Inside Soap, Issue 101, 29 May 1998

You've got to laugh ...

Why soap doesn't wash with Anne Charleston ...

Compared to other Neighbours characters, Madge Bishop's life has always been remarkably drama-free. And that, says Ann Charleston, who plays her, is the way she likes it.

"I don't like doing soapy situations," she says. "I've always liked Madge because she's not your typical soap character." So as far as Anne is concerned, the sooner her latest storyline ends, the better. This fortnight, Madge is diagnosed with a life-threatening cerebral aneurism.

"I think this is my least favourite storyline," she says. "Once they start throwing dramatic stuff at me, I get a bit uncomfortable. It just doesn't wash with Madge's character at all."

"Ian Smith, who plays Harold, and I always say: 'We don't care what the rest of you are doing, we're doing a sitcom'. We always aim for a bit of light relief."

But it's not just Madge's humorous side that has won her many fans. "She has a good heart," says Anne, who divides her time between Ireland and Australia. "Although she can be hard-nosed and confrontational at times, Madge is basically kind. When I play her, I wish I could be more like her. There's more of my mother in her than there is of me. I'm a moral coward. I just slink off and bear a grudge."

Anne and Ian Smith returned to Neighbours last year after a five-year absence. "When I first returned, Madge and Harold had changed because the new writers didn't know who they were writing for," recalls Anne. "Smithy and I had to fight to get the old relationship back. It's settled down again now and it's nice to have the old team back in action."

Jon Peake