Samantha Fitzgerald

Last updated

Samantha Fitzgerald
Samantha Fitzgerald.JPG
Neighbours character
Portrayed by Simone Buchanan
Duration2008–2010, 2020
First appearance21 March 2008 (2008-03-21)
Last appearance18 May 2020 (2020-05-18)
Introduced by
Classification Past; recurring
Profile
OccupationLawyer
Newspaper legal advisor
Home New Zealand

Samantha "Sam" Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours , played by Simone Buchanan. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 21 March 2008. After departing on 25 June 2008, she made a brief return on 24 November 2008. Samantha's main storylines focused on her marriage to Daniel Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker), her bipolar disorder, which was triggered by a miscarriage prior to her introduction, and a pregnancy. In June 2010, executive producer Susan Bower announced that Buchanan had reprised her role and Samantha returned on 1 November 2010. She was the lead prosecutor in Stephanie Scully's (Carla Bonner) culpable driving trial. The character departed on 24 November 2010. Buchanan reprised the role ten years later, and returned on 6 April 2020.

Contents

Casting

Buchanan joined the cast of Neighbours in early 2008 in a five-month guest role capacity. [1] She said Sam's bipolar disorder was "definitely an incentive" for her accepting the part. [2]

Development

Characterisation and introduction

Colin Vickery of the Herald Sun described Samantha as a "smart, successful lawyer". [3] A writer for the official Neighbours website said Sam was "long-suffering" and an "off-the-rails lawyer". They also called the character "fiery". [4] Actress Kym Valentine dubbed Samantha "a beautiful, intelligent woman". [5] Johnathon for Daytime Confidential said Sam would "go to incredible lengths to get Dan". [6]

Samantha was introduced as the estranged wife of Daniel Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker). [5] Tucker told Jackie Brygel of TV Week that during a meeting to discuss his character's return to the show, it was "loosely" mentioned that he could have a wife. The idea was later used. [5] Dan initially keeps his marital status a secret until he develops feelings for Libby Kennedy (Valentine). He decides to be honest with her before their relationship goes any further. Their conversation prompts Dan to get in contact with Samantha. [5] Tucker said, "Dan realises he has got a few things to sort out with his ex. What I can tell you is that his past involved a lot of pain and turmoil. He now knows that he has to dredge all that up again so that he can move on completely and perhaps start a new relationship with Libby." [5] Dan has mixed emotions when Samantha then turns up Erinsborough, while Libby can see that there is still something between the two of them. [5] Buchanan thought the Sam/Dan/Libby triangle was an interesting storyline. She explained that Samantha was unaware of Libby and "innocently comes back into the picture". [2] Buchanan did not think either of the women were the villain in the situation. [2]

Bipolar disorder

One of Samantha's main storylines was her battle with bipolar disorder. [3] [7] The storyline required careful planning as the Neighbours production team wanted to portray the issue sensitively. [8] Buchanan worked closely with mental health charity SANE Australia to carry out the relevant research. [8] With their help the scriptwriters, production team and Buchanan worked to portray the illness as accurate as possible. [8] Buchanan's brother, Miles, has bipolar disorder and is a spokesperson for the charity. He spoke of his delight that Neighbours decided to include such a storyline and praised it for being "gripping". [8] Buchanan immediately turned to her brother when she got the role of Samantha and he helped her with her portrayal of the illness. [3]

Buchanan herself felt that she had done the storyline justice. During an interview with the charity she stated: "I think they've done a great job, the writers really did their research beforehand; they spent time with people who have bipolar disorder, and worked closely with SANE Australia. They haven't glossed over it." [8] Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower said that it was important to represent the character dealing with bipolar disorder accurately. [3] She also said that any health condition had to be "properly researched", as they did not want to give viewers any misinformation. Bower added, "In the end, proper research also helps you tell the story better than making it up". [3]

Samantha's bipolar disorder was triggered by a miscarriage she and Dan suffered a few years prior. During their reunion, Samantha encourages Dan to work through the pain of the miscarriage. [2] Buchanan called the plot "an absolute emotional rollercoaster" and explained that Samantha had been six months along in her pregnancy when she lost the baby. [2] As they grieved for their child, viewers are shown how close Samantha and Dan's bond was and are given an insight into their history as a couple. [2] Samantha plans to leave Erinsborough and let Dan get on with his life, but once they bond again, Dan does not want her to go and she decides to stay. Samantha and Dan then share a kiss and realise they still love each other. [2]

Samantha later comes off her bipolar medication to try and get pregnant. After she fails to conceive, she lies to Dan that she is pregnant. [9] Samantha believes that if she lies, she will have an opportunity to fall pregnant that month and no one will have to know about her lie. [9] When Samantha becomes aware that Dan is about to find out the truth, she tells him she has suffered another miscarriage. [9] Buchanan told Jackie Brygel of TV Week, "With each day that Samantha's off her medication, she becomes more and more paranoid about Dan's feelings for Libby. Samantha's really not thinking straight and she's going into a manic phase. Everything is falling apart around her, but it's very difficult for her to realise she's going down." [9]

When Libby finds out about Samantha's lie, she decides that Dan needs to know the truth, as she cannot stand to see him grieving for something that never existed. [9] She also feels that after she sacrificed their relationship, Samantha had "deliberately hurt the man she loves." [9] Valentine told Brygel that Libby is not fully aware of how unwell Samantha is, and she is not sure whether Samantha is just being manipulative. [9] Libby urges Dan to speak to Sam at length, but when she realises Samantha is still lying to Dan, Libby threatens to tell him the truth herself. [9]

Return (2010)

In 2010, Neighbours executive producer, Susan Bower, revealed that Buchanan would be reprising her role of Samantha. [10] Speaking of the reasons behind her return Bower stated: "I like if we are going to have returning characters that they're part of the story. They don't just walk in and say 'G'day' and walk out again." [11] The Herald Sun reported that Buchanan would be returning for a four-week guest role. [12] Bower later said that there is "plenty in store" for the character. She added "Hang onto your hats, Samantha is back and I know Simone will love what we have planned". [4] Sam returned to Neighbours on 1 November 2010. [13]

Samantha was the prosecutor in Stephanie Scully's (Carla Bonner) culpable driving court case. [14] Samantha is determined to see Steph sent to jail and she forms an alliance with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). [14] Buchanan said "Samantha comes back to Erinsborough with her lawyer's hat well and truly on. She mentions that she's now well again – her bipolar disorder is under control. She also talks about Dan and the fact that she's seen him and the baby." [14] Buchanan also said that Sam has a personal agenda as well as a professional one, she is unhappy that Steph fell pregnant with Dan's child. Sam also wants to get back at Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine). [14] Samantha and Paul join up because Paul wants justice for Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie), whose husband Steph killed. [14] Dennis said Samantha is "as devious as Paul is" and he sees that Samantha is a way to get his wish for Steph to be punished. [14] Buchanan added that she surprised to be asked back because she thought her character had "burnt her bridges with most people in Ramsay Street the last time around." [14] Bower revealed that viewers can see that Samantha has a score to settle with Steph and Libby and her questions open up a lot of wounds for Steph. [15] Bower added that that issue has "divided many fans." [15]

Return (2020)

On 23 March 2020, Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported that Buchanan had reprised the role again, and would appear in April 2020. [16] Samantha is hired by Claudia Watkins (Kate Raison) in her custody battle with Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta). [16]

Storylines

When Dan returns to Erinsborough, he is attracted to Libby and gets in contact with Samantha to ask for a divorce. Samantha arrives in Ramsay Street hoping that Dan wants a reconciliation. Dan explains that he wants a divorce, so that he can start a relationship with Libby. Samantha is shocked, but their conversation is interrupted by Rosetta Cammeniti (Natalie Saleeba) who Samantha went to university with. After realising that she is losing Dan, Samantha decides to stay for a while and is offered work with Rosetta's law firm. Samantha refuses to disclose details about her bipolar disorder to anyone else, but she is angry when she realises that Dan had told Libby. When Libby visits Samantha for some legal advice she tells her that there is nothing between her and Dan and Samantha and Libby begin a friendship. Samantha and Dan talk about the baby she miscarried. Samantha also helps find Libby's son, Ben Kirk (Blake O'Leary), who had become trapped in a drain. Samantha announces that she is planning to leave, but she stays to organise a baby shower for Rosetta. When Rosetta is told that she had had a false pregnancy, she remains convinced that she is pregnant and Samantha tells Rosetta that she believes her. Dan later decides to give his marriage with Samantha another try. [17]

Samantha decides to try for another baby and stops taking her medication, so she can get pregnant. Samantha does not tell Dan about her plans, but her symptoms begin to show and she tells Dan that she wants a child with him. When Libby spots Samantha with a pregnancy test, Samantha lies that she is pregnant and Dan is delighted. Samantha's behaviour continues to get worse and she goes to Charlie's and gets drunk. She later decides to go to a hotel with Oliver Barnes (David Hoflin) and announces that her marriage is over. Dan calls the crisis assessment team and Samantha admits that she is not pregnant and lies that she had miscarried again. After making Dan promise he would not leave, Samantha tells him the truth. [18] Samantha is admitted to hospital and is put back on her medication. She then asks Dan to move to New Zealand with her and Dan agrees to go. At the airport, Samantha realises that she is always going to be second best to Libby and leaves alone. Dan returns home to find Samantha had signed the divorce papers. [19]

Six months later, a heavily pregnant Samantha returns to Erinsborough in the middle of Dan and Libby's joint hen and buck's night. Samantha claims not to know about the wedding and tells Dan that he is about to become a father. Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) offers Samantha a room at her house and Libby tries to be nice by inviting her to a barbecue. When Libby sees Dan feel the baby kick, she calls off the wedding. It later emerges that Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major) had told Samantha about the wedding. Samantha asks Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) for a job and he employs her as a legal adviser for his newspaper. When Libby turns up at Samantha's ultrasound scan, Samantha tells Dan that she does not want Libby involved with her baby. Cassandra Freedman (Tottie Goldsmith) moves into Ramsay Street and when she sets her sights on Paul, she sees Samantha as a threat. Cassandra gets a job at the hospital and she reads Samantha's file and decides to blackmail her about her bipolar disorder. Samantha finds out that her baby was conceived three weeks later than she had thought and therefore is not Dan's. Cassandra begins her blackmail plan and Samantha blurts out that she had not known that Dan was not the father of the baby. Cassandra gets Samantha to convince her daughter, Donna (Margot Robbie), to move out of the Robinsons' house. As Samantha and Cassandra are discussing her secret, Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner) overhears and tells Libby and Dan the truth about Samantha's baby. Dan confronts Samantha and she tells him that the baby is not his. Samantha then leaves Erinsborough.

Samantha later calls Dan, while suffering a manic episode and asks him to look after her and her newborn daughter, Emma. Dan agrees and he and Libby go to New Zealand. Libby returns alone as Dan agrees to stay for another week. Libby discovers Dan has transferred $12,000 of their money into Samantha's bank account, to help with her debts. On Dan's return, Libby makes him promise not to have any further contact with Samantha.

A year later, when Charlie Hoyland (Jacob Brito) wanders off during Halloween, Samantha finds him and runs into Steph, Lucas and Lyn Scully (Janet Andrewartha). Lucas and Samantha talk and she tells him that she is good. Steph thanks Samantha for finding Charlie and Samantha tells her that she has been to see Dan and Adam. Lyn asks Samantha what brings her back to town and Samantha tells her that she is there to prosecute Steph's culpable driving case. The next day, Samantha goes to see Donna and says that she is sorry that her husband, Ringo Brown (Sam Clark), is dead. Samantha asks Donna if they can meet, but Donna turns her down. Samantha later sees Donna's university lecturer fail her assignment and asks if she can buy her and Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) tea. Samantha talks to Kate about her witness statement and when she goes to Ramsay Street to talk to Paul, she sees Libby. Samantha tells Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) that she has recently lost her father and that she is sorry for what she did to them. Lucas then asks her to leave everyone alone. Libby warns Sam to stay away from her parents and Samantha tells her that Dan is a new man now he is a father. Steph takes her away and tells her to back off. Samantha later gives Steph some leaflets about children in prison. Toadie tells Samantha that he will report her to the police and bar association for witness intimidation. Paul meets her in Charlie's and tells her that he wants to help Samantha out and he will give her anything she wants. Samantha later tells Paul that he needs to get Donna to attend the trial to upset Steph. However, Donna later realises what Paul is doing. Samantha asks Karl and Susan to write victim impact statements and when she notices something is up between the couple, she talks to Susan and tells her that she will find out if something is wrong. When Libby is on the stand, Sam brings up Steph's relationship with Dan. Samantha then launches a personal attack on Libby and Judge Willow (Jane Clifton) tells her to stop. The jury later deliver a guilty verdict. Donna has a go at Samantha and says that the case was never about Ringo, but a chance for her to get back at Libby and Steph. The judge later gives Steph a six-year prison sentence.

Ten years later, Samantha meets with Claudia Watkins, who wants custody of her granddaughter Aster Conway (Scout Bowman). Claudia tells Sam that Aster's mother, Elly Conway is unemployed and about to face trial for murder. Sam is happy to take on the case, as Elly is Susan Kennedy's niece. Sam explains her history with the Kennedys and how she believes that they exploited her mental health issues, prompting her departure from Melbourne. Sam later returned to the city and is now a partner in a law firm. When Claudia asks who will care for Aster if Elly goes to jail, Sam replies that it will mostly likely be the Kennedys and Elly's sister. Sam then tells Claudia that they need to cast doubt on their suitability. Sam and Claudia assist Angela Lane (Amanda Harrison) in her campaign to persuade Susan to resign from her principal's job. Sam provides Claudia with material to blackmail Judge Joseph Vagg (Rick Burchall), who is presiding over Elly's sentencing hearing, into giving Elly a three-year prison sentence. When Elly chooses to take Aster with her to prison, they also pay Andrea Somers (Madeleine West) to cause a riot, convincing Elly to give Aster back to her sister Bea Nilsson (Bonnie Anderson), Karl and Susan. After Claudia witnesses Susan berate Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone), she calls for an emergency meeting to gain an interim parenting order. Sam argues that Claudia can care for Aster full-time, offering routine and stability. With Sam's help, Claudia underhandedly casts doubt on Karl and Susan's suitability to care for Aster, and after failing to come to an agreement, the judge awards custody to Claudia and visitation rights to the Kennedys and Bea, on the condition that Claudia regularly takes Aster to visit Elly.

Claudia is later arrested after Susan, Bea and several other Ramsay Street residents discover she was responsible for the fire which destroyed the physical evidence in Finn's case. She refuses to confess to any crime until Samantha arrives. However, Samantha dismisses Claudia as a client because she failed to flee the country after realising she had been caught. As she leaves the police station, Toadie confronts Samantha about her blackmailing Elly's judge. She denies this will get her into trouble with the law, and warns Toadie that she may take him to court if he continues to dig for information about her in the future.

Reception

During Samantha's first appearance the Daily Record called her a "blonde beauty." [20] A year later they said "We know we're supposed to feel sorry for people who are ill, but can somebody just tell Dan's ex-wife Sam to get knotted?" [21] The paper revealed that they had "high hopes" that Samantha was gone for good, but she had turned up again "like the proverbial bad penny." [21] Television critic, Andrew Mercado, praised Buchanan's 2009 appearance in March 2010, saying "Simone Buchanan did a great turn last year on Neighbours as a crazed ex". [22]

Related Research Articles

Libby Kennedy Fictional character in the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Libby Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kym Valentine. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 October 1994. Valentine auditioned for the role when she was 15, and upon being cast as Libby, she relocated from Sydney to Melbourne, where the show is filmed. Libby was introduced along with her parents and brothers during a period of low ratings for the show. Valentine departed on 5 November 2004, returning briefly for a single episode on 27 July 2005, before returning on 12 November 2007.

Stephanie Scully

Stephanie "Steph" 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.

Toadie Rebecchi fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Jarrod Vincenzo Rebecchi is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ryan Moloney. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 23 January 1995. Toadie was created by writer Elizabeth Packett. Moloney had previously auditioned for another role in the show and had played a minor character, before being cast as Toadie. The actor was originally scheduled to play Toadie in one scene, but he went on to become a recurring cast member. When Toadie became popular with viewers, Moloney was promoted to the regular cast. In 2015, Moloney celebrated his 20th anniversary with Neighbours.

Susan Kennedy Fictional character in the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Susan Kennedy, is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jackie Woodburne. The character and her family were created by storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots. Susan made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 October 1994, along with her eldest son and daughter. The storyliners made Susan a teacher at Erinsborough High to give her immediate links with other characters. Since her introduction, Susan's personality and appearance have been through several changes.

Andrew Robinson (<i>Neighbours</i>) Fictional character

Andrew Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jordan Smith. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 13 November 1991. Shannon Holmes had played the role from the character's birth in 1991 until his departure the following year. Andrew's backstory was subject to retroactive continuity to explain Smith's Scottish accent, and he had his age reduced so that he would be a teenager on his return. Andrew is the only son of Christina Alessi and Paul Robinson. His storylines have included his return to Erinsborough, having an affair with Donna Freedman, fighting with his step brother and becoming involved in a love triangle with Natasha Williams and Summer Hoyland. In November 2012, it was announced Smith would be leaving Neighbours and Andrew made his screen departure on 29 March 2013.

Ringo Brown Fictional character

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.

Lyn Scully

Lyn Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Janet Andrewartha. The character made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 October 1999, along with her family and remained a prominent feature within the show until late 2006. Andrewartha reprised her role for a brief return in 2008 and then returned permanently in August 2009. Lyn departed again on 26 May 2011, so Andrewartha could pursue new acting opportunities. She reprised the role again in 2016, 2017 and again in 2019.

Daniel Fitzgerald (<i>Neighbours</i>)

Daniel "Dan" Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Brett Tucker. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 1 September 1999. Dan becomes a teacher at Erinsborough High and shares a house with fellow teacher, Tess Bell. He remained as a recurring character until 2000. Tucker returned on 30 October 2007 and became part of the regular cast. Dan re-joined the high school and he began a relationship with Libby Kennedy. In June 2009, it was announced that Tucker had quit the show and Dan departed on 1 December 2009. On 13 September 2010, Dan made a one-off appearance. Tucker had filmed his scenes prior to his departure in 2009. The character later appeared in a flashback broadcast on 4 July 2011, played by James Roach.

Lucas Fitzgerald

Lucas Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Scott Major. The actor had previously appeared in Neighbours in 1993 as Darren Stark. He received a call to play Lucas shortly after he was getting the feel for acting again. Major accepted the role as the character seemed like fun and he wanted to work with his friend Brett Tucker. He made his first screen appearance as Lucas during the episode broadcast on 22 July 2008. The following year, Major signed a new contract and was promoted to the regular cast. On 1 July 2013, it was confirmed that Major had left Neighbours and his character departed on 24 September 2013. He made a brief return on 4 March 2015 for the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, and has since continued to make guest appearances.

Ben Kirk

Ben Ian Kirk is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Felix Mallard. The character was previously played by Noah Sutherland, Sean Berends and Blake O'Leary. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 14 December 2001. Ben is the son of Libby Kennedy and Drew Kirk. Ben and Libby departed Ramsay Street in 2003, returning briefly the next year before moving to Shepparton with Darren Stark. The family returned in 2007, with Libby and Ben remaining permanently. Ben departed Neighbours on 2 September 2010. In March 2014, it was announced that Ben and Libby would return, with Mallard cast as Ben. He made his screen return on 11 June 2014. The character returned again from 23 July 2015 until 16 November before making a permanent return on 31 March 2016, moving in with his grandparents. Mallard left the show in late 2017, with his on-screen departure airing on 10 April 2018. The character made two guest appearances on 31 December 2018 and 7 January 2019.

Vanessa Villante

Vanessa Villante is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Alin Sumarwata. The actress's casting was announced on 5 December 2011, though she began filming the week before. Sumarwata and her family relocated to Melbourne and purposely moved near to the studio, so she could manage work and be close to her daughter. The actress stated that she was excited about the role, while the show's executive producer Richard Jasek commented "She's a wonderful actor and we think her character has so many exciting possibilities for us." Sumarwata made her debut screen appearance as Vanessa during the episode broadcast on 14 March 2012.

The Kennedy family are a fictional family from the Australian soap opera Neighbours. They have been a large part of the show since 1994, when the five-strong family moved into Ramsay Street. Both Karl Kennedy and his wife Susan celebrated 20 years on the show in 2014, and are stalwarts of the fictional Erinsborough community, with Karl serving as the area's doctor and Susan as principal of Erinsborough High. They have earned multiple award nominations for their roles. The Kennedy family has expanded to introduce several others since its conception, although plays a relatively minor role as of 2014, with Karl and Susan as the only members of their family still residing in Ramsay Street.

Elly Conway

Elly Conway is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jodi Anasta. She was originally played by Kendell Nunn from her first appearance on 13 December 2001, until her departure in May 2002. Neighbours marked Nunn's first television role. The character was introduced as Susan Kennedy's teenage niece, giving her instant connections within the show. Nunn said Elly had "a lot of attitude", while she was also billed as being rebellious and spirited. Elly did not like living in Ramsay Street, but she eventually befriends her neighbour Michelle Scully. A notable storyline for the character focused on her relationship with her estranged father Ian Conway. When she gets in contact with Ian, he leads her to believe that Susan's husband Karl Kennedy is actually her real father.

References

  1. Bruce-Rosser, Kate (30 September 2008). "It's OK 2 discuss illness". Stonnington Leader. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Brygel, Jackie (5–11 April 2008). "Libby ditched for Dan's wife?". TV Week (14): 10–11.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Vickery, Colin (4 June 2008). "Peace of mind". Herald Sun . Australia.
  4. 1 2 "Sam's Back!". Australia: Neighbours.com. 6 July 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brygel, Jackie (15–21 March 2008). "I'm married!". TV Week (11): 8–9.
  6. Johnathon (18 January 2009). "Neighbours 2009 Spoiler Preview". Daytime Confidential. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  7. Lawson, Annie (15 September 2008). "Drama Without Borders". The Age . Australia. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Neighbours' sensitive handling of bipolar disorder". SANE Australia. 28 August 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Brygel, Jackie (14–20 June 2008). "Sam vs Libby – The gloves are off!". TV Week (24): 16.
  10. Kilkelly, Daniel (23 June 2010). "Neighbours boss teases 6000th episode". Digital Spy . Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  11. "Neighbours 'icon' in 6000th episode". MSN TV. 23 June 2010. Archived from the original on 26 June 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  12. "Simone Buchanan sticking to her guns in sex row". Herald Sun . Australia. 6 July 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  13. "Arrivals & Departures". Perfectblend. Archived from the original on 19 August 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Brygel, Jackie (30 October – 5 November 2010). "Oh, no – Sam's back!". TV Week : 14–15.
  15. 1 2 "Sam's back to court trouble". UK: Holy Soap. 16 November 2010. Archived from the original on 20 November 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  16. 1 2 Kilkelly, Daniel (23 March 2020). "Neighbours lines up return for Samantha Fitzgerald as Simone Buchanan reprises the role". Digital Spy . Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  17. "Episodes 7th–11th April". Neighbours.com. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
  18. "Episodes 16 June-20th June". Australia: Neighbours.com. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
  19. "Episodes 23 June-27th June". Australia: Neighbours.com. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
  20. "Dan is desperate". Daily Record . 7 June 2008. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
  21. 1 2 "Soap stories". Daily Record . 14 November 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
  22. Mercado, Andrew (29 March 2010). "Make Things Right with the Hey Dad Actors…". mercadoTV. Retrieved 18 September 2010.