Yahoo News Exclusive: Neighbours star Olivia Junkeer on school hostage scenes and Yashvi's future
Neighbours spoilers follow for UK viewers.
Neighbours star Olivia Junkeer has spoken to Digital Spy about the show's shock hostage storyline.
Monday and Tuesday's episodes on Channel 5 (September 28 and 29) see corrupt police officer Dax Braddock cause havoc at Erinsborough High after being exposed for his role in the local community's drug scandal.
Tense scenes see Dax hold Yashvi, Susan Kennedy, Mackenzie Hargreaves and Richie Amblin as captives inside the school, threatening violence if they don't cooperate.
Paul and Harlow Robinson are also involved in the high-stakes situation, putting them in danger too.
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Speaking to Digital Spy about the dramatic scenes, Olivia explained: "Yashvi went to visit Erinsborough High because she and Levi have decided that the only thing they can do is find out who the school drug dealer is.
"They have run out of leads and thought that if they found the dealer, that would lead them to the main source.
"Yashvi went to the school thinking it was all going to be quite relaxed, but now Dax has found out about what she's up to, it turns bad really quickly and gets very dangerous."
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Asked about filming a hostage storyline with strict social distancing rules in place on set, Olivia replied: "It was pretty hard at the time when we filmed it, but it was before Stage 4 lockdown rules came in place [in Melbourne], so we did have easier rules to follow at the time. It worked out pretty well given the rules and we followed government protocol.
"It wasn't too difficult, but it almost added to the whole intensity of the siege.
"Social distancing on set was really, really hard to get used to at the start, but as things started to become more intense on the outside world, it became vital that this was done properly."
Olivia also predicted that the corruption within the police force and the dangerous hostage drama won't deter Yashvi from her career choice.
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She laughed: "I think Yashvi loves the challenge! I don't think she'd really be stimulated by anything else, to be honest. She loves when everything is a little bit harder. She learns every lesson the hard way anyway.
"Yashvi didn't expect any of this, but it definitely doesn't turn her off. I think it just makes her more determined. If anything, she feels more accomplished after what happens."
2020 has turned out to be a huge year for the Rebecchi family, who have also taken centre stage with Shane's drugs storyline.
Reflecting on the past few months, Olivia added: "It's been great. We've been in the background for a couple of years, but now we've got all of these troubles and we're front and centre.
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"It's fun to work with the family, get some new stuff and show everyone the intricate details of the Rebecchis.
"The drugs storyline was a surprise, but Shane has always tried to be someone that's giving his family something to look up to, especially Yashvi.
"Shane being at uni really impressed the family, but the expectation just got too much for him. It's almost like it was too much of a great weight and the drugs were an escape for him. It was a surprise to Yashvi but to us as actors, it made a lot of sense for his character."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
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