Brent Colefax has returned to Erinsborough thanks to Neighbours, but he’ll be getting more than he bargained for.
Brent reconnects with his love Harlow Robinson (Jemma Donovan) while on leave from the army in this week’s episodes on Channel 5, but he’s surprised to discover how much she’s changed in his absence.
When Brent realises Harlow’s new brutal attitude about life, he recognises her striking resemblance to Paul (Stefan Dennis) and thinks it’s time to call it quits.
Texas Watterston, who plays Brent, was recently interviewed by Digital Spy to learn more about the upcoming film.
Did you always know Brent would return when he joined the army?
“Yes and no!” says the speaker. I did contact the producers because I thought there could be an opportunity for Brent to return. It might be significant or insignificant, but I believe that his return from the army was the ideal way for him to return to Erinsborough.”
Is it still thrilling to get a call from Neighbours asking you to return?
“It’s usually like that.” I was only expected to be in eight episodes when I originally joined the programme, so to keep coming back is incredible.
“In Australia, you usually watch Neighbours at 6.30 p.m., so it’s always lovely working with the cast members, and I’m close friends with them now, so it’s amazing.” It’s always a thrill.”
Why is Brent reappearing so quickly?
“At the moment, he’s done his army basic training. He’s returned to Erinsborough to meet Aaron, David, and, most importantly, Harlow. Harlow is the one person he most desires to see. However, he eventually discovers that she is an entirely different individual.
“Brent believes everything is OK since Harlow hasn’t mentioned Chloe or their recent fights. Harlow does not reveal anything that has transpired until he returns home. He’s perplexed as to why she hasn’t spoken to him.”
What are the most noticeable distinctions in Harlow that Brent notices?
“The essential point is that Harlow looks a lot like Paul! She’s deceiving Terese and everyone else. Brent walks in and notices that she has begun plotting.
“Brent is completely taken aback. He hasn’t anticipated any of it. That’s when he had to take a step back and rethink his connection with Harlow, which he despises.”
The truth regarding Paul’s attempt to frame Brent for crimes he didn’t commit is also revealed…
“Yes, Brent has been thrown for a loop. Terese just blurts it out, and Brent is taken aback. Harlow then defends Paul, which is truly the cherry on top.
“Brent expects Harlow to support him instead of Paul, especially in a situation like this.” Brent may have ended himself in jail for stuff he didn’t commit at the end of the day. It’s a wake-up call for him.”
Why does Brent decide to end his relationship with Harlow?
“It’s a huge decision for him to make.” He’ll only be there for a few days, so he’ll have to figure it out quickly. I feel like they’re on different levels, and for the first time in his life, Brent has to choose what’s best for him.
“Brent only has to put an end to it. Despite the fact that Harlow has been there for him throughout his trip, he must do what is best for him. I think it’s great that he’s turned a fresh leaf. He realises that he is capable of standing up for himself, being himself, and making his own choices.”
What is Harlow’s reaction?
“She’s completely perplexed. She doesn’t express sorrow for him because she’s hurt and shattered, and she doesn’t feel Brent did the right thing. From her perspective, that’s reasonable, yet she acts out, gives him the cold shoulder, and refuses to speak to him.”
Is there any footage of Brent with David and Aaron this time around?
“There are just a few scenes with them, compared to the many I had previously, but it was nice to work with them again and see them. Brent wants to prove that he’s grown up and is on his way to being a responsible young adult.”
Is there any discussion of you becoming a regular on Neighbours, or do the producers want you to stay as a guest?
“At the moment, I’m only a visitor. As much as I adore Neighbours, I’m fine with it since it allows me to do other things. Brent is now a wonderful guest part character, in my opinion. He walks in and out as he pleases, and he creates an impression on the screen.”
Would you consider staying on as a permanent member if the chance arose?
“Of course, I’d think about it. I’m curious to see what else Brent has in store for him, as well as what the authors have planned for him. What relationships he has, who his adversaries are, I think it would be fascinating. Never rule out the possibility. Anything may happen at any time. I’d absolutely think about it if the opportunity arises.”
What are your thoughts on Brent’s adventure so far?
“I was simply overjoyed with Brent; I felt quite fortunate with him.” I was on for eight episodes and he wasn’t the kindest character, but when he returned, people still had a soft place for him, even though he made errors and messed up.
“It all comes down to creating and collaborating with Jemma, Matt [Wilson, who portrays Aaron], and Takaya [Honda, who plays David].” It was a breeze to work with them, and our on-screen chemistry is fantastic, so it was simple to bounce ideas off of them.”
Onset, who else were you close to?
“On set, I learnt a lot from a lot of individuals, notably Stefan Dennis. I’m also pals with Ben Turland [who portrays Jimi Hendrix]; we get along great and have a lot of fun in the green room.
“It was also a lot of fun working with Ezra Justin [who portrayed Emmett].” At such a young age, he is incredibly gifted. It’d got to be terrifying to walk onto the set of Australia’s largest TV show at the age of 15 or 16. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does later in his career. “There was obviously an off-screen relationship between Ezra and myself that you could perceive on the screen.”
What drew you to acting in the first place?
“My fascination for movies began when I was around 11 or 12 years old, when I began viewing the classics like Marlon Brando and James Dean. Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese are two of my favourite directors. Pulp Fiction is one of the movies that I remember well. I first saw the film when I was very young, and it was then that I realised this was the professional route for me.
“I’ve never attended an acting school or received any formal instruction. I’ve got some accent training, but that’s about it. I believe you have all of the necessary materials in front of you – you have books and movies – and that you do not need to attend acting school.
“Being on set at such a young age has been beneficial. My first film was when I was fourteen years old. You learn on the go, and you make errors, which is a natural part of life. You observe yourself, identify areas where you can improve, and put your newfound knowledge into practice. You also practise with auditions, which is what I do most of the time.”
What are your plans for the future?
“I am certain that I wish to work in another country. I’d like to travel to the United States and work there. I’d also like to work in England. I’d like to work wherever that I can connect with scripts. That is my ambition, to travel abroad.”