The Dougs - Paul McDermott, Tim Ferguson, and Richard Fidler - will record their episode of the show later this year, and there is even talk that they could become regulars in the hit comedy.

Sounding unruffled by the coup, Ferguson tells TV WEEk that they have met the stars of Absolutely Fabulours, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley.

"They were great and were aware of our work," he says.

"They realised that we can't be split up, so we will be written into the show as three argumentative designers who take on the rather big job of redoing Edina's (Saunders) house. "Of course it turns out to be a nightmare because she keeps changing her mind."

The Dougs, who found fame in Australia through their manic stage act, have repatriated to Britain with great success. Unlike many other expats they have managed to get residency.

"We feel quite smug about it," jokes Ferguson. "We often get invited to dinner parties and the host rings us from Gatwick Airport to say that the dinner is off, because they're being deported!"

They also have their own Channel Four show in the UK, Viva Cabaret, which starts  recording a second series in March. Ferguson admits that programming only seven shows a series has proved frustrating for them.

"We didn't get a chance to get ourselves established," he says. "It takes a while for viewers to change their routine to watch a new show, so by the time we were up and running, the series had ended."

Ferguson says their production company, TV21, is negotiating to extend the series, which is expected to be screened in Australia later this year.

Meanwhile, the DAAS have not abandoned their Aussie roots. They are back home for a nationwide tour from January 18 to February 19, followed by a university tour from February 22 to March 12.

And watch out for a new ballad of albums from the boys, called Blue.

Ferguson says: "We've got plans for another few albums with expat Australians, including Germaine Greer. Its called I Am Woman.

-- From Jane Oddy in London.
TV WEEK 22/1/94

Julie McCrossin doesn't think she's famous, even after four years as a pannellist on Network Ten's Good News Week, which returns this Saturday (February 26).

But being blessed with the gift of the gab has made Julie a woman on a mission. If you have an opinion, she believes, say it. Say it loud and be proud!

Julie is something of an enigma. Not much is known about her, apart from GNW and previous life as an ABC Radio broadcaster. She says her life is only a mystery to those who don't know her. She prefers to keep her private life just that.

"Being in the public eye is never what I sought, because you have to keep some things private," she says. "Like most people, I'm at my most relaxed and happiest when I'm with family and my closest friends. They are the ones who really matter to you and really know you."

As a child, Julie relished having two older brothers and two younger sisters to tussle minds with.

"There was never any boredom in our home - it was always stimulating," she says. "My brothers are the two most brilliant men I know, and my whole family imspired me."

However, Julie admits that five children in the McCrossin family meant there was never a quiet moment  - many nights were spent debating social and political issues.

Julie lovignly credits her mum with challenging and inspiring her family to think and make a difference to society.

"My mother encouraged us to take an interest in current affairs and to be financially independent," she says. "My mother is an amazing woman."

For the girl from Sydney's southern suburbs, becoming part of one of the groundbreaking shows on Australian television was not in her sights when she was growing up. Instead, Julie's visions were of having six children, becoming a lawyer (she's currently studying law part-time) or a politician.

Along the way have been assorted jobs such as a children's clown (her proudest moment was a short performance as a clown called Plain Jane in Play School) and a bus driver. She says that the latter was simply "because I wanted to drive something big."

"Somehow, in a funny way I am in politics... what I do is all about society issues, but in a roundabout way," Julie laughs. "And eveentually I will become a lawyer - although slowly!"

Surrounded by all the testosterone on GNW, champing at the bit to get a word in, Julie loves that she is called the show's voice of reason.

"Mikey, Paul and I counterbalance each other well,: she believes. "Whereas they will be outrageousm I will usually say something complimentary."