The ‘Five Bedrooms’ hunk is ready to conquer the world!
He won a legion of female admirers playing Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton on Home and Away, but Stephen Peacocke is making his fans fall just as hard for his current character, Ben Chigwell, on Five Bedrooms.
Now in its third season, the comedy-drama follows five single adults who meet at a wedding and drunkenly buy a house together
The 40-year-old TV Week Logie winner talks to New Idea about his early days as a television toy boy, growing up, and why he’s a country boy at heart.
How fulfilling is it that his show has a strong international following?
It’s fantastic! It’s incredible to be a part of a production that reaches such a large audience.
Here, the 40-year-old TV Week Logie winner tells New Idea all about being a television toy boy, getting older himself, and why he’s a country boy at heart.
Ben engages in a relationship with a significantly older woman. We’re used to seeing the ‘older man dating a younger girl’ dynamic, but not so much the reverse. How did you feel when you read for the role?
It’s a great narrative to be a part of since it’s exciting, engaging, and oddly accurate. I also get to work with Doris Younane, who is incredible. I always look forward to going to work knowing that we’ll be working on a scene together. She’s one of the best Australians!
Away from set, you live in the bush in Dubbo. Is that part of your strategy to maintain as ‘normal’ an existence as possible?
I’m not a big fan of crowds or hustle and bustle in general, so we’re perfect for the country lifestyle. I’ve been fortunate in that whenever a fan approached me on the street, they were polite and respectful.
You recently reached the big 4-0. Does getting older phase you?
Birthdays have never been something I’ve paid attention to. I’d definitely forget about my birthday if it weren’t for my wife [Bridgette Sneddon] reminding me! To be honest, reaching my forties has been a lot of fun so far. I’m thankful to be in good shape, to be working, and to be surrounded by family and friends. There isn’t much to complain about.
Are you in a happy place right now?
Yep. I’ve been very fortunate, and I don’t ever take that for granted.
After you left HAA, you went to Hollywood and scored roles in a bunch of hit movies before moving back to Australia. Does Tinseltown still hold an allure for you?
For sure. I’ve got a really great team over there who, when I’m not working on stuff here, send through auditions that I can throw my hat in the ring for. I’ve loved working over there. The people were great and, as we all know, Hollywood is the epicentre of the industry.
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