Veronica McLain, played by Ellen Grimshaw, made her first appearance on 4 January 2024.[1] Grimshaw confirmed her casting via her Instagram account. She wrote that Veronica would be a "mysterious woman who seems more than just a little bit annoyed" by the established character Nicolette Stone (Hannah Monson).[2] Writers introduced Veronica during a storyline in which Nicolette is taunted by a mystery person who leaves random keys around the entrance to her home.[3] On 28 December 2023, Iona Rowan from Digital Spy previewed a spoiler photograph showing Grimshaw and Monson in character.[3] Her colleague Daniel Kilkelly confirmed that Veronica would arrive in Erinsborough seeking revenge against Nicolette after she is confirmed to be the culprit leaving the keys for Nicolette to find.[4] He added that Veronica blames Nicolette for ruining her marriage to Sasha and his later disappearance. Kilkelly added that Veronica is "ruthless" and threatens Nicolette into helping her find Sasha.[4] In her debut scenes it is revealed that Veronica's husband knew Nicolette's ex-girlfriend, Kiri Durant (Gemma Bird Matheson) from a church group. Nicolette suspected that Sasha was untrustworthy and seduced him to expose his true intensions to Kiri. However, Nicolette's behaviour caused the break-up of both her own and Sasha's relationships.[5]
Veronica was revealed to be the main suspect in a storyline centric to the disappearance of Isla Tanaka-Brennan (Hana Abe-Tucker), who is Nicolette's young daughter. Isla disappears while attending a local jumble sale and her disappearance is initially unexplained. A Neighbours publicist told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that "there's every chance she could have snatched Isla" because she has been blackmailing Nicolette.[5] She does not believe Veronica would kidnap a child, but Nicolette's brother Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux) convinces her to call the police. The publicist added that Nicolette "may have underestimated her opponent on this occasion."[5]
Kilkelly revealed that Veronica would continue her revenge campaign. This time Veronica threatens Nicolette and Isla's fathers, David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson).[6] Veronica is included in location filmed episodes featuring an undisclosed character death. Kilkelly added that Veronica follows Nicolette, David and Aaron to a holiday home. Veronica confronts Nicolette and accuses her of holidaying with Sasha. Nicolette is then tasked with convincing Veronica otherwise again.[7] Kilkelly branded Veronica a "new villain" and noted she "turns even nastier" as the her story progresses.[6]
Veronica leaves a series of keys around Nicolette's home. She incorrectly presumes the keys are from Sasha and goes to a hotel room to confront him. Inside she finds and empty room with lingerie left as a gift. Nicolette begins to suspect that Sasha is following her until she witnesses Veronica waiting in a car outside her home. Nicolette confronts Veronica who tells Nicolette she wants revenge for her breaking-up her marriage. She threatens to tell Nicolette's family she has tried to seduce her church attending husband, if she does not cooperate in finding Sasha. Nicolette explains to Veronica that she ceased contact with Sasha. When Veronica spends time with Nicolette's family, she decides to apologise fully for ruining the McLain's marriage. Nicolette explains that Sasha was flirting with her girlfriend, Kiri during Bible class. Nicolette claims that Sasha flirted with her too and decided to seduce him and expose him as a liar.
When Nicolette is distracted, Veronica takes her daughter Isla and leaves her alone outside of a police station. Nicolette accuses Veronica of abducting her child, but there is insufficient evidence for police to apprehend her. Jane Harris (Annie Jones) confronts Veronica but this causes her to become more hostile. Veronica tries to turn Isla's father, David against Nicolette. Veronica witnesses Nicolette and Sasha talking and presumes they are dating. Veronica follows Nicolette and her friends to a country side holiday resort. She breaks into their accommodation and confronts Nicolette. She convinces Veronica that she never had an affair with Sasha. Veronica is present when David is killed on the holiday trip. She later messages Nicolette offering her emotional support.
Alyssa Gavalas
Alyssa Gavalas, played by Imogen Sage, made her first appearance on 10 January 2024.[8] Details of the character were revealed in advance spoilers issued on 4 January 2024. Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that Alyssa is the original owner of Haz Devkar's (Shiv Palekar) rescue dog, Trevor.[4] Alyssa meets Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux) walking Trevor in the park and immediately recognises her lost dog, whose name is actually Bodie. He added that Alyssa would seek contact with Haz to reconnect with her former pet. Haz is upset at the prospect of losing Trevor and seeks legal advice.[4] Alyssa appears again on 22 January.[9] A Neighbours publicist told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Alyssa would continue to seek out Haz.[10] They added that "Alyssa really tugs on Haz's heartstrings" as she explains what Trevor meant to her family. When Alyssa reveals the dog was a present from her dead mother and her son Max Gavalas (Jethro Cassar), Haz reconsiders and agrees to give Trevor back to the Gavalas family.[10]
Alyssa meets Byron walking Trevor in the park and recognises him as her lost dog Bodie. She asks for Haz's details but Byron gives her his own telephone number. She contacts Byron but Haz refuses to speak to her. He later contacts Alyssa and pretends he does not have Trevor. Haz later contacts Alyssa to apologise and she requests that they meet up. Alyssa explains to Haz what the dog meant to her family and her son Max. Haz feels guilty and agrees to let Trevor to return to his former owners. Alyssa and Max collect Trevor and take him home. Trevor runs away from Alyssa's home and finds his way back to Haz. They recollect Trevor but Mackenzie becomes concerned and contacts Alyssa's husband, George Gavalas (Phil Hayden). He reveals that Trevor is not eating and is homesick and they agree to give Trevor back to Haz.
Slade Westall, played by Charlie Di Stefano, made his first appearance on 17 January 2024.[11] Slade was originally introduced when he and a group of gang friends terrorised Melanie Pearson (Lucinda Cowden) after using a dating app to lure her into a trap.[12] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that Slade would continue to appear in the series and lead a gang that cause trouble in Erinsborough.[13] Its plot was soon confirmed to be an "ongoing gang storyline".[14]JJ Varga-Murphy (Riley Bryant) becomes embroiled in the gang storyline when he confronts Slade over his acts of vandalism. Slade then begins to threaten JJ for talking to the police.[13] Slade is later attacked by Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) for vandalising his dead husband's former business but Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will) rescues Slade.[15] Slade continues to cause trouble with a spate of vandalism and graffiti against businesses in Erinsborough. Writers continued to escalate the gang violence plot with Slade attacking JJ for reporting him to the police. Neighbours producers told Kilkelly that JJ would get into "a whole world of trouble" in Slade's gang storyline.[12] Slade's attack causes JJ to steal a knife to defend himself with but the weapon is discovered at his school, causing a lock down and police investigation.[14] Kilkelly branded Slade "the new villain in town".[12]
Slade contacts Melanie via a dating app to arrange a fake date. Melanie waits alone at the Tram restaurant until closing. Slade taunts Melanie from his car while she walks home. His friends record Melanie's reaction. They drive the car towards Melanie and when she shouts at them, Slade throws gunge over Melanie. Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar) and Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) arrive to assist Melanie and Haz chases the car away. Haz forces Slade and his gang to leave Harold's Café after disorderly behaviour. They vandalise the Melanie's drinks business van and JJ orders them to stop. Aaron is furious that Slade graffitied the face of his dead husband David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and attacks Slade. He then destroys other residents car tyres by scattering nails in a car park. Slade begins to threaten JJ and is ordered to leave Erinsborough High School, by principal Jane Harris (Annie Jones) for trespassing. Slade later attacks JJ and absconds, JJ responds by stealing a knife for protection but the weapon is discovered at the school. Police suspect Slade is behind the knife, but JJ later confesses and is suspended.
Slade later kidnaps Hugo Rebecchi (Tanner Ellis-Anderson) and locks him into the boot of his car and goes joyriding. After his care tire blows he abandons his car. Hugo is later found by Aaron and returned to his home. Slade is confronted by Felix Rodwell (James Beaufort) who enlists Slade to help plan a robbery at a construction site. Slade is later spotted in town by JJ's mum Cara Varga-Murphy (Sara West), who performs a citizens arrest and turns him into the police.
Chelsea Murphy, played by Viva Bianca, made her first appearance on 18 January 2024.[16] Bianca's casting in an unnamed guest role was announced via a press release issued by Amazon MGM Studios in the United States.[17] The character was announced in advance spoilers and it was revealed she would be introduced as the sister of established character Cara Varga-Murphy (Sara West) who gives her "an unexpected visit".[18] Bianca revealed that the part of Chelsea is an extended guest role. In a backstage video, she stated "Chelsea sticks around for a while and has quite a bit of business to tend to, and is determined to do so."[19] Bianca described Chelsea as "a really effective manipulator" and often has ulterior motives the surprise others. Bianca added that Chelsea has "always got something else kind of ticking."[19]
Sasha McLain
Sasha McLain, played by Sunny S. Walia, made his first appearance on 23 January 2024.[20] The character and Walia's casting were announced by Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy on 15 January 2024.[21] Sasha had been mentioned numerous times by other characters in the episodes prior to his debut. He is introduced as the estranged husband of Veronica McLain (Ellen Grimshaw). He arrives in Erinsborough to visit Nicolette Stone (Hannah Monson).[21] Nicolette had previously seduced Sasha to expose him as a liar and ruined the McLain's marriage. Veronica threatened to expose Nicolette's scheming if she did not help her track Sasha down. Kilkelly added that when Sasha visits Nicolette, Veronica watches them from afar and becomes upset.[21]
Nicolette visits Sasha asking for his help to stop Veronica's behaviour. Sasha presumes Nicolette wants to begin a romance, but she quickly corrects his assumption. She asks Sasha to inform Veronica that they never had an affair. Sasha claims that Nicolette had feelings for him which she eventually admits. Sasha fails to convince Veronica and she continues to harass Nicolette. Sasha visits Nicolette in Erinsborough but Veronica witnesses their meeting and presumes they are dating.
Felix Rodwell, played by James Beaufort, made his first appearance on 26 February 2024.[22] The character and Beaufort's casting details were announced on 12 February 2024.[23] Felix is the brother of established character Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will), and he comes to stay with Andrew and his family on Ramsay Street. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported that Felix would be sharing scenes with JJ Varga-Murphy (Riley Bryant) and revisiting a mystery storyline regarding JJ's paternity. He had previously suspected that Andrew was his father.[23] Following Felix's on-screen debut, the paternity story continued with scenes alluding to Felix being JJ's biological father.[24]
Andrew visits Felix in prison to discuss his parole and he asks Felix if he provided a sperm sample to Philippa Wade. Andrew explains that Philippa gave it to Cara Varga-Murphy (Sara West) and the donor could be JJ's father. Andrew explains that pages were missing from Philippa's diary. Felix denies it but later studies a letter containing the missing diary pages. Andrew visits Felix again and agrees to back his parole and provides Felix a place to live on the condition he continues his good behaviour. Felix is paroled and moves in with the family. He starts forming a bond with his potential biological son JJ, and helps him with boxing lessons and fighting tactics, so he can defend himself against his tormentor Slade Westall (Charlie Di Stefano). Not long after Andrew finds Felix in the spa with his girlfriend Jools Halliday (Eva Seymour). He gets a job as a labourer at the Erinsborough High School and Eirini Rising development and plans to flee the country with Jools. He and JJ puncture Slade's car tire, and he convinces JJ to keep it a secret. Felix enlists Slade to help plan a robbery at the construction site. Andrew questions Felix about a break in at Harolds Cafe. Felix worries about not having an alibi, but JJ lies and provides Felix with a false alibi. Felix tells Jools he is bonding with JJ and wants to remain in Erinsborough. JJ's parents Cara and Remi Varga-Murphy (Naomi Rukavina) ban JJ from spending time with Felix. Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong Hall) flirts with Felix but Jools confronts her and rubs cake in her hair. Felix then tells Jools he wants to go leave again to distance himself from JJ. Felix discusses the planned robbery with Jools and JJ witnesses the conversation.
Felix lies to JJ that someone is threatening him and he needs to pay them off. JJ agrees to keep the planned robbery a secret to protect Felix. JJ is shocked that Felix has enlisted Slade's help. Felix tells JJ he made an agreement with Slade to prevent him bullying JJ further. Cara makes a citizens arrest after noticing Slade in the street. JJ offers to be Slade's new accomplice in the robbery, but he refuses. Holly finds a detailed plan about the Eirini Rising development and tells Andrew that Felix is planning a robbery. Felix goes ahead with his robbery and accepts JJ's help. Andrew interrupts the robbery, JJ attempts to drive off but knocks a scaffolding down onto Andrew. Felix tries to escape but Andrew reports Felix to the police. He attempts to meet with Jools to abscond, but the police intercept and arrest Felix. JJ discovers that Felix is his biological father and Remi arranges a meeting with Felix in police custody. She asks Felix to deny all contact with JJ, which he agrees to.
Jeffrey Swan
Jeffrey Swan, played by Tim Potter, made his first appearance on 10 April 2024.[25] On 2 April 2024, Simon Timblick from Whattowatch.com reported Potter's casting and character details.[26] He revealed that Jeffrey is an IT technician who arrives at Lassiters to deliver a report into an IT glitch. His arrival panics Chelsea Murphy (Viva Bianca), who used the glitch to trap her business rival Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis) in a sauna room.[26] Sara Baalla from Digital Spy reported that Jeffrey's report directly implicates Chelsea in the incident, which resulted in Krista losing her unborn baby.[27] She added that Chelsea becomes determined to convince Jeffrey to doctor his report and makes him an "indecent proposal" in exchange.[27] It was then confirmed that Jeffrey would appear in additional episodes, wanting to pursue a romance with Chelsea.[28] Michael Adams from Metro reported that Chelsea is "left embarrassed" because it is "evident" that Jeffrey has "fallen for her".[29]
Jeffrey arrives at Lassiters to deliver an IT report to Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). He refuses to hand the report over to acting manager Chelsea. She follows him to The Waterhole pub and questions him about the report. Jeffrey asks Chelsea to buy him lunch in exchange for his findings within the report. He tells Chelsea that he has discovered the door lock request came from her username and vows to tell Paul she is responsible for locking Krista in the sauna. Chelsea propositions Jeffrey and they have sex in an office in exchange for him doctoring the report. Jeffrey visits Chelsea at Lassiters wanting to begin a relationship with her. Chelsea is forced to play along to keep Jeffrey from telling Krista the truth. Chelsea agrees to meet up with him again but Krista sees Jeffrey leaving Chelsea's hotel room. Krista demands to be involved in their next meeting. Krista delivers wine to Chelsea's room and discovers Jeffrey in there. He tells Krista that he is in a relationship with Chelsea and she leaves. Chelsea threatens Krista to keep quiet about their affair.
When Chelsea and Paul get engaged, Jeffrey turns up with Krista and reveals their affair.
Wade Fernsby
Wade Fernsby, played by Stephen Phillips, made his first appearance on 17 April 2024.[30] Phillips' character and casting details were announced on 25 March 2024. The character was announced as Zach Wade,[31] and was initially credited as Zach Fernsby.[30] Phillips previously appeared in the show as Cameron Hodder in 2003.[31] His character is involved in a storyline centred around Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar) and his mysterious behaviour. Haz's partner Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) meets with Wade as she investigates Haz's past.[31] It was also revealed that Wade would feature in a deep fake and hacking storyline involving Haz. Promotional photographs showed Wade and Haz in scenes filmed on location, using their laptops.[32] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that Wade would be "calling the shots" in the scenes as he intimidates Haz, resulting in a "high stakes chase" resulting in Haz being run over by a car.[32]
Mackenzie arranges to meet with Wade, who tells her the cruel things that her boyfriend, Haz and his hacking gang did to him. Wade reveals it ruined his marriage, his wife lost her job and no one believed his innocence. Mackenzie tells Haz she has met with Wade and is disappointed that he could ruin someone else's life. Mackenzie arranges another meeting with Wade, but he secretly relishes in the fact he has been committing hacking crimes against Haz and his neighbours. He forces Haz to join him and start helping him commit deep fake crimes, otherwise he will target Mackenzie. Haz agrees and they start working in a city building. Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will) and undercover officers secretly wait outside. Wade realises Haz has set him up and he absconds. A chase ensues and Haz is runover by Mackenzie in a car. Andrew catches Wade and places him under arrest.
Victor Stone
Victor Stone, played by Craig Hall, will make his first appearance on 14 May 2024.[33] Hall's casting details were announced on 22 April 2024.[33] Producers had planned to introduce the character in 2022, however, the storyline was scrapped when Neighbours was cancelled.[33] The character has often been mentioned on-screen by his family, which includes his former wife Jane Harris (Annie Jones), daughter Nicolette Stone (Hannah Monson) and son Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux).[33] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported that Victor "wastes no time" getting reacquainted with his family and meeting his son's girlfriend Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan).[33] The original plans for the character's 2022 introduction included Victor tempting Jane away from Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine) and taking advantage of Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan Kennedy's (Jackie Woodburne) financial vulnerability.[33] It was also revealed that Victor would be hiding a secret that Sadie becomes burdened with.[33] Victor's arrival was previewed in a promotional trailer revealing the show's new storylines.[34]
Amira Devkar, played by Maria Thattil, will make her first appearance on 21 May 2024.[35] The character and Thattil's casting details were announced on 7 December 2023.[36] Thattil began filming her guest role during the same week.[36] Of her casting, Thattil explained that she sent in a self-taped audition for another character when the serial began casting for the new series, which the producers "loved" and she received a call back for Amira instead.[36] Thattil felt that she was joining the show at the right time and the opportunity was "so aligned to my deepest values". She continued: "I genuinely can't remember ever seeing a gay female South Asian Australian character on an Aussie TV show in my childhood and I always wonder how proper representation – beyond tokenism or exaggerated caricatures – would've changed some of my experiences with racism, homophobia, feeling like I didn't belong, wasn't normal or Australian enough. This role feels 'full circle' because it's giving me the chance to be the authentic representation that I, and wider Australia, has needed."[36]
Thattil's character is the older sister of Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar), who was introduced in 2023.[36] A reporter for 10Play said Amira was "sometimes bossy" towards her brother and would "bring some flair to the vibrant world of Erinsborough."[37] They also stated that due to "challenges with their strict parents", Amira and Haz would have "an emotional reunion". The reporter added that Amira's arrival would not be welcomed by everyone, even though she has her brother's "best interest at heart".[37]Neighbours wrote on social media: "We're delighted to announce that Maria Thattil will be joining the cast next year" and they teased, "But why she turns up suddenly at Harold's is yet to be revealed".[38] Alison Slade from TVTimes revealed that Amira would assume the role of the "bossy big sister".[39] Victor's arrival was previewed in a promotional trailer revealing the show's new storylines.[34] The trailer also revealed that the character would share scenes with Nicolette Stone (Hannah Monson).[40]
Logan
Logan, played by Matthew Backer, will make his first appearance in 2024.[40] The character and Backer's casting were revealed on 2 May 2024 via a promotional trailer for the serial's upcoming storylines.[40] Logan will be introduced as a new love interest for Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson).[40]
George is the husband of Alyssa Gavalas. He meets with Mackenzie Hargreaves at The Waterhole to discuss the ownership of his family dog, Trevor/Bodie, who Haz Devkar had rescued and rehomed. George tells Mackenzie that Trevor is homesick and his family want to return the dog to Haz.
Santo is a fruit supplier who provides stock for Melanie Pearson's drinks business. He delivers a fruit order to Melanie and he reveals he recently divorced his wife. Melanie asks Santo out on a date. They go out to dinner together, but their date is awkward. Santo and Melanie kiss but decide to remain friends. Melanie tells Terese Willis that she and Santo are now dating. Santo later meets up and goes out on a date with Vera Punt, where the two are spotted by Terese, who sees Santo giving Vera flowers. Serafin previously played Dennis Dimato on Neighbours from 2015 to 2016.[43]
Jools is Felix Rodwell's girlfriend who he met prior to being sent to prison. Felix reveals Jools continued to support him whilst he was incarcerated. Felix informs Jools of his plan to stage a robbery at the Eirini Rising construction site, and his discovery that JJ Varga-Murphy is likely to be his biological son. Jools attends Felix's welcome party and she gets to know the residents of Ramsay Street. Jools befriends Holly Hoyland because they are wearing the same dress. She later hears Holly asking Felix for a date and she confronts Holly. Jools picks up some cake and smears it into Holly's hair. Jools then discusses the robbery with Felix but JJ overhears. When Felix commits the robbery he arranges to meet Jools so they can abscond together. The police arrive at Jools' flat and force her to lead them to Felix and arrest him. She later agrees to meet with JJ, who she tells of Felix's motivation to escape fatherhood and encourages to let go of any idea of a relationship with him.
Casey arrives at Harold's Café to install security cameras following a request made by Mackenzie Hargreaves. The café manager Haz Devkar tells Casey he is not interested and sends her away.
A student at Erinsborough High School, who makes reference to the video of Jane Harris, to the amusement of the other students, when she is covering his lesson.
Miles is interviewed by Terese Willis for the job of project manager at Eirini Rising. Paul Robinson informs Terese that Miles is unsuitable for the role.
PrOxxy is an old friend of Haz Devkar, who arranges to meet with PrOxxy in Erinsborough to confront him over a hacking scandal. Haz accuses PrOxxy of being the hacker but he assues Haz he is not. PrOxxy goes to Haz's house to attempt to locate the actual hacker, but leaves abruptly, telling Haz to have no further contact with him.
Tony attends a promotional event for the Eirini Rising development. He mocks guest speaker Karl Kennedy about him supposedly being the culprit of public defecation crimes in Erinsborough.
Shannon is a drug dealer who visits The Waterhole to supply Krista Sinclair with drugs.
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