Belinda: Now you only have to look at your TV guide to see how much we all love police shows.  There's been Homicide, Cop Shop, and now Australia's number one police drama, Blue Heelers.  And joining us now, direct from Mt Thomas, would you please welcome Constable Dash McKinley herself, the lovely Tasma Walton!

(Audience cheers)

Belinda: Now Tasma, congratulations on the success of Blue Heelers.

Tasma: Thank you.

Belinda: And I have to say, I know everyone's been going on about it, but the hair — tell us about the storyline.

Tasma: The hair, I'd better show you the hair.   (Takes off her hat to reveal her shaved head) Which there's not much left of it actually.

Belinda: Oh, you look gorgeous.

Tasma: Oh thank you!  This has come about mainly because of my character that I play, Dash, ahh is battling Hodgkin's Disease, which is a form of lymphatic cancer.  And so consequently as an actor I have to take all the hair off, in the middle of winter.

Belinda: And it's a, it's a pretty serious kind of storyline, but um, I mean you guys have a few laughs, kind of, behind the scenes.

Tasma: We certainly do.  Especially when you've got people like William McInnes and Martin Sacks, they always hide in cupboards and then they jump out at anyone who's walking by unsuspectingly. (Laughs) So it's a bit of fun.

Belinda: And not everything always goes er, to plan as regards to like, the script, really, does it.

Tasma: The script can get you into trouble.  There's a lot of police jargon, and that can sometimes get you into trouble.  I think on the next clip, Martin Sacks who plays PJ, has to say, "open a cans of worm". A can of worms.  (Laughs)  I can't even say it myself.  But it doesn't come out that way apparently.

Belinda: Ah well, let's take a look.

* * * Cut to blooper clip * * *

* * * Cut back to studio * * *

Belinda: I think we know what he means.

Tasma: Yeah... (laughs)

Belinda: Now, playing a police person, that must get fairly physical.

Tasma: It gets very physical, and you'd expect people that impersonate police officers would be quite fit and healthy, but unfortunately with our crew, we're not very fit or healthy at all, and so we get into a bit of trouble sometimes.

Belinda: Ahh, but Lisa, she's kinda usually in the thick of it all.

Tasma: Well, Maggie Doyle gets a bit of action, yeah.

Belinda: Yes.  Well, let's see Lisa in action.

* * * Cut to blooper clip * * *

* * * Cut back to studio * * *

Belinda: Now Tasma, we're not letting you off lightly.

Tasma: So I've heard. 

Belinda: Yes, now we've got a lovely little clip of you, having a bit of trouble with a prop.

Tasma: Now props, you see props can be your best friend or they can be your worst enemy, and er, especially for me, because I can sometimes be a little uncoordinated, especially when things are being thrown at you.  (Laughs)

Belinda: Well let's take a look.

* * * Cut to blooper clip * * *

* * * Cut back to studio * * *

Belinda: Well Tasma, thank you so much for coming along.

Tasma: A pleasure.

Belinda: It's been lovely having you on the show.

Tasma: Thank you.

Belinda: And best of luck with everything in the future.

Tasma: Thank you.

Belinda: Everybody, put your hands together for Tasma Walton!

(Audience cheers)

Found at The "alternative" Blue Heelers web site

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