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“When the producers called and asked if I was interested in playing Jodi, I jumped at the chance,” a beaming Belinda explains. “ She`s a totally different character for me- flirtatious and fun. Expect plenty of short skirts and plunging necklines!
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“People have described Jodi as being a bit like Elaine ( Jane Krokwski) from Ally McBeal so, already, you get a picture of her. I`m sure she`ll have no trouble stirring things up and causing a bit of strife.”
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Belinda describes the part as an “extended guest role” and, at this stage, saysshe will be on staff at Al Saints Western General for at least four months. Due to the show going off ari for Sydney`s Olympic Games in September, her first episodes will not screen until mid-October. “It`s absolutely perfect for me,” she says. “I haven`t done any acting since I finished Home and Away, which was a year ago. I wasn`t looking for anything long-term, so it`s all worked out well.
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“Jodi is totally different to Rebecca ( Nash, the character she played in H&A). As much fun as that experience was, it wasn`t all that challenging. Rebecca was a mother and a teacher and, in a sense, much older than I am. But Jodi is very much in her mid-20s, like me, and it`s great to be playing someone young and vibrant.”
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While Belinda knows only rough details of her storyline, she hints that Jodi will soon work her charms on the male members of the hospital staff. “I believe she has her eye on one of them, but I can`t say who,” she teases. “I don`t think it`s a two-sided attraction, either, which should be amusing. But I also like the fact that Jodi is not a one-dimensional character. There`s more to her than meets her eye- she has lots of issues which will come to the surface down the track. So even though shemight come actross as a rather flighty character at first, there`s actually quite a lot going on underneath.”
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Best of all, Belinda says All Saints is one of her favourite shows! “I rush home every Tuesday night to watch it,” she laughs. “ I know all the characters, and I`ve been following the storyline. So I can tell you how happy I am to be a part of it.”
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But with this excitement also comes trepidation. Despite her confident exterior, Belinda says she`s certainly not above an attack of nerves. “ I`d be lying if I said I wasn`t nervous,” she confesses.
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“More than anything, I feel anxious. All the cast are so outstanding, so in that respect I want to do a good job, and hold my own among them.” Thankfully, her new environment will have an air of familiarity. “ All Saints is filmed in the same studios as Home and Away, so I`m used to seeing everyone around,” she explains.” They`re a wonderful bunch of people. I`ve been out socially with Ben (Tari), Jeremy (Compston) and Marty (former boyfriend, Martin Lynes), of course. “Libby (Tanner) is just gorgeous, and I`ve done carols ( in Sydney`s Domain) with Georgie ( Parker). I`ve also done something with Erik (Thomson), and I`ve met Jude ( McGrath) too, so that covers just about everyone!”
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Belinda begins filming on the Seven Network`s top-rating series this month, after spending several weeks in Melbourne with boyfriend Rove McManus. The mention of his name draws a smile from her, although she`s understandably keen to keep details of the relationship to herself. However, it`s clear her life is going through a very exciting period right now. “Everything is going to well” she says, also in reference to the success of Seven`s World`s Funniest, the blooper-style show she also hosts.
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“ I feel very fortunate to be able to mix acting with presenting, yet also have the time to pursue of my other interests. “I wouldn`t say I like one more than the other- I just enjoy doing everything. I`m still tryinh yo work out what I really want to do. I`m basically happy to take whatever opportunities come my way, and they don`t come much better than All Saints!”
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