.
Reference > Erinsborough News > Emma's Exit

Neighbours beauty Emma Harrison was all smiles on her last day on set for the Network Ten soap. Emma, 23, says she’s excited about her future, and would like to move into mini-series, films and theatre roles.

“I look on Neighbours as a springboard to the future,” she says. “I’m looking forward to moving on to greener pastures, and I have got some opportunities in the pipeline – quite different things that I can’t talk about yet. I’m also considering taking acting classes in Los Angeles.”

Emma says she has learnt a lot about the TV industry since she joined Neighbours as Joanna – sister of former regular Annalise (Kimberley Davies) – in April 1995.

“It’s a mutual decision for me to leave,” she says. “Neighbours has been a wonderful experience for me. I’ve worked with some fantastic people and I’ve made some beautiful friends.”

One of her best friends is new Neighbours star Nicola Charles, who plays Sarah Beaumont. “She’ll be a friend forever,” Emma says. “We definitely plan to stay in touch. We can’t be separated!”

Meanwhile, Emma has moved back to her family home in Brisbane, where she is taking time out before her next career move. Despite her high profile in the media, including the hype that comes with being a star in the UK where Neighbours is still incredibly popular, Emma says she accepts that her popular TV image will attract that sort of exposure.

“I really don’t mind it – it’s part and parcel of the job,” she says. She laughs at UK newspaper reports that she’s a heartbreaker, turning down the advances of such stars as Jean-Claude Van Damme and Charlie Sheen.

“Yes, I have met them,” she says. “And no, I’m not saying what really happened!”

This article originally appeared in TV Week magazine dated 22nd February 1997 and was written by Caron James

Article submitted by Steve