Post by sootycat on Aug 10, 2008 10:59:33 GMT
From DS
Neighbours chiefs have brought in a replacement for Kym Valentine while she recovers from her recent health problems.
Valentine, who plays Libby Kennedy on the Aussie soap, was struck down by pneumonia and suffered a collapsed lung while on a flight from New York to Melbourne last month. Although her condition has improved, she is still not well enough to return to work.
In a bid to minimise disruption to scripts, the show's team have recruited actress Michala Banas to take over as Libby from tomorrow. The surprising arrangement, which is expected to last for a month, was finalised by executive producer Susan Bower this week.
Speaking about handing over the role, Valentine told the Sunday Herald Sun: "It is heartbreaking. It is very, very hard to do, but I am trying to be strong about it and do what is best for me.
"I will be back. Don't you worry about that. I am so grateful for Michala. I am just so happy to be handing the role to her."
Banas is best known in Australia for her role in drama series McLeod's Daughters. In a statement, she admitted that taking over from Valentine would be a huge challenge, adding: "I am going to be Libby, but I am not Kym Valentine."
Valentine joined Neighbours in 1994 and stayed with the show for a decade before leaving to tour with the musical Dirty Dancing. She returned to her Erinsborough role in 2007.
At least she had the same hair and shape, unlike the head swap Hayley in Home And Away who looked the total opposite.
Neighbours chiefs have brought in a replacement for Kym Valentine while she recovers from her recent health problems.
Valentine, who plays Libby Kennedy on the Aussie soap, was struck down by pneumonia and suffered a collapsed lung while on a flight from New York to Melbourne last month. Although her condition has improved, she is still not well enough to return to work.
In a bid to minimise disruption to scripts, the show's team have recruited actress Michala Banas to take over as Libby from tomorrow. The surprising arrangement, which is expected to last for a month, was finalised by executive producer Susan Bower this week.
Speaking about handing over the role, Valentine told the Sunday Herald Sun: "It is heartbreaking. It is very, very hard to do, but I am trying to be strong about it and do what is best for me.
"I will be back. Don't you worry about that. I am so grateful for Michala. I am just so happy to be handing the role to her."
Banas is best known in Australia for her role in drama series McLeod's Daughters. In a statement, she admitted that taking over from Valentine would be a huge challenge, adding: "I am going to be Libby, but I am not Kym Valentine."
Valentine joined Neighbours in 1994 and stayed with the show for a decade before leaving to tour with the musical Dirty Dancing. She returned to her Erinsborough role in 2007.
At least she had the same hair and shape, unlike the head swap Hayley in Home And Away who looked the total opposite.