McDonough, who will begin filming his new role on long-running local soap Neighbours, has been in the spotlight since leaving the Gold Coast compound on July 16.

Much of the focus has been on the 20-year-old's romantic interests, with the aspiring actor seen getting up close and personal with Bardot's Belinda Chapple at a Sydney bar.

The singer also joined McDonough in Melbourne and, according to sources close to the band, Chapple was "desperate to get his phone number".

But the Big Brother star denied they were even "very good friends".

"We are just friends, not even very good friends," he said. "You go out with someone for a friendly drink and suddenly you are getting engaged in two months."

McDonough, who claims to have endured a hangover for the last three weeks, said living back home with his family in Melbourne had helped him deal with the hysteria which greeted the Big Brother housemates when the reality show ended last month.

"I'm happy to be home, I really am," he said. "My three older brothers are not shy at all about pulling me into line.

"It's a fantastic way not to be swept up in the moment. I'm dealing with all the usual madness that is part and parcel of living at home."

McDonough said his role in Neighbours was the first major offer he received.

He said he studied acting for six months before entering the Big Brother house, but joined the program for the major profile it would afford him.

"This wasn't pre-thought – I didn't go into the house thinking I would land a role in a series, but I did know it would be a springboard.

"I know how much I am going to be scrutinised. This is a strong show, even if people don't like it.

"You have to respect its audience – they have been loyal for all these years, and look how many careers the show has launched."

McDonough admits the nerves are starting to kick in, especially considering he knows little about his character.

The closely guarded storylines will centre around him being a fresh-faced country boy, the young brother of a childhood friend of Neighbours' resident hunk Dan Paris.

Paris is bound to have competition on his hands, with producers hinting McDonough's character will enjoy romantic plots with several of Ramsay St's favourite females.

"I honestly don't know too much about it all, to tell you the truth," McDonough said. "I am not even sure what my character's name is going to be.

"All I know is I'm up for a big crash course in acting."

13th August

Blair a good Neighbour

13 AUG 2001
News Interactive


NETWORK TEN and Grundy Television today said Blair McDonough, runner up in the Big Brother juggernaut, will join the cast of Neighbours.

Network TEN's General Manager Network Programming, David Mott, is pleased with the coup stating, "Blair's appeal to a broad demographic was evident throughout the Big Brother series, and his boyish charm and natural talent makes him an ideal addition to the Neighbours cast."

"We are excited at the opportunity of continuing the relationship with the Big Brother housemates. Signing Jemma Gawned as the on-the-ground reporter for series two of Search for a Supermodel and now adding Blair to the Network stable is very encouraging."

McDonough is himself excited at the prospect of joining Australia's longest running series, adding, "Im really looking forward to taking this next step towards carving out a career as an actor. Its a fantastic opportunity to develop and learn alongside some the best actors on TV. Besides, Ben would never let me pass up the opportunity to work with Holly Valance."

In closely-guarded storylines McDonough will play a fresh-faced country boy and younger brother of one of Drew's (Dan Paris) childhood friends who arrives in Ramsay St and looks set to stir romantic interest with several Erinsborough females.

The charismatic 20-year-old Melburnian will commence filming on August 20, and feature in episodes due to air shortly.