australian television information archive

It's summer and the flats are simmering. The three upstairs inhabitants of another flat — stockbroker Adam (Nicholas Coghlan), his sister Lucy (Alex Schepisi), and Lucy's best friend, Nikki (Anna Torv) — are making Kelly and Evan's lives hell.

Kelly's doing second year psychology at university and has a thirst for knowledge'and someone else at uni has a thirst for her… Evan's searching for true love, and the final chapter of his second book… Christian's life will become a whole lot more complicated when his old mate Stu (Stephen Curry) lobs up from Geelong.

Over this series, the characters of the St Kilda apartment block deal with communal laundries, forbidden relationships, arguing with sexy neighbours, and the age-old desire to get ahead.

The Truth About Cats and Dogs (Part One)

Episode 4.01 (67)
Australia: Wed, February 18, 2004
Written by Michael Miller
Directed by Roger Hodgman

Kelly and Evan have had it with new the tenants upstairs (Adam, Lucy and Nikki). If they're not hogging the communal washing machine, then they're monopolising the hot water system. And Lucy's cat Orlando keeps making unsolicited visits to their flat. But every time Kelly tries to talk to them she gets the door slammed in her face. Just what is their problem? High proximity equals high tension, with communication breakdowns happening in all corners. When the tenants discover they are sharing Orlando's fleas, Kelly declares war!

Starring: Deborah Mailman, Samuel Johnson, Brooke Harman, Michael Dorman, Stephen Curry, David Tredinnick, Anna Torv, Nicholas Coghlan, Alexandra Schepisi

Guest Starring: Sullivan Stapleton as Justin Davies, Diana Glenn as Jemima; Pia Miranda as Talia; Katie Wall as Karen, Andrea McEwan as Melissa, Hamish Michael as Mini Evan, Pippa Black as Madelaine, Sarah Baker as Sara, Axle Whitehead as Guy at Bar

The Truth about Cats and Dogs (Part Two)

Episode 4.02 (68)
Australia: Wed, February 25, 2004
Written by Michael Miller
Directed by Roger Hodgman

The accidental 'catslaughter' of Orlando is weighing heavily on Kelly's mind. Lucy tries to prepare Piers' case for Immigration, but things are looking shaky. Stu is incensed that his ex, Karen has 'stolen' Buddha and enlists Christian on a retrieval mission. Conflict between the flats rises but Kelly is determined to restore harmony between them.

Guest Starring: Sullivan Stapleton as Justin Davies, Diana Glenn as Jemima; Pia Miranda as Talia; Katie Wall as Karen, Michael Carmen as Joh, Cathie Hunter as Yoga Instructor

Note: Pia Miranda's last appearace

Stretching The Friendship

Episode 4.03 (69)
Australia: Wed, March 03, 2004
Written by Tony McNamara
Directed by Ana Kokkinos

Back at Uni, Kelly is nervous about seeing her Psychology lecturer, Frank. But when they do meet up, new truths overshadow old wounds. Adam's position of golden-boy at the broking firm is threatened by the arrival of Marcus, a cocky 'geezer' from the London Office. Nikki's week starts off promisingly with a potential new job offer, but her inability to draw the line between work and play lands her in hot water.

Guest Starring: Sullivan Stapleton as Justin Davies, Diana Glenn as Jemima, Peter McCauley as Calum McKlintock, Angus Sampson as Tyrone, Mark Priestley as Marcus; Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Trudy Hellier as Ellen, Don Halbert as Tony, Klara Lisy as Video Shop Girl, Richard Vette as Corporate Guy #1, Nicholas Tanner as Corporate Guy #2, Sophie Viskich as Smoking Woman #1, Meryl Friend as Smoking Woman #2, Gavin Armstrong as Ted, Michael Schulz as Egg & Bacon Guy

Note: the last episode to air in Australia before being pulled for low ratings, the series eventually returned 10 months later

The Mysteries Of Attraction

Episode 4.04 (70)
Australia: January 20, 2005
Written by Ellie Beaumont
Directed by Ana Kokkinos

Evan and Jemima's relationship is going from strength to strength, spurring Evan into making an unprecedented proposal. Kellie's got sex on the brain and it's affecting her studies. A dud anniversary gift prompts Lucy to call off her wedding. Christian decides it's time for Stu to purge his ex-girlfriend from his system.

Guest Starring: Sullivan Stapleton as Justin Davies, Diana Glenn as Jemima; Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Shelley Krape as Grace, Mel Grob as Antonia, Amanda Gaye McDonald as Antonia's Friend, Emma Officer as Liz, Chris McLean as Liz's Boyfriend, Sabrina Lockic as Emily, Cindy Rawling as University Student, Faustina Agolley as University Student, Georgia Gutjahr as University Student, Ashley Evans as University Student, George Awad as University Student

Kicking the Habit

Episode 4.05 (71)
Australia: January 27, 2005
Writen by Jane Bodie
Directed by Daina Reid

Evan is preparing for the launch of his new book, Sometimes Life, when an ex-girlfriend returns. Suddenly, his relationship with Jemima isn't looking so rock solid. Has Evan, the once-notorious commitment-phobe, returned to his old ways? Meanwhile, Lucy is troubled by her racy dreams and Bree has developed a crush on a co-worker — who's gay. As for Kelly, she's wondering if she's become addicted to her new love, Frank.

Guest Starring: Sullivan Stapleton as Justin Davies, Diana Glenn as Jemima; Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Katherine Slattery as Tristan, Nadine Garner as Anna, Shelley Krape as Grace, Jonathan Dutton as Jeff, Jan Kokavec as Hugh, Paul Calleja as Sex Shop Assistant, John Bayliss as MC, Hamish Michael as Mini Evan

The Crisis Of Questions

Episode 4.06 (72)
Australia: February 03, 2005
Writen by Hamish Wright & James Hawthorne
Directed by Daina Reid

Evan makes a life-changing decision: he decides that the time has come to leave the St Kilda apartment block that has been his home for so many years. Meanwhile, Kelly is still having serious doubts about her boyfriend, Frank, and her place in his heart. And what on Earth is going on between Bree and her gay co-worker, Jeff?

Guest Starring: Sullivan Stapleton as Justin, Diana Glenn as Jemima; Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Jonathan Dutton as Jeff, Harold Hopkins as Bill Davidson, Odette Joanndis as Irene, Nicholas Bell as Marc Kinnell, Tilly Riach as Mrs Whittaker, Hamish Michael as Mini Evan

Note: Samuel Johnson's final episode

Rocks And Chameleons

Episode 4.07 (73)
Australia: February 17, 2005
Writen by Jaime Browne
Directed by Ray Quint

Adam is rattled when Nikki lands a job at his work. Kelly faces a tough decision over who should move in

Starring: Deborah Mailman, Sullivan Stapleton, Brooke Harman, Michael Dorman, Stephen Curry, David Tredinnick, Anna Torv, Nicholas Coghlan, Alexandra Schepisi

Guest Starring: Mark Priestley as Marcus, Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Tottie Goldsmith as Mrs Corman, John Benton as Mr Corman, Jonathan Dutton as Jeff, Paul Ashton as Ben, Jamie McDonald as Accounting Student, Isabel Nalato as Accounting Student, John Klotz as Computer Nerd, Megan Thomson as Country Girl, Dave Kenyon as Country Guy, Anna Anderson as Uni Student, Kerrie Ingleton as Older Woman

Note: Sullivan Stapleton is promoted into the main cast

Gathering of Tribes

Episode 4.08 (74)
Australia: February 24, 2005
Writen by Kris Mrska
Directed by Ray Quint

It looks like Kelly is getting exactly what she always wanted — but is her dream about to be shattered? Having longed for Frank to go public with their steamy affair, Kelly is initially delighted when he takes her to his best friend's 40th birthday bash. But it's at the party that Kelly soon finds herself wondering whether Frank really is the right man for her. Is the age difference between them simply too great for it to work? Meanwhile, the guys back at the St Kilda apartment block are busy doing some male bonding over a friendly game of cards. Old wounds come to life when Lucy and Nikki attend a reunion dinner, and Bree is overjoyed when Jeff invites her to the opening of a new bar — until she realises he only has eyes for Simon.

Guest Starring: Ryan Johnson as Zelko; Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Jonathan Dutton as Jeff, Sarah Aubrey as Camel Toe, Suzanne Barr as Barb, Carolyn Bock as Diana, Pia Morley as Emma, Janet Watson-Kruse as Michelle, Greg Saunders as Russell, Katherine Anderson as Party Guest, Rebecca Howie as Party Guest, Melissa Boyd as Party Guest

Facing It

Episode 4.09 (75)
Australia: March 03, 2005
Writen by Tony McNamara
Directed by Brendan Maher

They're the best of mates, but will their friendship survive the revelation of a shock secret? It all looks set to change between Christian and Stu when Christian makes a startling confession. Speaking of secrets, Lucy discovers the real nature of Adam and Nikki's relationship. Kelly, meanwhile, has doubts about her lecturer and lover, Frank, and will Bree accept that Jeff will never be interested in her?

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey, Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Jonathan Dutton as Jeff, Katie Wall as Karen, Jonathan Buckley as Horse, Peter Annensen as Karen's Pop, Jo White as Karen's Mum, Carolyn Bock as Diana

When The Bell Rings

Episode 4.10 (76)
Australia: March 10, 2005
Writen by Jane Allen
Directed by Brendan Maher

Despite the fact that she dumped him, and now has a new man in her life, Kelly is still under the impression that she and her former uni lecturer lover, Frank, can enjoy a good working relationship. As if! Frank obviously intends to make life as difficult as he can for Kelly. Meanwhile, Lucy's fiancé pays her a surprise visit. But her happiness is short-lived after she finds out the real reason behind his trip. Elsewhere, Nikki makes a shock discovery about Adam, and Justin tells Bree something he's never told anyone.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey; Rhys Muldoon as Frank; Jonathan Dutton as Jeff, Katie Wall as Karen, Chris Vance as Piers, Nathan Bird as Mick

Note: Michael Dorman's final episode (he is still credited in 4.11)

Insecurity Blanket

Episode 4.11 (77)
Australia: March 17, 2005
Writen by Fiona Wood
Directed by Stuart McDonald

Kelly enters Corey's football world and learns a whole new set of rules. It's one thing to get her head around the game but the social aspect of the game gets her insecurities mounting, especially when she meets Corey's ex, a glamorous model. Kelly ends up having a nasty fight with Corey. Is it all over? Speaking of insecurities, Simon realises that dating a younger man has its drawbacks. He's feeling old before his time now that he's seeing the younger Jeff. Meanwhile, Bree's shoplifting addiction is exposed.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey; Jonathon Dutton as Jeff, Louise Siversen as Marg, Jonathan Buckley as Horse, Jennifer Eagles as Tanja, Bonnie Hill as Rochelle, Catherine Gobby as Suzie, Glen Moriarty as Brent, Mark Rafferty as Tim, Abby Meates as Caro, Sarah Derum as Dance Teacher, Nicholas Bell as Marc Kinnell

The Heart Of Friday Night

Episode 4.12 (78)
Ireland: February 08, 2005
Australia: March 24, 2005
Writen by Michael Miller
Directed by Stuart McDonald

When Adam is confronted by an angry client at the brokerage firm, he is forced to question the nature of his work. He did everything that was reasonably expected of him. But did he do enough? Meanwhile, Justin and Adam form an unexpected bond when they share a night from hell.

Starring: Deborah Mailman, Sullivan Stapleton, Brooke Harman, Ryan Johnson, Stephen Curry, David Tredinnick, Anna Torv, Nicholas Coghlan, Alexandra Schepisi

Guest Starring: Mark Priestley as Marcus, Peter McCauley as McKlintock, Barry Otto as Bill; Angela Maddison as Corin, Lisa Fineberg as Genevieve, Ken Radley as Craig, Joan Murray as Jean Holdforth, Edwina Wren as Celia Holdforth, Gideon James as Barman, Anthony Neate as Scott, Terry Carter as Gary (Stunt), Chris Gray as Leon (Stunt), David Collins and Shane Dundas as The Umbilical Brothers

Note: although he doesn't appear in this episode, Ryan Johnson joins the starring cast

The Big Leap

Episode 4.13 (79)
Ireland: February 15, 2005
Australia: November 09, 2005
Writen by Chris Corbett
Directed by Emma Freeman

Nikki has a one-night stand with a mysterious guy and, to her surprise, she can't stop thinking about him. But her new love is giving away very little about himself. When Nikki starts doing her own investigations into what his story is, she may be in for quite a shock. Meanwhile, Lucy asks Stu to help her look for wedding locations. But is Stu falling for Lucy? and can he make the leap from the Friends Ladder? And why is Kelly concerned about the safety of her footy player boyfriend, Corey.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey, Mark Priestley as Marcus, Ben Mendelsohn as Rob; Jane Harber as Zdenka, Michael Carman as Joh Davis, Cendrine Ryan as Wedding Planner, William Wood as Caretaker, Alan Schulz as Asterix the Waiter, Michael Christian as Footy Commentator, Lena Podiabeniouk as Girl on Tram, Emily Hummerston as Danni, Jools Weigh as Nikki Stunt Double, Graham Jahne as Rob Stunt Double

Spitting the Dummy

Episode 4.14 (80)
Ireland: February 22, 2005
Australia: November 16, 2005
Writen by Liz Doran
Directed by Emma Freeman

Jeff invites Simon to meet his parents, but what should be a sweet night ends in a fight. Jeff thinks Simon is acting like his father, Simon thinks he is acting like a child. Is this the end of the rainbow? Or will they work it out? Lucy finds herself becoming drawn into the personal troubles of the father of one of her students. Bree is disturbed when Justin makes a play for her mum.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey; Ally Fowler as Suzy, Jonathon Dutton as Jeff, Patrick Moffatt as David, Peter Hosking as Tony, Pam Western as Carmel, Kyle Kremerskothen as Matthew. Kimberley Utama as Hairdressing Client

The Treadmill

Episode 4.15 (81)
Ireland: March 01, 2005
Australia: November 23, 2005
Writen by Ellie Beaumont
Directed by Matthew Saville

Adam is tempted by an illegal offer in the workplace. Stuart is propositioned by Zelko's 18-year-old sister, while Kelly tries to help Corey cope with the possible end of his playing career.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey, Mark Priestley as Marcus; Peter McCauley as McKlintock, Ben Mendelsohn as Rob; Jane Harber as Zdenka, Jeremy Kewley as Max McGilvray, Steve Cummins as Cochran, Bree Stafford as Kath, Adam Ong as Chinese Waiter, Bagryana Popov as Mrs Milanovic

The Character Question

Episode 4.16 (82)
Ireland: March 08, 2005
Australia: November 30, 2005
Writen by Tony McNamara
Directed by Matthew Saville

Justin wants to do his articles at an ethical law firm, but no one ethical wants to employ the son of tax-lawyer Hunter Davies. Nikki is jealous when Lucy connects with Rob and Stuart is upset when Zelko befriends his nemesis.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey, Angus Sampson as Tyrone; Ben Mendelsohn as Rob; Barry Quinn as Hunter Davies David Cotter as Lawyer, Joseph Clements as Lawyer, Rick Fletcher as Law Dinner Guest, Adriano Cortese as Rodney Silver

Dead Man Walking

Episode 4.17 (83)
Ireland: March 15, 2005
Australia: December 07, 2005
Writen by Michael Miller
Directed by Daniel Nettheim

When Stu and Zelko host a P-party, their guests get promiscuous. With Corey's AFL career over, Kelly hopes he can find a new future, Bree tries to break her drought with Zelko, and Stuart crosses a line with a client.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey; Nadine Garner as Anna, Roy Billing as Don Finch, Jonathan Buckley as Horse, Bonnie Hill as Rochelle, Jason Buckley as Footy Fan, David Serafin as Zog, Adrian Woolcock as District Nurse, Paul Ashton as Ben

Ill Communication

Episode 4.18 (84)
Ireland: March 22, 2005
Australia: December 14, 2005
Writen by Jaime Browne & Kris Mrksa
Directed by Daniel Nettheim

Nikki needs more out of her relationship than talking to Rob's answering machine — but is Rob ready? Stu tells Lucy something she wishes she hadn't heard. Adam gets closer to meeting his son than ever before.

Guest Starring: Ben Mendelsohn as Rob; Paul Ashton as Ben, Chris Vance as Piers, Petra Yared as Shannon, Paul Barry as Ashley Mertens, Aaron Donovan as Kid in Toy Shop, Grant Carter as Adam's Mate, Mary-Ann Stamal as Check-Out Girl, Eric McPhan as Taxi Driver, Michael Gidley as Zack

Rare Birds

Episode 4.19 (85)
Ireland: March 29, 2005
Australia: December 21, 2005
Writen by Ellie Beaumont
Directed by Adrian Holmes

The gang goes coastal for a weekend in lieu of a hen party for Lucy. The weekend brings Stu and Lucy closer than ever. Rob's indifference to Nikki's attempts at toughing it out make her question the relationship. Will Bree and Zelko get over their fears and get together?

Guest Starring: Ben Mendelsohn as Rob; Graham Jahne as Rob Rider Double, Jools Weigh as Nikki Stunt Double

Glimpses of Perfection

Episode 4.20 (86 - finale)
Ireland: April 05, 2005
Australia: December 28, 2005
Writen by Tony McNamara
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Lucy cancels her wedding and Piers flies immediately over from the UK to win her back. Corey arrives back in town throwing a spanner into the works of Kelly and Justin's blossoming relationship. Adam finally gets the opportunity to meet his son and to see Nikki in a new light. Bree and Jeff fight it out at the Hair Show.

Guest Starring: Aaron Pedersen as Corey; Ben Mendelsohn as Rob; Jonathan Dutton as Jeff, Nicholas Bell as Marc Kinnell, Chris Vance as Piers, Petra Yared as Shannon, Michael Gidley as Zack, Linda Bruno as Hair Model, Rani Cameron as Hair Show Host

Best of (Part 1)

Episode 4.21 (87)
Ireland: April 12, 2005

Life is like a trifecta — there is your homelife, lovelife and worklife and if all is in order your life is set. This episode explores the homelife and lovelives of the characters from The Secret Life Of Us — from finding new flatmates, to the tough times, falling in love, falling out of love and most of all, friendship. Narrated by Deborah Mailman.

Best of (Part 2)

Episode 4.22 (88)
Ireland: April 19, 2005

Explores the last piece of the trifecta — the worklife. Join in as we reminisce with The Secret Life Of Us characters as we track their career goals or lack thereof and most of all how they let off steam at the end of the day. Narrated by Deborah Mailman.