Inside Soap, Issue 102, 12 June 1998

Q&A gets personal with Neighbours' Harold Bishop

Where were you brought up? I grew up in Melbourne. I'm totally in love with my city. I would dearly love to do a TV programme all about it to show everyone in England that it's just the most heavenly place.

What do you think you'd be doing if you weren't acting? If all my dreams had been answered I would be a doctor. A young cousin of mine has just recently become a doctor and he's got my medal of honour.

What's the first thing you would save if your house was on fire? My two tabby cats - I'm a real cat person. I'm just reading the most ridiculous book called 'Why Cats Paint'. It's set around the pretext that everyone knows that cats paint and explains why they do it. It's the most amazing humour.

What was your first ever job? Singing in a band at my father's work picnic. I got two shillings.

What did your school reports used to say? Oh, they were always disgusting. At the footnote of every report was always: 'I fear that Ian is a dreamer'. Apparently I used to sit there and daydream all the time, which probably meant I had to be an actor or a writer, I suppose. I hated school with a passion. It's funny as I'd love to go back to it now and I think I may do one day.

Who are you closest to in the cast? Oh without a doubt Anne Charleston, who plays Madge. We're very lucky that the two of us are extremely comfortable with each other. We're very good friends off set as well as on.

Have you got any secret talents? I have got a nickname of 'mister diplomacy' as apparently I'm quite a diplomat if people are having problems. Also, I used to sing all the time, but although I have not had a cigarette for four years, the damage is done and it'll stop me from singing forever. I used to be a very good singer. I've been in a lot of musicals over here.

What's your idea of absolute paradise? I think I would have to be politically incorrect here and say to have lots of money. Some people may say money isn't everything, but I think it's a bloody good start! Absolute paradise would be to have so much money that you could do things for other people. I've seen so many very good friends, who I know are much better actors than me, and they can't get work. I would dearly love to have enough money to set up a theatre to employ these people in what they are very good at. That would be wonderful.

What's your all-time favourite meal? That's very difficult because my wife Gail is such a good cook. One of the best things she does is a creme caramel. We have been in restaurant after restaurant and all our friends say no-one makes a creme caramel like Gail.

What was the last CD you bought? That's easy as I bought it today! I just saw the movie Brassed Off and loved it so much, I went out and bought the soundtrack.

Which other soap character would you most like to play for the day? Mrs Mangel. Vivean Gray, who played her, was lovely. I haven't seen her for such a long time.

The Real Harold Bishop