'Neighbours' actor promises "monumental reveal"

Neighbours star Sandy Winton has hinted that there is a big surprise in store for viewers as the background of his character Michael Williams and daughter Natasha is explored in a future storyline.

Bosses at the soap recently announced the casting of Freya Stafford (below left) as Tash's long-lost aunt Emilia, who has been tipped to "bring up a lot of old baggage" for Michael once she makes her arrival on the street.

Meanwhile, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has promised that the truth about Tash's dead mother will be revealed later this year as viewers "find out the secret in three parts".

In his first interview about the forthcoming plot, Winton told Digital Spy: "Emilia certainly knows a lot more about Michael and his late wife than anyone else, and he is scared about what she will reveal to Tash.

"Michael has never really spoken to Tash about her mother. What happened in the past has been left in the past, so I think bringing her aunt in opens up a lot of baggage that Michael has put to one side - he has happily let that happen."

Discussing how the story progresses over the coming months, he continued: "This is really going to uncover some deep, dark secrets and it happens in stages, building up to a monumental reveal… I can't wait."

Michael and Natasha's (Valentina Novakovic) recent storylines have focused on the troubled student's rebellious behaviour, which has left her father at the end of his tether.

However, Winton added: "I have a funny feeling that the status might be turned on its head when Tash realises some of the things from the past that Michael has kept from her."

> Read our interview with Neighbours star Sandy Winton
> Read more Neighbours chat from Sandy Winton in Soap Scoop

Watch the latest Neighbours promo airing in Australia below: