Delta Goodrem’s back on Neighbours to tie up loose ends

DELTA Goodrem says her return to Neighbours is about “unfinished business” after leaving the show to battle cancer.

STRICTLY EMBARGOED FOR SATURDAY 14TH MARCH: Delta Goodrem returns for a limited time to Neighbours. Picture: Channel Ten

BEFORE Australia got to know singer Delta Goodrem, it was her role on Neighbours as blossoming wallflower Nina Tucker which introduced the world to her performing and songwriting talents.

Taking the familiar road to Ramsay Street, like her pop idol Kylie Minogue had famously done before her, the Sydney teenager back then was leading a double life — acting by day, as she worked tirelessly on a demo tape of her own songs which would launch Goodrem as one of our best-selling artists.

Goodrem has spoken about her sense of having “unfinished business” on the soap, after leaving the show to battle Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so relished the chance to make a guest return for Neighbours 30th anniversary specials.

Neighbours days ... delta Goodrem as Nina Tucker on Neighbours. Picture: Supplied

And just as she did in the beginning, there’s a new song to sing during next week’s episode, Only Human.

Written before producers approached her about the TV cameo, it’s the kind of serendipity both Goodrem and her TV alter ego believe in.

“Nina’s journey is she’s coming back to find her feet. She’s lost her passion a little bit with music and she’s having a moment with (on-screen boyfriend) Jack (which was played by Jay Bunyan). She’s trying to reflect and get back to something simple, before the world all changed for her,’’ Goodrem said.

Back on the street ... Delta Goodrem returns for a limited time to Neighbours. Picture: Channel Ten

Going back to acting proved equally transformative for Goodrem, who said the experience has reawakened “that spark” within.

“Music is my soul but acting is definitely in my blood. Being a part of Neighbours again reminded me of that ... the passion is there.”

Back in Australia for her role as a coach on Nine’s The Voice, Goodrem says she’d be open to any acting roles that may come her way on the network.

“That window has definitely been opened again.”

* Neighbours airs 6.30pm weekdays on Eleven.