Skylover

^If it wasn't for the show's obsession with re-creating a new set of Mitchell brothers, I think they would go there with Ben and Jay. As you say there is great chemistry there but I think that's mainly because the actors are such good friends and that translates on screen. The writers won't risk threatening their new-generation Mitchell brothers for a gay romance. It would be cheap too, because Jay shows no signs of bisexuality.

What about Ben and Steven? They're not related at all are they?

As a huge fan of Harry's Ben, I'm disappointed how they didn't focus at all on his relationship with Paul yet we as viewers are supposed to believe that they are mega in love. The writers are so obsessed with the Mitchells that they can't focus on the individual characters and instead concentrate on them as a unit too much. I hope once Paul goes, they have a decent real love story for Ben, but my fear is that he'll be put with Johnny who he isn't suited to at all. People on DS are calling for him and Jay to get together but I think that would be an obvious, insencere route to take, and damage the work they've made creating a gay/straight male bromance.

It must have been a year - she got released on that trial where Pat and Frank met at the end of 2005. She was arrested in April 2004, or am I remembering it wrong? How do you feel about Ben?

Sorry I've been reading through old posts in the thread and I agree with this. I think they should kill off Phil for everything he's done, send Ronnie to prison for many years (I love her but she's been ruined, I wouldn't mind her coming back in a few years). I do want the Mitchells to stay but I think they should make Roxy, Ben etc carry on the legacy, those characters still have mileage. They could also get back Kim Metcalf's Sam. Janine went to prison for years for killing Laura, which she didn't even do, but it was a fitting end as she pretty much killed Barry. I really hope Harry Reid stays, he's a beautiful guy, and is the best Ben we've had so far.

Has anyone been watching the Lassiters explosion? Who do you think is responsible?

Lucky Kieron, that's all I can say.

Grant was so over-rated. The acting was never up to much, he was meant to be the more menacing of the two boys but he never seemed it. Way prefer Peggy and Phil.

When Pippa left in 1998, I think a normal family (The Nashes) moved in but barely lasted 2 years, then the Sutherlands moved in who lasted about 5 years, then one of the original foster children Sally, moved in and began fostering. This went up until 2008 and now they've stuck one of the original characters Alf Stewart in Summer Bay house, with another long standing character Leah (2000-) and her new family. I think at some point, it would be a good idea to bring back one of the original foster kids again and start them fostering again.

Does anyone here watch the Early Years?

True, I get the feeling though that we will never see Kim's version of Sam again, TPTB obviously don't want her and she's probably offended they've opted for Daniella each time so would say no in future

I'm really gutted that

Hey Ben, I've been seriously slack with replying to you over the last little while, I think I've been avoiding it because I know how much I enjoy chatting to you about the show and know I won't shut up if I get the chance! Plus I've had a few personal problems which have stopped me contributing to things online as much as I'd like The show is in a weird place at the moment and if I'm honest I think a lot of work that was done over 2011 and 2012 to improve things has quickly been undone. Don't get me wrong, I loved Sarah's return (even though I wish it was longer) and I even think Steph's return was great despite most people protestations. But it seems like Richard Jasek is very keen to wipe the slate clean and in many ways erase the very damaged rep Neighbours has developed over the past few years but IMO he has gone in all guns blazing trying to fix everything at once when things could have taken place at a much slower pace. I love the return to the focus on families but I think the Turners are badly miscast, Bailey is the only one I can say I actively love from the whole bunch of them, to begin with they were a lot better but they seem to be gradually getting worse. Amber, Matt and Lauren are the worst, Mason was fantastic to begin with, I'm not sure why so many people consider him a bad actor because I don't think he is, the only problem being the writing. The lead up to his and Kate's relationship was great, lots of fun banter, reminiscent of old times, but now with this stupid pointless Mark return all the good work has come undone. Since the eclipse almost everything has been plot driven. Kyle turning blind from the eclipse is up there with the worst stories of all time, and Kyle and Kate sleeping together is totally implausible IMO and terrible viewing. The writing hasn't been consistent throughout since Mark's return. As a viewer I feel that Mark is the love of Kate's life. He's not my favourite character in the world but I don't believe for one moment that Kate wouldn't choose him over Mason. Mason is lovely but Mark and Kate have that history and were deeply in love, and she was heartbroken when he 'died'. Likewise Mason is supposed to be deeply in love with Kate but quickly went after Imogen despite Kate saying she wanted to get back together...? Then there's Amber pining after Josh 2 seconds after having feelings for Chris. I just find myself losing interest because things are all happening way too fast. The young characters make me miss Andrew, Tash and Summer, who, looking back, were quite developed after all. Something needs to be done with this lot who basically have no personality whatsoever. I don't believe in the characters because the writing is weak. And mainly, the casting is bad. Jan Russ left in 2009, she had a special eye for talent and cast many of the best characters, I think she needs to be brought back to sort things out. I'm also annoyed at the high cast turnover and the seemingly pointless decision to bring in the Willises. Brad Willis is such a pointless return, he's only back for Lauren, who in herself needs to be developed. Matt is basically a mannequin. The Turners should have received more development before any thought was made to bringing in a whole new family. If Pam or Doug return, I think thnigs will be a lot easier to accept, but until then, I'm not happy with the decision to bring back Brad Willis. Having said that, I love Terese. Rebekah's trying her hardest to bring Terese to life, which must be difficult considering she's lumbered with Paul Robinson, who is a parody. He goes round in circles and needs something to do other than be hated. Paul and Kate's interaction was fantastic which is why I abhorr the decision to move them out of No.26, they have fantastic chemistry, I love their scenes and relationship in general. Putting Kate in 26 was a mistake. However, I LOVED Rhiannon, I want them to bring her back. I'm wondering if there was some way Richard could have persuaded Valentina, Jordan & Jordy to all (or some of) to stay on. Chris was the weakest of that gang, I think keeping these characters would have allowed an easier transition for the Turners to settle in. I also wish we saw more of Lauren and Lou's relationship, apart from the arrival of the family we've seen none of this. The Kapoors leaving is a massive blow for me, and a step backwards. Losing Priya was bad enough (Okay, so she was pregnant - someone with insider knowledge apparently said she'd been offered the chance to return after maternity leave but declined) I find this hard to believe because in January Menik was doing interviews with radio shows in the UK saying how hard it had been for ten years to get a permanent role on a show. Menik was great as the school principal and such a layered character. I miss her massively and I'm sad they decided to kill her off. At first I think Ajay and Rani struggled as characters without her, but months later I'm starting to love them on their own even if I think Priya should be with them. I'm just so gutted about them going, more thought should have been put into them. Once the affair came out Menik and Sachin had some fantastic confrontation scenes and I really loved them, plus Ajay is starting to become one of the beeter characters, just before he's shipped off to India. Apparently it was Sachin's decision to go, as he had aspirations in LA, though I'm not sure of this. Hell, I would have even preferred Rani to stay in with Karl and Susan rather than losing the Kapoors altogether, despite how unrealistic that would have been, and you know how I wasn't a fan of the ridiculous Karl/Summer/Tash household! Another option would have been bringing in an Aunty of Rani's to stay at no.24 while Ajay attended a family emergency in India. There were so many ways to sustain the Kapoors, but the producers were far more concerned about the Willises > Callum/Rani/Bailey are one of the friendships I actually believe in and want to watch though you see so much hate for them on Facebook etc. Rani is way underrated. Don't get me started on Georgia. Terrible character. And 'actress'. Let me know what you're thinking, Ben

Ben - have you seen the news that Brad Willis (re-cast) is returning with a new wife Theresa (played by Rebekah Elmaloglou) and 2 teens? It's reported on Digital Spy. I am agog. Out of anyone they could have brought back from the past I would never have imagined a re-cast Brad. I will post more on this, but I want to reply to your post too. Many fans are also speculating the possible axing of the Kapoors, especially as the actor who played Chris tweeted Menik saying 'we miss you'!

Celia is the only saving grace of the show at the moment. I can't stand Maddie or Spencer, in particular Spencer. Their arrival is so cliche, it's something Home and Away has done too many times. The writing for Celia has been really good so far though, I hope she sticks around for a fair while.

i WOULd hardly describe Neighbours as close to a children's show. More realistic than the other soaps, maybe. Home and Away is farcical at the moment - Casey killed his dad then his dad's secret son tried to call him. Now Daryl's mate Adam and his son are trying to kill Heath and Kyle, the boy who tried to kill Casey, is acting like a hero. It's a joke. If you cut out the Braxtons the show would be 80% improved, the rest of the show is pretty awesome. It's just a shame H&A has become the most ridiculous show on TV. Meanwhile, EastEnders only seems to want to annoy its fans. Going for the most ridiculous revelations it can even if it doesn't make sense to the plot (Kat & Derek), it's falling apart at the seams. Meanwhile, Neighbours is going from strength to strength. It has a good mix of ages and good and bad characters, comedy, light moments, dark moments, dramatic moments...all at the same time 2013 is set to be a HUGE year for Ramsay St, so no, I wouldn't say it was boring or a 'childrens show'. Lou's daughter returns, as does Sarah Beaumont, who was part of one of the most iconic storylines of the 90s which led to TheSlap! A huge sense of pride in the show's history has been restored and the show can finally be true to itself and not trying to fit into a world in which it doesn't belong. I can't wait to see Mason and Bailey Turner, I reckon they're gonna be hot What do you think about the show at the moment, Ben? And what's your opinion on Aidan leaving the show? I did watch a clip of Will and Sonny from Days recently, I did not realise what an amazing couple they are! Do you still watch that show and does this couple feature much? I want to follow their story...I notice your avatar is of Priya Kapoor, I have loved her recently, she's one of the greatest characters on the show at the moment.

Prince!! I really can't stand Romeo anymore, I think she can do so much better. I think she's a good actress, I know a lot of people find her terrible but I can't understand why. I guess people see things differently? :S

I want to marry Samara Weaving. I think she's turned me bisexual. :/

It's such a shame to lose Christian and Syed, they haven't done anything for ages. I really like Syed...

Sharon's amazing, I knew I loved her and was looking forward to her coming back, but I'd forgotten just how much I loved her. She IS EastEnders IMO, I know no character is bigger than a show but when the show has Sharon it's much stronger. Together with Janine I would actually say they are more important than Ian even if he's been there this whole time. Having said that, I love Ian and Sharon together too and Phil suddenly seems so much more likeable with Sharon back.

The show needs to play on Syed and Janine's relationship more. I find it fascinating how she seems to dislike almost everyone but has this fondness for him which we see on the odd occasion like this week. It was stupid getting rid of Anthony. Tyler is way more disposable.

None whatsoever. There have been so many stalkers/murderers/criminals over the years that it's unfortunately just a coincidence. Though the River Boys of 2011- are a rip off of the 2006 gang story with Jonny and Rocco.

Haha, I want to get my hands on Andrew Robinson, he's at the top of my list

As in, these are real people?

Haha, what does that mean