You asked... Ben Lawson

[Cornwallgirl]

You Asked... Ben Lawson

The Neighbours star answers your questions

I really like your character, Frazer - he's funny, but also has a serious side. Which cast member first made you feel welcome?
Mel
Dichen Lachman (Katya) was really welcoming when I first started. At the moment, there's a bit of a musketeer thing happening with David Hoflin, Sam Clark and me. Also, Benji Hart (Adam) has been a fun addition to the cast.

What's it like working with Natalie Blair? Is she as nice as she seems?
Mel
It's in our contracts that we must address her as either "Miss Blair" or "Your Gold-Logie-Nominated Highness". But yeah, when she's not having people fired for looking her directly in the eye, she's pretty cool.

Ben, I'm so happy you've fitted into the neighbourhood. Have you always wanted to act?
Penny
Yes, I have. When I left high school and decided to study acting at university, I started taking it seriously - as seriously as you can take a profession that involves playing dress-ups every day!

Do people recognize you in the street as your Ramsay Street character?
Scott
Sometimes. I was in London earlier in the year and these two Camden punk chicks set upon me. I had my wallet and keys out ready to bargain for my life... turns out they just wanted a photo.

I'm from Scotland and I've watched Neighbours for years! Have you always been a fan? And who's been your favourite character on the show?
Heather
My parents wouldn't let me watch the show when I was growing up; instead, I was reared on what my dad watched. I can, however, tell you my favourite M*A*S*H character of all time - BJ (Mike Farrell).

Where do you live, and what was your first-ever job?
Lilly
I live in Melbourne but grew up in Brisbane. My first-ever job was an acting role on Skippy when I was 12. I peaked early.

Have you ever dated any of the girls on the show?
Cindy
Yeah, all of them. At once. It wasn't fun - I should have done it systematically.

What are your most annoying habbits?
Christie
To me, none of them are annoying. I'm sure a string of ex-girlfriends would tell me a different story.

Do you have a girlfriend? And what's your idea of a perfect date?
Sarah
No girlfriend. The perfect date would involve a beach, seafood, champagne and Livinia Nixon.

Which celebrity would you absolutely love to meet and why?
Rebecca
I'd love to meet Jackie Woodburne (Susan), but she's another person who forbids less-talented actors to approach her off-set. Seriously, I'd love to meet Chevy Chase.

TV WEEK July 14-20, 2007
Page 38