Riley Parker | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Neighbours character | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Portrayed by | Sweeney Young | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2007–2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | 17 August 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last appearance | 23 May 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Ric Pellizzeri | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Riley Parker is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours , played by Sweeney Young. He made his first on-screen appearance on 17 August 2007. He was involved in various storylines most notably an incest plot. The character was axed in 2008 and departed on 23 May 2008.
In 2007 Neighbours suffered one of its worst decline in ratings and several key changes took place, including the introduction of a new family. [1] Network Ten drama executive Dan Bennett revealed that the show would return to the focus on relationships and family dynamics [1] Several regular characters left the show to make way for the Parker family. [2] Australian drama actress Nikki Coghill was cast as matriarch of the family, Miranda Parker, and Steve Bastoni was cast as her husband Steve Parker. [2] Eloise Mignon was also cast as sister Bridget Parker. Sweeney Young received the part of Riley. [3] Young revealed he auditioned alone for throughout the audition process, whereas Mignon and Coghill both auditioned together in later stages through screen tests. [3] The Parker family made their first appearance on-screen in July 2007, marking the start of the show's renovation. [4]
In 2008, Riley was axed from the soap opera, in which Young stated: "I'm incredibly excited, I can’t wait to take all the stuff I've learnt at Neighbours and apply it to other productions." [5]
Riley is mysterious and has a dark past. During an interview with entertainment website Last Broadcast Young described Riley stating: "He’s a little dark, but a good guy. He has a bit of trouble expressing himself, particularly where his parents and his past are concerned, but at the same time he’s very genuine." [3] Riley's adoption has affected his persona, of this during a separate interview with Last Broadcast, Young said: "The problem is, he feels sensitive about being given up for adoption because it‘s like a rejection to him. He’s also insecure about his adoptive parents and feels unsure about whether they really love him". [6] Riley also had a distinguished laugh which was created by Young. [5] Young's unshaven look was also a concept incorporated into Riley's appearance, with Young stating he auditioned with long hair and a noticeable beard, subsequently producers liked his appearance, thus using it for the Riley. [3] Producers also incorporated a hair cut, in which saw Young reduce his hair length, to complement his character. [5] Of the producer's control over Young's appearance, he was asked if he would change his hair after filming his final scenes, he stated: "I want Definitely shorter hair, long hair is annoying. As soon as work permits I’m going to cut my hair really short." [5]
In 2008 Riley was involved in a controversial storyline where it was revealed Riley had been pursuing a romance with his adoptive aunt Nicola West (Imogen Bailey). [7] Various media sources reported the story after Australian conservative groups voiced their disapproval of the storyline. [7] The media dramatised the plot in the wake of a real life case in which an Austrian man Josef Fritzl raped his daughter, the storyline was likened to the real life case. [7] The Australian Family Association accused the soap opera of using plots mirroring real life events to attract viewers, branding them 'opportunistic'. [7] The president of its Queensland branch commented on the storyline stating: "Is Neighbours redefining itself as some kind of sick mockumentary? Incest is a very sensitive subject that I wouldn't expect a prime-time program aimed at children to be tackling. They are dealing with young minds who can't fully understand or analyse the issues." [7] Executive producer Susan Bower defended the storyline stating: "It is controversial, but all our stories are handled carefully." [7] The storyline aired regardless of the criticism, in which Heather Pryor (Georgina Andrews) and Bridget discover their affair.
Riley was introduced in August 2007, when he moved to Erinsborough and reconciled with his adopted parents, Miranda Parker (Nikki Coghill) and Steve Parker (Steve Bastoni), with whom he had had a falling-out. Riley previously had been doing a course for Veterinary Science and had stated that he had been getting distinctions but near the end of the course decided he didn't want to become a Veterinarian.
He met Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) at Charlie's Bar and the two became friends. After falling for her he competed for her affection with Oliver (David Hoflin). Riley gained a cadet-ship at the Erinsborough News, and shared it with Elle as a result of her losing her old job and finding an interest in journalism. Riley helped his sister Bridget cope with the disability she suffered after a car accident.
Riley and Elle had secretly gone to an illegal dance party to report for Erinsborough News even though they had clear instructions not too, in the end (after the roof collapsed) they both made it out. Riley then revealed his feelings to Elle through a draft of a news article. Elle saw it, blushed and told Riley that she wasn't ready to be involved in a relationship, which Riley didn't believe. After revealing his feelings for Elle, Riley caught the eye of his new coworker Heather and developed a relationship, however Elle reacted a little jealous but Riley and her agreed to be friends.
In early May 2008, Miranda's sister Nicola arrived in Ramsay Street and it was revealed that she and Riley have a past romantic history. When she kissed him, Heather saw and was disgusted Riley would cheat on her, with his aunt. They kept up the affair and tried to keep it from Miranda and Steve. After Bridget discovered Riley and Nicola's relationship, he became worried and was desperate to get away from Nicola, so he decided to go to the Middle East to be war correspondent against his parents will. While the family were out for dinner, Riley packed his bags and left leaving a note in an envelope for Steve and Miranda labelled 'Mum and Dad' on it. However, after he walked out Nicola took the envelope and put it in her pocket. Miranda later saw it and was very annoyed with Nicola. Later on, when Miranda and Steve found out that Nicola had been sleeping with him, they tried to get him to come back but they were unsuccessful.
Riley has a unique laugh that has been noted in media sources, of this Last Broadcast branded his laugh as an 'awesome' creation. [5] In 2007, Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture gave Riley a mixed review. She said "Riley is decent enough eye candy, but he needs to take his shirt off a bit more, get screwed over by Elle Robinson and go all dewey-eyed with tears. And get a plotline". [8] Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap said that Riley is no bad boy and acted "so nice that he makes cuddly Harold look like a criminal mastermind". [9]
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 whose name 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.
The Robinson family are a fictional family from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours. The family were created by Reg Watson and introduced in the first episode of the serial, broadcast on 18 March 1985. The family initially consisted of Jim Robinson, his mother-in-law Helen Daniels, and his four children Paul Robinson, Julie Martin, Scott Robinson, and Lucy Robinson. The Robinsons have one of the largest and most complex family trees in the show's history.
Sky Mangel is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 1 February 1989. The character was originally played by Miranda Fryer until 1991. When Sky was reintroduced on 13 August 2003, Stephanie McIntosh took over the role. She departed on 3 August 2007. McIntosh reprised her role as part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations on 20 March 2015. She returned for a longer stint as part of the 35th anniversary on 13 March 2020, and made an unannounced cameo appearance in the final episode on 28 July 2022, though her appearance was only broadcast in the Australian cut of the episode.
Lucinda "Elle" Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Pippa Black. The character made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 19 September 2005. She was introduced as the daughter of established characters Paul and Gail Robinson.
Isabelle "Izzy" Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Natalie Bassingthwaighte. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 1 September 2003. Izzy was introduced as Max Hoyland's younger sister. The character departed in 2006, following Bassingthwaighte's decision to focus on her music career. However, in March 2007, Bassingthwaighte made a brief return to film a few episodes set in London. The character was well received by critics and viewers and Bassingthwaighte earned three Logie Award nominations for her role. In October 2017, Bassingthwaighte reprised the role for a guest appearance and she returned on 12 February 2018 until 20 March 2018. She reprised the role again on 21 July 2022 for the serial's then final episodes.
Ned Parker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Daniel O'Connor. He made his first appearance on screen on 9 August 2005, arriving to see his brother, Stuart. He departed on 31 July 2008.
Gino Esposito is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Shane McNamara. The character made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 11 August 2000. The character was originally played by Claude Stevens. McNamara was cast in the role when the character was reintroduced in 2001. Gino owned a hair salon called A Good Hair Day, which employed both Lyn Scully and Janelle Timmins. Script producer Luke Devenish called Gino "a [gay] stereotype" and a comedic character, similar to Mr. Humphries from British sitcom Are You Being Served?.
Ringo Brown is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Sam Clark. Clark was given the role after he entered and won a Dolly magazine competition. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 24 January 2007. Ringo's storylines have included his ongoing battle with an eating disorder, a bus crash, a relationship with an older woman, the collapse of a warehouse roof at an illegal dance party and his on-off relationship with Donna Freedman. In July 2010, it was announced that Clark had decided to leave Neighbours. He filmed his final scenes at the end of the month and Ringo made his last credited appearance on 1 October 2010, but was killed off-screen in the next episode.
Oliver Barnes is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by David Hoflin. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 January 2007. Oliver is the oldest son of Rebecca Napier and the brother of Declan Napier. Some of Oliver's biggest storylines included discovering that he was adopted, finding his birth parents and becoming a father. Oliver departed the show on 8 August 2008. Hoflin and his co-star Natalie Blair reprised their roles in March 2011 to help facilitate Hall's departure from the show.
Nicola Vicars Coghill is an Australian actress. She is best known for playing the roles of Sister Jackie Crane in The Flying Doctors, and Miranda Parker in Neighbours.
Steve Parker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Steve Bastoni. In 2007, Neighbours decided to return to focusing more on family dynamics and the characters of Steve and his family were created and introduced to help boost falling ratings in Australia. Steve made his first on-screen appearance on 23 July 2007 along with his wife, Miranda Parker, and their daughter Bridget Parker. The family moved into Ramsay Street and Steve opened a veterinary practice in the Lassiters complex. His storylines included taking the blame for the death of Chris Knight, being kissed and poisoned by Nicola West, breaking up and later reuniting with Miranda, becoming a grandfather and the death of his daughter. In March 2009, the decision was taken to write the Parker family out of the show after Bastoni and Eloise Mignon quit. Steve departed on 24 July 2009 with his wife, following Bridget's funeral.
Miranda Parker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Nikki Coghill. In 2007, the show's focus returned to focus more on family dynamics and the characters of Miranda and her family were created and introduced to help boost falling ratings in Australia. Miranda made her first screen appearance on 23 July 2007, along with her husband, Steve Parker and her daughter Bridget. The family moved into Ramsay Street and Miranda became friends with many of her neighbours and was employed at both Erinsborough High and Lassiter's Hotel. Her storylines included the arrival of her sister Nicola, breaking up and later reuniting with Steve, having an affair with her old university lecturer, becoming a grandmother and the death of her daughter. In March 2009, the decision was taken to write the Parker family out of the show after Mignon and Bastoni quit. Miranda departed on 24 July 2009 with her husband, following their daughter's funeral.
Bridget "Didge" Parker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Eloise Mignon. In 2007 the show was revamped to boost falling ratings in Australia. As part of this, the show's focus returned to family dynamics and the character of Bridget and her family were created and introduced. Bridget made her first on-screen appearance on 23 July 2007. She arrived in Erinsborough from Sydney with her father and mother, Steve and Miranda. During her time in Neighbours, Bridget's storylines included being run over by Susan Kennedy, falling in love with Declan Napier, finding her birth mother and falling pregnant at seventeen. In March 2009, the decision was taken to write the Parker family out of the show after both Mignon and Steve Bastoni, who played Steve, quit. Mignon wanted to return to her studies and she had enough of Neighbours. Bridget died on-screen on 21 July 2009 after suffering internal injuries, which she sustained in a car crash. The character was met with polarised reactions from viewers and critics, though her pregnancy storyline was voted the best of 2008 during a poll on the official website.
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.
Sweeney Jerome Young is an Australian actor known for his role as Riley Parker in the soap opera Neighbours.
Janae Timmins is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Eliza Taylor-Cotter. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 4 April 2005. The character was created by executive producer Ric Pellizzeri as part of the new Timmins family, joining the established character Stingray Timmins. Janae is characterised as a feisty character who is unafraid of physical confrontation. She has low self-esteem due to her father Kim Timmins being absent during her childhood. Janae is featured in various storylines including having her drink spiked with rohypnol, an HIV scare and the victim of an attempted sexual assault.
Nicola West is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Imogen Bailey. She made her on-screen debut on 5 May 2008. She departed the show on 8 October 2008. The character has been central to many storylines including an HIV scare, incest and mental illness.