The Interviews are EXCLUSIVE, They have been organised especially for this website. The transcripts have been set up through either the Casts Management or Agent or the Person his or herself.
The staff here at Home and Away junction. 0.9. would like to express a big thanks to the Cast Members Management and or Agent who have agreed to do these fantastic interviews for the fan site.
1st question is... Is your family involved in your career? No, but they've
always been supportive of my career and the decisions I've made.
Are they coping with huge amounts of fame and success you've achieved? They
are very proud of me and get very excited when something big happens for me.
My mum is the cutest...she taped every episode of Dancing with the stars and
replays it all the time!!
Everyone's in love with you, but what would make you fall in love? That's
very sweet of you to say. I have fallen in love with the man I'm going to
marry next year, Paul Ford. It's all about finding your best friend and
someone you can laugh with!
When was your first pash? Oh gosh, I can't remember, I think it was playing
truth or dare when I was quite young....I had my first boyfriend when I was
17, so he would probably have been my first real pash.
How did it feel suiting up in your Home and Away character? Nervous about
how she's going to be received by the audience.
Are we going to see a bad side or a good side of your HAA character? A
mixture of both sides. She's not an intentionally malicious or vindictive
character but her unfortunate circumstances and her need to survive drive
her to do some very ordinary things.
Are you worried about what the hardcore HAA fans will think of you? Yes!
It’s difficult because all the characters on the show are so sweet, and I
guess Amanda doesn't really fit into that mould! I'm hoping that everyone
will love her all the same though, even if it is for all the wrong reasons.
How are you finding handling all the media interest in you? I've been
working so hard lately that I haven't had a chance to let it affect me at
all!
What kind of guy/s do you like? My fiancé, he's gorgeous in every way, both
inside and out.
Have you found someone who makes you laugh? Absolutely!
Describe your ideal date for us please? To drive up to Byron Bay, go
swimming and hang out on the beach and drink plenty of cocktails. I guess
it would be a long date though.
If you could change one thing on your body, what would it be? It changes
every week but probably my stomach, it gets really bloated when I eat things
I'm allergic to.
What's it like working with people such as Ben Unwin, Bec Cartwright, Isabel
Lucas and Kip Gamblin? Fantastic, everyone on the show is really nice and
down to earth. They are very good at what they do.
Have you yet been attracted to anyone on HAA? Nah, but I guess that's why
they call it acting.
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done? Just recently I fell
over on the dance floor at my cousins 21st and bruised my tailbone...as I
was hopping up a plant attached itself to the back of my dress and everyone
on the dance floor was just staring at me wondering what on earth I was
doing!
Some celebs seem really arrogant these days, do you meet a lot of people
like that in the entertainment industry? Not really, most people are nicer
than you'd ever imagine.
What's your favourite food? Any form of Seafood. Yum!
What's your exercise routine like? At the moment I've just started doing
soft sand runs and a little bit of boxing etc plus I try and do a few walks
and weights along with a little yoga when I get the chance!!
Can you please tell us about your character 'Amanda Vale.'? She is the
ex-wife of Dan (who is now married to Leah) and the mother of their son
Ryan. She is teaching Speech and drama at the school and is slowly starting
to fit into the Bay. She is someone who would like to get her life on the
right track and make a good life for her and her son...but somehow she
continually seems to dig herself into deeper and worse predicaments that
what she was in when she arrived....I guess the rest is for you to find out,
but let's just say she has a few secrets.
Congratulation on Dancing with the Stars this year, you and your partner did
a fantastic job. Thank you.
Are you going to or thinking of being a regular cast member on HAA? I will
on the show for a while.
If not what are your plans in the near future?
Are you thinking of becoming a singer just like Bec Cartwright, Tammin
Sursok and now Sharni Vinson? No.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview for us. No worries mate, any time.
The Lowdown:
Full name: Timothy Campbell
Date of birth: 27/09/1975
Star sign: Libran
Born: Sydney Aus.
Family: Mum/Dad/older brother/younger sister
Fun Fact: My first ever acting role was on Home and Away playing "Brad". It was for one episode. He was a soccer player from Yabbie Creek! I was terrible!
How does it feel to be famous for being such a role model?
I'm not sure about the role model bit, although Dan is a great character, but the famous thing is a bit strange yet understandable. I'm always grateful that a lot of people watch the show and I'm given a lot of feedback about my work.
What was it like when you first appeared on Home and Away?
It was fine really. I've done a fair few TV shows before, so I'm used to seeing myself and being over critical! I was surprised how quickly I was recognised in the street though!
What’s your favourite scary movie of all time?
I remember watching many horror films at a friends place, because we weren't allowed at home! So Nightmare on Elm Street and Cujo were always a favourite. I'm sure i saw them when i was 6 or 7!!
What scares you in real life?
Political deception and corporate greed, but let's not go there right now!
Did you ever get called hurtful names at school?
Not really. I had ginger red hair when i was young, so I got "Red headed rat ******", but that made me laugh!
Talking about school what were you like way back then?
I was fairly studious back then. I was also a sports lover. I used to represent the school in Athletics, swimming and soccer. Often making it to the State championships. In later years I discovered performing and some people didn't know how to take me. At school you were either an athlete or a performer, but never both. DAR DA DUM DAR!!!
What about getting literally hurt, ever been in a fistfight?
I never got into a fight at school. I help break up a few, but i guess i used words in conflict instead.... What a nerd!!!
Have you ever been hurt in a relationship?
There have been the odd relationship issues, but never truly hurt no.
What’s the wackiest gift you’ve ever scored from a girl?
tehetehe (giggles like a little kid)....
Have you ever done anything mental for a girl?
How boring am I. I can't think of anything.... I did smoke to fit in with a girl once, but that lasted 2 cigarettes
Got any psycho fans?
No not yet, but i can't wait for some! The bunny is on the stove ready!!!!
What do you find beautiful?
Amazing acts of kindness, and unspoiled rural areas
Who would you say is the most beautiful person in your life?
aaahhhh, well that would just dampen the beauty.
Finish the sentence for us please
:” If I couldn’t be a actor, I would probably join the police force. Maybe that's why I've played about 5 cops in my career.
”
What’s the best thing about being in love?
The understanding and support. And you get the best Xmas presents too!!!
Why do you think Home and Away succeeds?
Because i think it's easy entertainment for viewers to relax too. 7pm tends to be a wind down, eat your dinner kind of time, and I guess many people don't want to be challenged too much at the end of a day. Plus it has a solid history that people, and the network can rely on.
Would you want to be a director on Home and Away or any other show?
Directing was something i was going to pursue before Home and Away came up, so yes i would love to one day be directing some episodes.
Are you sad that Ben Unwin’s gone from the series?
I'm more happy for Ben because he was excited about exploring other areas of his acting life outside of Home and Away.
What do you think of Holly Brisley?
It's great that the writers introduced Amanda to the show. I knew Holly before Home and Away, so it has been an easy transition to working with her again. It's a shame Holly's so ordinary looking!!!!! (yes I am joking!!)
Is Holly any good to work with?, I think she’s really hot.
Holly's great to work with. She has a very challenging character which must be great for her. As for her being hot, she did have a cold recently, so her forehead was a bit warm, but I'm not sure how hot...... oh you mean.... tehetehe!!!
Also Ada and the others?
Ada is a gem! She has an amazing talent and makes my job, and my time on the show that much more enjoyable.
What did you think when you heard that Holly Brisley is going to play your ex wife?
I thought how cool does Dan look!!! He has Holly Brisley as his ex wife, and Ada Nicodemou as his wife. He would have to be the most envied character on TV!
Do you get frustrated about not being able to have your say on things at work?
Not really. The writing department are always open for suggestions and comments. However, they have such constraints on their work that sometimes it's hard to change things too much. In fact all departments are open to discussion an thoughts.
Does Home and Away have room for more characters?
Well the Green Room and change rooms sure don't, but the show always has room for more. More characters can only help create more storylines and more drama. However every show has to have a budget limit.
Is it hard for you to watch other Soapie shows like Neighbours and that sorter stuff?
No not really. To be honest, I consider soap shows to be just another drama series. "Soaps" just have a more difficult time constraint on them. So I love watching all Aussie drama shows. Hopefully next year there will be even more to enjoy.... ABC, ARE YOU LISTENING?!?!?!
What’s the secret to Home and Away’s success?
i think it's the extra basil and lime juice!
What’s the biggest change this year on Home and Away compared to other years?
I think over the last couple of years, as drama production has dropped in Australia, Home and Away have been lucky to pick up extraordinary directors. This has kept the show fresh and as honest as it can be.
What’s your perspective on the media interest on your career?
media interest is generally driven to sell. Be it the show to advertisers, photos and articles for magazines etc... So I know it's like an exciting game, and take it for what it is. Feedback from viewers or industry piers means more to me.
Do you do charity work?
I try to as much as i can. I was exploring more hands on charity work before the show, but am finding it hard due to time. However there are many events I continue to attend and support, and even entertaining at where possible (singing and hosting).
Do you have any tattoos?
I have "Angelina" tattooed on my.... oh hang on that's not me.... no.
What’s your most embarrassing fan encounter?
I did have someone say "I know you from somewhere" to which I said "it's probably from Home and Away". "No I don't watch that, I know it's from Kaos", then she laughed. Kaos was a Theatre Restaurant i worked at. Let's just say I sang "Sweet Transvestite" at the end of the night!!!
Are you a daredevil?
not as much as I used to be.... let's be honest.... I'm a simple guy from the suburbs!!!!
What nicknames did you have as a kid?
Not many. A few people called me bluey or Ginger Meggs because of my red hair.... I would hope they would call me sir, but it never cottoned on!
What’s your favourite Home and Away episode?
So far it's the Noah death and funeral double. Also i did enjoy the Dan/Leah wedding (only because i was such a spunk!!!!)
And you’re least favourite?
mmmm.... due to technical difficulty, this answer is no longer available!
How many pages, on average, do you shoot a day?
In the studio, we shoot 18-23mins (that's almost a whole episode). Location it's less, but the pages change from day to day.
How have you enjoyed working with the cast and crew?
Love them! It's a clique, but on this job it's true. They are the best cast and crew i have had the privilege of working with. Mind you, i haven't come across a bad Aussie crew. (A few knob actors, but it's rare)
How much, if nothing did you know about Home and Away before hooking up with the show?
Not a lot to be honest. I had watched the Bobby and Carly days before. But i did know it was a solid production to work on, that wouldn't receive the axe any time soon
In your previous genre projects, including SNOBS, that show were shot over several months or more, am I right?
Snobs was done over about 6 months. the other long term TV job I did was BIG SKY, which i did for 6 months until the axe fell.
When you first played Dan Baker, did you know at the time that there are so many major storylines coming up?
No. When I received the job, I think the writers were still developing him. I knew his main role was to fall in love with Leah, and to help her move on from Vinnie (waits for Vinnie fans to throw eggs at him!)
Do you study up on things like this to get in touch with your character?
Not really. As Dan was new to the town, I didn't need to know alot about the rest of the characters. I found i connected easily with Dan from the start, so there's like an instinct I rely on most. Also it's hard to invent history for your character, as you find out things you didn't know as the production goes on (as i have found out in a major way recently.... keep watching!!)
Is it easy to step into Dan’s shoes every day?
The wardrobe department do a great job preparing your costume, so yes!.... Gosh, how funny am I?!?!
What’s the best part about working on this show with this cast and crew?
Everyone understands the budget and time constraints, but there's still time for a laugh.
Does the theatrical training help in terms of believing what you are seeing in Soap Opera?
I haven't really had theatrical training, but i think it depends on the individual talents. For some I think training can hinder rather than help. TV production is very different to the theatre medium, and allowances have to be made in your performance. Basically everyone has their own take and approach to the work, trained or not.
You’ve praised the Home and Away experience, but here’s the important question: How’s the food on set?
The food on location is good. Well I'm the laziest cook, so it beats my cheese and tomato toast! There isn't really food in the studio, although there is a canteen to buy your lunch, so every time you have a diner scene, you hope you can eat the props at the end!
Can you tell us what’s next for you?
I have a few singing gigs toward the end of the year, especially around Xmas carols time. Also I'm continuing to do work on Sydney Weekender as a presenter, when ever we can schedule it in! But feel free to check out the news page on my website. I eventually send through info for the webmaster to put up. www.timcampbell.com.au
Also what’s next for Dan?
Dan Dan Dan..... toward the end of the year, you'll see a new side to him.....
Will Dan and Leah be welcoming another pitapata of feet soon?
Dan and Leah will be trying, but at this stage, I'm not sure what eventuates
Do you have any secret websites that only us here at Home and Away territory can only know?
How intriguing!!! Now i wish i did..... ummm let's say www.danbakersingingnakedintheshower.com
Well thanks heaps Tim for doing this exclusive interview for us.
My pleasure, thank you for sending along the questions, and for supporting the show, and Aussie drama in general.