Student hopes to celebrate first class honours degrees by winning part in Neighbours

Jun 21 2010 by Graham Young, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM University student Jo Gleaves is hoping to celebrate her first class honours drama degree in style – by winning a part in Neighbours.

The 22-year-old blonde bombshell has a two-in-five chance of being selected to fly to Australia next month after she was shortlisted in a find-a-star TV competition.

From an original entry of more than 1,000 girls, Jo learns in a week’s time whether a public internet vote will let her jet off in search of fame and fortune.

Just two finalists will be flown Down Under to compete for the chance to win a four-week part in the soap which helped to launch the pop careers of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan and propelled Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce into Hollywood.

Now planning to take a one-year MA in directing, Jo said: “I want to stay in Birmingham because I just love the city.

“But I’d love to win the chance to star in Neighbours, too. If I get the chance to go I’m not sure at the moment whether I can delay the journey until I get my degree on July 9.”

Neighbours is celebrating its 25th anniversary and 6,000th episode in 2010.

Jo is such a big fan – her favourite character is Karl Kennedy played by Alan Fletcher – that she’s already been to the set. “I went travelling with a friend called Fiona and we visited Ramsay Street before I even went to university,” said Jo.

“It would be great to go back so I hope the Birmingham Mail’s readers will vote for me online – it’s free to enter!”

Jo added: “Doing the directing course will help me to learn some new skills.”