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Neighbours ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera that has aired since 18 March 1985. It was created by television executive Reg Watson. The Seven Network commissioned the show following the success of Watson's earlier soap '' Sons and ...
'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was created by
Reg Watson Reginald James Watson (27 August 1926 – 8 October 2019) was an Australian television producer and screenwriter and executive. Watson was executive producer on the British soap opera ''Crossroads (British TV series), Crossroads'' and created ...
and first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the soap in 2000, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's executive producer Stanley Walsh. The 16th season of ''Neighbours'' began airing from 17 January 2000.
Blair Venn Blair Venn is an Australian actor who has played roles in theatre, film and television. Early life Venn was born in Quindanning, Western Australia. Career Venn played the regular role of Garrett Quinn in the short-lived ABC television drama ...
began appearing as Brendan Bell in the same month. Dee Bliss made her first appearance in February, while Sheena Wilson and Gino Esposito were introduced in August. September saw Allana Truman make her debut. Siblings
Emily Emily may refer to: * Emily (given name), including a list of people with the name Music * "Emily" (1964 song), title song by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer to the film ''The Americanization of Emily'' * "Emily" (Dave Koz song), a 1990 song ...
and Leo Hancock arrived in October.
Darcy Tyler Darcy Tyler is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Mark Raffety. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 15 November 2000. The following year, Raffety became a series regular. ...
and Larry Woodhouse started appearing from November.


Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell, played by
Blair Venn Blair Venn is an Australian actor who has played roles in theatre, film and television. Early life Venn was born in Quindanning, Western Australia. Career Venn played the regular role of Garrett Quinn in the short-lived ABC television drama ...
, made his first screen appearance on 19 January 2000. Brendan was married to Teresa Bell (
Krista Vendy Krista Vendy is an Australian actress who played teacher Teresa "Tess" Bell on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1999 to 2001 and in 2023 and 2025. Early life Vendy was born and raised in Ballarat, Victoria, to an Austrian mother, ...
) and he was often violent towards her. Vendy revealed that Brendan physically and mentally abused Tess and she became desperate to get away from him. When the Kennedy family ask Tess to move in with them, she made the decision to leave Brendan. Of Tess and Brendan's marriage, Vendy said "Teresa is a very strong woman, but she has lost a lot of her confidence during the abusive marriage. She is only 24 years old and she looks up to Brendan because he is 11 years her senior and is a successful lawyer. Sadly, he only sees her as a trophy." Brendan came to see Tess and tried to talk his way back into her affections. Vendy stated that despite Brendan's past behaviour, Tess wanted her marriage to work and her stubbornness kept her going back. Tess believed Brendan when he said that he would change and her friends became concerned when she allowed Brendan back into her life. Tess was unaware that Brendan was "playing a double game." Despite being sincere around his wife, she was unaware that he had turned on a few people and displayed a split personality. One night, "a highly jealous" Brendan got into his car and sped through the rain to try to find Tess, he then crashed into
Libby Kennedy Libby Kennedy (also Kennedy-Fitzgerald) 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 r ...
(
Kym Valentine Kym Valentine (born 24 May 1977) is an Australian actress, best known for her long running intermittent portrayal of Libby Kennedy in the soap opera ''Neighbours.'' Early life Valentine was born in Blacktown, Sydney, and grew up in Granvill ...
) and
Stephanie Scully Stephanie Scully (also Hoyland) 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 dec ...
(
Carla Bonner Carla Bonner (born 3 March 1973) is an Australian actress, best known for playing the role of Stephanie Scully in the Australian soap opera drama ''Neighbours'', a role she played from 1999 to 2010. She was also a guest on ''Celebrity Big Broth ...
). Brendan is a lawyer married to high school teacher, Teresa. Brendan is older than Tess and he often abuses her. Brendan learns his Tess is leaving him when he finds her packing up her belongings. Brendan becomes angry, but does not show his emotions, so it makes Tess' accusations against him look bad. Brendan continues to put on a front and when he meets
Susan Kennedy Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) 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 ...
(
Jackie Woodburne Jacqueline Anne Woodburne (born 5 February 1956) is an Australian actress, known for her numerous roles in television soap operas. After graduating from the National Theatre School, Woodburne played Maggie Gordon in ''The Young Doctors''. She ap ...
) at the Coffee Shop, he tells her Tess has been emotionally unstable ever since her mother died. Brendan informs Tess that he is going to attend anger management classes and he later tells her that he has changed. Tess is wary, but Brendan becomes a part of her new life and she starts relying on him more and more. Tess is impressed when Brendan backs away from a fight at the local pub and starts to believe that he has changed. Brendan cooks dinner for Tess one night and his car fails to start, so he spends the night on the sofa. After a week away on business, Brendan returns and he and Tess go on a couple of dates. When
Paul McClain Paul McClain is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Jansen Spencer. Paul made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 4 November 1997. Spencer decided to leave the role in Septembe ...
(
Jansen Spencer Jansen Spencer (born 25 May 1981) is an Australian actor best known for his part in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours''. Career In 1997, Spencer heard about the possibility of a role on ''Neighbours'' and initially auditioned for a small ...
) narrowly misses hitting Brendan with his bike, Brendan becomes enraged by the incident. Susan sees him and tells Tess, but she refuses to listen. Brendan asks Tess to get back together with him and move home. He also reveals that he has to go away on business again, so he gives her five weeks to answer him. On his return, Brendan learns that Tess is still living in
Ramsay Street 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 re ...
. When he finds out she has gone dancing with Daniel Fitzgerald (
Brett Tucker Brett Alan Tucker (born 21 May 1972) is an Australian actor and singer. He was a series regular in '' The Saddle Club'', '' McLeod's Daughters'', and '' Mistresses''. He is also known for his role as Daniel Fitzgerald in ''Neighbours''. He pla ...
), Brendan flies into a jealous rage and rushes to confront her. On his way, Brendan hits Libby Kennedy and Steph Scully with his car. Brendan is taken to the hospital and charged by the police with causing the accident. Brendan begs Tess for forgiveness. Shortly afterwards, an undetected internal injury causes Brendan to have a fatal heart attack.


Dee Bliss

Dione "Dee" Bliss, played by
Madeleine West Melanie Ann Weston (born 26 July 1979), known professionally as Madeleine West, is an Australian actress, author and director. She is best known for her television roles, having played Dee Bliss and Andrea Somers on the soap opera ''Neighbour ...
, made her first screen appearance on 3 February 2000. West was studying law at university when she decided to get an agent and try acting. She received the role of Dee shortly afterwards. West deferred her law degree studies after she won the role. When Dee became popular with viewers, the serial's producers made her a regular cast member and offered West a new contract. Jim Schembri of ''
The Age ''The Age'' is a daily newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, that has been published since 1854. Owned and published by Nine Entertainment, ''The Age'' primarily serves Victoria (Australia), Victoria, but copies also sell in Tasmania, the Austral ...
'' said Dee was "Ramsay Street's reigning blonde beauty." In 2001, West was nominated for the Most Popular New Female Talent
Logie Award The TV Week Logie Awards (known colloquially as The Logies) is an annual ceremony celebrating and honouring the best shows and stars in Television in Australia, Australian television, sponsored and organised by the magazine ''TV Week''. The eve ...
for her portrayal of Dee.


Sheena Wilson

Sheena Wilson, played by Zoe Stark, made her first screen appearance on 10 August 2000. Sheena was a friend of Dee Bliss (
Madeleine West Melanie Ann Weston (born 26 July 1979), known professionally as Madeleine West, is an Australian actress, author and director. She is best known for her television roles, having played Dee Bliss and Andrea Somers on the soap opera ''Neighbour ...
), who became a
love interest (; ) were stock characters within the theatre style known as commedia dell'arte, who appeared in 16th-century Italy. In the plays, everything revolved around the lovers in some regard. These dramatic and posh characters were present within pl ...
for
Toadfish Rebecchi Jarrod Vincenzo Rebecchi, commonly known as "Toadfish" or "Toadie", 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 199 ...
(
Ryan Moloney Ryan Moloney (born 24 November 1979) is an Australian actor, known for his portrayal of the fictional character Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1995 until his departure in 2025. Career Moloney's first ...
). Sheena and Toadie later suffered problems with their relationship when Toadie revealed to Sheena that her mother,
Rhonda Rhonda is a given name derived from Rhondda, which is a Welsh name. Notable people with the name include: * Rhonda Adams (born 1971), American model and actress * Rhonda Bates (born 1949), American actress * Rhonda Belle Martin (1907–1957), ...
(Brenda Addie), had attempted to seduce him. Another notable storyline for Sheena saw her accuse Martin Cook (
Tony Bonner Anthony Frederick Bonner (born 23 November 1943) is an Australian television, film, and stage actor and singer. Bonner became famous in the 1960s children's television series ''Skippy the Bush Kangaroo'', later moving on to lead roles in th ...
) of
victimisation Victimisation ( or victimization) is the state or process of being victimised or becoming a victim. The field that studies the process, rates, incidence, effects, and prevalence of victimisation is called victimology. Peer victimisation Peer ...
, when he refused her a place in one of his workshops. Sheena is a nurse at Erinsborough Hospital, who becomes good friends with Dee Bliss. Sheena helps out when
Lou Carpenter Lou Carpenter is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Tom Oliver. He made his first screen appearance on 30 March 1988. Oliver appeared for a brief time, having been initially contracted for six months, ...
(
Tom Oliver Tom Oliver (born 12 June 1938) is a British naturalised Australian retired actor. Oliver is best known locally and internationally for his long-running role in TV soap opera ''Neighbours'' as Lou Carpenter, a role he played for 25 years bec ...
) suffers a back injury and when
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 ...
(
Janet Andrewartha Janet Andrewartha (16 September 1951 – 26 July 2024) was an Australian television and theatre actress and director and singer. Andrewartha began her career as a high school music teacher before attending drama school. She graduated in 1979 an ...
) gives birth to her son. Dee tries to set Sheena up with both Lance Wilkinson (
Andrew Bibby Andrew Bibby may refer to: * Andrew Bibby (actor) (born 1980), Australian actor who played Lance Wilkinson on Neighbours. * Andrew Bibby (rugby union) (born 1957), Canadian international rugby union player. {{hndis, Bibby, Andrew ...
) and Toadfish Rebecchi. Sheena later agrees to go on a date with Toadie, who convinces himself that she accepted for a bet. However, Sheena tells Toadie that she is genuinely interested in him and they begin spending more time together. Toadie agrees to help Sheena's mother, Rhonda, out with some work around her house. Rhonda begins flirting with Toadie and he becomes uncomfortable around her, but does not tell Sheena. When Rhonda continues to flirt with Toadie, he eventually informs Sheena about her mother's behaviour towards him. The couple decide that they cannot trust each other enough and break up. The following year, Sheena applies for a place in one of Martin Cook's lectures. Martin sexually harasses Sheena and when she accuses him of victimisation, she is left alienated at work. Sheena leaves Martin's workshop and goes on holiday. Her accusations against Martin are proven when Dee also becomes his target. A couple of years later, Sheena is on duty when
Boyd Hoyland Boyd Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Kyal Marsh. He made his first on-screen appearance on 5 June 2002. In 2007, Marsh quit the serial and his character departed on 3 August 2007 along wit ...
( Kyal Marsh) ends up in a coma, after having a brain tumour removed. Sheena tells Boyd's family that they should prepare for the worst. Sheena attends her high school reunion at the Scarlet Bar and becomes annoyed when she learns that
Sindi Watts Sindi Watts (also Parker) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Marisa Warrington. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 19 July 2002. Sindi was initially a recurring character, ...
(
Marisa Warrington Marisa Michelle Warrington is an English-born Australian actress, perhaps best known for playing Sindi Watts on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours''. Warrington graduated from the National Theatre Drama School in 1996. She went on to appea ...
), works there. Sheena tries to tell the owner to sack Sindi, who overhears. Sindi's boyfriend, Stuart Parker (
Blair McDonough Blair McDonough (born 30 April 1981), is an Australian actor who is best known for playing the role of Stuart Parker in the Australian TV soap opera ''Neighbours''. He first shot to fame the age of 19 in 2001, when he finished runner-up in the ...
), confronts Sheena and her friends about bullying Sindi. However, Sheena explains that it is not true and he should watch his back around Sindi. The following day, Stuart comes to speak with Sheena and she tells him that Sindi used to steal other girls' boyfriends at school. She also tells him to talk to Kelly Weaver (Simone Ray), but refuses to elaborate any further. Sheena is transferred to the psychiatric ward and helps to treat
Max Hoyland Max Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Stephen Lovatt. He made his first appearance on 22 August 2002 and departed on 16 February 2007. Casting After his last appearance in 2007, Lovatt said ...
(
Stephen Lovatt Stephen Lovatt (born 27 May 1964) is a New Zealand actor, best known internationally for his portrayal of character Max Hoyland on the Australian soap ''Neighbours''. Career Since training as an actor at Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand Drama Sch ...
). Max starts to believe that everyone is out to get him and when his family come to take him home, Sheena informs them that Max is being kept in. When Boyd and
Stephanie Scully Stephanie Scully (also Hoyland) 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 dec ...
(
Carla Bonner Carla Bonner (born 3 March 1973) is an Australian actress, best known for playing the role of Stephanie Scully in the Australian soap opera drama ''Neighbours'', a role she played from 1999 to 2010. She was also a guest on ''Celebrity Big Broth ...
) return to take him home, Sheena helps them out with some release forms and they go to collect Max. Sheens explains that Max has just had his medication and may be asleep, but when they get to his room they find he has gone.


Gino Esposito

Gino Esposito, played by Claude Stevens, made his first screen appearance on 11 August 2000. The character was later recast with the role going to Shane McNamara. Gino was a hairdresser who ran the local hair salon. He was gay and in a relationship with Aaron Barkley (Stewart Adam). Of Gino, script producer, Luke Devenish, said "He is a aystereotype, and we don't have a problem with that as he is not a negative stereotype, he is a comic charter and it is for a laugh – in the Mr Humphries f ''Are You Being Served?''">Are_You_Being_Served?.html" ;"title="f ''Are You Being Served?">f ''Are You Being Served?''kind of tradition". When Gino briefly moved in with
Harold Bishop Harold Wayne Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Ian Smith. The actor was offered the role by the show's creator and executive producer Reg Watson. Smith made his first screen appearance as H ...
(
Ian Smith Ian Douglas Smith (8 April 191920 November 2007) was a Rhodesian politician, farmer, and fighter pilot who served as Prime Minister of Rhodesia (known as Southern Rhodesia until October 1964 and now known as Zimbabwe) from 1964 to 1979. He w ...
), the writers decided to tweak the "standard love triangle" with
Lou Carpenter Lou Carpenter is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Tom Oliver. He made his first screen appearance on 30 March 1988. Oliver appeared for a brief time, having been initially contracted for six months, ...
(
Tom Oliver Tom Oliver (born 12 June 1938) is a British naturalised Australian retired actor. Oliver is best known locally and internationally for his long-running role in TV soap opera ''Neighbours'' as Lou Carpenter, a role he played for 25 years bec ...
) becoming jealous of the duo.


Allana Truman

Allana Truman (née Dorothy Truman), played by Josephine Clark, made her first screen appearance on 29 September 2000. Clark had a three-month guest contract, she previously appeared in the serial as Jamie-Lee Duggan in 1997. Allana was described as being "an eccentric girl" by a writer for the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
's ''Neighbours'' website. She became a
love interest (; ) were stock characters within the theatre style known as commedia dell'arte, who appeared in 16th-century Italy. In the plays, everything revolved around the lovers in some regard. These dramatic and posh characters were present within pl ...
for Lance Wilkinson (
Andrew Bibby Andrew Bibby may refer to: * Andrew Bibby (actor) (born 1980), Australian actor who played Lance Wilkinson on Neighbours. * Andrew Bibby (rugby union) (born 1957), Canadian international rugby union player. {{hndis, Bibby, Andrew ...
) and the writer noted that both Lance and Allana shared a passion for science fiction. Allana meets Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby) at a science fiction convention and they are attracted to each other. In order to date her, Allana asks Lance to complete seven labours. Lance's first task is to find the final episode of a television show from the local library and convert it into video. He then has to find Allana's favourite retired actor and have a photo taken with him. Lance finds the actor in a nursing home and he manages to con his way in to meet him and get the photo. For the third labour, Allana asks Lance to make a sci-fi film and he has to rope in some of his friends and neighbours to help. Allana burns a strange symbol into the grass in Ramsay Street and gets Lance to decipher it. For the fifth labour, Lance has to convince
Libby Kennedy Libby Kennedy (also Kennedy-Fitzgerald) 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 r ...
(
Kym Valentine Kym Valentine (born 24 May 1977) is an Australian actress, best known for her long running intermittent portrayal of Libby Kennedy in the soap opera ''Neighbours.'' Early life Valentine was born in Blacktown, Sydney, and grew up in Granvill ...
) that UFOs are real and get her to publish a newspaper article about it. Allana asks Lance to present the article to her at her house, while he wears a ceremonial outfit. For the seventh and final labour, Allana asks Lance to bring her a piece of a crashed satellite, which proves difficult. Lance decides to create his own piece of the satellite, which impresses Allana. She and Lance finally become a couple and they have sex together for the first time. Allana's strange behaviour causes Lance to question how well he knows her and she eventually admits that she lives with her mother. Allana's sister,
Clementine A clementine (''Citrus × clementina'') is a tangor, a citrus fruit hybrid between a willowleaf mandarin orange ( ''C.'' × ''deliciosa'') and a sweet orange (''C. × sinensis''), named in honor of Clément Rodier, a French missionary who f ...
(Melanie Lockman), also reveals that Allana changed her name from Dorothy. The sister's mother, Jeannie (Libby Stone), tries to stop Allana's relationship with Lance, as she fears that she will lose her daughter's company. Jeannie is possessive of Allana and explains that she needs her around as she is sick. Allana begs her mother not to make her choose between her and Lance, but she ends up breaking up with Lance. She soon realises that she has made a mistake and begs Lance for his help in escaping Jeannie. They make plans to go travelling in the United States and visit a sci-fi convention while they are there. Lance sells his ute, but he and Allana still struggle to raise the money they need. Lance enters a radio quiz and proves popular with the listeners. The producers try to keep Lance on the show by revealing that they will feed him the answers for the next round. When Allana finds out and threatens to leave him, Lance exposes the scam live on air. Allana and Lance leave Erinsborough and they later start up their own sci-fi convention.


Emily Hancock

Emily Hancock, played by Isabella Oldham, made her first screen appearance on 11 October 2000. Emily was later reintroduced to the serial the following year, along with her family. The writers created the five strong Hancock family to help fill a void left by the temporary departures of six regular characters. The Hancock's were "a noisy, five-strong group who quickly make their presence felt." They were also "fun-loving" and "just your average Aussie family." In 2002, the entire Hancock family was written out of ''Neighbours''. A writer for the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
's ''Neighbours'' website commented that Emily's most notable moment was "Finding a love letter written by Toadie to Maggie Hancock." While reviewing the Hancock family's first episode, Jackie Brygel of the ''
Herald Sun The ''Herald Sun'' is a Conservatism, conservative daily tabloid newspaper based in Melbourne, Australia, published by The Herald and Weekly Times, a subsidiary of News Corp Australia, itself a subsidiary of the American Rupert Murdoch, Murd ...
'' branded Emily the "cute daughter". Emily and her brother,
Leo Leo is the Latin word for lion. It most often refers to: * Leo (constellation), a constellation of stars in the night sky * Leo (astrology), an astrological sign of the zodiac * Leo (given name), a given name in several languages, usually mas ...
(Josh Jay), are looked after by
Karl Karl may refer to: People * Karl (given name), including a list of people and characters with the name * Karl der Große, commonly known in English as Charlemagne * Karl of Austria, last Austrian Emperor * Karl (footballer) (born 1993), Karl Cac ...
( Alan Fletcher) and
Susan Kennedy Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) 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 ...
(
Jackie Woodburne Jacqueline Anne Woodburne (born 5 February 1956) is an Australian actress, known for her numerous roles in television soap operas. After graduating from the National Theatre School, Woodburne played Maggie Gordon in ''The Young Doctors''. She ap ...
) for a few days while their mother is away. The following year, the children move to Ramsay Street with their family. Emily becomes upset when her favourite doll, Lizzie, disappears and she initially blames Leo. However, he denies taking the doll and he and Emily later see it in a local shop owned by Collector Bob (Henry Ismailiw). Instead of telling their parents, Emily and Leo try to get the doll back themselves. However, just when they think they have gotten away with it, Bob catches them. Fortunately for the children, their mother,
Maggie Maggie or Maggy is a common short form of the name Magdalena, Magnolia, Margaret, or Marigold. People Maggie * Maggie Adamson, Scottish musician * Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (born 1968), British scientist * Maggie Alderson (born 1959), ...
( Sally Cooper), arrives and warns Bob off of claiming the doll as his. Emily and her doll are reunited, but Maggie is angry that she and Leo went behind her back. Some removal men deliver the wrong box to the Hancock house and Maggie plans to return it the following day. Emily opens the box and takes a pair of earrings for herself. When the real owners get their box back, they accuse the Hancocks of theft and Emily owns up to taking and losing the earrings. Leo shouts at Emily and blames her for the family's problems. This causes Emily to run away and she boards a bus. Emily falls asleep and the driver does not notice her, leaving her stuck in the bus all night. In the morning, Emily runs away as soon as she can and the driver reports the incident. The police begin searching the bushland around the bus station, but Emily hides, believing she is going to be in a lot of trouble. Leo joins the search and when he calls Emily's name, she comes out of hiding and is reunited with her family. Emily complains of pain in her ear, but Karl finds there is nothing wrong. Emily continues to complain about the pain, but Karl notices her wince when she eats some ice cream and realises the problem is actually with her teeth. Emily begins talking about a new friend called Madge.
Harold Bishop Harold Wayne Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Ian Smith. The actor was offered the role by the show's creator and executive producer Reg Watson. Smith made his first screen appearance as H ...
(
Ian Smith Ian Douglas Smith (8 April 191920 November 2007) was a Rhodesian politician, farmer, and fighter pilot who served as Prime Minister of Rhodesia (known as Southern Rhodesia until October 1964 and now known as Zimbabwe) from 1964 to 1979. He w ...
) believes Emily is talking to his late wife and he is happy that he has a new link to her. Emily finds and reads out a letter from
Toadfish Rebecchi Jarrod Vincenzo Rebecchi, commonly known as "Toadfish" or "Toadie", 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 199 ...
(
Ryan Moloney Ryan Moloney (born 24 November 1979) is an Australian actor, known for his portrayal of the fictional character Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1995 until his departure in 2025. Career Moloney's first ...
), which details his feelings for Maggie. The Hancock family are forced to move away due to financial troubles and on their last day in Erinsborough, Emily goes missing. However, she is found in the garden of Number 24, saying goodbye to Madge.


Leo Hancock

Leo Hancock, played by Anthony Hammer, made his first screen appearance on 11 October 2000. The character was played by Josh Jay, before Leo was reintroduced to the serial the following year, along with his family. The writers created the five strong Hancock family to help fill a void left by the temporary departures of six regular characters. The Hancock's were "a noisy, five-strong group who quickly make their presence felt." They were also "fun-loving" and "just your average Aussie family." In 2002, the entire Hancock family was axed from ''Neighbours''. Leo and his sister,
Emily Emily may refer to: * Emily (given name), including a list of people with the name Music * "Emily" (1964 song), title song by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer to the film ''The Americanization of Emily'' * "Emily" (Dave Koz song), a 1990 song ...
(Isabella Oldham), are looked after by
Karl Karl may refer to: People * Karl (given name), including a list of people and characters with the name * Karl der Große, commonly known in English as Charlemagne * Karl of Austria, last Austrian Emperor * Karl (footballer) (born 1993), Karl Cac ...
( Alan Fletcher) and
Susan Kennedy Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) 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 ...
(
Jackie Woodburne Jacqueline Anne Woodburne (born 5 February 1956) is an Australian actress, known for her numerous roles in television soap operas. After graduating from the National Theatre School, Woodburne played Maggie Gordon in ''The Young Doctors''. She ap ...
) for a few days while their mother is away. The following year, the children move to
Ramsay Street 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 re ...
with their family. Leo immediately goes missing, but turns up at the local pub where his brother,
Matt Matt may refer to: *Matt (name), people with the given name ''Matt'' or Matthew, meaning "gift from God", or the surname Matt *In British English, of a surface: having a non-glossy finish, see gloss (material appearance) *Matt, Switzerland, a mu ...
works. When he fails to find Matt, Leo gets a lift home from his new neighbour
Toadfish Rebecchi Jarrod Vincenzo Rebecchi, commonly known as "Toadfish" or "Toadie", 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 199 ...
(
Ryan Moloney Ryan Moloney (born 24 November 1979) is an Australian actor, known for his portrayal of the fictional character Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1995 until his departure in 2025. Career Moloney's first ...
). Leo's friend, Aleks Rama (Dean Ali), shows up in Ramsay Street and reveals that Leo arranged for him to stay with the family while his parents are on holiday. Leo worries about his parents when the anniversary of his sister, Francesca's, death arrives. Leo handles the anniversary badly, as he blames himself for her death. He speaks with Dee Bliss (
Madeleine West Melanie Ann Weston (born 26 July 1979), known professionally as Madeleine West, is an Australian actress, author and director. She is best known for her television roles, having played Dee Bliss and Andrea Somers on the soap opera ''Neighbour ...
) about his guilt at leaving the pool gate open, which led to Francesca falling into the pool and drowning. Dee tells Leo not to blame himself and helps cope with his role in his sister's death. Leo starts attending
Erinsborough High ''Neighbours: Erinsborough High'' is an Australian television series produced for video on demand and catch up TV services My5 and 10 Play (Network 10), 10 Play. It was released on 11 November 2019. The series is a spin-off of soap opera ''Neigh ...
and P.E. teacher, Dean Hearn (Jason Buckley), starts bullying Leo. Leo tells Matt, who tells their parents
Evan Evan is a Welsh language, Welsh masculine given name, derived from ''Iefan'', a Welsh form of the name John (name), John. Similar names that share this origin include Euan, Ivan (name), Ivan, Ian, and Juan. "John" itself is derived from the ancie ...
(
Nicholas Opolski Nicholas Opolski is an Australian actor, who is best known for his role as Evan Hancock on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' in 2001–2002. He has also provided the voice of B2, one of the characters in the children's television show ...
) and
Maggie Maggie or Maggy is a common short form of the name Magdalena, Magnolia, Margaret, or Marigold. People Maggie * Maggie Adamson, Scottish musician * Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (born 1968), British scientist * Maggie Alderson (born 1959), ...
( Sally Cooper). Evan witnesses Dean bullying his son and tells the principal,
Susan Kennedy Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) 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 ...
(
Jackie Woodburne Jacqueline Anne Woodburne (born 5 February 1956) is an Australian actress, known for her numerous roles in television soap operas. After graduating from the National Theatre School, Woodburne played Maggie Gordon in ''The Young Doctors''. She ap ...
). She later sees Dean throw a chalk duster at Leo, which cuts his forehead and Dean resigns from the school. When Leo shouts at Emily one day, she later goes missing. Leo feels guilty and he helps to find her. Evan and Maggie learn that Leo has been writing and selling essays to other students. Leo confesses that he has been using the money to take break-dancing lessons and Evan and Maggie ban him from taking any more. Leo wants to dance in a regional break-dancing competition and sneaks out of his house. Matt catches Leo and agrees not to tell their parents. Evan sees Leo dance and realising that his son is talented, he agrees to let him join a dance crew. Leo and Michelle Scully ( Kate Keltie) find an illegal immigrant called Gregori (Peter Prenga) and they agree to keep his presence a secret. Leo bonds with Gregori as they spend more time together. Michelle's father later finds Gregori and calls the police, who make sure he returns to his own country. When Leo's break-dancing crew get through to the dance finals in Adelaide, Evan refuses to let him go with them. Leo and his crew try to raise the money for the trip themselves, which angers Evan. Leo thinks about sneaking away and going to Adelaide by himself, but he eventually decides not to. When Leo learns that Matt is competing in a drag race against Glen Bushby (Nathaniel Marshall), he asks to sit in the passenger seat. During the race, Matt loses control of the car and crashes. Leo and Matt only suffer minor injuries and Matt later goes on the run from the police. Leo learns where Matt has gone and helps him out by bringing him food. Matt returns home and hands himself into the police. His legal fees prove to be expensive, so Evan and Maggie sell the house and the family move to Albury. A writer for the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
's ''Neighbours'' website commented that Leo's most notable moment was "Keeping his brother's whereabouts a secret after the car accident."


Darcy Tyler

Darcy Tyler, played by
Mark Raffety Mark Raffety is a British-Australian actor, perhaps best known for playing Darcy Tyler in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 2000 to 2005 and 2025. Early life Raffety was born in Portsmouth, England. He grew up as the eldest of t ...
, made his first screen appearance on 15 November 2000. Darcy is
Susan Kennedy Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) 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 ...
's (
Jackie Woodburne Jacqueline Anne Woodburne (born 5 February 1956) is an Australian actress, known for her numerous roles in television soap operas. After graduating from the National Theatre School, Woodburne played Maggie Gordon in ''The Young Doctors''. She ap ...
) nephew and a doctor. He was a "baddie", who often brought grief to the Kennedy family. Of his role, Raffety said "I am a character actor, so one of the reasons I have stuck with Darcy for three years is that there has been an opportunity to develop the character." For his portrayal of Darcy, Raffety earned nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Bad Boy at the ''Inside Soap'' Awards.


Larry Woodhouse

Larry "Woody" Woodhouse, played by
Andrew Curry Andrew Curry (born 2 July 1972, Melbourne) is an Australian producer and actor who has appeared in many television drama and comedy series, and in feature films. Early life Alongside his actor brothers Bernard Curry and Stephen Curry, Curry a ...
, made his first screen appearance on 24 November 2000. Curry appeared on a recurring basis as Woody until 2002. Woody was
Stephanie Scully Stephanie Scully (also Hoyland) 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 dec ...
's ex-boyfriend, who lost touch with her when he was sent to prison. Woody later contacted Steph and asked for her help as he was being blackmailed. Shortly after he was released from prison, Woody revealed that he had to go into witness protection and asked Steph to come with him. Steph initially declined, but decided to run away with Woody. On their way, Woody was involved in a car crash and Steph was left to believe that he had died. However, Woody returned a year later and learned that Steph was dating a guy he knew from prison, Mitch Foster (Hugh Sexton). Woody told Steph that Mitch was a murderer and she decided to move on from both of them. On 14 September 2010, it was announced that Curry had reprised his role. Woody returns "unexpectedly" and Steph starts spending as much time as she can with him. Of Woody's return, Bonner stated "While there isn't a romantic attraction there – not for Steph, at least – Woody does represent a time when she didn't have children and the responsibilities she has now. He becomes an escape from what is going on. Steph's trying to block out everything that's happened and Woody is helping her do that, to a degree." Woody was dating Stephanie Scully when he was sent to prison for receiving stolen goods. Steph later contacted Woody to tell him that she and her family were moving to
Erinsborough 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 ...
. Just over a year later, Woody sends Steph a letter and asks her to visit him in prison. Woody is threatened by Kev Kelly (Frank Kennedy) and blackmailed into helping out with a robbery. Woody manages to talk Steph into sponsoring him for day release and Woody borrows her motorbike to pick up some stolen goods for Kev. When Steph learns what Woody has done, she convinces him to go to the police. Woody agrees to testify against Kev and he is beaten up in prison. A few months later, Woody is paroled and he comes to stay with the Scully family. Woody regrets getting the family involved when someone throws a brick through their window. When Kev makes a threat against Woody in court, the police decide to place Woody in witness protection. Woody asks Steph to come with him, but she realises that she cannot leave her family and they say goodbye. Steph finds it difficult to live without Woody and when he sends her a postcard, she begins visiting him in secret. Woody later turns up at Steph's home and asks her to start a new life with him. She agrees, but when they set off, they realise they are being followed. At a service station, Steph calls her family and Woody then proposes to her. While Steph is getting some drinks, Woody's car is ambushed by
Barry Burke Brian Christopher Joseph ButtonSummer Hoyland Summer Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Jordy Lucas. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 May 2002. The character was originally played by Marisa Siketa f ...
( Jordy Lucas) from a dance party and finds Woody working as a bouncer. Steph tells Woody that she is still living in Ramsay Street and Woody comes by the next day to see her. Steph decides to go off for a bike ride with Woody. Steph and Woody go to Charlie's bar together and Woody almost gets into a fight with
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 get ...
(
Scott Major Scott Ian Major (born 4 July 1975) is an Australian actor and TV and film director, known for his roles as Peter Rivers in the 1994 television teen drama series ''Heartbreak High'' and Lucas Fitzgerald in soap opera ''Neighbours''. After leav ...
). Steph's mother,
Lyn Lyn or LYN may refer to: People * Lyn (singer), South Korean singer * Lyn (gamer), South Korean ''Warcraft III'' player * Lyn (given name) * Lyn (surname) In science and technology * Lynx (constellation), standard abbreviation * Lyn (locomotive ...
(
Janet Andrewartha Janet Andrewartha (16 September 1951 – 26 July 2024) was an Australian television and theatre actress and director and singer. Andrewartha began her career as a high school music teacher before attending drama school. She graduated in 1979 an ...
) becomes worried about Steph, who was suffering from post natal depression. Woody is unaware of Steph's state of mind and he reintroduces her to their old biker lifestyle. When Summer comes to Woody's place and reveals that Steph has recently given birth and that she has another child at home, Woody starts to become concerned for her. Lucas then turns up to talk to Steph, but she runs off. A writer for the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
's ''Neighbours'' website said Woody's most notable moment was "Returning from the dead! Turning up on the Scully doorstep after Steph thought he'd been killed in a car explosion." A reporter from the ''
Sunday Mercury ''Sunday Mercury'' is a Sunday Tabloid (newspaper format), tabloid published in Birmingham, UK, and now owned by Reach plc. History The first edition was published on 29 December 1918. The first editor was John Turner Fearon (1869–1937), w ...
'' called Woody a "bad boy biker".


Others


References


External links


Characters and cast
at the Official AU ''Neighbours'' website
Characters and cast
at the Official UK ''Neighbours'' website
Characters and cast
at the
Internet Movie Database IMDb, historically known as the Internet Movie Database, is an online database of information related to films, television series, podcasts, home videos, video games, and streaming content online – including cast, production crew and biograp ...
{{Neighbours characters, year
2000 2000 was designated as the International Year for the Culture of Peace and the World Mathematics, Mathematical Year. Popular culture holds the year 2000 as the first year of the 21st century and the 3rd millennium, because of a tende ...
*, Neighbours