Five Bedrooms premiered much to the delight of viewers overnight, with Network 10’s new drama praised for its feel-good story and all-star cast.
The new series, from the creators of Offspring, tells the story of five strangers who buy a home together after meeting at the singles table at a wedding.
“They are all very different and at different stages in life,” star Katie Robertson tells TV WEEK. “So they all have individual reasons for wanting to do this.”
From singles table to housemates, these strangers take a big leap (Image: Network 10).
Five Bedrooms boasts an impressive cast, with stars including Steve Peacocke (Home and Away, Wanted), Kat Stewart (Offspring), Doris Younane (McLeod’s Daughters), Katie Robertson (Rosehaven) and Roy Joseph (Back In Very Small Business). Also appearing in the series are Kate Jenkinson (Wentworth), Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters) and Kumud Merani (SBS World News).
Scroll through to get to know the show’s key players, and find out more about the actors behind Five Bedrooms.
Steve Peacocke as Ben
Steve Peacocke as Ben
35-year-old Ben is described as a ‘man-child’ by his frustrated housemates, with the the down to earth tradie living in a van before buying a home with these complete strangers.
“It’s been a challenge for me to play Ben, because we are quite different,” Stephen tells TV WEEK during our set visit. “He’s carefree and wants to be in the thick of it all; I prefer to sit on the sidelines a bit.”
Fans will recognise Steve from his iconic turn on Home and Away as Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton. He went on to star in Wanted with Rebecca Gibney, as well as major Hollywood blockbusters Me Before You and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.
Kat Stewart as Liz
Kat Stewart as Liz
Liz is a 42-year-old divorcee looking for a fresh start. The bankrupt lawyer is conservative and places a LOT of importance on status.
“It’s great to come back on TV with a show like this and a character that’s so different to Billie Proudman [from Offspring],” Kat tells TV WEEK of the role.
Kat is known for her turn as Billie on Offspring, along with her roles in shows including Underbelly, Tangle and Mr & Mrs Murder.
Katie Robertson as Ainsley
Katie Robertson as Ainsley
28 and single, Ainsley is a romantic tragic and the absolute heart of the groups’ new home.
The real-estate agent is described as being “everyone’s best friend” and is called the “hero” of all her housemates’ lives by Ben in the show’s trailer.
Fans will recognise Katie from ABC’s Rosehaven, The Kettering Incident and True Story with Hamish & Andy.
Roy Joseph as Harry
Roy Joseph as Harry
The 30-year-old single doctor is ready to take a big step in his life, moving away from his VERY loving mum and in to this new home with five not-so-perfect strangers.
Roy previously starred as Vijay Kapoor in Back in Very Small Business, along with a role in the 2017 short Dark Horses.
Doris Younane as Heather
Doris Younane as Heather
Un-happily married and having a mid-life crisis, Heather moves in to the home later than the others despite being the one who suggested it in the first place.
The sarcastic aged-care nurse provides plenty of laughs, as she always speaks her mind.
Viewers will recognise Doris from her many iconic roles on Australian TV. Doris starred as Youla Fatoush in Heartbreak High, Moira Doyle in McLeod’s Daughters, Paula Doumani in Party Tricks and Sasha in The Wrong Girl.
Hugh Sheridan and Kate Jenkinson as Lachlan and Melanie Best
Hugh Sheridan and Kate Jenkinson as Lachlan and Melanie Best
Lachlan is one of the original five to move in to the home, and is Ainsley’s co-worker and love interest.
He’s currently going through a complicated “split” from his wife Melanie, played by Kate Jenkinson, and looks set to break poor Ainsley’s heart. Lachlan is the absolute worst, but you can read more about that here.
Hugh is known for his roles as Ben Rafter in Packed to the Rafters and Nick in House Husbands. Kate is another Offspring alum, who’s also currently starring in smash-hit Wentworth.
Kumud Merani as Harry’s mum Manju
Kumud Merani as Harry’s mum Manju
Beloved SBS anchor and radio producer Kumud stars as Harry’s mum, Manju.
Kumud is an award-winning Executive Producer of SBS Radio Hindi and she was the first female anchor of an Asian background on SBS Worlds News. She also had a role in the 2015 film UNindian.
