Ben Nicholas Online Interviews & Articles

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JESSE SPENCER ON THE NET

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This page was last updated on 7th August 2005.

Page launched on 7th August 2005.

Site launched on 30th October 2004.

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INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES

Ask the Actor

BBCi, 17th July 2005

Shelly from Bristol: In what ways has your life changed since being on Neighbours? For example, do you find it hard to walk down the street without being recognised now?

Ben: That is one way how Neighbours has changed my life. It's not altogether good or bad. It's just something that you kind of deal with, it's part of the territory I guess. It's nice when people come up and talk to you and stuff, and they're always really nice. It's a good thing; you don't let it go to your head.

Hannah from Derby: Do you tend to get more attention from girls now?

Ben: To be honest, I get more boys coming up to me (!), unfortunately, which altogether isn't very nice. Some girls do, but usually they're very young. So it's either little girls, "Ahhhhhhhh!" like that, or guys. Them's the breaks.

Steph from Scotland: When you first started Neighbours, who were you most star struck by?

Ben: Of course Harold! He rocks, and he's very funny.

Becky from Liverpool: When you very first arrived in Ramsay Street, you ran across the pitch naked! Would you ever consider doing anything like that for a bet in real life?

Ben: Of course I would! It would be awesome. And I have done it several times. No, I don't think I would. Especially not in the freezing cold of winter, which it was when I started, on my first day of shooting, and in front of the crew. I got to wear a modesty patch, also known as a jockstrap.

Jane from Newark: What do you most like about your character Stingray and why?

Ben: I reckon just that he's got no boundaries; I can basically do whatever I want. I can suggest to the director, "Hey Tony, I think I should be on rollerblades for this scene," and he'll say, "Brilliant, I love it." He's so hyperactive, so I can do stuff like that.

Conor from Derry: Where does the name "Stingray" come from?

Ben: I got angry with Toadie one day, about a year ago now, and I said "You're so stuck up, you're so snobby," and he said "Fine, I'll give you a fish name, how about Stingray?" And I said, "That's stupid," and he said Toadfish is bad too. I can't remember what happened, but Toadie gave me the name, and it goes along with the whole Rebecchi clan having names like Tadpole, Stonefish and Gemfish.

Lara from Surrey: Is there a crazy nickname of your own that you'd like to share?!

Ben: I did the musical Oliver a couple of years ago, and I played the character of Dodger and my school went and saw it, and everyone started calling me Dodger. Most people don't even know my real name now!

Jill from Leeds: Stingray is a very lively and energetic lad. Do you get tired with all the running around and jumping you have to do?

Ben: I do, I get home and I collapse! It is very tiring. It's also a lot of fun.

Pollyanna from Letchworth: Are there any similarities between you and your character? If so, does this make your job easier?

Ben: I think it's hard to do any kind of character without having them. I think Stingray's pretty funny, people laugh at him, and I try and make people laugh, so...

Peter from Broadstairs: Stingray seems very interested in skateboarding. Are you also interested in it or do you do other sports?

Ben: I play the good old Aussie Rules, you know, with the round and oval football like NFL. We play the Gaelic against you guys, in the mixed rules competition. But I don't skateboard. I did a little bit but I failed miserably.

Shelly from Bristol: What has been the most challenging scene for you to act since joining Neighbours and why?

Ben: Probably when I lost Connor's baby. Those were some pretty big scenes. It was full on. You know, emotionally. But I've got some big stories coming up, with myself and my brother, a little bit of a ruckus.

Jenni from London: Recently in Neighbours in the UK, Serena tells Stingray that she kissed Boyd, and he took her back. Do you think that he should have stood his ground or taken her back?

Ben: That's a tough one. That's a keeper. I don't know. I haven't had a girlfriend in a little while now! I would have stood my ground. If someone had kissed my best mate, I would have.

Beach_bum from Victoria: Is the actress who plays Serena a good kisser?

Ben: Obviously! Obviously.

Jessica from Morell: Do you have a girlfriend in real life?

Ben: [Massive Pause] NO.

Nicola from London: Can you tell us something surprising about yourself that very few people know?

Ben: I'm actually a midget. You can't tell on Neighbours cos they do special effects. No. What don't people know about me? I'm a dancer. I don't do ballet. I USED to do ballet, not anymore. Jazz, tap... I keep that up as much as I can, on Neighbours, although it's very busy. But that's all the questions done! Thank you guys for your time, for your questions, thank you for taking interest! I hope my answers were... good. Enjoy the Neighbours website, enjoy watching the show... 20 years! Keep watching.

INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES