Eddie Redmayne studied Aussie soap for acting tips

Oscars favorite Eddie Redmayne picked up invaluable acting tips when he was learning his trade by studying two regular stars of hit Australian soap opera Neighbors.

The Brit has wowed cinema-goers with his portrayal of scientist Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, and he is shortlisted for the Best Actor honor at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Now he has revealed he had an unlikely inspiration when he was a rookie - Aussie stars Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne, who play longterm soap couple Dr. Karl Kennedy and his wife Susan.

Redmayne tells British magazine Elle, "Watch, and you'll find that everything they do is on another level of genius. I really do think so. They are the greatest unsung acting duo in history... (If I met them) that would be complete stage fright. I've met quite a few extraordinary actors, but either Susan or Karl? Well, I don't think I'd be able to talk."