After more than three decades as the warm-hearted Susan Kennedy on Neighbours, Jackie Woodburne is stepping into a role that couldn't be more different. The veteran actor is starring in Network 10's new drama series, The Imposter, marking a bold new chapter in her career following the iconic soap's final episode.
A Complete Character Transformation
In The Imposter, Woodburne plays Helen O'Reilly, a formidable matriarch clinging to her sprawling seaside hotel against the wishes of her three adult children. This character is a stark departure from the beloved Erinsborough mum.
"The character I played on Neighbours, she was everyone's mum. She was lovely, warm, generous," Woodburne reflects. "And Helen O'Reilly is the polar opposite, so I was very attracted to the opportunity!"
Adding another layer to the role, Helen hails from Northern Ireland, allowing Woodburne to use her native accent for the first time in an Australian production after years of using an Australian accent on Neighbours.
A Darker, Grittier World
The four-part mini-series, which premieres on Sunday, December 21 at 8pm on Network 10, delves into much more mature themes than its suburban predecessor. Helen O'Reilly harbours a significant secret: a daughter she gave up for adoption decades ago.
"The story is a belter," Woodburne says. "It's a lot darker and sexier and more adult, a grittier story than Neighbours. The relationships are very complex, very layered, very troubling, very unhealthy, very flawed."
She stars alongside a stellar cast including Don Hany, Jane Harber, Jackson Gallagher, Kym Marsh, and Dannii Minogue, who makes her return to Australian-produced television drama after over thirty years.
Life After Ramsay Street
With Neighbours concluding its historic run just last week, Woodburne is philosophical about her future and the enduring legacy of her most famous role. She acknowledges that being recognised as 'Susan' on the street is part of the deal after playing a character for so long.
"You can't play a character for 30-plus years and not have people refer to you on the street as that character," she states. However, she finds a beautiful side to this recognition. "Their immediate response to you, as a stranger, is to smile. How lovely's that?"
She fondly recalls a fan yelling across Melbourne's Chapel Street during the infamous storyline about Karl's affair: "'Susan, Susan, divorce the bastard!' I gave her a thumbs up."
Reflecting on Neighbours' Legacy
Woodburne expresses deep gratitude for her time on the soap and concern for the industry's training ground now that the show is gone. She highlights the unique opportunity Neighbours provided for emerging talent.
"With Neighbours gone, we've certainly lost that here in Victoria," she notes. "It's really the last opportunity for young actors to learn the ropes... You just can't get that kind of experience elsewhere."
She took pride in mentoring newcomers on the fast-paced set, helping them adjust to the demanding workflow.
Embracing a New Pace
While admitting she was "pretty tired" by the time Neighbours wrapped, Woodburne has enjoyed the transition and found working on The Imposter to be "a joy."
Her outlook on future roles is open and positive. "I hope that there's other opportunities for me that are as challenging, as interesting, as The Imposter, but I feel happy," she shares. "If there's no more work, there's no more work, and I will be very, very grateful for the career that I've had. But I will always be open to something that is fun."
For now, audiences can see Jackie Woodburne in a thrilling new light when The Imposter begins its run on Network 10 this December.
