Craig McLaughlin

Why shouldn't you be on the stage, particularly when Australian audiences want to see you?

I said, well, I'm just letting you know, you know, I hope you'll have my back on this.

Of course I'll have your back, lovey, of course I will.

The director came and met with Vanessa and I months before the announcement was made.

They started the casting process.

Mr. Frost even called Vanessa and said, hey, listen, we're thinking of these people.

Any names waving any red flags for you?

Certainly the people who were eventually announced in the press along with me.

And I said, you know, this could get hot for them.

knowing the nastiness of schadenfreude and he said no no they're on board they're looking forward to doing this with you they can't wait the director we had a lovely day with him up at the house and he was well on board and we had a good chat so you're right i should be in the final stages of rehearsal now it was definitely your decision to pull out you weren't pressured by john frost i was left with no choice

You'd think so, wouldn't you?

It's a little Rocky Balboa.

um, Aussie showbiz story, but no, he got in touch with Vanessa first and said, oh, there's been some backlash, you know, but remember, this is the guy who said, we'll have your back.

You know, I'll have your back.

There's been some backlash, whatever.

Um, we may even have to pull the show if you stay attached to it.

I mean, he made it clear that I had no choice.

I had no choice.

He told me over the phone that the two actors named with me were copying vile abuse on social media, being attacked.

The director was being attacked.