'Neighbours' Rhys has a sensitive side, says Ben Barber

Neighbours star Ben Barber has insisted that his character Rhys Lawson is a nice guy at heart.

The ambitious doctor has been appearing in Erinsborough since July last year, and viewers in the UK are about to see the full force of his ruthless side.

However, speaking to Digital Spy about Rhys's personality, Barber explained: "Very, very deep down he is quite sensitive and he does mean well.

"I think at the end of the day, he just wants to win and he has this ability to justify why he does things, and if people are hurt in the process, it's their fault. His vision is the one that is most important."

In episodes soon to air on Channel 5, Rhys launches a nasty plan to land a place on Erinsborough Hospital's surgery programme.

Befriending new intern Erin (Elise Jansen), Rhys pretends to be romantically interested in her - hoping to distract her away from work and get her kicked off the programme so he can take her place.

Barber added: "This is Rhys at his manipulative best. He woos Erin and when she is completely vulnerable, he strikes!"

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 in the UK, and weekdays at 6.30pm on Eleven in Australia.

> Neighbours' Rhys to launch nasty career scheme
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Check back later this week for a full interview with Neighbours star Ben Barber.