On the set of hit Aussie drama series The Secret Daughter, it’s never a case of all work and no play.
Just ask leading ladies Jessica Mauboy (Billie Carter), Bonnie Sveen (Layla Chapple), Rachel Gordon (Susan Norton) and Jordan Hare (Harriet Norton).
TV WEEK recently caught up with the talented cast to take a tour of the Norton family home − and to find out what really goes on behind the scenes.
When we arrive, some of the cast members are in hair and make-up. All of sudden, they break into song.
“This is so much fun,” Jessica, 28, exclaims as she greets us with open arms. “We always have such a great time.”
To our surprise, the singer-turned-actress then hints this could be the last season of the popular show.
“It’s weird that this will be the last time I’ll be seeing this place,” she says.
“But you never know how it’s going to end. There’ll definitely be a twist.”
For now though, the four stars open up about all their backstage antics.
Favourite song to sing on set?
Jessica: “Build Me Up Buttercup” [the 1969 hit by British soul band The Foundations]. It’s a cool group karaoke song to sing.
Jordan: You’ve got to sing “Livin’ On A Prayer” [Bon Jovi’s 1987 number one].
Rachel: I often walk around singing [1975 pop classic] “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille.
Most embarrassing moment?
Jessica: Kissing scenes with James [Sweeny, who plays Marc]. They’re always really awkward, but he made it comfortable, because he’d done it before.
Jordan: I trip over things all the time. [Laughs] I’m always worried that I look like an idiot.
Rachel: There’s a scene where Susan is very drunk. We were shooting in the rain. I had to push this guy over − but slipped myself and landed on my bum in front of everyone!
Who takes the longest in the make-up chair?
Bonnie: Probably me and Rachel. She has a more elaborate look. And yeah, I’ve just got a lot of hair.
Rachel: Me, without a doubt. The transformation to Susan is quite intense.
Who’s always running late?
Jordan: Definitely Matt Levett [Jamie Norton]. He gets caught up in deep conversations with everyone all the time.
Rachel: I don’t want to dob in anyone. [Laughs] Everyone is always on time.
Who’s the biggest prankster?
Jessica: Mr David Field [who plays Billie’s dad, Gus Carter]. The faces he pulls when we’re trying to be serious…
Rachel: Definitely David.
Jordan: Jared Turner [who plays Christopher Norton]. I don’t know if he’ll appreciate me saying this – he makes fart noises at inappropriate times.
Who would be your celebrity crush?
Jessica: I would have to say Ryan Gosling.
Bonnie: It was Taylor Hanson [the middle brother in the ’90s band Hanson] when I was younger, but now it’s Leonardo DiCaprio.
Rachel: Meryl Streep. I love her.
