Neighbours star would stay in soap for pay rise

Neighbours star Scott McGregor has admitted he would stay in the soap if he were younger and more money was involved.

The former model, who plays cop Mark Brennan, is leaving the show this week but told Inside Soap magazine that a pay rise might have persuaded him to stay on.

"I turned 30 recently, and decided there were other things I wanted to do," he said.

"If I was younger and there were a few more dollars involved, then I probably would have stayed longer! But I've got other goals - and there was nothing more I could have learnt at Neighbours."

The Australian actor was originally introduced to the show to investigate the attempted murder of Paul Robinson in the 5000th episode - but proved so popular he stayed for longer.

And now he has revealed he is hoping to follow in the footsteps of other previous Australian soap stars and conquer Hollywood.

"I've got a few meetings lined up," he said. "People seem interested which is very exciting.

"I've been to LA before so I know what it's like - every man and his dog wants to be an actor! I don't have any expectations."