Meet Krista Vendy, a talented and attractive new addition to the Neighbours cast.
Krista who plays Teresa 'Tess' Bell, the new English teacher at Erinsborough High has already made a huge impact down under, where some magazines have described her as 'the new Nicola Charles'Krista reveals all about her exciting new character - and her thoughts on becoming Ramsay Street's next sex symbol.

Krista, tell us about your new Neighbours character...

I play Teresa Bell, or Tess, as she likes to be called. Tess is a 24-year-old English teacher at Erinsborough High. She's a perfectionist when it comes to teaching, but there is also a vivacious side to her.

What are you able to tell us about Teresa's background?

It's quite a mystery. All I can say is that she's been married for a couple of years, to a guy named Brendan. He's a lawyer and there are problems in the marriage. Basically, Teresa moves to Erinsborough to regain her independence.

How did you feel when you found out that you'd won the role?

I couldn't believe it! I went for the audition about six months before I got the part. I'd put it out of my mind until one night when I got a call from my manager, Scott. He called me all the way from the UK to say 'congratulations, you've got the part'. It was a dream come true for me because I've been trying to get into acting for such a long time. To get into a show like Neighbours - which is so popular everywhere - well, it was amazing because it is such a great stepping stone.

Did you have to audition several times over the six months?

I auditioned three times. The last time was on set at the studios. I've never been so nervous in my whole life! It was down to three girls so I knew I had a one in three chance of getting it. I was the last person to audition and I had to wait two and a half hours. Even though I was nervous, I managed to say and do the right things. Originally, my character was named Tasmin Flynn. But after I got the part, the producers took a look at my audition piece and changed my character.

Do you remember your first day of filming?

Yes. It was on location at Erinsborough High. The scene was between Tess, Susan (played by Jackie Woodburne) and Madge (Anne Charleston). Basically, Susan was interviewing Tess for the job.

Did Jackie or Anne give you any advice before hand?

Yes, they were both wonderful. Just before the audition, I remember Jackie saying 'you will never have this experience again. It is your very first time filming, so take it all in and enjoy it'. I call Jackie my mentor because she is such a brilliant actress. She's always coming out with great advice. The other day, she said, 'Krista - acting is about truth and belief'. Don't try to read too much into it. If you believe you are the character, then everything you say will sound true.'

Has the experience been harder or easier than you imagined?

I've always wanted to do acting, therefore it doesn't feel like work to me. I feel that it's what I'm meant to be doing, so I don't think about the work load. Even when I have to get up at four in the morning - which I absolutely hate - for some reason, I wake up and feel excited about going to work.

Does it feel strange to be playing a school teacher and a married woman at your age?

Yeah! It is weird because in real life, I have no desire to get married whatsoever! Teresa has many more responsibilities than Krista, so it has been interesting to play someone like her.

How did you feel the first time you saw yourself on air in Australia?

It was exciting. My parents rang me up, and then all my friends called. They all said I was good, which was reassuring. My family and friends have been a fantastic support. Even my brother Simon said he was pleasantly surprised with my performance, and that's saying something because he never pays me compliments!

It's no secret that Neighbours is about to lose a few key cast members. Do you feel any pressure to take over from them?

No, not at all. When I first started, I had no idea that Brooke (Satchwell, who plays Anne), Jesse (Spencer, who plays Bill) and Jacinta (Stapleton, who plays Amy) were leaving. I only found out a few weeks ago - I'm always the last to know these things! After that, I realised that I was kind of brought in to take over from them, but it doesn't feel like pressure. The show has been going for fifteen years and many people have come and gone.

How is the atmosphere on set?

Great. It's a great time for Neighbours. Not only with my character coming in, but a new family - the Scully family - who come on air shortly after me. There's a lot going on.

What about the publicity side of things. You've certainly made a splash down under!

Yes, I'm really enjoying all that. Publicity is just another side of the job, and I think it's important to do. That's what keeps the show going. The more I can get, the better it is for the show. The other day, Jackie Woodburne asked me how I was coping with it all and I said 'just fine'.

Your manager just happens to be Scott Michaelson, who played Brad Willis in the show from 1991-1994. Has he given you much advice on what to expect?

Yes, Scott is fantastic. He manages myself and also Holly Valance, who is another newcomer to the show. He basically told me to be myself and stay humble, which is how I pretty much am anyway. He also told me to treat it as a business, especially when it comes to publicity. A lot of people get carried away with that side of things, but Scott told me that if I stayed down to earth I'd be fine.

You also have another connection to the show. Your cousin is Kristian Schmid, who played Todd Landers from 1988-1993

Kristian has been great. When he found out I had won the role, he called to say congratulations. He's a great actor and if I can be as good as him I'll be happy!

Are you aware of exactly how popular the show is in England?

Yes, definitely. It's exciting. I'll be over there at Christmas, but I won't be doing any work as I will have only just come on air. But certainly, next year, I'll be hoping to do pantomime. It will depend on working visas and that kind of thing.

The Australian press have described you as 'the new Nicola Charles'. How do you deal with that?

It's flattering - what else can I say? She's a different shoe size!

Like Nicola, you hail from a modeling background. How serious were you about that?

I grew up in Ballarat, in country Victoria, then moved to Melbourne when I was seventeen and immediately joined a modeling agency. I stayed in Melbourne for a couple of years, just doing catwalk, that kind of thing. My agency said that if I really wanted to make money and do well, I'd have to go overseas. So I went to Asia, and Greece, and then Los Angeles. I had a really good time.

Why did you decide to give up modeling and pursue acting?

Well, I'd always wanted to be an actor, so that was my main reason for making the switch. But modeling, as a lifestyle, didn't real suit me because there was always an issue with my weight. To be a successful model you have to be wafer thin, but I love my food too much to diet all the time.

You also worked as a choreographer. How did you get involved with that?

When I was living in Queensland, I was asked to enter a couple of beauty pageants. I ended up winning one and this guy from Hollywood offered to fly me to Turkey to represent Australia. It was fantastic, but I wanted to work behind the scenes so I worked as a choreographer. I still got to travel and do all those great things, and learn a different craft at the same time.

Did you study acting?

I studied method acting for two years. I did commercials and workshops, that kind of thing. It was always there in the background, but it's only since Neighbours that I've been able to do it full time.

Are your family happy that you are back in Melbourne?

Yeah, they are thrilled. I've been a gypsy for such a long time. We're all happy that I'm back!

Are you parents proud of your success?

Yeah, my dad is my number one fan! My mum and my brother Simon are also terrific. I have support, and that's the most important thing. If you don't have the support of your family and loved ones, then you don't have a hope of succeeding.

You're obviously very busy with the show at the moment. Is it a case of all work and no play?

Oh, no, I still get time to play! But I'm serious about the show, so I find most of my spare time is taken up with learning lines and doing publicity.

Finally, if you could say one thing to Neighbours fans, what would it be?

Just to keep watching. There's lots of great things coming up. You won't be disappointed.

from neighbours.com