Paige Smith

Paige Smith
Neighbours character
Portrayed by Olympia Valance
Duration 2014–
First appearance 2 June 2014
Introduced by Jason Herbison
Classification Current; regular
Profile
Aliases Paige Novak
Occupation Waitress
Home 32 Ramsay Street

Paige Smith (previously Novak) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Olympia Valance. The actress was cast in February 2014 after a lengthy audition process, which included four call-backs. Series producer Jason Herbison said Valance was cast in the role as she was "the perfect fit" for the character. Valance had been a successful model prior to her casting and Paige marked her first acting role. Her half-sister Holly previously appeared in the show as Felicity Scully from 1999 until 2002. Valance was initially contracted for three years. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 2 June 2014.

Paige is portrayed as being "feisty", "tough", "unpredictable" and resourceful. Valance said Paige was not a mean character and often hid her softer side behind a "hard exterior". The character was introduced as the biological daughter of Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Lauren Carpenter (Kate Kendall) and her early storylines focused on building relationships with her parents and half-siblings. Paige initially chose to keep her identity a secret, as she was scared that she would not be accepted. Paige also had a relationship with her housemate Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor), which ended when they realised that it was not working between them. The character has received mostly positive attention from critics, with one saying she had caused "quite a stir" since her debut and another who noted that she had a distinctive on-screen presence. Valance earned a nomination for Most Popular New Talent at the 2015 Logie Awards.

Casting

On 9 March 2014, Colin Vickery from news.com.au reported that Olympia Valance had joined the cast of Neighbours as Paige Novak.[1] Valance had been a successful model prior to her casting in February and Paige marked her first acting role.[2] She won the part after a lengthy audition process, which included four call-backs that got "harder and harder" each time.[3] Of her casting, Valance commented "When I got the call to say the part was mine, I was so excited. In Australia, if you're on Neighbours, you're considered to have one of the best jobs in the world. It's iconic."[4] One of the first people Valance called was her half-sister Holly Valance, who previously appeared in Neighbours as Felicity Scully.[1] She later said that working with people who knew her sister made her feel "very comfortable" on-set.[1] Series producer Jason Herbison confirmed that Valance had won the role based on her own talents, saying she was "the perfect fit for Paige".[1] Valance was initially contracted for three years.[4] She made her screen debut as Paige on 2 June 2014.[1] In December, Valance commented that she would leave Neighbours at the end of her contract as she had a desire to move to London.[5]

Development

Backstory and characterisation

In her fictional backstory, Paige had "a miserable upbringing" with her adoptive parents, and always felt second best to brother Ethan (Matthew Little).[4] After leaving her boarding school, Paige became self-sufficient and worked various jobs.[2] Her adoptive parents would send her "guilt-induced cash gifts" which she spent quickly on holidays and parties.[2] Ahead of her introduction, Valance said "Paige isn't a mean character – she's cool and sexy and a bit edgy — and I think everyone is going to love her."[1] She also thought Paige's personality had many layers and hoped viewers would like her and find her interesting.[6]

Valance later described Paige as being "feisty", "unpredictable", "funny" and "very compassionate".[7] She called Paige resourceful and said her "hard exterior" often hid her softer side.[4][7] The Neighbours official website branded Paige "tough" and "volatile", adding that she works hard and enjoyed partying and skateboarding in her spare time.[2] Valance liked her character and said she could identify with her family situation, as she is one of eight half-siblings.[7] She also felt lucky to be playing someone with "such a complex history".[8]

Family

Kip Gamblin plays Paige's biological father Brad Willis.

Paige first became aware that her biological parents, Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Lauren Carpenter (Kate Kendall), were looking for her when Brad met with Ethan in Adelaide.[9] Valance told All About Soap's Carena Crawford that Paige felt relieved that she had finally found her parents, but there were so many unanswered questions surrounding them and her adoption.[7] Paige became curious about her parents and followed them back to Erinsborough to find out more about them. She decided to keep her identity a secret, in order to find out what Brad and Lauren were really like.[9] Paige checked into the local hotel with the fake surname Novak and made up a back story about being from Tasmania.[7] Paige immediately ran into Josh Willis (Harley Bonner) and flirted with him, unaware that he was her half-brother. Valance explained that Paige was naturally flirty and thought Josh was "pretty hot" until she learned they were related.[9] Paige's actions also put her half-sister, Amber (Jenna Rosenow), offside as she was dating Josh at the time.[9]

Paige met her mother at her café and managed to get herself a job as a waitress.[9] Lauren and Paige made a good impression on each other and Valance said there was a connection between them.[9] Paige also engineered a meeting with Brad by joining the gym he managed, and Valance commented that Paige really liked her father.[7] However, Brad's wife, Terese (Rebekah Elmaloglou), was quite suspicious of who Paige was, especially as Paige had no ID and had checked into the hotel with "disposable cash".[7] Paige also struggled to get along with her other half-sister, Imogen (Ariel Kaplan), as she was also suspicious of her, but Paige bonded well with her younger half-brother Bailey (Calen Mackenzie).[7] Valance thought that deep down Paige was scared that her parents would not accept her as their daughter.[9] She later said, "She builds relationships with people on the street who think she's someone she's not. Afterwards, people will find it hard to accept her because of it. There are a lot of people involved."[4]

Paige's grandmother, Kathy Carpenter (Tina Bursill), was the first to discover her true identity.[10] Paige learned that Kathy had hired a private detective to find her granddaughter and realised that she would soon have to tell everyone the truth.[11] When Kathy asked Paige to mind her own business, Paige became angry and "in the heat of the moment", she took Kathy's heart medication.[11] Valance insisted that Paige regretted her actions and intended to return the pills.[11] While they were out for a drive together, Kathy found Paige's sketchbook with a drawing of Lauren inside that had the world "mum" underneath it. Kathy was so startled that she drove away without concentrating and crashed into Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney).[10] Kathy then struggled to breathe as her scarf was choking her, and Paige had to step in and save her. Valance commented, "This isn't the way she wanted things to work out, of course, and she knows that she has to do everything she can to save Kathy's life."[10]

After Kathy was rushed to hospital, Paige decided to leave town, believing that everyone would be disappointed in her.[11] Valance said it would be hard for Paige to convince her parents that she did not mean to cause trouble, as she had been lying to them for so long.[10] Paige left two teddy bears Lauren gave her at birth on her doorstep and caught a bus. Lauren managed to catch up to her and they had a "very emotional" reunion.[11] Lauren then took Paige to Brad who was shocked at the revelation. When he asked Paige for a DNA test, Valance understood why.[11] Her siblings had mixed reactions; Amber was not happy about Paige being her sister, while Imogen and Josh were accepting and started "to warm to her".[11] However, Amber later showed them Paige's sketchbook and the unkind things she had written about them, which undermined the progress Paige had made with them.[11] Valance did not think things would be easy for Paige going forward, but hoped that her new family would realise her heart was in the right place, even though she went about things the wrong way.[11]

Neither Terese or Matt were pleased when Paige revealed her identity. When Lauren asked Matt to welcome Paige into the family, he agreed.[12] But Terese then asked him to join her in excluding Paige from both their families.[12] When Matt learned Paige was responsible for trashing Harold's Store, he was forced to arrest her.[13] Paige trashed the store after becoming frustrated over hiding her identity from Lauren.[13] Paige admitted to the crime, while Lauren pleaded with Matt to go easy on her, but he could not give Paige any "special treatment" and they had to leave it to the law.[13] Things between Paige and Terese eventually got easier, and Elmaloglou explained that there was a point where Terese finally accepts that Paige is not going anywhere. She hoped that Terese would take Paige under her wing in the future.[14]

Relationship with Mark Brennan

"Paige is very keen to make a go of things with Mark as she really likes him. It won't be easy for them as Mark is still hurting over Kate, but if she persists it looks like they could make a great couple."[15]

—A show spokesperson on Paige's romance with Brennan. (2014)

Paige became Mark Brennan's (Scott McGregor) new housemate when she moved onto Ramsay Street. Valance did not rule out a relationship between Brennan and Paige, saying "Hmmm, she is single, he is single – I can't say anymore!"[8] In August 2014, it was confirmed that producers had planned a romance storyline for Paige and Brennan.[15] They grew closer and realised that they had a deeper connection than friendship.[15] During a gym work out, Paige proposed a little competition that meant whoever lost had to buy the other dinner. Paige pushed Brennan over, causing him to lose and agree to take her out, but neither of them call it a date.[16] Valance commented that Paige had been "really attracted" to Brennan from the start, so she gets dressed up for the dinner.[16] However, Brennan struggled with the idea of moving on from his deceased fiancée Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer), and even though he knew it was a date, he had not admitted it out loud.[16]

Brennan made the situation worse by ignoring Paige afterwards, causing her to confront him as a storm hit Erinsborough. Valance explained "They're both saturated from bringing in everything from outside and she's super fired up. She just loses it and screams in his face."[16] Brennan and Paige then consummated their relationship.[16] Paige and Brennan's first official date ended abruptly when Paige turned up wearing Kate's dress, which she had purchased from a charity shop.[17] Brennan reacted angrily and accused Paige of being up to something, before shouting at her to get out of the bar. Brennan later realised that he had been too harsh on Paige, but just as he decided to give their relationship another go, he saw her kissing another man.[17] McGregor commented "He thinks he's blown his chances with her – but he's also wondering if this is what he really wants."[17] McGregor was cautious about his character getting involved with Paige, as he believed that they were "at different stages of their lives".[17] There was an age gap between them and a difference in maturity, which McGregor thought would impact on their future as a couple.[17]

Paige later witnessed Brennan kissing Dakota Davies (Sheree Murphy), leaving her "hurt and frustrated".[18] After sitting down to discuss their relationship, Brennan told Paige that he had been undercover with the police and was investigating Dakota, who kissed him.[18] Paige made it clear that Brennan had not been treating her right, especially as he did not confide in her about his job. They then decided that their relationship was not working.[18] A few weeks after their break-up, Brennan invited Paige to an afternoon tea for Sonya (Eve Morey). But when she arrived she witnessed Brennan engaging in "a heart-to-heart" with Rain Taylor (Airlee Dodds) and she left.[19] Following Brad's advice, Paige told Brennan that she loved him, but he explained that he did not feel the same way and probably never would.[19]

Storylines

After learning her biological parents, Lauren Turner and Brad Willis, came looking for her, Paige follows them to Erinsborough. Paige gets a job as a waitress at Lauren's cafe and moves in with Mark Brennan on Ramsay Street. She does not reveal her identity to her parents, as she wants to get to know them first. Her behaviour makes Lauren and Brad's spouses, Matt and Terese, suspicious. Paige also struggles to get along with her half-sisters Amber and Imogen, but bonds with her half-brothers Josh and Bailey. When Paige feels Lauren has rejected her, she trashes Harold's Store. Ethan visits and encourages Paige to tell her family who she is. Paige learns Lauren's mother, Kathy, was responsible for her being adopted and decides to get revenge. When Kathy tells Paige she is getting too close to Lauren, Paige takes her heart medication. Kathy later finds Paige's sketchpad, which contains drawings of her family, and realises Paige is her granddaughter. Kathy has a heart attack and hits Toadfish Rebecchi with her car. Kathy's scarf restricts her breathing and Paige saves her. Paige decides to leave town, but Lauren catches up with her, finally knowing the truth. Lauren takes Paige to Brad and tells him they have found their daughter. Paige's half-siblings have mixed reactions to the news. Terese learns Paige trashed Harold's Store and Matt is forced to arrest her. Terese later drops the charges and tries to be more welcoming.

Paige and Brennan develop feelings for each other, but Brennan struggles to move on from his deceased fiancée Kate. After a few problems, Brennan and Paige eventually begin dating. Brennan starts acting secretively and Paige sees him kissing Dakota Davies. Brennan tells Paige that he was investigating Dakota along with the police. Realising that their relationship is not working, they break-up and Paige moves in with the Turners. When Paige admits that she still has feelings for Brennan, he tells her does not feel the same way. Paige strikes up an online relationship with Bryson Jennings (Brodie Derrick). Paige designs a logo for the Erinsborough Festival, but when her design is altered to cover up the female figure, but not the man, Paige stages a topless protest and the logo is changed back. When a large sum of money is stolen from the Turners, Bryson becomes the prime suspect. Paige invites him to meet her and after his arrival, Bryson is questioned by the police and cleared. Bryson realises Paige is not interested in him romantically and leaves, telling her not to contact him again. Bailey later admits that it was his fault the money was taken. Paige almost has sex with Brennan's brother, Tyler (Travis Burns), but she leaves after realising she still loves Brennan. She and Tyler later kiss again, and Paige says Brennan's name in the heat of the moment. She apologises and they agree to be friends. Paige sees Tyler checking out a car to steal, and later discovers that the same car was involved in a hit and run on Matt the same day. She finds the car at the garage and accuses Tyler, but the real culprit is revealed to be Danni Ferguson (Laura McIntosh). She apologises to Tyler, and joins the Turners at the hospital, where she is devastated when Matt dies of his injuries. Paige discovers that Tyler is involved in Dennis Dimato's car-stealing racket.

Reception

For her portrayal of Paige, Valance received a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2015.[20] Paige and her storylines have received mostly positive attention from critics. A reporter for the Daily Record observed that Paige's arrival "ruffles some feathers".[21] Kirsty Nutkins from the Daily Express quipped "Paige Smith has been causing quite a stir since her arrival in Ramsay Street".[4] Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly praised Valance's addition to the cast, calling her a "standout" despite her lack of acting experience. He also thought Paige had "an instant and distinctive presence on screen".[22] A reporter for The Age branded Paige "mysterious and cranky".[23] Glen Williams from TV Week disliked Paige's lies, saying her "conniving deceit is simply chilling".[24] While his colleague Stephen Downie thought Paige was "probably the last person you'd go to for advice."[25] A Soap World columnist noted that Neighbours had "mastered the art of big event storytelling" with plots such as the Paige reveal.[26]

All About Soap's Claire Crick was a fan of Paige and Brennan's romance, commenting "It's sad Kate died, but we can't help but love the new Prennan romance, it's about time someone put a smile on Mark's oh-so handsome face and there's no denying they make possibly one of the best-looking couples ever to grace Ramsay Street!"[27] During a review of 2014, Kilkelly commented "We've been gripped by the huge repercussions from Paige's arrival in Erinsborough".[28] In 2015, Kerry Barrett from All About Soap placed Paige at number 28 on the magazine's list of 30 favourite Neighbours characters.[29] Barrett quipped that Paige "caused quite a stir in Erinsborough!" and thought her best moment was "revealing her true identity to mum Lauren."[29]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Vickery, Colin (9 March 2014). "Holly Valance's half-sister Olympia Valance to make acting debut on Neighbours". news.com.au. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Olympia Valance plays Paige Smith". Network Ten. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
  3. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (12 May 2014). "Neighbours newcomer Olympia Valance on Paige role: 'I'm so lucky'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Nutkins, Kirsty (5 July 2014). "Aussie actress Olympia Valance: 'Joining Neighbours was a dream come true'". The Daily Express. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  5. ↑ Prynn, Jonathan (17 December 2014). "Olympia Valance to get new Neighbours after planning a move to London". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  6. ↑ "Olympia Valance: Paige Novak arrives with a secret". Channel 5. 13 June 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 Crawford, Carena (7–20 June 2014). "Paige wants to know why she was adopted". All About Soap (324): 36–37.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Killkelly, Daniel (16 June 2014). "Neighbours star Olympia Valance on Paige's secret: 'Expect conflict'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Ellis, Sarah (14–20 June 2014). "Meet Brad & Lauren's daughter!". Inside Soap (23): 16.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Toadie run over!". Inside Soap (32): 24. 16–22 August 2014.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 Crawford, Carena (16–29 August 2014). "Paige is angry and lashes out at Kathy". All About Soap (329): 32–33.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Barrett, Kerry (16–29 August 2014). "Family lies!". All About Soap (329): 14–15.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Kilkelly, Daniel (4 August 2014). "Neighbours: Paige Smith to be arrested by Matt Turner". Digital Spy. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  14. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (26 November 2014). "Neighbours' Rebekah Elmaloglou: 'You'll see Terese in a new light'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Kilkelly, Daniel (14 August 2014). "Neighbours romance ahead for Paige Smith, Mark Brennan". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 "Paige and Brennan, it's on! or off?". TV Week Soap Extra (2): 14. 14–27 August 2014.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 "Paige's dating drama". Inside Soap (37): 26. 20–26 September 2014.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 "On the wrong Paige". TV Soap: 18–19. 9–22 October 2014.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Hill, Susan (16 November 2014). "Neighbours: Mark Brennan leaves Paige Smith heartbroken". Daily Star. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  20. ↑ Willis, Charlotte (22 March 2015). "Here’s the full List of 2015 Logies nominations". news.com.au. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  21. ↑ "Soaps & films". Daily Record. 14 June 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2015.(subscription required)
  22. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel; Dainty, Sophie (10 July 2014). "EastEnders comedy, Hollyoaks cheating, more – Soap's Highs and Lows". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  23. ↑ "TV Tuesday 10/06". The Age. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  24. ↑ Williams, Glen. "Thursday's pick: Neighbours". TV Week. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  25. ↑ Downie, Stephen. "Friday's pick: Neighbours". TV Week. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  26. ↑ "Soap opera report card: Neighbours". Soap World (260): 25. September 2014.
  27. ↑ Crick, Claire (24 September 2014). "Paige's dress diaster!". All About Soap. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  28. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (5 December 2014). "Ramsay Street revitalised: 7 reasons why Neighbours is back on form". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Barrett, Kerry (17 March 2015). "Our 30 favourite Neighbours characters!". All About Soap. Retrieved 17 March 2015.

External links