"We will see Paul's softer side as he takes on a more parental role with Sophie - but vindictive Paul emerges when he sets his sights on a newcomer."
Kate
"When Kate returns from Port Douglas, she's going to be facing some really serious life choices about where she wants to be and who she wants to be."
Michael & Emilia
"They'll continue to have their affair, and that's going to have some dire consequences. It'll prompt wild behaviour from Tash."
Karl & Susan
"Singledom is going to open up some very wide possibilities for Karl and Susan as they go off and possibly meet the occasional person."
Jade & Kyle
"This relationship will continue to have its highs and lows. We'll learn more about a boyfriend from Jade's past, from which she still bears scars."
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