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By Kristy McDonald

2nd September 2008 11:05:14 AM

Big break … A role in Neighbours is a dream come true for Mauricio Merino Jr.

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IT MAYbe just across the city but it’s a huge leap from Sydenham to the “Erinsborough” set of Neighbours for western suburbs teenager Mauricio Merino Jr.

The Catholic Regional College student was one of two youngsters chosen from more than 8000 to play Neighbours’ newest characters.

“It seems like a dream, everything happened so fast,” Mauricio said.

The VCE student entered Dolly magazine’s Neighbours competition advertised on television.

“In the magazine there was a monologue and you had to send in a tape of yourself performing that,” he said. “There were 15 entries from each state chosen – 15 boys and 15 girls – and mine was chosen.”

So did he go out and purchase the popular teenage girl magazine?

“Yes I did,” Mauricio said. “I actually went to the newsagency across the road – I said it was for my mum.”

After a nerve-racking, two-step audition process, including performing opposite Eloise Mignon, who plays Bridget in the popular series, Mauricio was the judges’ final choice for the show’s newest male character.

“It’s awesome ... I’ve always had a passion for acting and always dreamed of getting that big break,” Mauricio said.

“My whole life has just changed from Wednesday to Thursday.”

“I’m supposed to finish VCE in five weeks, so I’m going to be tutored on set so I can pass my VCE, I’ll still have school.”

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