Interview: Jesse Spencer

As Season Five of acclaimed medical drama House comes to DVD, we caught up with Jesse Spencer, who plays Dr Robert Chase in the series...

House was the most watched show worldwide last year - how does it feel to be part of such a huge success?
Really good. I've always thought that we had a great show and I'm glad that it appeals to the international community. I guess the themes are quite universal and a lot of people relate to those.

Is it true that you originally didn't want to audition for the show?
Yes, that is true! (laughs) Well, it's not entirely true. I did want to audition but I just didn't think I had a chance because the part was originally for a late 30s American and I was an early 20s Australian. I thought I wasn't right for it. I didn't realise that they change it if they like someone - they sometimes completely rewrite the part. I'm really really glad that I went for it in the end!

Any gossip about the new season?
The old team comes back for a bit which is exciting as for the last two years my character has been over doing surgery. The writing for Chase and Cameron gets pretty dark and something happens to them which affects their relationship and their relationship to the team. It will play out during season six.

Do you have fun making the show?
Yeah, though it can be quite heavy in terms of the content so we always relish it when we have a scene that's not a medical one. That's quite an exciting thing to do as an actor.

Do people ever mistake you for a doctor in real life?
No, thank God - there are a lot of jokes about it. Like, if you're on an aeroplane and they ask for a doctor and people look over at you. But they're laughing! It's never a serious thing and I hope it never becomes a serious thing as I'd end up killing someone. (laughs)

You're still well-known in the UK for your role in Neighbours (Jesse played Billy Kennedy for six years). Any plans to go back for the 25th anniversary next year?
I can't believe it's 25 years! Unfortunately I won't be able to because I'll be working on House. They have asked me back a couple of times. For the 20th anniversary I did a little thing and sent it back. I'm going to be too busy this time if I'm asked.

Do you keep in touch with anyone from the show?
Yes, I see them all the time as people come through LA and visit and I go back to Melbourne every year. We all go out for dinner occasionally.

We heard you are in the Band From TV (alongside fellow actors including House's Hugh Laurie, Heroes' Greg Grunberg and Desperate Housewives' James Denton and Teri Hatcher). Is that fun?
Yes, it's great. It's a philanthropic endeavour - 100% of the money that we make goes to charity and everyone has a different charity in the band. We jam and have fun and raise money at the same time.

Any other exciting projects coming up?
No, because I'm back on the team now. I'm going to be saying medical jargon for the next year!

Season Five of House is out now on DVD - Buy it now

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