The character of Poppy Rogers is a free spirited young woman who has encouraged her cousin Ruby to accompany her on a backpacking trip around Ruby’s native Australia. When the girls reach Melbourne, Poppy’s adventurous spirit takes them to a local bar where they arouse the interest of some of Erinsborough’s finest bachelors.
Out of 1600 entries, 18 year old Gabriella won the role of Poppy Rogers in Neighbours.
“I can’t believe how lucky I am. I never expected to be shortlisted, let alone get to Australia and win. I have had an amazing week and am really excited to start on Monday," said Gabiella.
Susan Bower said it was the hardest decision she’s ever had to make. The Neighbours’ Producer Neal Kingston likened it to ‘splitting hairs’.
“Both girls were brilliant, but casting decisions are based on many factors. It boiled down to the fact that Gabriella Darlington ticked all the boxes. Having said that, Jennifer Hall is a fine actress with a big future ahead of her,” Susan said.
“It's been a pleasure working through this amazing process with all the members of Team Five.”
Gabriella, along with fellow finalist Jennifer Hall, spent the last week in Melbourne with cast and crew from Neighbours, visiting the famous set, receiving tips from experts and cast, screen testing, and of course, making an appearance at the popular Neighbours’ pub quiz with Alan Fletcher, Stefan Dennis and Jane Hall.
Gabriella will now stay in Melbourne to take up the four-week guest role which starts filming on Monday 19th July.
Poppy Rogers will first appear on UK screens on Wednesday 10th November and UK fans will be able to see what happened when the two finalists went to Melbourne in a special program documenting the pioneering ‘Be A Star On Neighbours’ competition, which will air the same week on Five.
There will also be a ‘Behind the Scenes’ video available for fans to see on the Neighbours’ website. The video will feature interviews with the two girls and their visit to the Melbourne studio.
Neighbours celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year and in October the UK will air the action-packed 6000th episode which will feature a wedding and a life-threatening situation for one of the show’s most iconic characters.
Poppy Winner Announced
21 Jul 2010
It was an exciting day for the Neighbours' team when they announced the winner out of the two finalists for Five’s ‘Be a Star on Neighbours’ competition - Gabriella Darlington.
