A New Chapter for Michala Banas and Brett Tucker
Michala Banas and Brett Tucker have found their third chance at playing a detective couple on screen, this time in the ABC series Blue Murder Motel. The pair, who have previously worked together in Neighbours and McLeod’s Daughters, are now portraying Vanessa “Vinny” and Peter “Cole” Coleman. Their on-screen chemistry has been a long time coming, as they have built a strong friendship over the years.
A Long History of Collaboration
The duo’s connection goes back further than most people realize. Michala, 47, recalls how they first met on Saddle Club in 2001, marking the start of a 30-year friendship. Over the years, they have worked together on multiple projects, including McLeod’s Daughters, where they played Kate Manfedi and Dave Brewer, and Neighbours, where they portrayed Libby Kennedy and Dan Fitzgerald.
“We’ve been good mates for such a long time,” Michala said, highlighting the deep bond between them. “We’ve even made a short film together, and my husband (actor Toby Truslove) and I lived with Brett in the United States for a while.”
A Natural Choice for Blue Murder Motel
Working together again in Blue Murder Motel was an easy decision for both actors. Brett, 53, described it as “a no brainer.” He emphasized that their comfort level on set makes the experience enjoyable. “It’s definitely rare to play a couple who are in synch emotionally and not in the process of tearing the relationship down or overcoming obstacles to be together,” he explained.
Michala agreed, adding that the characters’ deep love for each other is refreshing. “We see a lot of relationships on screen that are breaking down or falling apart, but these characters still love each other and make a shift for themselves,” she said. “That was really cool to portray.”
Breaking the “Will They or Won’t They” Tension
One of the benefits of playing a couple who already loves each other is the removal of the common “will they or won’t they” tension. Brett noted that this dynamic would have been draining for both the actors and the audience. “It was a relief and refreshing to be grounded together in the safety of that relationship,” he said.
This allows the pair to focus on the main plot of the show, which involves solving crimes at the hotel they now run. It also opens up the possibility of exploring the overarching mystery of why they left Sydney in the first place.
A Dream Role for Michala Banas
For Michala, the role is more than just a return to acting with Brett—it’s also a chance to play a character she thought she might never get. “I’m a middle-aged woman now, and I don’t usually star in shows anymore,” she admitted. “But when the chance to be the co-lead with Brett came along, I thought: ‘Ooh, that looks scary! I should do that!’”
She expressed her excitement about the potential for future seasons and the opportunity to explore Vinny and Cole’s story further. “I’d love to keep playing this role,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Michala has played many iconic roles throughout her career, including Marissa Taylor in Always Greener and Amber Wheeler in Upper Middle Bogan. She feels a special connection to Vinny and Cole, describing the pairing as “a beautiful thing.”
Brett echoed her sentiments, noting that their friendship and collaboration have stood the test of time. “We just want to work with each other honestly,” he said.
Future Plans
While they are excited about Blue Murder Motel, Michala joked about their future roles. “Hopefully we’ll get to play grandma and grandpa on something at some point,” she laughed. “Give us a few years, mate! We’ll be there!”
Blue Murder Hotel airs Saturday, 7.30pm on ABC and ABC iView.
