Happy-go-lucky with a heart

One of the things that attracted Stephen Peacocke to the role of ‘man-child tradie’ Ben on 10’s new drama Five Bedrooms was the contrast to his long-running role as ‘Brax’ on Home & Away.

“I read the first few episodes and thought it was awesome writing. I liked the idea of the character,” he tells TV Tonight.

“I’ve played what you would call ‘Australian blokes’ a few times. I played the surly, tough sort of character and I’ve known plenty of blokes like that. But I know plenty like Ben who are a lot more happy-go-lucky and looking for the bright side of everything.

“He’s the type of character who could sit next to anyone and you could strike up a conversation.

“So it makes sense that he ends up falling in with this group of people he doesn’t know.

“He’s the odd one out of the group in his own way, but he’s growing on people I think.

“He’s not very sophisticated but he’s quite complicated. There’s quite a bit revealed about him as the show goes on.”

Indeed, this week Ben’s new housemates will learn much more about his past than they had anticipated. Yet while Ben’s outgoing nature is an asset, it differs from Peacocke’s personality.

“I’ve never played a character who is so perpetually upbeat and positive. That’s very different to me. I’m more of a shy person. I have a small group of friends but Ben is very gregarious,” he explains.

“It’s been interesting keeping that kind of energy up.

“He doesn’t judge and is prepared to see the best in someone. But his nature of being a free spirit creates a bit of conflict that not everyone appreciates him all the time.

“He’s probably too honest, if anything.”

The cast also features Kat Stewart, Doris Younane, Katie Robertson, Roy Joseph & Hugh Sheridan, several of whom were a big drawcard when Peacocke was approached early in the casting process.

“If Kat Stewart is doing it, that’s a good sign it’s going to be great”

“My wife read it and said ‘If Kat Stewart is doing it, that’s a good sign it’s going to be great,'” he continues.

“And my wife loves Doris Younane. They were the only two attached to it.

“Working with Doris has been a real highlight. She’s such a hard worker, and she gets the most out of every scene. I’ve learned a lot being in scenes with her.”

Peacocke got the acting bug at Newcastle Uni, where a Drama Coach recommended him to pursue his natural talents. After an agent, co-op theatre, and small TV roles he landed Home & Away’s River Boys trio which led to Gold Logie nominations and roles internationally including on Hercules, Whisky Tango Foxtrot and Me Before You.

Now he draws on his own home-sharing experiences for 10’s drama, produced by Hoodlum Entertainment.

“I had a good time share-housing. Everyone should do it for a couple of years.”

“I moved out of home at 18 and was share-housing until I was about 30. All through Uni, and when was a Jackaroo for a year I was living with a mate about 80 kms from anywhere,” he recalls.

“I’ve always lived in places with good views, barbecues and beers. So that always leads to fun and games.

“I had a good time share-housing. Everyone should do it for a couple of years.”

While he awaits word on whether Five Bedrooms will be renewed for a second season, Peacocke is pursuing further US opportunities -and rules out a return to Home & Away.

“No. It was like the perfect holiday. You’ve done it, but you don’t want to go back and ruin it by returning. That was it for me.”

Five Bedrooms airs 8:45pm Wednesday on 10.