I don't believe you about Neighbours, I mean you must have thought it was so great the powers that be went on to make Home And Away...There has to be a domestic audience first, Tom.
Anyway, both shows found they're way into pretty much the same 'soup' I guess...'who cares what it's about, as long as the kids go'.
A bit like Hollywood's mentality really...
Anyway, I have a couple of aussie friends over here, and there is no end of mickey taking between us. They give as good as they get and I love the rough and tumble of the joking around we have in our conversation together amongst other things...
It's so good to hear you mention your partner like that. I might have a pretty fair imagination as to what she's like as a Mancunian lass. They give as good as they get too eh...
As for your family, it sounds like a fantastic one and you don't need me to tell you your so very fortunate in this respect.