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Interviews
> Neridah Leishman
In 1992, Neridah Leishman joined the Neighbours cast as the scatty Wendy Marsh, who had her eye on Brad Willis. Here, singer Neridah remembers her time in Erinsborough...
Had you done much acting before you
joined Neighbours as Wendy in 1992?
Not a lot of formal training as such, but yes I had already been doing stage acting and had also hosted a kids show for 12 months prior to scoring the role on Neighbours.
How did the role of Wendy come about? Was
it just a typical audition?
I had just moved to Melbourne, where Neighbours is shot, got an agent who then submitted me. I had an audition with Jan Russ and my personality was ideal for the role of Wendy Marsh.
Did you enjoy playing Wendy? How would you
describe the character?
Playing Wendy was fun, in fact she was very much like me then anyhow - blonde surfy chick that was a bit naive.
Can you tell us a little about what it was like to work on Neighbours in 1992, with actors like Natalie Imbruglia and Scott Michaelson?
Natalie & Scott were a lot of fun. Everyone on the show at that time was very supportive and friendly.
Was there anyone you particularly enjoyed working with during your time at Neighbours?
Scott was a funny guy, he made everyone on the set laugh.
Was there ever any talk
about making Wendy into a permanent character? Would you ever consider taking on a regular role in the series?
No, unfortunately for me Wendy remained a guest role, but I don’t think I would’ve wanted to stay on as my true job was, and still is, a professional singer.
Have you ever been a Neighbours
viewer yourself?
On and off over the years.
Are you still in touch with anyone
from your Neighbours days?
No, it’s been such a long time now. Just like life itself, everyone moves on.
What have you been doing since your 1992
Neighbours appearances?
I got married and had a boy a few years after my role on Neighbours. I have been singing professionally all this time too. I have almost finished my debut EP & I also teach singing.
Lastly, with Neighbours now screening for over 22 years, what are your thoughts on its enduring success and the future?
Its credit goes to a combination of things I feel. From marketing to the writers to the actors themselves with their very ‘Australian’ way of life. Particularly overseas, people love the friendliness and easy-going lifestyle of Australia in general.
Interview
by Steve. Added on 10th November 2007
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