Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1999, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's then executive producer Stanley Walsh. The 15th season of Neighbours began airing from 18 January 1999.[1]Bess O'Brien, the mother of established character Sarah Beaumont, was introduced in February. May saw the arrival of Peter Hannay, while Martin Chester began appearing from July. Daniel Fitzgerald, Teabag Teasdale and Teresa Bell arrived in September. Charlie Thorpe debuted in October, along with the five-strong Scully family consisting of parents Joe and Lyn, and their daughters Stephanie, Felicity and Michelle.
Bess O'Brien, played by Diana McLean, made her first screen appearance on 8 February 1999.[2] McLean was happy to take on the role of Bess and said the cast and crew made her feel welcomed on set.[2] Bess is Sarah Beaumont's (Nicola Charles) mother. She came to Erinsborough to visit her daughter, but their reunion was not entirely happy, as they had some issues to deal with first.[2] McLean explained, "Bess is a highly dedicated environmental campaigner. Over the years she has spent more of her time fighting for various causes than she has bringing up her own daughter."[2] McLean said it was not easy for Bess to make things up with Sarah, but Bess was "a determined lady."[2] Realising that Sarah had been through some tough times, Bess wanted to be there for her.[2]
Bess comes to Erinsborough to give a talk and to see her daughter, Sarah. Bess tells Sarah's friends that she had named her daughter Chakira Sunshine, while her sister Catherine (Radha Mitchell) was named Chandra Rain. They had both changed their names when they started school. Bess stay with Sarah, who confides in her about her bad year, which culminated in her dismissal from her job at the hospital. Bess speaks to the director of nursing at the Hospital and gets Sarah's appeal brought forward. Bess befriends Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) and learns that Sarah had an affair with Susan's husband. Sarah becomes frustrated with her mother and when Bess suggests that maybe she should get a job with Greenpeace. A furious Sarah tells Bess that she wants to help people. She then admits how angry she and Catherine were at Bess for never being there for them while they were growing up. Bess cooks dinner for Sarah as a peace offering, and Sarah forgives her.
Bess and Sarah go to the country together to visit some of Bess's friends. Back in Erinsborough, Bess receives a call asking her to attend a conference in New Zealand. Realising that her daughter needs her, Bess decides to stay with her. Bess helps Sarah raise money for a hospital fundraiser and helps Sarah's housemate Joel Samuels (Daniel MacPherson) get his job back. Bess is grateful that she has mended the rift between her and Sarah and she leaves for home. A few months later, Bess sends her friend Peter Hannay (Nick Carrafa) to visit Sarah and they become engaged. Bess fails to make it to the wedding after missing her flight.
Peter Hannay, played by Nick Carrafa, made his first screen appearance on 17 May 1999. Carrafa previously appeared in Neighbours as Tony Romeo in 1987. As Peter, Carrafa had a twelve-week guest contract with the show.[3] Peter was introduced as a love interest for established character Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles).[3] Carrafa said that Peter knew Sarah's mother and when mentioned that he was going to be spending time in Erinsborough, she told him to visit her daughter.[3] Carrafa explained, "We go to a restaurant, have a good time and talk about the things we have in common. The relationship goes from there."[3]
Following a "whirlwind romance", Peter and Sarah became engaged.[4] Sarah initially had reservations about marrying Peter, as she still had feelings for Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher).[5] However, she and a "lovestruck" Peter exchanged vows and married a month later. Peter almost caught Sarah sharing a goodbye kiss with Karl, before they departed for their new life overseas on 13 July 1999.[5] When Charles returned to Neighbours in 2013, she revealed that Sarah and Peter had two children and had since separated.[6]
Carrafa briefly reprised the role for "a surprise return" in November 2016.[7] Peter returns to Erinsborough to collect his son Angus Beaumont-Hannay (Jai Waetford) and escort him to Sydney.[7] Angus is angry with Peter for not caring that he went missing on the Gold Coast. Peter apologises for not being there for him and they reconcile. Peter thanks Karl and Susan for taking care of Angus. He tells Karl that he will be based in Sydney for the foreseeable future, as he has a job with the Flying Doctors.
A writer for Inside Soap called Peter "dashing" and "hunky".[3] Another columnist hoped Peter was the one doctor to "finally mend Sarah's broken heart."[4]
Martin Chester, played by Gil Tucker, made his first screen appearance on 29 July 1999.[8] Martin was an old friend of Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). After he arrived in town, he took Susan out to dinner. While Karl was aware that his friend and his wife were out to dinner, he did not think Susan would be capable of cheating on him.[8] Woodburne explained, "Susan is very attracted to Martin, but she wouldn't be aware of it if her marriage was more solid and she wasn't feeling so unloved."[8] Woodburne added that Susan was attempted to have an affair with Martin, but she ultimately wanted her marriage to survive.[8] Woodburne was good friends with Tucker before his Neighbours appearance, having appeared with him in Cop Shop thirteen years previously. She thought their friendship made it easier to play ex-lovers on-screen.[8]
Martin is an old university friend of Karl and Susan Kennedy. Martin had been a member of Karl's band The Right Prescription and had dated briefly dated Susan. When Martin comes to Erinsborough as part of his job, he comes into contact with Susan and they grow close. Martin explains that he has recently split up from his wife, while Susan was recovering from Karl's affair. After spending a few evenings together, and with Karl away, Martin admits to Susan that he is in love with her. Karl is pleased to see Martin and insists on taking him out to lunch, so they can catch up. Martin and Susan meet up in secret to talk about things. They are spotted by Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton) and Susan realises that it would look bad to Karl if he found out. When Karl suggests reforming The Right Prescription, Martin tells him he is leaving for Alice Springs. Susan later admits to Karl that she was tempted to have an affair with Martin.
Daniel "Dan" Fitzgerald, played by Brett Tucker, made his first screen appearance on 1 September 1999. Tucker played the role of high school teacher Dan for a brief period.[9] His major story arc was a romance with his housemate Tess Bell (Krista Vendy).[10] Tess had a crush on Dan, but was heartbroken when he dated Steph Scully (Carla Bonner). When Tess eventually told Dan about her crush, he admitted that he liked her too, but did not want to pursue his feelings as she was married.[10] Dan later moved out to give their relationship a chance. Vendy was unsure if the storyline would continue as Tucker was not a regular cast member.[10] Tucker reprised his role in 2007, when Neighbours shifted its focus back to character driven storylines and family values.[9] Dan took on a counselling role at the high school.[9] Michael Lallo from The Age said Tucker raised "the hunk quotient" as Dan.[11]
John "Teabag" Teasdale, played by Nathan Phillips, made his first screen appearance on 3 September 1999. Phillips made his acting debut on Neighbours.[12] He was a drama student at the time of his casting, and had only just decided to become an actor. His character was meant to have one line, but he was later given a two-month contract.[12] Sacha Molitorisz from The Sydney Morning Herald thought Teabag was "unlikely".[12] Tony Johnston, author of Neighbours: 20 years of Ramsay Street, wrote that Teabag was, for a time, the show's "resident bad boy" and that he was "nothing but trouble".[13] Phillips later said that he still gets recognised for his role as Teabag.[13]
John Teasdale or Teabag, befriends Hannah Martin (Rebecca Ritters), Paul McClain (Jansen Spencer) and Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton) after they turn a local allotment into a BMX track. Tad tells Teabag that he is going to make a film about BMXing and Teabag agrees to help. He throws a brick through the window of Grease Monkeys as part of the opening shot, and he and the others have to run when the police turn up. Teabag is impressed by Hannah when he sees her performing some BMX moves. He gives her his old BMX bike as a gift and they grow closer. When Hannah learns that her family are planning to move away, she becomes desperate to find somewhere to stay in Erinsborough. Teabag offers her a place at his share house. Paul is not happy with Hannah's growing relationship with Teabag and he confronts him, which leads to Teabag punching Paul.
Teabag brags about committing several local robberies and he later admits to Hannah that he broke into Billy Kennedy's (Jesse Spencer) workshop. Hannah, Paul and Tad tell Billy the truth and he reports Teabag to the police. Realising that Teabag is not the guy she thought he was, she decides to move away with her family. Teabag learns that Paul and Tad told Billy about the robbery and he makes their lives difficult by harassing them. He also admits to Hannah that the bike he gave her was stolen. Teabag continues to harass the Bishops by sitting in the Coffee Shop playing loud music and not ordering anything. He also phones in a fake order for food and cancels it once it is prepared. He also has a large number of pizzas sent to the Bishop house. Paul and Tad decide to get their own back by pulling apart Teabag's bike. Teabag goads them into returning to his house and Paul and Tad throws things at it. When Tad smashes one of the windows, a police car arrives and Teabag is pleased to get one over on them. Paul and Tad decide to stop trying to get even with Teabag. On Hannah's last day at school, Teabag gives her a bracelet and he gives up harassing the Bishops.
Teresa "Tess" Bell, played by Krista Vendy, made her first screen appearance on 17 September 1999. Vendy secured her audition for Neighbours through her agency.[14] She auditioned three times in total and was one of three actresses up for the role.[15] The actress learned that she had won the part of Teresa, or Tess, six months later.[15] Tess was originally a barmaid called Tamsin Flynn, but after Vendy won the role, the producers decided to change the character's name and occupation.[16] At the time of her introduction, Tess was a 24-year-old, married English teacher, who decided to move to Erinsborough to regain her independence. She found employment at the local high school.[15] Despite being married, Tess developed a crush on her housemate Daniel Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker).[10] Gina Leros of The Sun-Herald said Vendy would be the one to watch in Neighbours throughout 2000.[17]
Charlie Thorpe, played by Katrina Baylis, made her first screen appearance on 8 October 1999.[18] Following a "whirlwind romance" with fellow student Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), Charlie asked him to marry her.[18] Moloney said Toadie was shocked by the proposal, and while he believed it was too soon, he accepted. Moloney believed that one of the reasons Toadie fell for Charlie was that he was on the rebound.[18] He added that Toadie had never met someone like Charlie before and the more she pursued him, the more Toadie fell in love with her.[18] Baylis said that Charlie was just using Toadie, as her work visa was running out.[18] Of her character, the actress commented "You never know what to expect from Charlie. She's sweet and fun-loving one minute, then cold and calculating the next."[18]
After Toadfish Rebecchi loses his dog, Bob, he goes to the local pound, but comes away with the wrong dog. He eventually comes across a woman in the park walking a similar looking dog to Bob. She explains that the dog is called Fluff, and belongs to her flatmate. After checking the dog, Toadie realises that it is Bob and the two dogs are exchanged back. Toadie then has a coffee with the woman, who introduces herself as Charlie. Toadie later spots Charlie at the university, and she tells him that she is from London and is studying law in Australia. Charlie tells Toadie about her ex-boyfriend, Rupert (Craig Blumeris), who she is still sharing a house with. Charlie later shows up at Toadie's house and tells him that Rupert refuses to move out. Charlie asks Toadie if she can stay with him and he agrees. When Toadie tries to kiss her, Charlie pulls away, making it clear that she is not ready. Charlie realises Toadie's housemate, Joel (Daniel MacPherson), is not happy with her staying, and she leaves.
Charlie later apologises for her behaviour and offers to cook for Toadie at his house. Joel becomes suspicious of Charlie, and he and Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby) fall out with Toadie, when he invites Charlie to move in. When Charlie turns up with her stuff, Joel and Lance explain that she cannot move in. Charlie then goes to Toadie and claims that Joel and Lance had been rude to her, worsening the rift between them. Toadie and Charlie find a flat together, and Charlie later proposes to him. Toadie takes some time to think about it and then proposes to Charlie himself. Charlie later subtly drops her visa problems into the conversation and Toadie realises that she wants to marry him to stay in the country. Rupert also warns Toadie that he is making a mistake and shows Toadie a love letter from Charlie. Toadie confronts her and he learns that Charlie is not a student at the university and that she does not love him. Charlie then walks out of Toadie's life forever.
Joe Scully, played by Shane Connor, made his first screen appearance on 20 October 1999.[19] Connor was invited to audition for the role of Joe by the show's producers. Connor decided to accept when he learned that there was a chance he work with Janet Andrewartha, who played Joe's wife Lyn.[19] The character also offered Connor a chance to play someone other than a bad guy or "a man on the verge."[19] Connor was contracted with Neighbours for three years, with 12-month options.[19] Joe was a builder and Connor said, "He's the only one who isn't so easy to get along with. Well, he is, as long as you don't get on the wrong side of him. He doesn't really care what people think."[19] Andrew Mercado, author of Super Aussie Soaps, described Joe as being a "permanently missing-in-action" character.[20]
Lynette "Lyn" Scully, played by Janet Andrewartha, made her first screen appearance on 20 October 1999.[19] Andrewartha asked her agent to find her a role that would keep her in Melbourne, so she could be with her children. Six months later, Andrewartha's agent suggested she try out for Neighbours, and Andrewartha talked to producers, did a screen test and was offered the role of Lyn.[19] The actress said her character did not feel good enough for Erinsborough and tried hard to fit in. This caused some conflict between Lyn and her husband, Joe (Shane Connor).[19] Guy Davis from The Newcastle Herald observed Lyn's "vulnerability and messiness" resonated with viewers.[21] The actress added "She's imperfect but she keeps trying. Marriages break up, businesses fall over, this happens, that happens, but Lyn keeps pulling her socks up and giving it another go."[21]
Stephanie Jo "Steph" Scully, played by Carla Bonner, made her first screen appearance on 20 October 1999.[19] Before Bonner was cast in the role, actress Emma Roche was initially contracted to play Stephanie.[22] However, Roche unexpectedly quit the role after three weeks.[23] Bonner auditioned twice, before landing the part.[23][24] Reporters for eBroadcast wrote that Steph was the eldest of the Scully siblings, and she preferred leathers and motorbikes to the hobbies of her friends.[25] Steph was a tomboy and a "straight shooter". She had plenty of male admirers upon her arrival and she quickly became best friends with Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine).[26] In June 2002, Steph came first in a poll run by Newsround to find viewers' favourite Neighbours character. She received 34.85% of the vote.[27] Steph was voted viewers favourite Neighbours character in a survey carried out by website Yahoo! in 2010.[28]
Felicity Jane "Flick" Scully, played by Holly Valance, made her first screen appearance on 20 October 1999.[19] Valance did not have much experience auditioning prior to Neighbours.[29] She learned that she had won the part of Felicity three months later.[30] Of her reaction to finding out she had the part, Valance said "I never would have [believed it]. You know the show that I've been watching since I was two years old and been such a huge fan. Not in a million years would I thought I would be a part of."[30]Neighbours was Valance's first major television role.[29] She was sixteen when she was cast as Felicity, one year older than her character.[29] Felicity was "a devoted feminist" and someone who had a "very active social conscience."[25] For her portrayal of Felicity, Valance was nominated for the Most Popular New Female Talent Logie Award in 2000.[31]
Michelle Scully, played by Kate Keltie, made her first screen appearance on 20 October 1999.[19] Keltie was thirteen when she was cast as the youngest Scully sibling Michelle.[29] She was a year older than the character she portrayed.[25] Reporters for eBroadcast said Michelle had "an over-active imagination."[25] While Keltie branded Michelle a spoilt little princess, who looked like butter would not melt.[32] Keltie told Alison James of Soaplife, "She's actually wild and thinks she can get away with anything. She also has a mad imagination which means she tells very convincing fibs."[32] Michelle was close to her father and, a writer for the BBC's Neighbours website observed that she was "very mature, very clever, and very determined."[33] Shortly after her arrival, Michelle developed a crush on neighbour Paul McClain (Jansen Spencer).[32]
Gary comes to Ramsay Street to see Anne Wilkinson. He tells Anne that he is Lily Madigan's great nephew and that he missed her funeral, as he did not know about it. He initially claims that he does not want to fight over her house, that she has left to Anne, but he takes the case to court. Anne wins and she decides to rent the house out.
George is a radio DJ who begins working at Eden Hills' station, Uni FM and immediately riles Susan Kennedy when he claims that the local high school is failing its students. He causes problems when he tries to lean on Joel Samuels for the story about his accident and threatens to make up a story when Joel refuses. Toadfish Rebecchi challenges George verbally on air and all the listeners hear. After a controversial comment about Adolf Hitler, the station manager, Tony Simpson, has George removed from air.
Brenda is Joel Samuels's mother. She arrives in Erinsborough from Tasmania after reading about her son's accident in a local newspaper. Brenda fusses over Joel much to his discomfort and it becomes evident that things between them are strained as Brenda never approved of Joel pursuing athletics. She upsets Anne Wilkinson who was responsible for Joel's accident, but apologises when Joel tells her to stop fussing. After seeing how much support Joel has in the community, Brenda returns home.
Andy is a homeless busker who Harold Bishop and Karl Kennedy meet while doing voluntary work for the Salvation army. Andy is annoyed when Karl suspects him of buying drugs and later steals one of his prescription pads. After Karl punches Stevie Wells, who protects Andy's busking spot on the streets, Andy declines to be seen with Karl.
Cluney is a physiotherapist at Erinsborough Hospital who attends to Joel Samuels after his knee injury, and assists with his rehab. Several years later, she tends to Lou Carpenter when he suffers back problems.
Alita is a friend of Ruth Wilkinson who applies for the position of Vice-Principal at Erinsborough High. Alita is shortlisted but when Susan Kennedy discovers Alita is a friend of Ruth's, she is annoyed and Ruth worries that a conflict of interest may have jeopardised Alita's chances. In spite of this, Alita is given the job much to Ruth's relief.
Jemma is a classmate of Lance Wilkinson at Eden Hills University. Lance shows an interest in Jemma but she is more interested in Joel Samuels and they begin casually dating. Jemma hosts the "Single and Suffering" Ball at the university and crowns Lance and his date, ex-girlfriend Amy Greenwood King and Queen, much to their awkwardness.
Vincezo hires Anne Wilkinson to work as a waitress for his restaurant. After a disastrous first evening where Anne is slow and ends up spilling wine on a customer, Vincenzo sends Anne to do a waitressing course after she admits her references were embellished. At the end of one shift, Vincenzo kisses Anne on the cheek, which is witnessed by her boyfriend, Billy Kennedy. Bill is jealous at first, but thinks nothing of it.
Damien works for the same airline as Amy Greenwood and they begin a relationship. However, when Amy begins to exaggerate the details of the relationship to the point she tells her friends that Damien has asked her to move in with him, he breaks up with her. Amy and Damien get back together just before the new year, while Amy has supposedly reconciled with Lance Wilkinson. Amy soon falls pregnant and is forced to admit to Lance's sister, Anne that the baby is Damien's. Lance tells Damien the truth and he proposes to Amy, who rejects it at first, but then accepts. Damien and Amy then marry in Fiji and Amy gives birth to their son, Jax. When Amy returns to Erinsborough twenty years later, she reveals to Toadie Rebecchi that she and Damien have divorced due to Damien's homosexuality.
Frances is a librarian at Eden University, who takes a liking to Harold Bishop when he returns a long overdue book. She is disappointed when she learns he is married, but she begins spending a lot of time with Harold and offers to cook for him, but he turns her down. Frances admits that she has been lonely since the death of her husband five years earlier and her daughter lives interstate. Following the death of Harold's wife, Madge, Frances reappears in Harold's life and they resume their friendship, however, Harold's foster son, Paul McClain finds Frances' presence uncomfortable and Harold stops seeing her.
Michael Barallon[47] Steven Bahnsen[48] Brandon Burns[49]
Dougal is Drew Kirk's younger brother. He is initially hostile towards Drew when he returns home as Drew promised to come back home to Oakey for good, but Drew is able to smooth things over by suggesting Dougal comes to Erinsborough in the next school holidays. Dougal tries to stow away in Drew's car on his return to Erinsborough, but is foiled. Dougal later attends Drew's wedding to Libby Kennedy and also runs away to live with them, but is returned to Oakey. Dougal is happy when Drew and Libby agree to move to Oakey, but Drew dies after falling off a horse and Dougal attends his funeral. Years later, Stephanie Scully and Drew's son Ben Kirk visit Dougal's garage in Oakey. Dougal tells them he is busy and avoids spending time with Ben. Steph confronts him and Dougal explains that he can see too much of Drew in Ben. He also admits to feeling guilty about Drew's death, but Steph tells him he was not at fault. Dougal apologises to Ben and they spend the rest of the day together at Dougal's garage. Dougal later offers Ben a job as an apprentice after seeing how skilled he is.
Ruby is the newborn daughter of Ray and Shelley Hanson. Shelley goes into labour with Ruby at a Rodeo Ball in Oakey. The Hansons' friends Libby Kennedy and Drew Kirk visit Ruby at Oakey Hospital the following morning.
Barry is Tad Reeves's father. He arrives to tell Tad that he and Tad's mother, Coral, are separating and that Tad will remain in Erinsborough. He returns several months later to tell Tad that he is adopted, which upsets him. However, before Barry leaves he tells Tad he and Coral will always love him.
Chloris is a bridal shop assistant. She serves Sarah Beaumont and Amy Greenwood when they look for a dress for Sarah's wedding. When they learn that the dress Sarah wants costs $3,800, Amy devises a plan to copy it and has Toadfish Rebecchi distract Chloris with wedding talk while she takes a photo of the dress. However, Chloris catches them and confiscates the film telling them a copy will never look as good as the real thing. Several weeks later, Sarah and Amy come back for the dress, but it has been sold. However, Chloris sells them a similar one.
Julia meets Lance Wilkinson on a fruit-picking trip in Mildura and she later arrives in Erinsborough at a seminar at Eden University. Julia and Lance begin dating, making Lance's ex-girlfriend, Amy Greenwood jealous. Several months later, Lance arrives to see Julia after his reconciliation with Amy fails. Julia realises that Lance is on the rebound and rejects his advances and he returns to Erinsborough alone.
Becky is a Year 12 girl who Tad Reeves tries to impress by organising a concert at a local hall featuring a band named The Dogs, but things fall apart when the speakers short out as soon as the band play.
Megan meets Lance Wilkinson at a nightclub and gives him her number on a slip of paper, which he accidentally washes in his trousers, prompting his friends to think he is making her up. They meet again in the university library and go on a date. Lance's ex-girlfriend, Amy Greenwood finally believes him when she sees them together. When Amy appears on another one of Lance and Megan's dates, Lance accuses her of stalking them. Amy suspects Megan of using Lance and her suspicions are confirmed when she overhears Megan and her friend, Rachel Ball, talking in the toilets and learns that Megan only dated Lance to win a bet. Amy tells Lance and he confronts Megan who admits to the bet. She also admits that she genuinely likes him, but he breaks up with her.
Gordon is a client of Philip Martin. His manner and general attitude annoy Philip's wife, Ruth, especially when he takes up a lot of Philip's time. Gordon nominates Philip to join an exclusive club in Eden Hills. Philip brings Lou Carpenter to the club as his guest, but Gordon can see Lou's desperation to join and is unimpressed. He later ends his association with Philip after he learns Philip is indirectly responsible for Lou's tax problems. Several months later Gordon and Lou make a $1000 bet on a local cricket game, which Lou wins.
Kate is a nurse at Erinsborough Hospital and a friend of Sarah Beaumont. She attends Sarah's hen party and tends to Drew Kirk after he is admitted with burns following a fire on Millennium eve.
Rachel is a student at Eden Hills University and a friend of Megan Townsend. They laugh about classmate Lance Wilkinson. Amy Greenwood, Lance's ex-girlfriend overhears a conversation between Rachel and Megan about dating Lance for a bet and witnesses Rachel paying Megan $10.
David, nicknamed Fanto due to his love of Phantom comics, is an art student at Eden University, who takes an interest in Anne Wilkinson. Anne is flattered, but as she has recently broken up with Billy Kennedy, just wants to be friends. She and Fanto bond over painting. Their relationship moves up a gear and Fanto and Anne decide to live as artists in a warehouse. During a meal with Anne's brother Lance and his girlfriend Amy Greenwood, Fanto sees them as shallow and suggests Anne no longer associate with them. Fanto then tries to proposition Amy to pose nude for him, but she is disgusted and refuses. He then tells Anne his side of the story. Anne soon discovers Fanto has been taking $50 rent from everyone in order fund an exhibition, as well as lying about the warehouse being knocked down and needing to find new premises. Anne then breaks up with Fanto.
Craig is drinking at Lou's place with a group friends and they behave rowdily, despite warnings from Libby Kennedy, who is on duty. Craig and his friends take notice and continue with their behaviour. When Craig tries to grab some drinks from behind the bar, Geri Hallett warns him off and orders the group out, threatening to call the police. Craig later asks Steph Scully and Tess Bell for a dance at a nightclub but they decline, leaving.
Maurie is a local builder who hires Billy Kennedy to work on his site. Maurie's dubious and dangerous work practices become evident when one of his apprentices, Sam Rodgers, is injured. Billy's sister, Libby does some investigating after Sam suffers a fall. Maurie threatens both Billy and Libby, but is arrested. Several months later, Joe Scully hires Maurie to work for him on his site. Maurie finds himself at loggerheads with Karl Kennedy, when Karl fails to notice a tumour in Maurie's wife Glenda's arm. Maurie threatens to sue for malpractice and only calls off the suit when Glenda loses patience with him. Maurie later tries to prevent Stuart Parker from working on the site as he is not a member of the Union, but Joe overrules him.
Sam is a second year apprentice on Maurie Ryan's building site. Billy Kennedy notices that Sam is often the victim of practical jokes on the site, including one that left him injured. Maurie claims Sam is making it up, but Billy is suspicious. Sam thinks about quitting, but Billy tells him to keep working on the site as the apprenticeship will be worth it. Maurie orders Sam to work on the roof without a safety harness and Sam loses his footing and falls injuring his back. Billy's sister, Libby, begins investigating for the Erinsborough News and finds out about Maurie's work practices. Billy is skeptical at first, but then after seeing everything that happened with Sam, quits.
Desi is the daughter of Portia Grant. When her mother buys local restaurant, Grease Monkeys, it quickly becomes a rival for the Lassiter's Coffee Shop, owned by Madge and Harold Bishop. A war breaks out between the two restaurants and Tad Reeves takes a job at Grease Monkeys, much to the chagrin of the Bishops. Desi threatens to sack Tad when he tries to cut back his hours due to falling grades at school. After learning about Tad's predicament, Libby Kennedy poses as a teenager applying for a job in order to expose the unfair working conditions to the Erinsborough News, but the ruse falls through, when Desi learns from Portia that Libby is a journalist. Libby wants to continue with the article, but Desi informs her that the investors have pulled out and the restaurant will be closing. Desi then calls a truce with the Bishops.
Ralph is a police officer. He spots some teenagers attempting to smash the window of Grease Monkeys but they get away. A month later, he arrests Paul McClain and Tad Reeves when they throw rocks at Teabag's house. He is also present when Libby Kennedy and Stephanie Scully are involved in a road accident with Brendan Bell. Ralph also investigates the theft of Karl Kennedy's car, Paul's alleged shoplifting and the theft of the Wigs for Kids charity fund. Following his promotion, Ralph is involved with Steph's problems with her ex-boyfriend Woody and when Drew Kirk assaults Nigel Armstrong.
Cindy is a local photographer who takes pictures of Joel Samuels for a nude calendar and several years later, she takes publicity photos for Lassiter's which feature Marc Lambert and Felicity Scully.
Viv is a nurse at Erinsborough Hospital. She treats Sam Rodgers following his fall on a building site and tends to Drew Kirk and Louise Carpenter on Millennium eve following a house fire. Viv also tends to Libby Kennedy following a motorcycle collision with Brendan Bell.
A stripper, who auditions for Natalie Rigby, but fails to impress her. After she lets him down, Steve passes Joel Samuels on the way out and wishes him good luck because he will need it.
Natalie hires Joel Samuels as a barman, when his stripping audition fails, and they begin to get along well. When Joel discovers Natalie has a son, Liam, he is shocked, but tells her he does not care that she is a mother. However, Natalie and Joel's relationship begins to feel strange when she turns down invites to spend time with his friends as they are Joel's age and Natalie is much older. Liam, upon finding out about the relationship, warns Joel to stay away as Natalie's previous boyfriends have let them down. Natalie then breaks up with Joel.
A volunteer for the Salvation Army, who befriends Harold Bishop. When Harold is mistaken for an armed robber and is arrested, Lindsay comes to see him. Harold offers his uniform back to Lindsay, who refuses to take it and reveals that everyone supports him. Lindsay later helps Harold to cope with the loss of his wife. After Harold's son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter die, Lindsay says a few words at their funeral. A couple of years later, Lindsay tells Harold that his dealings with so-called spiritualist Terrence Chesterton are conflicting with the Salvation Army's Christian views. Harold then returns his uniform to Lindsay.
Katie is a prospective tenant for Number 30 Ramsay Street. She considers taking Toadfish Rebecchi's recently vacated room and Toadie's housemates Lance Wilkinson and Joel Samuels agree to Katie staying on a trial basis, due to their attraction to her. However, Katie's strict cleaning regime begins to irk them and when she insists Bob the dog will have to stay outside, they conspire to get rid of her. However, Katie's boyfriend Daryl calls and offers to move in with her and she leaves.
Bianca becomes friends with Michelle Scully when she stands up to school bully Cecile Bliss. The girls get into various scrapes over the years and their friendship is tested when Bianca suggests that Elly Conway is out to steal Michelle's boyfriend Zack Shaw, but they later make up. While Michelle and Bianca are out together, Bianca falls down a storm drain. She is rescued by Michelle's father, Joe, and is not badly injured. However, her mother bans her from seeing Michelle for a while. Bianca makes her final appearance when she and some others tease Boyd Hoyland on his first day at Erinsborough High.
Kurt is David Hodges's father. When Kurt calls round to his son's warehouse, he meets Anne Wilkinson and tells her that the warehouse will be demolished soon. He then surprises Anne when he mentions that the tenants were living there rent free.
Tim is a student at Erinsborough High who works at Grease Monkeys. He is questioned by an undercover Libby Kennedy about the working conditions under manager Desi Grant. Tim tells Libby about the low pay and that employers are fired after age 18. He next appears to taunt Paul McClain and Tad Reeves when Harold Bishop is arrested on suspicion of armed robbery, prompting Paul to shove him. Tim is also present when a controversial book, Rainbow Alley is on the syllabus and discussed in class.
Rupert has a one-night stand with Charlie Thorpe, who then becomes obsessed with him. She sits in the back of his lectures and sends him love letters. Rupert meets Toadfish Rebecchi and learns that he is engaged to Charlie, whose work visa is running out. Rupert tells Toadie that Charlie is using him, so she can stay in the country and be closer to him. Rupert then shows Toadie one of Charlie's recent love letters.
Chas is a local councillor who Libby Kennedy interviews for an article in the Erinsborough News. Shortly after Chas' appointment as mayor, Geri Hallett Libby's colleague and rival is determined to expose an alleged affair between Chas and a woman named Pat Lemon, but is foiled when Chas and his wife appear to be a solid couple.
Related Research Articles
Harold Wayne Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Smith. The character was loosely based on the UK’s Jon, and to a lesser extent his younger brother, Jim White. Smith was offered the role by the show's creator and executive producer Reg Watson. Smith made his first screen appearance as Harold during the episode broadcast on 30 January 1987. He departed in September 1991, but returned five years later in October 1996. Harold remained on screen for over twelve years, making him one of the longest-running characters in the show's history.
Ramsay Street is the fictional cul-de-sac in which the characters of the Australian soap opera Neighbours live. The street is set in the equally fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. Neighbours storylines primarily centre on the residents of the street, which was named after Jack Ramsay, the grandfather of original character Max Ramsay. A blackjack game between Jack and Sam Robinson determined whom the street would be named after. Only six houses on the street are featured on a regular basis; numbers 22 to 32. Number 34 was featured for the only time in 2018. The cul-de-sac is at the end of a long street and the rest of the houses are on the other side of the main road which bisects it. The street behind Ramsay Street is named Mirrabooka Drive. A storyline within the show saw the name of the street nearly changed to Ramsbottom Street. Harold Bishop led a protest against it and won.
Erinsborough is a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Australia, where the soap opera Neighbours is set, focusing on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work there. Neighbours primarily centers on the residents of Ramsay Street and other Erinsborough locations, most prominently those situated within the Lassiters complex. Erinsborough is a loose anagram of Neighbours.
Stephanie Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Carla Bonner. She made her first screen appearance during the episode that was broadcast on 20 October 1999. Following Bonner's decision to quit the show after eleven years, Steph departed on 24 November 2010. In November 2012, it was announced that Bonner would be reprising the role for a two-month guest stint and Steph returned on 15 April 2013. Bonner reprised the role permanently in July 2015 and made her on-screen return on 2 October 2015. On 17 May 2018, it was confirmed that Bonner would be departing the show imminently and Steph made her final appearance on 7 June 2018. Bonner made a cameo in the show's final episode broadcast on 28 July 2022.
Sarah Beaumont is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Nicola Charles. Shortly after Charles moved to Australia, she was encouraged to try out for a part in the serial by a drama coach. The actress received the role of Sarah and made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 25 September 1996. In January 1999, it was announced that Charles had decided to quit Neighbours to move to London with her then fiancé. She filmed her final scenes in April 1999 and Sarah departed on-screen on 13 July 1999. Charles later appeared in the show's 20th anniversary episode, which was broadcast in July 2005. Charles reprised the role in 2012 and Sarah made a six-week return from 4 February 2013. She returned again from 5 April 2016.
Tad Reeves is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Jonathon Dutton. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 November 1998. After deciding not to renew his contract, Dutton made his last appearance as Tad on 18 June 2002. He reprised his role in an unannounced cameo appearance in the serial's final episode on 28 July 2022.
Rebecca Napier is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jane Hall. The show suffered a ratings decline in early 2007 and plans were put in place for storylines to focus more on relationships and family dynamics. During this period, the character of Rebecca was created and introduced. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 13 July 2007. Rebecca is the mother of Oliver Barnes and Declan Napier. Rebecca departed on 15 March 2011, after Hall chose to leave the serial. Hall reprised the role in February 2014 and again in September 2019.
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