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> Superfans: Maria
How long have you been watching Neighbours?
I have been watching Neighbours since it first began in 1985. I remember becoming hooked when I started watching it with my parents and saw a much younger Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) who I have been a loyal fan of for 21 years!! I first started watching Neighbours back in 1985 when my parents started watching it. I remember hating it when I missed some of the earlier episodes due to school commitments. I still followed Neighbours after Paul left in 1993 but I didn't tape it. Since Paul's return at the end of 2004, I never miss an episode and make sure it is taped while I'm at work.
Who are your favourite characters and why?
My favourite characters would have to be Paul Robinson (first) because he's rich, powerful and ruthless and prepared to do anything to be one step ahead of his rivals. Helen Daniels, because she was the matriach and conscience of the Robinson family and was always there for advice and comfort for all her family and friends. Isabelle Hoyland because she was the perfect match for Paul's partner in crime and all the upheaval she managed to cause to the lives of the characters on the street.
What are your favourite storylines and why?
It is hard to list all my favourite storylines but these are just a few over the last 21 years. The love triangle between Paul/Christina/Caroline because of the brilliant acting and the tension & complications it brought to the relationships. The cliff-hanger finale of 2005 with Harold strangling Paul because it kept you on edge and it showed a very different side to Harold's character that viewers hadn't seen before.
Have you ever visited the sets, or attended any Neighbours Nights?
I first visited Pin Oak Court in 2006. I did the official bus tour and had my photos taken in front of all the houses. It was a great experience. I also did the tour again in January 2007. I have also been to a total of 3 Neighbours
Nights in 2006 and each time I got to meet my idol of 21 years Stefan Dennis!! I also visited the Melbourne Muesum recently and had a great time photographing & reminscing in the Robinson kitchen set that's on display there.
Have you ever met any of the cast members?
I have met Isabelle Hoyland twice, once in 2001 when she was performing in the musical, Grease and before she even appeared on Neighbours and, again in 2006 after a Rogue Traders gig. I have met Stefan Dennis 3 times and now he knows me by first name!! I have also met the actors who play Karl Kennedy, Steph Hoyland, Lyn Scully, Toadfish Rebecchi, Ned Parker & Libby Kennedy. I have found all of the cast very warm, friendly and extremely patient and obliging when it comes to taking the time for autographs & photos. I hope to meet more of the cast in the future. My ultimate dream is to have a tour of the Neighbours set and a ride on the back of Stefan Dennis' motorcycle!!
What merchandise from the series do you own?
I am really proud of all my Neighbours memorabilia but mainly concentrate on collecting the older stuff. My collection mainly features everything & anything on Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) but it has expanded to include many other cast members. I have an impressive collection of signed fan cards (old & new), signed cast photos, T-shirts, books, games, videos, magazines, annuals, posters & clippings etc. I have found a lot of awesome memorabilia on E-bay and made heaps of great friends & contacts. One of my prized items in my collection is a rare set of black & white photos, proof sheets & negatives featuring the old cast members such as Paul Robinson, Mike Young, Jane Harris, Gail Robinson & Des
Clarke. I also have some rare black & white publicity photos of Paul Robinson, Daphne Clarke, Brad Willis, Todd Landers & Lucy Robinson.
Why do you think the show has lasted so long?
I am thrilled that Neighbours is now in it's 22nd year of airing. I think the fact that has lasted so long proves the brilliant acting talent of the cast & production team. I think that the decision to reprise Paul Robinson's character after a 12 year absence was a extremely positive move to attract the loyal fans, older members of the viewing audience & improve ratings. Stefan brings to his character a wealth of acting talent which has greatly improved & matured over the years. I think it would be great if they could bring back more of the older cast members even if for a guest appearance to keep the storylines exciting & the audience interested. I think the recent daring & dramatic storylines such as the gay storyline, the plane crash & mineshaft episode have shown that the show has progessed well with the times.
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