Everybody needs good Neighbours ... especially the hacks The hottest ticket in London last night was Channel Five's launch party for Neighbours, which moves from BBC1 on Monday, where media hacks and celebs - OK, OK, Tim Vincent and Matthew Wright - jostled to get a piece of actor Ian Smith, better known as Neighbours' Harold Bishop. Normally cynical media hacks fell into fits of giggles and simpering platitudes as they had their picture taken with The Bish. A montage of favourite Neighbours moments also left the crowd oohing and aaghing as childhood memories came flooding back. If the excitement generated by the party turns into viewing figures, then Five's hefty investment in the soap looks certain to pay off.
Jane's soft spot The party had an Aussie barbie theme - what else? - and guests tucked into snags and chooks with gusto. Special Neighbours cushions were also made - no, we don't know why either - and guests were seen sneaking off with them at the end, including Five chief executive Jane Lighting who was spotted departing with not one, but two! Don't they pay you enough, Jane?
Strewth! It's the wrong logo Alas, there was only one problem with the design of the cushions - they had the old Neighbours logo on. The soap changed its old joined-up name to a more grown-up upright design several months ago but no one at Five has seemed to notice... D'oh!
Slippery Bishop anyone? There were also Neighbours-themed cocktails: Slippery Bishop (Sambucca and Baileys), Erinsborough Ice Tea (vodka, gin, white rum, Cointreau, lemon juice and cola), Pina Karl-Ada (rum, pineapple juice and cocunut cream), Toady Wallbanger (vodka, galliano and orange juice), and Hot Taddy (whisky, water and lemon juice). However, Monkey got reacquainted with a VB hangover - Victoria Bitter being Australia's finest ale. Took Monkey back to backpacking round Oz. Happy days.
