A major new plot involving Ned Willis, Amy Greenwood, and Levi Canning has begun on Neighbours.
In recent weeks, Ned and Levi have both been casually dating Amy, but as their jealously and rivalry began to spin out of hand, they all came dangerously near to splitting up.
Viewers have now seen Ned propose an alternative plan for their future: he and Levi could both marry Amy and join a polyamorous relationship. After some early scepticism, all three have come around to the concept.
Ben Hall, who plays Ned, was recently interviewed by Digital Spy to discuss the narrative.
When the managers told you about this plot, what was your initial reaction?
“We had a sit-down conversation with the producers about it, simply to get a heads-up on what was going to happen.” They wanted to make sure we were all okay with it since it’s a difficult subject and it’s never been done on the programme before.
“We were taken aback, but there are only so many unexplored storylines in Neighbours, and this is one of them.” It was cool, and I’d want to learn more about it.”
What prompted Ned to recommend Amy and Levi have a polyamorous relationship?
“It’s for a variety of reasons. Ned thinks of himself as a person who doesn’t get jealous easily, therefore he feels he can handle it. He reasoned that this would make Amy happy and would be the simplest method to eliminate the rivalry for Amy’s attention that he and Levi were having.
“Ned reasoned, ‘Why not give it a shot?’ He thought he could handle the jealousy, so if Levi could as well, everything would be OK.”
What is Neighbours’ take on the storey? Is the programme primarily focused on the erotic side, or will future episodes go further into the many facets of polyamorous relationships?
“I believe we’re attempting to do a little bit of both. They always try to keep things a little sexual, a little raunchy, and turn a few heads, in classic Neighbours manner.
“At the same time, we’ve been talking with the authors and producers about include as much material as possible to make the tale as realistic as feasible.
“We don’t want to show it in a sexualized or otherwise inappropriate way. We want viewers who aren’t familiar with polyamorous relationships to be fascinated and learn something, rather than dismissing it as a frivolous nonsense or a relationship to be condemned.”
Were you glad Neighbours sought to investigate this?
“Yes, I believe we were all curious about it. Jacinta [Stapleton, Amy’s co-star] has a friend who has been in a polyamorous relationship for years. ‘Great, I can ask her some questions,’ she added.
“When we had queries about things like time, how do you assign things, do you have a timetable, she would come back to us.
“It was great to have the opportunity to do so, and it was certainly fascinating to the three of us. When something is brand new and hasn’t been done before, I believe you want to do it right.”
Can you tell us how Ned, Amy, and Levi are doing?
“When Ned initially said it, Amy and Levi were taken aback. Ned and Levi don’t have a very close relationship. Ned and Amy are likewise very new, with Ned having recently ended his relationship with Yashvi.
“I believe they were taken aback by Ned’s willingness to offer it; perhaps they didn’t expect him to be that open-minded.
“They must sit down and establish some ground rules, since they believe it will all implode on them. There are a lot of questions since Karl and Kyle are both fascinated by how it works. They’ll have to follow some very strict guidelines.”
Is it having the desired impact of decreasing the competitive aspect between Ned and Levi?
“At first glance, it appears to fix the problem. They always have a degree of banter going on between them, so it starts off awkwardly and they utilise comedy to get through it.
“I believe each of them finds times when they’re a little more envious as it progresses, so there’s some competitiveness that resurfaces.”
Do you believe this is the best decision these three characters could make?
“I believe it will most likely end in tears, but that is because it is Neighbours! Other individuals, who aren’t as unstable as the characters on the Street, I’m sure, would handle it far better.”
What were your thoughts on Olivia Junkeer’s decision to leave her role as Yashvi?
“Olivia, I believe, picked an excellent moment to depart. There’s a lot of stuff to do here in terms of work. She’s doing great, she’s auditioning, and she’s enjoying herself.
“It was a wonderful move for her career, but it was sad for us to lose her, and it was terrible for me to lose one of my best friends. That was a shame since I enjoy working with her, but we all see each other and keep up outside of work.
“Just before lockdown, we all had supper together to celebrate Ben Turland’s birthday. I believe she will perform admirably.”
Do you think Yashvi might make a comeback if Ned ever leaves?
“I believe there’s a very interesting plot in there someplace, since Yashvi is still working as a cop up in Sydney.” Ned still has his evil background stuff from before, so I believe it’d be a fantastic narrative to tie it all together if Ned needs to leave the show. That, I believe, would be an excellent path for him to go.”
But are you willing to stay for the time being?
“Definitely, I like being among such kind people. Coming out of the lockdowns, I believe the show will only get better since it will allow us to do some bigger stories and film off-site once more.
“I’m looking forward to a little longer since it gives up so many more possibilities! But you never know, do you?”
Later this year, the producers have promised some major storylines…
“Yes, there is a huge tale unfolding. It’s being shot on the opposite side of the building, and I have nothing to do with it. We’re still divided into two teams: location and studio.
“However, it is the major plot. That’s something I’ve been watching and reading a lot of. I’m quite confident it’ll all come to a head by the end of the year.
“Over the following several months, there’ll be a lot going on in this polyamorous relationship, so that’ll be towards the end of the year as well.”
“There’s also some entertaining material.” I’m pleased they’ve included some humour, and maybe it will make people chuckle.”
