Long-running Neighbours star Stefan Dennis gushes about winning his ‘very first prize’ for his role as Paul Robinson at the Inside Soap Awards
He has been playing Paul Robinson on Neighbors for more than 35 years.
But since the soap opera first aired on screens across the country in March 1985, Stefan Dennis has never once received an award for his ‘craft’ – until now.
The 62-year-old has been recognised by the UK Inside Soap Awards for his role on the long-running series.
Stefan was named Best Daytime Star overnight, while Neighbours received the title of Best Daytime Soap.
‘I can’t thank you enough for this,’ the father of three gushed on Instagram on Tuesday. ‘Thank you very, very much everybody.
‘All the loyal watchers of Neighbours and the readers of Inside Soap. Thank you so much for voting for me.
‘You don’t realise this is actually a very special award for me… It’s the very first prize I’ve ever won for my craft so thank you.
Incredible: Stefan Dennis, who has been playing Paul Robinson (right) on Neigbours for more than 35 years, has been recognised at the UK Inside Awards for his role on the long-running drama series
Thrilled: Stefan (pictured) was named Best Daytime Star, while Neighbours received the title of Best Daytime Soap
‘Also it’s been a bit of a touch year for everybody, including myself, so what a great way to cap that off.’
Alan Fletcher, who is best known for playing Karl Kennedy, added the team was thrilled about the achievements.
‘Absolutely thank you to Inside Soap for hosting the awards and, of course, for supporting us for so many years,’ the 63-year-old said.
Many thanks: Alan Fletcher (pictured with Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan Kennedy on the show) added the Neighbours team was overjoyed about winning Inside Soap awards
The recognition follows Stefan’s 14-year-old son, Declan, joining Ramsay Street as Louis Curtain earlier this year.
‘Our characters’ storylines actually don’t cross over so we don’t even see each other while at the studios,’ Stefan said in a press statement in July.
The soap star explained at the time, ‘contrary to what people may think’, Declan received the sought-after role through his own talent, not his own influence.
Like father like son: The achievements follow Stefan’s 14-year-old son, Declan, joining Ramsay Street as Louis Curtain (both pictured)
But that did not stop Stefan from giving his son some fatherly advice.
‘I’m happy to pass on some wisdom from my years in the ‘biz. Fortunately, he’s not opposed to getting a bit of advice and coaching from me,’ Stefan said.
Declan added: ‘I do like the idea of following [acting] as a career, I also understand the pitfalls of the [uncertainty] of this industry. Therefore, I understand why my parents have suggested I have a second string to my bow.’
Beautiful: The Australian-born star (right) tied the knot with his wife Gail Easdale (left), 45, in 2000 and the couple share three children – sons Declan and Cameron, and daughter Darci