Benjie McNair: 'Neighbours return is a gift'

Benjie McNair has revealed that he was thrilled to be offered the chance to reprise his role as Malcolm Kennedy on Neighbours.

Show bosses recently announced that Malcolm will be back on screen for a four-month guest stint later this year, which will see him return to Ramsay Street amid fresh marital problems for his parents Susan and Karl (Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher).

McNair's original stint on Neighbours ran from 1994 to 1997. He later returned for guest appearances in 2002 and 2004 and was also involved in the show's 20th anniversary celebrations in 2005.

Speaking to Digital Spy about his latest comeback, the 36-year-old commented: "It's always good to be in work as an actor and to be asked to come back to Neighbours is a real gift. It's a great place to work and being so familiar with people, it's terrific to see the old faces again as well as meet a lot of new ones."

He continued: "I think it's great for the viewers to see how characters have developed and return from time to time. I think that is testament to the strength of the show that a character can return and viewers pick up where they left off. It's a real pleasure."

McNair also predicted that Malcolm will be able to help his mum and dad after Susan sparks tension by growing close to another man.

Asked whether Malcolm has what it takes to get things back on track, the actor replied: "Of course. Yes, he does have what it takes, although I think it is going to be a challenge for him.

"He has a lot of compassion for his parents and while sometimes it can be a struggle with his father, as the years have gone by he has grown into the type of person who has the maturity to deal with both sides of the story without necessarily taking sides, but we'll have to wait and see."

Malcolm returns to screens in Australia in mid-July.

> Read our full interview with Benjie McNair
> Read our interview with Jackie Woodburne about Malcolm's return