Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on streaming service Amazon Freevee, and Network 10 in Australia. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show in 2023, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's executive producer Jason Herbison. The 39th season of Neighbours commenced with Episode 8904 on 18 September 2023, following a 14-month hiatus prompted by the withdrawal of the show's previous UK broadcaster, Channel 5. The Varga-Murphy family, comprising JJ (Riley Bryant), Cara (Sara West), Remi (Naomi Rukavina) and Dex Varga-Murphy (Marley Williams), along with Reece Sinclair (Mischa Barton) and Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar), were introduced during the same episode. Haz's dog, Trevor (Bodhi), was introduced two episodes later. Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo) arrived in October and Reece's younger half-sister, Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis), in November.
JJ Varga-Murphy, played by Riley Bryant, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. JJ is part of a new family that were introduced called the Varga-Murphys. He was joined by his parents Cara (Sara West) and Remi (Naomi Rukavina), with the addition of his brother, Dex (Marley Williams).[1] Rukavina revealed that the Varga-Murphys had formed a "special bond" both on and off screen, while West was happy the family would represent the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community".[1] The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison, expressed his delight about the introduction of the Varga-Murphy's, which would generate "many new stories to tell".[1] It was later revealed in an interview to Digital Spy that JJ would be searching for his biological father. West explained, "JJ has found out some information. They've all come to Ramsay Street for a holiday, but JJ wants to know more about his biological dad. That leads the family to Ramsay Street, because JJ thinks he lives there."[2]
JJ drives into Ramsay Street with his family after recommending renting 24 Ramsay Street. He meets Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) and Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan), as well as the latter's father, Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will). JJ later reveals to Dex that he recommended Ramsay Street as he believes that Andrew is his biological father, rather than an American donor as his mum, Cara, claims.
Cara Varga-Murphy, played by Sara West, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. West's character and casting details were announced on 22 June 2023. Cara is part of a new family that was introduced called the Varga-Murphy's. Cara was introduced alongside her wife Remi (Naomi Rukavina) and their children JJ (Riley Bryant) and Dex (Marley Williams).[1] West stated that she was "honoured" to join the cast and "looking forward" to introducing the Varga-Murphy family. She also hoped the inclusion of the family, fronted by a lesbian couple would "help better reflect the beautiful LGBTQIA+ community" that she proudly comes from.[1] Describing her character, West revealed "Cara has a bold, impassioned love for her family and I love that her intentions have, so far, always been good."[1] The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison revealed that he thought it was appropriate that a new chapter of Neighbours included the arrival of a new family.[1]
Laura Jane Turner and Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy selected the Varga-Murphys' arrival as one of the 16 best LGBTQ+ television moments of the year. They praised how the characters had highlighted shifting attitudes towards rainbow families, and stated that Cara and Remi had "the potential to become all-time Ramsay Street greats".[3]
Remi Varga-Murphy, played by Naomi Rukavina, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. Rukavina's character and casting details were announced on 22 June 2023. Remi is part of a new family that was introduced called the Varga-Murphy's. Remi was introduced with her wife Cara (Sara West) and their two children JJ (Riley Bryant) and Dex (Marley Williams).[1] Rukavina stated that she was "thrilled" to join the cast and praised Neighbours for being willing to portray diverse families without a "tokenistic" approach. She added that her prior filming in the role had "been a great adventure" and the Varga-Murphy's have a "special bond".[1] The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison revealed that he thought it was appropriate that a new chapter of Neighbours included the arrival of a new family.[1] In an introductory video posted via the official NeighboursInstagram page, Rukavina revealed that Remi works as a doctor.[4]
Remi and her family drive into Ramsay Street. She meets the neighbours and then helps Mary Ryan (Carissa McPherson) when she chokes, which allows Remi to introduce herself to Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) as a nurse. When Remi realises that Cara Varga-Murphy is struggling to find employment, she approaches Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) and convinces him to give Cara a job at Lassiters Hotel.
Dexter "Dex" Varga-Murphy, played by Marley Williams, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. Williams' character and casting details were announced alongside the other Varga-Murphys on 22 June 2023. Dex is Williams' first television role.[1] Dex is part of a new family being introduced called the Varga-Murphys. The character was introduced with his parents Cara (Sara West) and Remi (Naomi Rukavina), with the addition of his brother JJ (Riley Bryant).[1] West was empowered by the Varga-Murphys representing the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community" and Rukavina added that the family had formed a "special bond".[1] The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison expressed his delight about the Varga-Murphy's arrivals, which would create "many new stories to tell".[1]
Reece Sinclair, played by Mischa Barton, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023.[5] The character and Barton's casting details were announced on 17 April 2023. Reece is the first new character to be announced following the revival of the serial.[6] Reece is American and her arrival in town is "far from what it appears to be".[6] Of her casting, Barton stated: "I'm excited to be part of this iconic show's next chapter, and I'm really looking forward to being back in Australia, a place I know and love! I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with."[6] Executive producer Jason Herbison described Reece as "dynamic and unpredictable" and believed the show's viewers in Australia and around the world would love her.[6] Barton later admitted that she had never watched the show, but she was familiar with it thanks to Kylie Minogue (who played Charlene Robinson). She also revealed that producers approached her about the role of Reece, and she thought the character was "a very good fit".[5] Reece appeared for a ten-week guest stint, which concluded on 23 November. Posts from the Neighbours social media accounts suggested that she could return in the future.[7]
Hari "Haz" Devkar, played by Shiv Palekar, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023.[8] Palekar's character and casting details were announced on 7 June 2023 via the serial's social media accounts.[9] Haz was introduced as the new manager of Harold's Café,[9] and has a dog called Trevor (Bodie).[10] When Haz is introduced into the series, he lives on Ramsay Street at Number 32. Producers included him in a house share concept alongside the established characters Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) and Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux).[11] When the show resumed broadcasting, the housemates are depicted as having been living together for only three months. Haz moved to Erinsborough from Geelong, Palekar told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Haz arrived looking for a house share. He added that the cast were unsure how Haz, Mackenzie and Byron originally became friends. Molyneux added that the three characters lead "very different work lives" and Stone concluded that "they're all getting along really well."[11]
Writers quickly positioned Haz as a potential love interest for Mackenzie. She is a widow, following the death of her husband, Hendrix Greyson (Ben Turland). This occurred two years prior to meeting Haz but writers portrayed her as willing to move on.[12] Stone told Asyia Iftikhar from PinkNews that "the budding relationship between Mackenzie and Haz, that is gonna be really cool." She added that some of her "favourite moments" occurred whilst filming with Palekar.[13]
In the backstage video series Ramsay Street Revelations, Stone revealed that it was an "incredibly big deal" for Mackenzie to be exploring romance again.[14] She believed Mackenzie was reaching a point where she feels ready to move on. She described Haz and Mackenzie as "really good friends" and their early dynamic as a "will they? won't they?" style scenario.[14] Stone stated that Mackenzie "loves" Haz's characteristics which are being "kind", "genuine", "funny", "playful" and "really down to earth". She added Mackenzie is a "really drawn to" Haz's "lightness" because of her past trauma.[14] In the video, Palekar stated that Haz has "ultimate respect and admiration" for Mackenzie. He revealed that Haz values "honesty and justice and truth and just doing good in the world."[14] He believed that Haz likes Mackenzie because upheld these morals. Palekar added that Haz "just admires the hell out of Mackenzie" and to Haz's "detriment" he "puts her on a pedestal."[14] Writers created a series of relationship hurdles between Mackenzie and Haz. First she develops a connection with Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo).[15]Billie Alessio (Georgia Walters), which is halted by Haz favouring his pet dog, Trevor over Billie.[16]
Before his first on-screen appearance, Haz moved to Erinsborough to take over the lease of Harold's, and answered a housemate wanted ad placed by Mackenzie for 32 Ramsay Street. Haz attends Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) and Terese Willis' (Rebekah Elmaloglou) wedding as Mackenzie's date. Although he likes her, Haz tells Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan) that it would be too complicated to date her, so he joins an online dating app. Haz hides his dog, Trevor, in the Harold's kitchen, before meeting Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) and discussing the history of the café.
Trevor, played by Bodhi, made his first appearance on 20 September 2023.[17] Trevor is introduced into the series as Haz Devkar's (Shiv Palekar) pet dog. The character was announced via the Neighbours official X account on 3 August 2023, prior to the series return.[10] The dog appeared in promotional cast pictures prior to announcement.[18] The inclusion of a dog in the show had long been a traditional aspect in the soap opera, which Trevor continues.[10] Bodhi's breed is a Groodle, a cross breed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.[19] Bodhi is supplied to Neighbours from the animal talent agency, "Paws on Film".[19] Bodhi was trained by Luke Hura, who previously trained numerous other on-screen pets in Neighbours, including Bouncer. Hura described Bodhi as a "very intelligent dog" but sometimes becomes distracted during filming.[20] Lauren Sellwood has also been credited as the animal wrangler during Trevor's episodes.[17] Paleker revealed that Trevor would be a chaotic character. He told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that "Trevor's gorgeous, and is going to steal every scene. He's an agent of chaos - but beautiful chaos!"[11]
In 2024, writers created a new storyline for Trevor in which his original owner, Alyssa Gavalas (Imogen Sage) is introduced.[21] She recognises Trevor whilst he is being taken for a walk by Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux). The scenes also reveal that Trevor's original name was Bodie. She wants to contact Haz and reconnect with her lost dog. Haz fears he will lose Trevor and seeks legal advice.[21]
Trevor is a rescue dog owned by Haz. He brings Trevor into work at Harold's Café, despite health and safety regulations. Trevor chews on and destroys Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) pillows, which were bought for her by Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan). Trevor's presence at the café causes problems for Haz when dog hairs are found in food and drinks purchased onsite. Haz reveals that Trevor suffers from anxiety and cannot stay at home. Mackenzie agrees to look after Trevor at home. He continues to struggle when left alone and chews up a jumper belonging to Haz's girlfriend, Billie Alessio (Georgia Walters). When Trevor annoys Billie, she locks him out of the house over night. Haz is shocked to find Trevor outside the following morning and breaks-up with Billie for her attitude towards Trevor. Haz's next girlfriend, Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong Hall) destroys a scarf gifted to him by Mackenzie because she is jealous. She lets Trevor take the blame for the damage but Haz soon discovers she has lied. Byron takes Trevor for a walk where he meets Trevor's original owner, Alyssa. She reveals that she had been looking for Trevor, originally named Bodie since he went missing. She requests that Byron give her Haz's details so she can reconnect with her former pet. Haz is reluctant to speak to her and forbids his housemates to let Trevor go outside. However, after Alyssa introduces her son to Haz, he agrees to give Trevor back. Haz and Mackenzie watch Trevor drive away in Alyssa's car. Trevor runs off from the Gavalas family home and returns to Haz, who returns him back to Alyssa. The Gavalases decide to return Trevor back to Haz after they realise he is homesick.
Eden Shaw, played by Costa D'Angelo, made his first appearance on 16 October 2023.[22] Eden is introduced into the series as a potential love interest of Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone). He first appears in The Waterhole where he meets a drunken Mackenzie and introduces himself as Ed. They share romantic chemistry and get to know each other. Writers played his introduction as a surprise reveal after it becomes apparent that he is Eden, the ex-boyfriend of Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong Hall), who had discussed the character in various scenes detailing their difficult break-up.[15] In a backstage video, D'Angelo revealed that "Eden is a bit of a troubled character" and confirmed there would be much drama between him and Holly. Armstrong Hall added that "Eden and Holly are exes and Eden treated her pretty badly and was quite nasty."[23]
Peter Hart and Dan Laurie from OK! branded Eden a "bad boy" type character. They revealed that Eden would play "a key part" in the show's flashback week. The week consists of special flashback episodes which reveal what occurred during the show's absence from television.[24] Armstrong Hall told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Eden is Holly's first love. She revealed that they met in the UK then travelled to Australia together.[25]`She added that Holly wanted Eden to meet her parents Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) and Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte). Holly was upset to find Izzy and Shane Ramsay (Peter O'Brien) "being naughty" and decided to postpone the meeting. Instead, during the flashback scenes, they meet Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis) and go backpacking with her. Armstrong Hall added that the trio "just wanted to escape, go have fun and be young together."[25] She added that over a year Eden, Holly and Krista become great friends but it ends in a "really heart-breaking" scenario of Holly discovering that Eden and Krista had sex.[25]
Eden meets Mackenzie in The Waterhole and flirts with her. Eden then receives a job at Yorokobi Winery. Eden meets Mackenzie's friends, but when he sees Holly, he flees and runs back into the winery, where he steals Mackenzie's rings and her friends' bags. Holly and Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar) go to an address they believe Eden is staying at and they find all the stolen belongings except the rings, before Eden locks Holly in the shed, punches Haz in the eye and escapes before the police arrive. Later, Eden is recognised by Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp), before running off. Eden knocks out Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) when she enters a house that she believes her stepmother Melanie Pearson (Lucinda Cowden) is staying at. Melanie arrives home and tends to Nell and takes her to a nearby pay-phone. Nell's father Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) contacts the police when he realises she is missing. They track her down to Melanie's house and break the door down. Holly and Haz find Nell with Melanie, but Holly is shocked to learn that Eden is behind Nell's injury.
It is revealed that one year ago, Eden cheated on Holly with Krista. When Melanie pushed Krista in the pool and she hit her head, Eden blackmailed Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) into keeping her death a secret. However, Krista survives the incident and is left in a controlling relationship with Eden. Holly and her friends eventually track Eden to a deceased estate, where Krista is found. Eden is arrested by the police.
Upon his release from prison, Eden confronts Krista and her new boyfriend Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) and reveals he knows about her pregnancy. Eden and Leo begin fighting, David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) lunges at Eden to defend his brother. Eden and David subsequently fall off a cliff. David insists that Eden is saved first and David dies. Eden has surgery and survives the ordeal. Eden refuses to reveal how he knew about Krista's whereabouts to police. Paul later visits Eden and threatens him and it is revealed Paul informed Eden about Krista's pregnancy and holiday plans, which inadvertently caused David's death. Eden escapes from hospital despite being weak from surgery. He visits Melanie and holds her hostage with a scalpel. The police surround Eden and a siege ensues but Toadie enters the house, attacks Eden and frees Melanie. Eden is then rearrested and taken away.
Krista Sinclair,[28] played by Majella Davis, made her first appearance on 13 November 2023. Krista is the half-sister of Reece Sinclair (Mischa Barton). Krista was involved in a mystery storyline prior to her debut. Barton revealed on 2 October 2023, that the main reason for Reece being in Erinsborough was to track down her sister.[29] After Krista was revealed to have survived her apparent death on-screen on 21 November, official Neighbours social media accounts confirmed that Davis was continuing in the role. Davis revealed on Instagram that she had been hired on a year-long contract.[30] Davis was added to the show's opening titles from 27 November 2023.[31] Davis had previously auditioned for the roles of Chloe Brennan and Nicolette Stone but was unsuccessful.[32]
It was later revealed that Krista is friends with the characters Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong Hall) and Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo). Their friendship is explored during a special week of episodes containing flashback scenes.[25] These were designed to show viewers stories that had occurred whilst Neighbours had ceased broadcasting.[33] Armstrong Hall told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Krista meets Holly and Eden, who are in a relationship in Erinsborough. They become friends and go on a road trip together because they "just wanted to escape, go have fun and be young together."[25] Krista and Holly develop a close friendship and spend a year together. Krista also becomes close to Eden and they have sex. Armstrong Hall revealed that their betrayal is "really heart-breaking".[25] On 12 November 2023, Amazon Freevee released a trailer promoting Reece's search for Krista. In the video Reece discovers a photograph of Krista, Holly and Eden, confirming their friendship.[34]
Davis explained in the online series Ramsay Street Revelations that Krista was her first "official big gig". Of describing Krista, Davis said that she is "a very outgoing person. She's very fun and eccentric and she loves life. She loves the party vibe."[35] Davis also explained that she was unaware of the connection between her and Barton's characters until she noticed that Barton's character's surname was the same as Krista's. Krista has been told that she has to "take on the family business, go into the family line and she does not want to, so she has taken a little journey down to Ramsay Street to evade her family." Davis promised "lots of ups and downs for Krista, but there's great redemption".[35]
On her return to Erinsborough, Melanie Pearson (Lucinda Cowden) reveals that she had spotted Krista prior to her wedding to Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). Through flashback, it is shown that Melanie was working as Krista's housekeeper in England, and had fled the country after becoming involved in a drug deal to protect Krista. Krista asks Melanie for money, which she takes from her business on the condition that Krista does not contact her again. Krista, calling herself Kelly, meets Eden Shaw and his girlfriend Holly Hoyland, and the three decide to go travelling together. While they are away Eden and Krista begin an affair, and Eden encourages Krista to contact Melanie again to extort more money from her. When they eventually return to Erinsborough, Krista arrives at Melanie's house while on drugs and attempts to blackmail her. She also tells Holly that she and Eden are going to continue travelling without her. After Eden intimidates Melanie and her family, she agrees to meet Krista on the roof of Lassiter's Hotel. Melanie tells her she will not be paying her any more money, and during their confrontation pushes Krista. Krista hits her head and falls into a pool, and appears to be dead when Melanie takes her out. Melanie flees the scene, and when Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) returns Krista has gone. Eden appears and claims to have removed her body.
A year later, Holly finds Krista inside an abandoned house with Eden. Krista is taken to hospital in Erinsborough, where she is reunited with Reece. Reece is forced to return to the United States after their father, Conrad, suffers a stroke, before Reece's boyfriend, Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux), puts Krista up in a room in Lassiter's. Krista begins experiencing withdrawal symptoms and fails to eat sufficiently, so Byron organizes help from former doctor David Tanaka (Takaya Honda). Krista discovers that her father has died. David agrees to become Krista's sober companion and she therefore goes to rehab. However just one week later, David finds out that Krista has checked herself out of the rehab clinic. She can be seen alone in her hotel room taking women's health drug medication, and the next day, she reveals to David's twin brother Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) that she is pregnant with her and Eden's child. Krista's father Conrad dies and Reece takes control of the family business. She appoints Krista to work as representative at Lassiters Hotel, working alongside hotel owner Paul, who is annoyed with Krista's interference. Krista tries to prove herself to Paul and begins planning events. At a New Year's Eve party at The Waterhole, Krista has her drink spiked with drugs and she is hospitalised. David questions Krista whether she has relapsed but she is adamant that she was spiked. Everyone believes Krista aside from Paul.
Krista agrees to look after Leo's daughter, Abigail Tanaka (Nikita Kato) after her babysitter, Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan) needs to leave her. Leo is upset to find his daughter in Krista's care. He berates Sadie for allowing a recovering drug addict to care for his daughter but Krista overhears their exchange. She tells Leo she is upset and believes he no longer trusts her. Leo explains he is highly protective of his daughter due to Abigail's mother, Britney Barnes (Montana Cox) dying. Paul attempts to convince Krista that Leo is trying to replicate his relationship with Britney after he accidentally calls Krista by Britney's name. He manages to convince Krista otherwise and they begin a romantic relationship. Paul is unhappy with their relationship and annoys Leo. David talks to Paul and makes him realise that continuing to target Krista will result in him becoming estranged from Leo. He agrees to call a truce. Krista goes on holiday with Leo, David, Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) and Nicolette Stone (Hannah Monson). She and Leo go out for a walk and are confronted by Eden. He reveals that he is aware of Krista's pregnancy. Leo and Eden fight and David lunges at Eden and they both fall off a cliff. David insists the group save Eden and he is taken to hospital but David dies. Krista tells Eden he will not be a part of her child's life. Paul and Aaron ban Krista from David's funeral and blame her for David's death. Krista attends David's wake after Leo invites her. Paul confronts Krista and humiliates her, but Sadie Rodwell (Emmerald Chan) defends Krista and reveals that Paul informed Eden of her whereabouts, inadvertently causing David's death.
Krista moves in with Byron, Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar) and Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone). Krista learns she is having a daughter at an ultrasound appointment. Krista begins to clash with acting Lassiters manager Chelsea Murphy (Viva Bianca). Krista organises the Lassiters Longest Lie-In event which Chelsea unsuccessfully attempts to sabotage. Paul is impressed with the events' success and begins entrusting her with more responsibilities. Paul and Lucy Robinson (Melissa Bell) request that Krista presents her ideas to Lassiter's globally. This annoys Chelsea and she corrupts Krista's business presentation on her laptop. Haz helps Krista recover the files and she readies for the presentation. Chelsea lures Krista to the hotel spa to sort out technical issues. Chelsea uses the opportunity to take over the presentation, while Krista collapses in the sauna after becoming trapped inside. She is later found by Paul and taken to the hospital, where doctor Remi Varga-Murphy (Naomi Rukavina) informs her that her baby had died, and that she would need to give birth immediately. Krista struggles to keep her sobriety on track, while trying to figure out why the sauna door automatically locked. Paul organizes a small memorial for Krista's daughter Hope. She later discovers some of Byron's prescription drugs in the house and is tempted to take them, but saves her self. Chelsea later leaves a bag of drugs in the office desk at Lassiters, and Krista gives into temptation, takes the drugs and leaves the hotel. Chelsea finds her at home and urges her to tell Leo, however Krista tells her that it won't happen again. Krista goes for a late-night stroll and finds Aaron drinking alone in the Waterhole and she joins him. Aaron then tells her that it can never happen again. She accompanies Aaron to his old country house, and he finds a bag of her pills that she had dropped. They two then go and party together in the Waterhole. Krista later walks in on Chelsea cheating on Paul with IT technician Jeffrey Swan (Tim Potter), who knows that Chelsea locked Krista in the sauna. Chelsea threatens to tell Leo and Paul about her drug relapse if she mentions anything about the affair. Leo becomes suspicious of Krista and organizes a dinner date with her, however when he arrives, Krista dumps him and asks him to leave.
While partying, using and drinking with Aaron, she has a realization that Chelsea locked her in the sauna, and confronts her in her hotel room while high and drunk. As Chelsea grabs her to stop her from leaving, Krista falls and gets knocked out after hitting her head. Holly discovers Krista knocked out with Chelsea and calls an ambulance. In the hospital, Krista tells Leo that she has been using drugs again, but she doesn't want to resume their relationship. Krista looses her memory of why she was in Chelsea's room. Krista is later harassed by her old drug dealer Shannon Rutherford (Grace Quealy),and Leo comes over and order her to leave. Krista regains her memory, and realizes that Chelsea caused the death of her baby. She meets up with Penny Shrewster (Jessica Husband), whom Chelsea had blamed for the sauna incident, who tells her that Chelsea sent her away. Krista crashes Paul and Chelsea's engagement party with Jeffrey, and reveals her affair, and that she locked the sauna door. Krista attempts to get back with Leo, however he rejects her attempts, in order to keep her from relapsing. Paul tries to set up Leo and Krista, and he is sad to hear that he had rejected their date. Krista is again confronted by Shannon, and Leo scares her away, which angers Krista, who doesn't want to be saved. Shannon drops a bag of opioids on the grass that she was trying to sell Krista. Leo's daughter Abigail later finds and takes them. Krista accompanies Leo and Abigail to the hospital and tells Remi that the pills where opioids. Leo appreciates Krista being there when they needed her and the two resume their relationship. Krista helps Leo with his upcoming business wine launch. She catches Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) skipping school at the Vinyard.
A lady who Haz Devkar takes home after meeting her through an online dating app. They begin dating and go to the beach together. Billie's jumper is chewed by Haz's dog, Trevor, and when Billie asks Haz who he would save in the event of a fire, Haz reveals that he would rescue Trevor before Billie. After Billie locks Trevor out of the house, she breaks up with Haz. Months later, she participates in the Lassiters Lie-In competition and is disqualified for adding laxatives to Haz's food.
A school boy who bullies Dex Varga-Murphy for having two mothers. He is later caught by principal Jane Harris and receives a three-day suspension. Noah attends the New Year's Eve party at The Waterhole with friends. Krista Sinclair notices they are drinking alcohol and orders them to leave.
Noah Dawes' father, who apologises to school principal Jane Harris on his son's behalf. He explains that he thinks his punishment is too harsh and later sends an email threatening to reduce the school's attendance.
The manager of the Sinclair group, the main investors in Lassiters, who knocks on Reece Sinclair's hotel room. She tells Reece that she has been completing her task of finding her sister too slowly and that she will be keeping an eye on her. Tess later has dinner with the Lassiters owner, Paul Robinson, who tells Tess that Reece is remaining in Erinsborough because she is dating Byron Stone, who is an ex-escort. Tess then tells Reece that her father, Conrad, has ordered her to return home, however Reece convinces him to let her stay.
A worker at the Lassiters Hotel Dayspa, who gives Reece Sinclair information about some guests who booked massages. Tina later tells Byron Stone that Reece visited her. Off-screen, Tina is fired for incompetence, but Paul rehires her in return for her father, Anthony, voting in favour for Paul's ex-wife's proposal at the council.
A Lassiters Hotel worker, who gives Reece Sinclair information on some guests. Penny later works a shift at Lassiters during a promotional event. Krista Sinclair decides to fire Penny from her job after she causes various issues for the hotel, following which she attempts to steal a number of items from the hotel until she is intercepted by Chelsea Murphy. Following her departure, Chelsea suggests Penny may have trapped Krista in the hotel's sauna as revenge for her firing, leading to the death of her unborn baby.
An Erinsborough High School student, who sees Reece Sinclair and Byron Stone leaning against his car. Reece explains that her missing sister, Krista, used to own the car. She then buys it off him for $5000.
A conservative Erinsborough councillor who attends Terese Willis and Jane Harris' proposal of combining a school and aged care facility together. It is later revealed that Paul Robinson bribed Anthony to swing the vote in the proposal's favour in return for giving his daughter, Tina, her job back.
An old client of Byron Stone who previously used his escorting services. Tamara attempts to rehire Byron and he agrees to go on holiday with her. Byron's sister, Nicolette Stone, encourages Tamara to drop Byron because he has just broken up with Reece Sinclair.
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Melanie Pearson is a fictional character from Australian soap opera Neighbours played by Lucinda Cowden. The actress was initially signed to the soap on a recurring basis for a few weeks. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 July 1987. The character departed on 24 October 1991. In 2005, Cowden reprised her role for Neighbours' 20th anniversary celebrations. She reprised the role again on a recurring basis from 8 January 2021, then later as a regular from 22 September 2021. Melanie appeared until the last episode of Neighbours, which sees her marry Toadie Rebecchi. Cowden reprised her role in Neighbours 2023 reboot.
Wendy Rodwell is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Candice Leask. Leask secured the role of Wendy after sending in an audition tape in October 2021, however she was unsure if the character was right for her until she read over the script again. It was Leask's fifth audition for the show. The character was initially meant to only appear in a single episode, but Leask discovered that writers had plans to reintroduce the character the following year to coincide with producers' plans to bring in another busybody character. Leask made her debut on 2 December 2021 and returned in February the following year as a recurring character, as requested by the serial's executive producer, Jason Herbison.
Nicolette Stone is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Charlotte Chimes and Hannah Monson. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 15 July 2020. Chimes auditioned for the role at a time she felt creatively fulfilled owing to her work on another series. Despite her nonchalant approach, Chimes was invited to a second audition, which the then Sydney based actress had to perform over video-tape due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions imposed in Australia. Chimes was successful and assumed the role of Nicolette, who writers created as the daughter of the heritage character, Jane Harris. From her introduction, Nicolette was portrayed as "straight talking" and "brash", unafraid to hurt other character's feelings. Nicolette is a lesbian and is confident with being open about her sexuality. Writers often used Nicolette's characterisation in her storylines. Writers created a fractured backstory between Nicolette and Jane, owed to Jane's request that Nicolette conceal her sexuality from her opinionated grandmother. Nicolette's early stories commonly featured her and Jane's journey to reconciliation. Writers further explored Nicolette's backstory with the introduction of her friend Audrey Hamilton, who had helped Nicolette commit fraud.
Mackenzie Hargreaves is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Georgie Stone. She made her first appearance on 30 August 2019. Mackenzie is the soap's first transgender character, added to the series after Stone wrote to executive producer Jason Herbison to pitch the character. She arrives as a new student at Erinsborough High School and is connected to the established Rebecchi family, who she knew prior to her gender transition. Following her initial guest storyline, Mackenzie was a central character in spin-off series Neighbours: Erinsborough High before being promoted to the regular cast of Neighbours in 2020. She remained with the series until its finale episode, broadcast on 28 July 2022, and reprised the role when the series resumed on 18 September 2023.
Episode 8904, also branded as the premiere episode of Neighbours: A New Chapter, is the first episode of the Australian television soap opera Neighbours to be released following its return from cancellation. It premiered on 18 September 2023 and was released through Network 10 in Australia, and Amazon Freevee in the UK and USA. The episode was written by the serial's executive producer, Jason Herbison, and directed by Kate Kendall. Although Neighbours had been off-screen for a little over a year, the production team decided to set its return two years after the events of "Neighbours: The Finale", with the events of the interim period for multiple characters positioned as mysteries to be revealed in subsequent episodes.
Reece Sinclair is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Mischa Barton. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 September 2023. Barton was cast as Reece after producers approached her with the part. Barton admitted that she had previously declined some Neighbours roles as she didn't see them fitting for her. Reece is an American businesswoman whose family has invested in Lassiter's Hotel. Executive producer Jason Herbison hoped that Reece's introduction, which came upon the Neighbours reboot with Amazon Freevee, would attract new international audiences to the serial. Despite historically being reserved for regular characters, Barton cameoed in the show's opening titles.
Chelsea Murphy is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Viva Bianca. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 January 2024. Chelsea is introduced as the sister of Cara Varga-Murphy. Chelsea is characterised as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. Bianca described her as "a really effective manipulator" and who has ulterior motives behind her actions. Chelsea is portrayed as scheming against other characters in the show throughout her duration. She arrives in Erinsborough with the intention of romantically pursuing Paul Robinson.
Naomi Rukavina is an Australian television and theatre actress. Her career began playing various stage roles whilst studying at the Victorian College of the Arts. She took roles in various short films and her film debut was in the 2012 comedy Save Your Legs!, playing Rafaela. Rukavina continued to work in the theatre industry for numerous years, playing roles in productions by Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre and The Hayloft Project. These appearances continued over a decade whilst Rukavina worked in guest roles in various Australian television series. From 2020 until 2023, Rukavina played various roles in the Australian stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In 2023, Rukavina played Denise in the horror film, Run Rabbit Run. That year she joined regular cast of the soap opera Neighbours, playing Remi Varga-Murphy.
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