Out of the Blue's fans have been passionate about the show from the beginning - and this shows no sign of abating following its conclusion on BBC Two on Thursday.
As predicted on this blog, the BBC's decision not to bother telling viewers that they had just aired the last episode has led to a great deal of confusion among fans, many of whom have sought answers online after finding their favourite show replaced by a repeat of Open Gardens in the schedule on Friday.
The Facebook group for the show has been extremely active over the past two days, with existing members posting for the first time to share their thoughts on the finale and find out what is next for Out of the Blue. Other Facebook users have joined the group for the first time for similar reasons.
The Save Out of the Blue Petition has also seen an increase in activity following the finale, with many more signatures being added from fans who are desperate to find out what happens next after Thursday's shocking cliffhanger ending. Let's hope more are added over the coming days.
Many fans have contacted Five to find out if they have any plans to commission a second series. Unfortunately, the official word from them is that Fiver will not be showing any episodes beyond the run of 130 that we have seen on the BBC. Fans have not given up hope yet, though - and it's still worth contacting Five to (politely) express your interest in the show.
The Soap Show, which has been a long-time supporter of the programme, has praised the quality of the last week of episodes and, like many of us, expressed disappointment over the way it was treated by the BBC. You can read their words for yourself in the linked article, however the following quote from the site sums up the situation extremely well: "A new soap takes months to bed in and find its audience, but sadly these days, if a programme isn't an instant hit, actions taken from the fear that it doesn't have appeal lead to a self fulfilling prophecy." Wise words, and let's hope another great show doesn't suffer the same fate as Out of the Blue.
Forums on Out of the Blue Online, Digital Spy, Back to the Bay and Neighboursfans have also seen discussions on the finale. The reaction has been mixed - viewers seem to have been blown away by the dramatic conclusion to the show, but there's obvious frustration that we may never find out what happens next due to the hasty decision made by the BBC after the first week of the show had aired.
Keep up your passion for Out of the Blue and don't forget to tell your friends about the repeats on Fiver!
Saturday 31 January 2009
Friday 30 January 2009
Promotion on Five & Fiver
With just three days to go before the show makes its debut on Fiver, Five have become Out of the Blue fanatics and have been promoting the show like there's no tomorrow.
Adverts for the show started airing last week on Fiver in between their first-look airings of Home and Away and repeats of Neighbours.
This week, the ads have also been airing on Five itself before, during and after the two other Aussie soaps. With Home and Away and Neighbours being two of Five's biggest shows, and appealing to a similar target audience, let's hope the promotion pulls in a good few curious viewers.
There's at least three versions of the ad, which has a "Friends" theme, opening with shots of the gang at school before fast-forwarding 13 years and showing the cast with captions like "Friends get richer", "Friends get hotter", "Friends get dumped" and "Friends get out of control". Katy Perry's hit single Hot 'N' Cold is used as the backing track.
Adverts for the show started airing last week on Fiver in between their first-look airings of Home and Away and repeats of Neighbours.
This week, the ads have also been airing on Five itself before, during and after the two other Aussie soaps. With Home and Away and Neighbours being two of Five's biggest shows, and appealing to a similar target audience, let's hope the promotion pulls in a good few curious viewers.
There's at least three versions of the ad, which has a "Friends" theme, opening with shots of the gang at school before fast-forwarding 13 years and showing the cast with captions like "Friends get richer", "Friends get hotter", "Friends get dumped" and "Friends get out of control". Katy Perry's hit single Hot 'N' Cold is used as the backing track.
Bernard Curry in Home and Away
Bernard Curry, who played Nate Lee in the final few weeks of Out of the Blue, is now playing the character of Hugo Austin in episodes of Home and Away currently airing in Australia. He made his debut in Episode 4777, which is six episodes into the 2009 season.
The 2009 season of Home and Away starts airing on Monday February 2 in the UK, so if our calculations are correct, he'll be on screen in the UK by Tuesday February 10.
In an Australian TV interview, Bernard has confirmed that his character will be on the show for at least a year, so - in the event that a second series of Out of the Blue is commissioned - he would presumably not be returning.
Don't forget that Aidan Gillett, better known as bad boy Daniel McManus, is also appearing on Home and Away soon, but we don't have any firm details yet. It'll be interesting to see if Bernard and Aidan's characters interact much after Nate and Daniel didn't have much to do with each other on Out of the Blue.
The 2009 season of Home and Away starts airing on Monday February 2 in the UK, so if our calculations are correct, he'll be on screen in the UK by Tuesday February 10.
In an Australian TV interview, Bernard has confirmed that his character will be on the show for at least a year, so - in the event that a second series of Out of the Blue is commissioned - he would presumably not be returning.
Don't forget that Aidan Gillett, better known as bad boy Daniel McManus, is also appearing on Home and Away soon, but we don't have any firm details yet. It'll be interesting to see if Bernard and Aidan's characters interact much after Nate and Daniel didn't have much to do with each other on Out of the Blue.
Thursday 29 January 2009
Out of the Blue on Fiver
As you may have heard, though the show has now completed its run in the UK on BBC Two, the digital channel Fiver will now be repeating Out of the Blue from episode one, starting Monday, February 2, 2009. Want to know more? Read on to find out the details.
How can I find Fiver?
Fiver is available on all of the major digital platforms. You can find it on Sky Digital channel 176, Freeview channel 36, Virgin Media channel 152 and Tiscali TV channel 31.
When will the show be airing?
Out of the Blue will be airing three times a day on Fiver. Each episode will air for the first time at 7.30pm, with repeats of that episode airing at 6.45am and 9.25am the next day.
Anything else?
Understandably, some viewers may watch other shows at 7.30pm and be unable to watch the morning episodes. However, don't forget there is also the Fiver+1 channel (Sky Digital channel 177), which airs all of Fiver's shows one hour later. This means that, for viewers who receive this channel, there's three extra opportunities to catch each episode at 7.45am, 10.25am and 8.30pm.
New viewers?
Obviously, Out of the Blue fanatics who are already familiar with the show from BBC Two will be keen to watch each episode again. However, Fiver will be hoping to attract new viewers who missed out on the BBC airings. If you're a new viewer who still needs some convincing that Out of the Blue is worth watching, check out our trailer below to see some of the show's highlights. Be warned that there are some spoilers in the video - so if you don't want to know which character is bumped off in the first week (more on that later), you should avoid pressing play.
How can I find Fiver?
Fiver is available on all of the major digital platforms. You can find it on Sky Digital channel 176, Freeview channel 36, Virgin Media channel 152 and Tiscali TV channel 31.
When will the show be airing?
Out of the Blue will be airing three times a day on Fiver. Each episode will air for the first time at 7.30pm, with repeats of that episode airing at 6.45am and 9.25am the next day.
Anything else?
Understandably, some viewers may watch other shows at 7.30pm and be unable to watch the morning episodes. However, don't forget there is also the Fiver+1 channel (Sky Digital channel 177), which airs all of Fiver's shows one hour later. This means that, for viewers who receive this channel, there's three extra opportunities to catch each episode at 7.45am, 10.25am and 8.30pm.
New viewers?
Obviously, Out of the Blue fanatics who are already familiar with the show from BBC Two will be keen to watch each episode again. However, Fiver will be hoping to attract new viewers who missed out on the BBC airings. If you're a new viewer who still needs some convincing that Out of the Blue is worth watching, check out our trailer below to see some of the show's highlights. Be warned that there are some spoilers in the video - so if you don't want to know which character is bumped off in the first week (more on that later), you should avoid pressing play.
It's all over...
The final episode of Out of the Blue's first series aired this afternoon on BBC Two. The show kept up the high quality right until the end - we had heartbreak, a wedding, a shock twist, and a massive cliffhanger ending!
Sadly, the BBC did not acknowledge the fact that they had just aired the final episode - meaning that a lot of viewers who don't follow the show online are going to be surprised when it disappears from the schedules next week.
Out of the Blue is now being replaced in the 1pm slot by Coast and Meerkat Manor.
Don't forget to check out our 'How you can help' posting below if you want to continue the fight for a second series.
Finally, don't forget to use the 'Older Posts' link at the bottom of the page to view entries which have been bumped off the front page.
Stay tuned to the blog over the coming weeks for all of the latest news surrounding the show's move to Fiver and its progress Down Under on Ten.
Sadly, the BBC did not acknowledge the fact that they had just aired the final episode - meaning that a lot of viewers who don't follow the show online are going to be surprised when it disappears from the schedules next week.
Out of the Blue is now being replaced in the 1pm slot by Coast and Meerkat Manor.
Don't forget to check out our 'How you can help' posting below if you want to continue the fight for a second series.
Finally, don't forget to use the 'Older Posts' link at the bottom of the page to view entries which have been bumped off the front page.
Stay tuned to the blog over the coming weeks for all of the latest news surrounding the show's move to Fiver and its progress Down Under on Ten.
Out of the Blue's future & how you can help
Out of the Blue is currently facing an uncertain future. The BBC has stated that it will not commission any further episodes beyond the first series, which consists of 130 episodes. However, fans still believe that there could be a future for the show and have been campaigning with this aim.
A petition - backed by some cast members - has been set up in order for fans to express their interest in seeing the show on another broadcaster. Please sign the petition if you have not already.
Success in Australia could also prove to be beneficial to the show's future. Network TEN is a channel with few Australian dramas and a high-quality show like Out of the Blue could turn out to be a great long-term investment for its schedule. Ten has a Contact Us forum on its website which allows viewers to share their thoughts with the Powers That Be. Alternatively, there are also postal addresses for this purpose. If you're an Aussie who believes that Out of the Blue deserves a better slot, write to Ten online or by letter and let them know. (Note: If you use Ten's Contact Us forum, try to look through the pages for existing threads about the show rather than adding your own - we want to be heard, but equally don't want to be a nuisance for the people who run the site.)
It's unclear if Five have any plans for the show beyond showing the repeats on Fiver. If you wish to show your appreciation for the soap, Five also has a Contact Us page. Bear in mind that Five have already been quite good to Out of the Blue, with heavy advertising on-screen and giving it some decent slots.
The BBC has given up on the show. However, if you wish to share your thoughts on the way the show has been treated, perhaps they will reconsider their 'axed within a week' approach when it comes to other projects. Check out the webform link from this page if you wish to get in touch with the BBC.
A petition - backed by some cast members - has been set up in order for fans to express their interest in seeing the show on another broadcaster. Please sign the petition if you have not already.
Success in Australia could also prove to be beneficial to the show's future. Network TEN is a channel with few Australian dramas and a high-quality show like Out of the Blue could turn out to be a great long-term investment for its schedule. Ten has a Contact Us forum on its website which allows viewers to share their thoughts with the Powers That Be. Alternatively, there are also postal addresses for this purpose. If you're an Aussie who believes that Out of the Blue deserves a better slot, write to Ten online or by letter and let them know. (Note: If you use Ten's Contact Us forum, try to look through the pages for existing threads about the show rather than adding your own - we want to be heard, but equally don't want to be a nuisance for the people who run the site.)
It's unclear if Five have any plans for the show beyond showing the repeats on Fiver. If you wish to show your appreciation for the soap, Five also has a Contact Us page. Bear in mind that Five have already been quite good to Out of the Blue, with heavy advertising on-screen and giving it some decent slots.
The BBC has given up on the show. However, if you wish to share your thoughts on the way the show has been treated, perhaps they will reconsider their 'axed within a week' approach when it comes to other projects. Check out the webform link from this page if you wish to get in touch with the BBC.
Out of the Blue on Network Ten
Australia's Network TEN bought the rights to Out of the Blue shortly after it was commissioned by the BBC and finally started airing the show in a 10.30pm slot on Mondays to Thursdays from November 2008.
The show performed well in its late night timeslot - with an average of around 335,000 viewers - prompting Ten to try it out in an earlier 6pm slot on Sundays from January.
From February 8, fans in Australia will be able to see double episodes of the show on Sunday nights from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. You can also catch up with the episodes on Ten's website if you miss any.
Ten appears to be doing its best to find a place for the show, but still seems slightly wary of giving it a regular evening slot on weeknights.
The 130-episode run is likely to be broadcast in full in Australia as it has been in the UK. Out of the Blue gives local content credit to Ten, meaning that it's unlikely to leave the episodes sitting on the shelf.
The show performed well in its late night timeslot - with an average of around 335,000 viewers - prompting Ten to try it out in an earlier 6pm slot on Sundays from January.
From February 8, fans in Australia will be able to see double episodes of the show on Sunday nights from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. You can also catch up with the episodes on Ten's website if you miss any.
Ten appears to be doing its best to find a place for the show, but still seems slightly wary of giving it a regular evening slot on weeknights.
The 130-episode run is likely to be broadcast in full in Australia as it has been in the UK. Out of the Blue gives local content credit to Ten, meaning that it's unlikely to leave the episodes sitting on the shelf.
Out of the Blue on the BBC
Out of the Blue was first commissioned by the BBC at the end of 2007 as a replacement for Neighbours following news of its move to Five in the UK. The first episode premiered on April 28, 2008 at 2.15pm (airing after Doctors) and attracted 1.2 million viewers. Reports stated that the soap would have to stay above the 1 million viewers mark if it was to have a long-term future.
Just days later, on May 7, the BBC announced that the show would be moving to BBC Two at the earlier time of 1.00pm, putting it in competition with the BBC News at One. The decision occurred after viewing figures had dropped to 700,000. The BBC stated that it hoped the new slot would prove to be a "stronger home" for the show - a strange statement given the competition from one of its own channels.
Following the move, the BBC stopped sending out promotional material for the show, meaning that it received no coverage in the press. In the disappointing new slot and now with no backing from the BBC just one month into the show, viewing figures dropped to 100,000, prompting the BBC to confirm that it would end after the first series.
Viewing figures have increased from that level over the show's run - with the last information we have heard showing that Out of the Blue is now attracting around 142,000 viewers daily. Sadly, we will never know whether this increase could have been on a larger scale in its original slot and with backing from the BBC.
With no new episodes set to be commissioned by the BBC and the show now set to air on Fiver, the BBC is pretty much done with Out of the Blue. However, many fans remain disappointed that the show was never given a proper chance to build its audience - an opportunity that all soaps need in their early days. Who knows what long-running shows would be off our screens now if faith had been lost in them after just one week.
Just days later, on May 7, the BBC announced that the show would be moving to BBC Two at the earlier time of 1.00pm, putting it in competition with the BBC News at One. The decision occurred after viewing figures had dropped to 700,000. The BBC stated that it hoped the new slot would prove to be a "stronger home" for the show - a strange statement given the competition from one of its own channels.
Following the move, the BBC stopped sending out promotional material for the show, meaning that it received no coverage in the press. In the disappointing new slot and now with no backing from the BBC just one month into the show, viewing figures dropped to 100,000, prompting the BBC to confirm that it would end after the first series.
Viewing figures have increased from that level over the show's run - with the last information we have heard showing that Out of the Blue is now attracting around 142,000 viewers daily. Sadly, we will never know whether this increase could have been on a larger scale in its original slot and with backing from the BBC.
With no new episodes set to be commissioned by the BBC and the show now set to air on Fiver, the BBC is pretty much done with Out of the Blue. However, many fans remain disappointed that the show was never given a proper chance to build its audience - an opportunity that all soaps need in their early days. Who knows what long-running shows would be off our screens now if faith had been lost in them after just one week.
What The Critics Said
Out of the Blue has attracted a loyal cult following with its BBC Two airings, but don't just take our word for it that the show is great. Here's what the critics have said about the show over its run.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph following Out of the Blue's launch in April, the critic James Walton admitted that he was intrigued by the show's murder mystery plot - describing the hook as "quite neat" and the programme itself as "promising".
The Daily Mirror was also enthusiastic about the show, writing: "Oo-er. Forget Neighbours - this is more like a warmer Big Chill, Desperate Housewives Down Under or a better acted Echo Beach - with all kinds of dark secrets buried in the sand waiting to be washed up by the tide."
The Guardian was impressed by Out of the Blue's mature tone in comparison to its rivals Neighbours and Home and Away. The paper commented: "Au-ssies! Everybody needs good Au-ssies! But wait a minute ... stepping into Neighbours' slot is something a little more grown up - with drink, gangs and even a murder."
The Times was yet another British newspaper which was won over by Out of the Blue's compelling plotlines, describing the show as "compulsive, classy, fast and slick".
British website The Soap Show has also been supportive of the show. As the killer was about to revealed, the site described Out of the Blue as "much underrated", adding that it had done well to build up a cult following after its change of channel, slots and often being taken off-air for summer sport.
Australia's The Daily Telegraph newspaper has also been enthusiastic following the show's premiere on Network TEN. Its writer Andrew Mercado described the show as "an adult soap" which was "more grown-up than Neighbours".
Let's hope there's more praise to come for Out of the Blue as it settles in on Fiver and continues to air on Ten.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph following Out of the Blue's launch in April, the critic James Walton admitted that he was intrigued by the show's murder mystery plot - describing the hook as "quite neat" and the programme itself as "promising".
The Daily Mirror was also enthusiastic about the show, writing: "Oo-er. Forget Neighbours - this is more like a warmer Big Chill, Desperate Housewives Down Under or a better acted Echo Beach - with all kinds of dark secrets buried in the sand waiting to be washed up by the tide."
The Guardian was impressed by Out of the Blue's mature tone in comparison to its rivals Neighbours and Home and Away. The paper commented: "Au-ssies! Everybody needs good Au-ssies! But wait a minute ... stepping into Neighbours' slot is something a little more grown up - with drink, gangs and even a murder."
The Times was yet another British newspaper which was won over by Out of the Blue's compelling plotlines, describing the show as "compulsive, classy, fast and slick".
British website The Soap Show has also been supportive of the show. As the killer was about to revealed, the site described Out of the Blue as "much underrated", adding that it had done well to build up a cult following after its change of channel, slots and often being taken off-air for summer sport.
Australia's The Daily Telegraph newspaper has also been enthusiastic following the show's premiere on Network TEN. Its writer Andrew Mercado described the show as "an adult soap" which was "more grown-up than Neighbours".
Let's hope there's more praise to come for Out of the Blue as it settles in on Fiver and continues to air on Ten.
The Cast
Any fan of Aussie drama will recognise at least a few of the faces on Out of the Blue - and if you're a full-on fanatic, you'll probably be able to remember most of them from somewhere. Here's the lowdown on the main cast members.
Basia A'Hern - Basia plays the character of Lucia Jones. She's best known for her roles in Farscape, The Sleepover Club and McLeod's Daughters.
John Atkinson - John plays the character of Stephen Mulroney. He's appeared in Blue Heelers, Breakers, TwentyFourSeven, McLeod's Daughters, and the US series Starter Wife.
Daisy Betts - Daisy plays the character of Peta Lee. She's appeared in Sea Patrol, All Saints and thriller movie Shutter.
Olivia Bonnici - British-born actress Olivia plays the character of Tess McManus. Having studied at the National Institute of Performing Arts, she has a number of theatre credits and has also appeared in the movie Those Without Shadows. You may also recognise her for her presenting work on the UK's Playhouse Disney channel.
Nathaniel Buzolic - Nathaniel plays the character of Paul O'Donnell. He's starred in Water Rats, All Saints and Home and Away, as well as presenting Studio Disney, Weather Ed and The Mint.
Zoe Carides - Zoe plays the character of Pia Jones. She's appeared in loads of TV shows over the years, including The Pacific, E Street, Flying Doctors and All Saints. Her film roles include Brilliant Lies, Death In Brunswick, With Inertia, Kadaicha, and Seeing Red.
Renai Caruso - Renai plays the character of Bec Quilter. She's appeared in a number of movies, including What I Have Written, Soul Trade, Unfinished Sky and Daybreakers.
Diane Craig - Diane plays the character of Deborah McManus. She has a number of TV credits to her name, but we'll name just a few: The Sullivans, E Street, A Country Practice, Home and Away and Prisoner.
Maggie Dence - Maggie plays the character of Olive Hammond. She's probably best remembered for playing Dorothy Burke in Neighbours, but she's also appeared in The Flying Doctors, A Country Practice, Blue Heelers, Stingers and All Saints.
Aidan Gillett - Aidan plays the character of Daniel McManus. Aidan had recently graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts when he secured his role in Out of the Blue. He's also appeared in Pacific and will soon be seen in Home and Away.
Charlotte Gregg - Charlotte plays the character of Tracy O'Donnell. She's appeared in a number of Aussie dramas, including All Saints, Underbelly and Home and Away, on which she starred as Charity Fernbrook. She's also appeared in the movie All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane. Fans of Australian Idol may also recognise her as the partner of 2008 winner Wes Carr.
Daniel Henshall - Daniel plays the character of Adam 'Addo' O'Donnell. Having graduated from the Actors Centre Australia in 2006, he's since appeared in All Saints and the short movie The Making Of The Darlings.
Katherine Hicks - Katherine plays the character of Poppy Hammond. She's starred as Tess Mason in Heartbreak High, as well as having film roles in Sugar Mountain and $quid The Movie.
Noel Hodda - Noel plays the character of Ron O'Donnell. He's appeared in several dramas over the years, so you can take your pick from Five Mile Creek, Cyclone Tracy, Cop Shop, Bodyline, Sons And Daughters, Neighbours, E Street, Big Sky, Heartbreak High, G.P., Water Rats, Murder Call, All Saints, and Blue Water High.
Louis Hunter - Louis plays the character of Kyle Mulroney. Out of the Blue was his debut in a drama series, but he's also appeared in the comedy series Comedy Inc., as well as TV commercials.
Ryan Johnson - Ryan plays the character of Ian 'Stavva' Jones. He has a number of TV credits, including The Secret Life Of Us, All Saints and Underbelly. He's also had a successful film career, starring in All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane, Son of the Mask and Ghostrider.
Sophie Katinis - Sophie plays the character of Gabby West. She's best known for playing Tina in the Australian comedy series Stupid, Stupid Man and Mel Bennett in Headland. She's also appeared in TV commercials and fronted the Sydney bands The Family Vonn Trap and Baby Loves To Cha Cha.
Kim Knuckey - Kim plays the character of Brian Jones. You might recognise him from A Country Practice, Home And Away, G.P., Echo Point, Over The Hill, Big Sky, Murder Call, Wildside, and All Saints.
Dylan Landre - Dylan plays the character of Philby McManus. He appeared on kids' TV series Bush Patrol in the 90s, and he's also been in The Surgeon, All Saints and the short movies The Big Secret and Drive.
Charlie-Rose MacLennan - Young actress Charlie plays the character of Zoe O'Donnell. Out of the Blue was her debut role in a drama series, but she's already done TV commercials, singing and songwriting. Since completing work on Out of the Blue she's also secured a role in Underbelly.
Clayton Watson - Clayton plays the character of Jarrod O'Donnell. He's best known for playing Kid in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. He's also appeared in Blue Heelers and had an award-winning role in Always Greener.
Sam Weaving - Sam plays the character of Kirsten Mulroney. Out of the Blue was her debut in a drama series, but she's also starred in the short film The Cabbie as well as dance and stage productions.
Basia A'Hern - Basia plays the character of Lucia Jones. She's best known for her roles in Farscape, The Sleepover Club and McLeod's Daughters.
John Atkinson - John plays the character of Stephen Mulroney. He's appeared in Blue Heelers, Breakers, TwentyFourSeven, McLeod's Daughters, and the US series Starter Wife.
Daisy Betts - Daisy plays the character of Peta Lee. She's appeared in Sea Patrol, All Saints and thriller movie Shutter.
Olivia Bonnici - British-born actress Olivia plays the character of Tess McManus. Having studied at the National Institute of Performing Arts, she has a number of theatre credits and has also appeared in the movie Those Without Shadows. You may also recognise her for her presenting work on the UK's Playhouse Disney channel.
Nathaniel Buzolic - Nathaniel plays the character of Paul O'Donnell. He's starred in Water Rats, All Saints and Home and Away, as well as presenting Studio Disney, Weather Ed and The Mint.
Zoe Carides - Zoe plays the character of Pia Jones. She's appeared in loads of TV shows over the years, including The Pacific, E Street, Flying Doctors and All Saints. Her film roles include Brilliant Lies, Death In Brunswick, With Inertia, Kadaicha, and Seeing Red.
Renai Caruso - Renai plays the character of Bec Quilter. She's appeared in a number of movies, including What I Have Written, Soul Trade, Unfinished Sky and Daybreakers.
Diane Craig - Diane plays the character of Deborah McManus. She has a number of TV credits to her name, but we'll name just a few: The Sullivans, E Street, A Country Practice, Home and Away and Prisoner.
Maggie Dence - Maggie plays the character of Olive Hammond. She's probably best remembered for playing Dorothy Burke in Neighbours, but she's also appeared in The Flying Doctors, A Country Practice, Blue Heelers, Stingers and All Saints.
Aidan Gillett - Aidan plays the character of Daniel McManus. Aidan had recently graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts when he secured his role in Out of the Blue. He's also appeared in Pacific and will soon be seen in Home and Away.
Charlotte Gregg - Charlotte plays the character of Tracy O'Donnell. She's appeared in a number of Aussie dramas, including All Saints, Underbelly and Home and Away, on which she starred as Charity Fernbrook. She's also appeared in the movie All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane. Fans of Australian Idol may also recognise her as the partner of 2008 winner Wes Carr.
Daniel Henshall - Daniel plays the character of Adam 'Addo' O'Donnell. Having graduated from the Actors Centre Australia in 2006, he's since appeared in All Saints and the short movie The Making Of The Darlings.
Katherine Hicks - Katherine plays the character of Poppy Hammond. She's starred as Tess Mason in Heartbreak High, as well as having film roles in Sugar Mountain and $quid The Movie.
Noel Hodda - Noel plays the character of Ron O'Donnell. He's appeared in several dramas over the years, so you can take your pick from Five Mile Creek, Cyclone Tracy, Cop Shop, Bodyline, Sons And Daughters, Neighbours, E Street, Big Sky, Heartbreak High, G.P., Water Rats, Murder Call, All Saints, and Blue Water High.
Louis Hunter - Louis plays the character of Kyle Mulroney. Out of the Blue was his debut in a drama series, but he's also appeared in the comedy series Comedy Inc., as well as TV commercials.
Ryan Johnson - Ryan plays the character of Ian 'Stavva' Jones. He has a number of TV credits, including The Secret Life Of Us, All Saints and Underbelly. He's also had a successful film career, starring in All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane, Son of the Mask and Ghostrider.
Sophie Katinis - Sophie plays the character of Gabby West. She's best known for playing Tina in the Australian comedy series Stupid, Stupid Man and Mel Bennett in Headland. She's also appeared in TV commercials and fronted the Sydney bands The Family Vonn Trap and Baby Loves To Cha Cha.
Kim Knuckey - Kim plays the character of Brian Jones. You might recognise him from A Country Practice, Home And Away, G.P., Echo Point, Over The Hill, Big Sky, Murder Call, Wildside, and All Saints.
Dylan Landre - Dylan plays the character of Philby McManus. He appeared on kids' TV series Bush Patrol in the 90s, and he's also been in The Surgeon, All Saints and the short movies The Big Secret and Drive.
Charlie-Rose MacLennan - Young actress Charlie plays the character of Zoe O'Donnell. Out of the Blue was her debut role in a drama series, but she's already done TV commercials, singing and songwriting. Since completing work on Out of the Blue she's also secured a role in Underbelly.
Clayton Watson - Clayton plays the character of Jarrod O'Donnell. He's best known for playing Kid in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. He's also appeared in Blue Heelers and had an award-winning role in Always Greener.
Sam Weaving - Sam plays the character of Kirsten Mulroney. Out of the Blue was her debut in a drama series, but she's also starred in the short film The Cabbie as well as dance and stage productions.
Out of the Blue in a nutshell
Out of the Blue has all the staples of other Aussie soaps like Neighbours and Home and Away - sun, sea, surf, and lots of time spent at coffee shops - but with an adult twist. The show follows a group of thirty-something friends who return home to the beach resort of Manly for a high school reunion, meaning that it has more of an adult focus than the more well-known Aussie soaps. Fortunately, teens aren't forgotten about completely - with the characters of Kyle (Louis Hunter), Kirsten (Samara Weaving) and Paul (Nathaniel Buzolic) representing the younger generation.
The group of friends has mixed thoughts about the reunion from the start - as there's enough secrets, unfinished business and simmering tension between them than you might find in an average episode of Lost. If that's not clear from the outset, from episode three you'll be left in no doubt - as one member of the group will be dead, and another will be the killer.
The murder mystery takes up around half of the show's 130-episode run, with Detective Simon Wilson (Shane Withington) facing many twists, turns and shocking secrets as he attempts to discover the truth about the victim's death. Not every episode focuses on the murder case, though - with the gang back in town and some members unhappy to see each other, there's plenty of other plotlines keeping the show running.
The second half of the soap deals with the shocking repercussions when the killer is revealed to all. Unlike your average murder mystery plot, this is not simply a case of the culprit being locked up and everything quickly forgotten. The show also ploughs ahead with its other compelling plotlines - making every episode unmissable.
Out of the Blue has been the hidden gem of BBC Two's schedules since last year - now that it's airing on Fiver, let's hope more people are able to experience the magic of the best drama series we've seen for years.
The group of friends has mixed thoughts about the reunion from the start - as there's enough secrets, unfinished business and simmering tension between them than you might find in an average episode of Lost. If that's not clear from the outset, from episode three you'll be left in no doubt - as one member of the group will be dead, and another will be the killer.
The murder mystery takes up around half of the show's 130-episode run, with Detective Simon Wilson (Shane Withington) facing many twists, turns and shocking secrets as he attempts to discover the truth about the victim's death. Not every episode focuses on the murder case, though - with the gang back in town and some members unhappy to see each other, there's plenty of other plotlines keeping the show running.
The second half of the soap deals with the shocking repercussions when the killer is revealed to all. Unlike your average murder mystery plot, this is not simply a case of the culprit being locked up and everything quickly forgotten. The show also ploughs ahead with its other compelling plotlines - making every episode unmissable.
Out of the Blue has been the hidden gem of BBC Two's schedules since last year - now that it's airing on Fiver, let's hope more people are able to experience the magic of the best drama series we've seen for years.
Wednesday 28 January 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to our new blog, which is designed to keep fans of Australia's best soap Out of the Blue updated on all of the latest news and info surrounding the show.
Over the next few days we'll be adding much more content to the site which should be of interest to fans in the UK, Australia and anywhere else in the world the show airs.
Watch this space - and carry on enjoying Out of the Blue!
Over the next few days we'll be adding much more content to the site which should be of interest to fans in the UK, Australia and anywhere else in the world the show airs.
Watch this space - and carry on enjoying Out of the Blue!
Thursday 15 January 2009
Our first ever Aussie teasers
What's coming up over the next few weeks on Out of the Blue on Ten? Read on for some hints...
- As the murder mystery continues to hot up, one of the gang will start to become suspicious of their friends and wonder whether they could be hiding secrets about Philby's death. See this play out this coming Sunday on Ten at 5.30pm.
- A camping trip will bring trouble for some, but create opportunity for others.
- Never assume that a character won't be important! One seemingly minor character will have a massive part to play in the weeks to come...
- Watch out for a couple of massive game-changers in the murder investigation coming up very soon. You'll see the police's theories shift as all of the evidence seems to point to one person as the guilty party... Meanwhile, the investigation itself will take on a shocking new scope as new evidence comes to light.
- You won't see the cast being forced to wear school uniforms like in the opening scenes again, but there are some more flashbacks ahead.
- One of the regular characters will discover who the murderer is...
- After that, all hell breaks loose and, if it's not already, Out of the Blue ends up in a class of its own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
