A Detective Duo’s Enduring Partnership: Michala Banas and Brett Tucker Reunite for Blue Murder Motel
For the third time, seasoned Australian actors Michala Banas and Brett Tucker are set to captivate audiences as a married couple, this time tackling the intriguing roles of detectives Vanessa “Vinny” and Peter “Cole” Coleman in the ABC’s new crime drama, Blue Murder Motel. This reunion marks yet another chapter in a long-standing on-screen and off-screen friendship that spans over two decades.
Their previous on-air partnerships have left a significant mark on Australian television. Viewers will fondly remember their chemistry as Libby Kennedy and Dan Fitzgerald in the beloved soap opera Neighbours, a pairing that, despite their on-screen divorce, retained a palpable sense of lingering affection. Even more notably, they embodied Australia’s sweethearts, Kate Manfedi and Dave Brewer, in the iconic rural drama McLeod’s Daughters.
However, the depth of their professional connection runs even deeper than many realise. “So many people have been sending messages on social media saying: ‘Our favourite couple are back again!’ meaning Kate and Dave,” Michala, 47, shared with TV WEEK. “But Brett and I have been working together for even longer than many realise.”
Their professional journey began on the set of The Saddle Club back in 2001. “We met on The Saddle Club in 2001 actually, so it’s been 30 years of friendship and working together for us,” Michala revealed. Beyond their significant television roles, their collaborative spirit has extended to a short film they made together. Furthermore, Michala’s husband, actor Toby Truslove, and Brett even lived together in the United States for a period, highlighting the enduring strength of their bond. “We’ve been good mates for such a long time!” she exclaimed.
This extensive history and mutual comfort made the decision to work together again on Blue Murder Motel an easy one. “All of which made it ‘a no brainer’ to say yes to the chance of working together again,” the pair agreed.
“Yeah, it’s great fun,” Brett, 53, added. “Obviously made more fun by the fact that Michala and I know each other so well and are very comfortable on screen together.” He elaborated on the unique dynamic they bring to their characters. “It’s definitely rare to play a couple who are in synch, emotionally intelligent with each other, and not in the process of either tearing the relationship down or overcoming obstacles to be together. They’re a great team and read each other perfectly.”
Michala echoed this sentiment, highlighting what she most admired about Vinny and Cole. “That’s what I loved most about these characters, how much they just absolutely love and adore each other,” she said. “We see a lot of relationships of people that age on screen that are breaking down or falling apart or they’re just not into each other. So the idea of seeing this couple that still love their careers but make a shift for themselves… I just thought that was really cool.”
The established and loving relationship between Vinny and Cole also cleverly sidesteps a common trope in crime dramas: the “will they or won’t they” romantic tension. This allows the narrative to focus squarely on the mysteries at hand. “Particularly as Michala and I are on screen so much, mostly together, I think that had we been in a ‘will they won’t they’ dynamic on top of the story for each episode, it would have been draining for us and the audience,” Brett explained. “So, it was a relief and refreshing to be able to be grounded together in the safety of that relationship.”
This solid foundation allows them to concentrate on both the episodic “crime of the week” format, which sees murder frequently disrupting their retirement at a newly acquired hotel, and the more significant, overarching mystery that prompted their departure from Sydney in the first place.
While both actors remain tight-lipped about plot specifics, they concur that unraveling the reason for their move will be the detectives’ most challenging case. “The last thing Cole really wanted to be doing was go investigating potential homicides,” Brett revealed. “But Vinny being the fierce, laser-sharp detective she is, just can’t let it slide.” And so, the familiar dynamic of catching criminals is re-established, with the added benefit of their shared history making the process all the more enjoyable.
For Michala, this role represents a dream come true, particularly as it offers her the chance to play a leading character at a stage of her career she previously believed might limit such opportunities. “Not to sound grim, but I’m a middle-aged woman now, I’m not what is usually starring in a show anymore and I thought probably my days of being the lead were no more,” she admitted. “So, when the chance to be the co-lead with Brett again came along I just thought: ‘Ooh, that looks scary! I should do that!’ because I like to do things I find challenging or a bit intimidating.”
Beyond Blue Murder Motel, Michala has cultivated a diverse range of memorable characters, including Marissa Taylor in Always Greener and the much-loved Amber Wheeler in Upper Middle Bogan. She expresses a keen desire to continue exploring the potential of Vinny and Cole. “After creating such iconic characters… she now wants to see where Vinny and Cole can go.”
The enduring friendship between Michala and Brett is clearly a driving force behind their continued collaboration. “Brett and I just clicked when we first worked together years ago and hence the reason we’ve maintained a friendship through all travels, experiences, adventures… I think it’s really rare to have a good mate like that and to also end up working with them it’s kind of this beautiful thing,” Michala mused. “We just want to work with each other honest.”
Should Blue Murder Motel be commissioned for a second season, both actors are eager to return. “So, if there’s another season of Blue Murder Motel, she says, count them in.” However, even if the series doesn’t continue, it’s highly probable that this won’t be the last time audiences see them sharing the screen.
“Hopefully we’ll get to play grandma and grandpa on something at some point,” Michala laughed, looking towards the future. “Give us a few years, mate! We’ll be there!”
Blue Murder Motel airs Saturdays at 7:30pm on ABC and ABC iview.
