André Rieu Tapes "Neighbors" in Melbourne

André Rieu with Neighbours co-stars Stefan Dennis and Jane Hall

André Rieu Hits Ramsey Street

THE music superstar André Rieu shone in suburban Melbourne on the set of Neighbours today, filming a cameo role alongside Ramsay Street regulars. Dozens of onlookers waited at the entrance to "Ramsay Street" in Vermont South, eager to get a glimpse of the man who has brought classical music back to pop culture. Rieu was invited to appear on the long running soap after he surprised his audience with a rendition of the Neighbours theme tune, at his Melbourne show a fortnight ago.

In his episode, to screen in April, Rieu appears as himself, apparently having met Stefan Dennis's character Paul Robinson on a flight to Australia from Europe. Rieu serenades Paul and his on-off love interest Rebecca Napier, played by Jane Hall, before fellow Neighbours characters join the pair in the street and dance to the Vienna Waltz.

Rieu, who left his orchestra in Brisbane to make a quick trip to Melbourne especially for the shoot, said the day had been great fun. "It's fantastic, it's my first role with lines," he said. Rieu said he had never seen the show before, but he knew about it from his friends in Belgium, where they are two years behind in the storyline. He said he had been thrilled to get the call from Neighbours and agreed to make room I his hectic schedule today with just hours to spare before he heads to Auckland to continue his world tour.