Everybody needs good neighbours. Despite avoiding ours, and everybody right now amid the coronavirus pandemic, Now To Love spoke to a very special few.
Like many of us, the Neighbours cast are doing their bit to self-isolate.
Production of the iconic show was put on hold recently in a decision made by cast and crew.
“Even out here in the iconic lot, we are now feeling the coronavirus pinch as our studio goes into lockdown.” actress Madeleine West told 9Honey.
“Neighbours has decided to take a short break this week to ensure the production model in place can withstand any potential impact of the current COVID-19 situation,” it was announced in a statement from Network Ten and Fremantle Media.
We asked what the stars are doing to keep busy, who they’d choose to isolate with and what’s their binge-watch snack of choice – among other things.
MATT WILSON (plays Aaron Brennan)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
Keeping busy at home doing a little landscaping and small reno jobs around the house. The old carpenter in me is loving it. I’ll also spend a solid 20 minutes per day watching bees stick the perfect landing on our new hive!
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I’ve never seen any of the old “House of Trousers” shenanigans but I’ve heard nothing but good things. Spin off anyone?
Binge watch snack of choice?
There’s a reason they start selling Easter eggs three months before Easter…
Isolation exercise hack?
It doesn’t matter what you do but dedicate one hour to moving. It’s so much more important than we know.
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Toadfish. Do I need to explain that?
Your trick for not going crazy?
We’re being asked to stay home. My entire school life I couldn’t wait to be told to stay home!
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Bek (Rebekah Elmaloglou)!
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
April.
Which past character do you want to see return?
Our Mum!
Any messages to the fans?
Stay inside and make the time useful!
APRIL ROSE PENGILLY (plays Chloe Brennan):
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
There are always a million things I need to be doing – I never stop! I exercise every day, I’m still fielding emails, plus social media is part of the job, so I’m keeping all of that up and catching up on boring things like cleaning and laundry that we never have time for when we’re shooting!
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I used to watch in the Delta Goodrem era, with Stingray and Dylan and Skye, so I’d love to jump back in and revisit those classic characters!
Binge watch snack of choice?
Don’t make me choose! Right now, I love sweet and salty macadamias, dark chocolate-covered turkish delight, and hot cross buns, because we won’t be able to get them for much longer!
Isolation exercise hack?
I have heaps of workout DVDs that I love! There’s yoga, pilates, barre, plus there are some really fun cardio workouts, like boxing and old school aerobics. I also have my own weights, which I use every second day. Mostly, I just walk – it’s free, gets you outside and we’re still allowed to do it (for now)!
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Sharon Johal! She’s lovely, hilarious and a great cook – I’d marry her if she weren’t already taken.
Your trick for not going crazy?
I’m not sure what advice I can give because I’m an only child and a homebody, so this is my jam! I was raised to find ways to entertain myself but for others, there might be a bit of a learning curve. Maybe try a new hobby, like… scrapbooking? Is scrapbooking still a thing?
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Myself or Sharon!
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Myself or Matt Wilson
Which past character do you want to see return?
Harold.
Any messages to the fans?
We love you all so much! Thank you for watching and we hope you’re all staying safe and looking after yourselves!
JACKIE WOODBURNE (plays Susan Kennedy):
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
I’m not really sure that “busy” is the right word! I’m just trying to do little projects around the house and stay active.
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I’d probably start with the arrival of the Kennedy family for the sake of nostalgia.
Binge watch snack of choice?
Popcorn
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Whoever is the best cook!
Your trick for not going crazy?
Too late!
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Most of us!
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Fletch (Alan Fletcher) will be doing laps for sure!
Which past character do you want to see return?
The Kennedy kids.
Any messages to the fans?
Hang in there. We will all get through this and live to tell more tall tales and true from downtown Erinsborough!
REBEKAH ELMALOGLOU (plays Terese Willis)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
Taking care of my family, reading, lots of Netflix and taking my dogs Daisy and Lucy to the park.
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I’d probably start from the beginning!
Binge watch snack of choice?
Dark chocolate and a nice glass of red wine.
Isolation exercise hack?
Solo power walk with a good podcast!
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Mmmm…well, Paul Robinson of course.
Your trick for not going crazy?
We have a great puzzle on the go and having afternoon naps.
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Toss up between Chris Milligan and Jemma Donovan.
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
April Rose Pengilly for sure.
Which past character do you want to see return?
Harold…always Harold.
Any messages to the fans?
Hang in there. We will get through this. Stay home and take care of your family. We are all in this together!
TAKAYA HONDA (plays David Tanaka)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
I started a live talk show on YouTube that kicks off on Tuesday, 31 March (this week!).
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I’d go all the way back to the start to see how much things have changed and what has stayed the same.
Binge watch snack of choice?
Pistachio nuts, as long as I have a drink too.
Isolation exercise hack?
Resistance bands can be used for nearly everything!
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Stefan Dennis, it would be endless fun.
Your trick for not going crazy?
Stay busy and have fun doing it. We so often get stuck doing things because we have to. Now everyone has time to do all the things at home they said they couldn’t do because they were “stuck” at work. This doesn’t mean you have to be “productive” but boredom can lead to some wonderful things.
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Me.
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Ryan Moloney, the man is training like crazy at the moment.
Which past character do you want to see return?
Harold Bishop.
Any messages to the fans?
Subscribe to youtube.com/takayahonda and come and join the live stream for a bit of fun.
JEMMA DONOVAN (Harlow Robinson)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
It’s hard but I’m just trying to exercise, learn new things that I’ve always wanted to do, and catch up on some sleep for sure!
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
Oh good question, I still haven’t seen Scott and Charlene’s wedding so let’s say that would probably be a good place to start!
Binge watch snack of choice?
Popcorn, I’m obsessed! It has to be salted though!
Isolation exercise hack?
Always have a routine!
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
That’s a good question, it’s hard to choose because they are all great! But honestly, probably none of them as I enjoy my own company way too much!
Your trick for not going crazy?
I wish I had one to give you all!
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Can I say myself!? Either myself or Rebekah Elmaloglou.
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Zima for sure, she has the most ridiculous amount of energy for such a tiny person!
Which past character do you want to see return?
Margot Robbie’s character Donna would be awesome.
And any messages to the fans?
Stay home, stay safe and stay positive!
OLIVIA JUNKEER (Yashvi Rebecchi)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
Well, I’ve got heaps of board games, my bedroom is needing some revamping, there’s also this thing called “Netflix Party” that’s quite good and I’m going to try and teach myself guitar!
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I want to watch my old stuff from 2017-2018. I tried to watch a little bit of it on YouTube and ended up cringing at myself too much, so I turned it off.
Binge watch snack of choice?
Chocolate.
Isolation exercise hack?
YouTube tutorials! They are saving me right now.
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
I think Tim Robards would keep me fit and active!
Your trick for not going crazy?
Big, long, isolated walks. Also when I start baking, I reckon that’s when I’ve hit the crazy mark!
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Chris Milligan.
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Zima Anderson.
Which past character do you want to see return?
Probably Donna Freeman, for obvious reasons!
Any messages to the fans?
Be safe and isolate! And if you get bored and run out of things to do, you can always watch Neighbours on 10 Peach and 10 Play!
COLETTE MANN (Sheila Canning)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
Cleaning like Cinderella and organising a la Marie Kondo!
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
The year that Clive Gibbons was introduced, 1987, I think – as he is now my non-live-in partner and I would like to know what he was like as a young man –with hair!
Binge watch snack of choice?
Salada biscuits and vegemite.
Isolation exercise hack?
Yoga, with a bit of mat Pilates thrown in, should have bought a reformer bed when I had the chance!
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Kyle – Chris Milligan and I have shared before, we know we are okay!
Your trick for not going crazy?
Keep busy and have a plan each day.
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Chris Milligan –has sometimes worn them to work…. I am joking!
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
April Rose Pengilly is an exercise addict but it works, look at that gorgeous body.
Which past character do you want to see return?
Gary Canning but he is dead, so as a ghost maybe?
Any messages to the fans?
Hang in there and follow the rules, particularly about social distancing. I am considered to be at high risk because of my age, and I am still seeing groups of people when I am walking alone
BEN HALL (Ned Willis)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
Learning guitar, writing, reading, boxing, watching too many TikToks!
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I’d like to go back and watch episodes with Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie) to see the early days of someone who went on to do incredible work.
Binge watch snack of choice?
Mission chips.
Isolation exercise hack?
Shadow boxing classes from Fightfit.
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Yashvi of course, but I doubt Shane would be cool with that.
Your trick for not going crazy?
Treat this as time for yourself, do all the things you want to do but that you’ve put off because life is usually too busy. Also, meditation.
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Chris Milligan or Jemma Donovan.
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Alan Fletcher is always doing laps of the Neighbours set, so probably him!
Which past character do you want to see return?
Donna Freedman or Leo Tanaka.
Any messages to the fans?
If you’re struggling or bored in lockdown send us a message on social media, we’ve got lots of time to answer questions now!
BONNIE ANDERSON (Bea Nilsson)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
Not waking up before 8.00am! I have been walking my dog Delilah a lot and spending most of my time cuddling her and my two cats, Laycie and Shaq. I have also been painting a lot, I stocked up on canvases and acrylic paint.
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I have been watching Neighbours religiously at the moment, the episodes are fire! I am proud to be a part of the show currently. But there are many moments that I would like to look back on, Margot Robbie days I never got to watch, Chris Milligan was on the show then too so that would be fun to watch.
Binge watch snack of choice?
Food has been my best friend and chocolate is the devil on my shoulder that always twists my arm! I love Kinder Surprise and hazelnut at the moment.
Isolation exercise hack?
I was going to CrossFit before isolation was a thing, they have created an online daily workout which is amazing. I’ve been walking lots too… I need a little fresh air.
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
I love the idea of singing while being quarantined, so Alan Fletcher, Ben Hall, Jemma Donovan, and anyone who likes to sing really! Just to be around creative musical people would be my jam. Otherwise Jodi Gordon, always! Because she’s my best mate and life is better with her.
Your trick for not going crazy?
Exercise and lots of water! I have a lot of down time and am trying not to be too hard on myself during this time either. If I want to sit back and watch a show, I do it and snuggle up to my animals.
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Me (Haha!) or maybe Jemma, I honestly don’t know. This is a hard one. Probably the majority of us if we don’t have to go anywhere.
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Zima Anderson, Zim always has loads of energy, so maybe her!
Which past character do you want to see return?
Harold. I wish I got to do a scene with Harold!
Any messages to the fans?
Keep safe, keep creative and like me, just keep trying to find different things to do and experiment with. This is a perfect time to reflect, learn about ourselves and get things done that we didn’t have time for before now.
NICK COGHLAN (Shane Rebecchi)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
Gardening, staying in close (virtual!) contact with family and friends, connecting with neighbours, exercising, meditating, reading and writing.
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I’d start with the arrival of the Toadfish.
Binge watch snack of choice?
Pistachios!
Isolation exercise hack?
Yoga
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
Colette Mann, for all her stories!
Your trick for not going crazy?
Start crazy!
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Chris Milligan.
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Ben Hall.
Which past character do you want to see return?
Gary Canning.
Any messages to the fans?
Be kind and look out for each other x
SHARON JOHAL (Dipi Rebecchi)
How are you keeping busy in isolation?
At this early stage of isolation (for me!), I am VERY, VERY busy annoying my husband who is working from home. Other than that, I am VERY busy catching up on sleep, binge-watching TV and mucking around on Tik-Tok. I imagine I’ll find more productive things to do as time goes on.
If you were going to watch Neighbours reruns, is there a year, event or episode you’d want to start with?
I would start from the very beginning to see where it all began! It was a very different show back then!
Binge watch snack of choice?
Chips and chocolate! Specifically, Chilli Chips, French Onion Dip and M&M’s but I have literally eaten myself out of house and home, so any junk food will do!
Isolation exercise hack?
Do it in a room AWAY from the TV, otherwise it ‘aint gonna happen!
Which Neighbours character/cast member would you choose to quarantine with?
This is hard! I have a few faves. April Rose Pengilly is a bestie on set, so her for sure because we could hang for hours. Fletch (Alan Fletcher) because he would come as a package deal with his wife Jen and we are great family friends so that would make for great dinner parties!
Your trick for not going crazy?
I feel like I’m already too far gone to answer this question! Plus I was born crazy. My trick for keeping the “crazy” in control is to choose wisely who to share it with! Haha.
Cast member most likely to stay in their PJs all day?
Probably Bonnie Anderson because she is such a chiller!
Cast member most likely to be running laps of their house?
Probably Ben Turland, he has energy for days and would be dancing this quarantine out!
Which past character do you want to see return?
It would have to be Kylie – I wasn’t watching back then but that’s the feedback I get over and over from fans – so I would want to keep the fans happy and bring her back to the street! She was great on Kath and Kim!
Any messages to the fans?
Please stay safe during this time. This means keeping others safe too and sticking to the rules, stay at home unless vital to leave and wash your hands properly! This time will pass, but ONLY if we adhere to the rules. Much love and kindness and thank you for supporting our show! x
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