Tim Campbell plays Dan Baker
Via: E-mail

How did you get your role on Home and Away?
Like most of us on the show I did a casting. I originally auditioned for the role of Peter Baker, however I was extremely happy to be offered the role of his brother, Dan.

How did it feel to be the new guy on Home and Away?
It felt fine. I wasn't too nervous, because I have been doing television jobs for a number of years. It also helped immensely that people like Ada and others were very accommodating and easy to work with.

What was your first major television role?
What I thought was going to be the "big break" was a lead role in 'Big Sky' back in 1997, about a small aviation company with Gary Sweet. I started on the second series as Blake Wallace, ex- RAAF pilot. Unfortunately, we got the axe after 13 episodes, and Channel 10 played them late Saturday night over summer, so the publicity was virtually nil. In the end it was a blessing, as I learnt a lot on that show, and was still a fresh unknown actor to the public. I considered this to be the education I missed after leaving VCA (NIDA's equivalent in Melbourne)

What is it like knowing that some people have become famous through Home and Away?
Now I'm understanding how popular the show is, across a broad spectrum of ages, I'm not surprised. But for me, I'm not concerned about becoming famous. People have been quite nice and generous in their comments when they approach me. And hey, who doesn't mind their ego's being stroked once in a while!

You worked on the TV Show SNOBS with Indiana Evans; did you ever think you two would meet again in Home and Away?
No not at all. I sang a Blues Brothers song at an event with Mat, the little red head kid after Snobs, so anything was possible!!
I remember Indiana and the other younger actors on that show had quite a heavy work load, having to juggle school work in between scenes. Where I would just stuff my face and read magazines between scenes! I think Indi learnt quite a lot from Snobs, and is fast becoming a beautiful actor on Home and Away.

Before you were on Home and Away, did you watch it?
ummmm no not really!! Will i get in trouble for that?!?! I did watch it during the early years as my younger sister had control of the remote of a night (I still have middle child hang ups!). So when people talk to me about Leah and Vinnie, I'm not really sure what happened in those days. Although it's probably a good thing, because Dan wouldn't either!

Where do you see yourself, or want to be in five years?
I know some actors like to go to LA, or expand in other areas, but for me I love working on Australian drama series. Probably because I love the Australian lifestyle too much, and prefer to just live here. So basically I would still love to be working on Australian TV. I would like to explore theatre, be it straight theatre and/or musicals, and even like to work on good Aussie films, but for now, I'm happy where i am.

Was it easy to fit in with the rest of the Home and Away cast when you first started?
I found fitting in very easy. All were very welcoming at the studio, and the crew were very gracious while I was getting used the the rhythm of the shoot. Ada, who I obviously spend more time on set with, was very easy to work with as i think we have similar approaches to scenes. Nic Bishop was also easy to work with, especially when Peter was in a coma!!!

What time do you have to be at work to start filming?
This can range day by day. Anything from 5am at Palm Beach to, as I was happy to find out this week, I start at 5:30pm at the studio. While it seems easy enough (which basically it is), when you start quite early on irregular days, your body clock finds it hard to get used to. Thanks goodness we have a make up department!!

What's the first thing you do when you get to work?
Generally I arrive just on my call time, so it's straight in to get changed, then in to make up. After that, it's either a quick check on the dialogue for the day, or Vegemite toast (that's about the extent of the studio catering!)

Do you have a favourite part of your routine (at work)?
LUNCH!

What time usually will you finish Home and Away?
Again it depends on the schedule. The other day i finished at 9:30am, where this week one of the days is 8:30pm. Sometimes on location you can do night shoots which will wrap at any time throughout the night.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened on set?
I remember one day, soon after I started on the show, I was being a bit of an idiot. We were waiting on something, so I decided to do a Tom Cruise in 'Risky Business' and slid into Leah's kitchen. It wasn't until later in the day when the producer Julie came to me and said I had great yellow undies on that day. She then told me that other executive offices throughout channel Seven had a constant live feed of the Home and Away set, and assured me they would have liked my undies too. Perhaps I felt a little too comfortable back then.... funny for others more than me!

How do you handle the height differences with Ada? Sometimes it looks really difficult or uncomfortable and other times she must be standing on something... is that right?
I'm 6'2'' and Ada's 5'1'', so this does present an issue sometimes. I think in general this isn't a bad look, but when a closer shot is required, we generally can re adjust. Both Ada and I are aware of it, so sometimes I might 'cheat' in a lean down, or half lean or sit on something to help the camera angles. We have hardly ever use a box for her, although sometimes I wish we did. It plays havoc with the double chins looking down a lot!!!

Do you get to have a say in what Dan Baker wears?
Kind of. We have a great wardrobe designer and team at Home and Away, who are always open to suggestions. If there are things you're not happy with, generally they will take them out of your wardrobe. I'm hopeless with fashion in general, so I really wouldn't be much help with a suggestion. Although I know Dan has some daggy and quirky outfits, but since it works well for the character, I like them.

Do you know what's coming up for your character (plot wise) and would you be able to give Boys and Girls of Home and Away a little hint?
Mmmm, one of the most asked questions, and since I am under a contract with confidentiality clauses, it's hard to give things away. Let's just say that the way the stories are going at the moment, I reckon it would really help Dan's development if his son Ryan came to visit in about 4 weeks. But who can tell what the script department are thinking!

Which character would you love to see make a return to Summer Bay?
I'm n don't really know a lot of past characters, though I'd love Craig McLachlan's character to return. Only because I know Craig and have worked with him before. He is hilarious on set.

Are you similar to the character you play on Home and Away, Dan?
I am quite similar to Dan in some ways. I'm 6'2'', and so is he. He has blue eyes, and I do too. Go Figure... we must be soul mates!
Seriously though, Dan I think is a great teacher, great at influencing and motivating his students. I on the other hand would not have the discipline to teach High School. Dan's also not a bad cook, where as I am only good at ordering off the home delivery menu. However we equally lack domestic abilities!

How is it like working so closely with Ada?
I really love working with Ada! I am very lucky to be cast opposite an actor like her. Like I said previously, we both have similar approaches to our work, which makes my job that much easier. Ada is a lot of fun to be around on set, and her amazing talent makes the experience even more rewarding. Ada is a hard worker, and is always open to changes, which makes her a real asset to the team. I would easily recommend Ada to any future employers (OK, now I'm just being an idiot!)

Is Ada Nicodemou a good kisser?
Ok, now you're just looking for some juicy gossip. And I'm the one to give it to you, she's brilliant! Although she may not say the same because of the pash rash from Dan's stubble.

Who would you love to guest star on the show (like a celebrity)?
I would love Kath and Kim to visit. Actually, I'm thinking that Kath could be Dan's long lost biological mother, who had Kim, Dan's step sister. They re-unite in Summer Bay!...
..."Look at moi Dan, look at moi!"

If it is a cast member's birthday on a day, does the cast do anything special, or is it just like another working day?
Most times, Carol, the on set cook, will have a cake ready for afternoon tea, and we'll sing. But yes it is another working day. Home and Away doesn't stop for ANYTHING....However, I don't want to talk about 27th September last year and the lack of singing, it upsets me!!!

Which celebrity would you choose to be stranded with on a desert island?
Probably one of the winners of Survivor.... Ha ha, you thought I'd say Isabel or Bec!!

How was performing at the Good Guys Good Kid Carols in the Domain at the end of last year? (By the way, you were absolutely excellent! It was like seeing a whole new you!)
Well thank you very much. I really loved it, so much so that I have put my hand up already for next year. I have sung here and there over the years for different jobs, but consider myself an actor way before a singer. So I really jumped into the deep end with that one. I have hosted children's events before, but that size audience, with the fact that almost 2 million would be watching a LIVE feed was the biggest by far!!...Here's a secret for you, I was shaking like a leaf in the opening number - sweaty palms, swimming pools under my arms, the whole bit (although i tried not to show it). But I composed myself for my song, then the finale!!

How was your job as a singer/dancer at Sydney's former amusement park Australia's Wonderland?
This is kind of where all this singing started. At school I played trombone in the band, and did music for my HSC, but never really sang. And as for dancing.... NEVER! I'm not sure what possessed me, but I auditioned as a singer/dancer and got the job. Which was some sort of turning point as an actor, because I learnt how to make a living as a performer. Wonderland days were great. We would have 4 different shows that we would do twice a day. There was a 15 min disco show, country show, soul show, then a half hour children's character show (I never did suits though, too claustrophobic for me). Really great people to work with, and obviously learnt a lot about singing and dancing . So from there I found other work, singing, hosting and even doing sketch comedy shows... This became my actor cafe job so to speak. Not a bad one either that I want to continue.

So how is it, preforming in a panto every year?
LOVED IT! I know it's typical for a soap actor to do it, but I feel very qualified to do Panto in England in a couple of years. Until Home and Away, I used to travel to Singapore every December to do these. Again great people and great shows. It was like my holiday for the year, except some one paid me to do it. It's a shame Australian's don't do these at Christmas time, but like lot's of things in entertainment, we don't have the population, or the culture to sustain it.

Enough plugs for now!!! Thanks for sending in the questions, and please feel free to write any time. I will return a letter as soon as I can. I really love constructive feed back on my work, and the show in general. I hope you continue to enjoy the show!!!