Neighbours: prodigal actress Annie Jones reveals what starring on the hit Network 10 TV show is really like
Prodigal Neighbours star Annie Jones, one time shock on-screen girlfriend of Guy Pearce, lifts the veil on the hit TV show and beyond.
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We first met Annie Jones on Neighbours back in 1986 where her character Jane Harris blossomed from a young bookworm to teen dating stud Mike Young (played by Guy Pearce). Having also worked alongside Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan during the height of Neighbours-mania, Annie says returning to the production that made her a household name has been an emotional homecoming.
“If you’d asked me back then, never in a million years did I think I would be back on the show, but it has been a dream,” she says.
“From the old days, Guy (Pearce) is the one I most keep in touch with, but that’s occasionally when the planets align.”
Annie has quickly become reacquainted with Neighbours’ fast-pace scheduling, shooting on average six episodes per week.
“Everything is shot out of order, so it’s like a huge jigsaw puzzle. We start shooting at 6am, so I am up at 4am, and if you’re in every scene you could be at work until 6.30pm.”
By contrast, Annie’s home life with husband Paul Moloney and their dogs is rather relaxed.
“We’ve been here for about 30 years. It’s an old house and when we bought it, it had a toilet outside. We’ve renovated it and added an extension. It’s close to the city and that’s what drew me.
“I love the hustle and bustle.”
AT HOME WITH NEIGHBOURS ACTOR ANNIE JONES
Who: Neighbours actor Annie Jones.
Where: Old house on the edge of the city with husband Paul Moloney.
Favourite thing: My whippets Clarry and Benny. They are very lazy. We take them to the park once a day but most of the time they are sleeping on the lounge.
Inspiration: Interiors with jewel colours – lots of jade green, maroon and black.
Home is: I am a complete homebody and I love nothing more than being at home.
NEIGHBOURS STAR ANNIE JONES’ FAVOURITE THINGS
Egg poacher
I am mad for poached eggs and this is one of those gadgets that make life easier. I could quite happily live off poached eggs and salad for the rest of my life.
Seagull mobile
I bought this in Athens because I love seagulls, I think they’re so elegant. People call them rats of the sky because they steal hot chips, but I think they’re pretty.
Tea
I am a compulsive tea drinker. I might have one coffee a day and then about 15 cups of coffee. I’ll drink any tea, but like a good strong brew like Bushells.
Side table
I got this table for $5 at an op shop. It was covered in contact, so I have stripped it back, stained it and put wheels on it. I love to recycle stuff.
Banksy artwork
I am a huge Banksy fan and I bought this at a Banksy exhibition in Amsterdam. He truly fascinates me and I have a couple of pieces and have been to every exhibition.
Fossil
My parents were opal miners so I have always had an interest in rocks. I found this as a child when we were fishing by the Murray. It’s a sea urchin fossil that is several million years old.
Shopping bag
I take this to the markets with me to get vegetables or to the supermarket. It’s practical and very deceptive to how much you can put in it.
Painting box
When I am not working, painting is my creative outlet. Every time we go on a road trip I take this painting box with me. It’s just a hobby, but something I really enjoy.
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