''
Neighbours
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera, which 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 an ...
'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel
10 Peach
10 Peach is an Australian free-to-air television channel operated by Network 10. It was launched on 11 January 2011 as Eleven. It is owned by ElevenCo, which was established as a joint venture between Ten Network Holdings and CBS Studios Inter ...
. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the shows executive producer
Jason Herbison
Jason Herbison (born 1972) is an Australian television producer, screenwriter and novelist, most recently serving as the executive producer of the soap opera ''Neighbours''. He has written scripts for numerous television serials, and has publis ...
. The 34th season of ''Neighbours'' began airing from 8 January 2018.
Mick Allsop
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearanc ...
was introduced during the same month, while
Rafael Humphreys
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearance. ...
made his debut in February. March saw the arrival of
Chloe Brennan Chloe Brennan may refer to:
* Chloe Brennan (One Life to Live), Chloe Brennan (''One Life to Live'')
* Chloe Brennan (Neighbours), Chloe Brennan (''Neighbours'')
{{hndis, Brennan, Chloe ...
.
Bea Nilsson
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearanc ...
made her first appearance in May.
Jemima Davies-Smythe began appearing from September, while
Nance Sluggett
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearance. ...
,
Pierce Greyson
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearance. ...
,
Andrew Rodwell
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearanc ...
and
Heather Schilling
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearance. ...
made their first appearances in October.
Valerie Grundy,
Delaney Renshaw
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearanc ...
,
Regina Grundy, and
Shaun Watkins appeared in December.
Mick Allsop
Mick Allsop, played by comedian
Joel Creasey
Joel Creasey (born 11 August 1990) is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, television and radio presenter. Creasey has performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, as well as performing at the New York International Fringe Festiv ...
, made his first appearance on 30 January 2018.
Creasey's casting was confirmed by Anna Byrne of the ''
Herald Sun
The ''Herald Sun'' is a 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 Murdoch owned News Corp. The ''Herald S ...
'' in October 2017.
Of appearing in the show, Creasey commented, "That was fun because it was a soap opera. It was very over the top, and they were like 'Yes! More!' They're all so nice out at ''Neighbours''. I had a blast doing it."
Creasey described Mick as "a new gay in town with a backstory",
and "a bit of a misunderstood stalker".
Executive producer
Jason Herbison
Jason Herbison (born 1972) is an Australian television producer, screenwriter and novelist, most recently serving as the executive producer of the soap opera ''Neighbours''. He has written scripts for numerous television serials, and has publis ...
praised Creasey's "hilarious" performance and added that his character could return in a recurring capacity in the future. Creasey reprised the role for scenes filmed at
Sydney Mardi Gras
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras or Sydney Mardi Gras is an event in Sydney, New South Wales attended by hundreds of thousands of people from around Australia and overseas. One of the largest such festivals in the world, Mardi Gras is the ...
in 2019. His appearance aired on 28 February 2020. The following year, Creasey reprised the role and returned to the ''Neighbours'' set in July 2021 for filming.
Creasey commented that it was "a larger role" this time, adding "It's been great because I had my own legendary soap stars on tap each day for advice."
His return aired on 3 November 2021.
![Joel Creasey, July 2018 01](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Joel_Creasey%2C_July_2018_01.jpg)
Mick comes to Harold's Café for a coffee, where
Aaron Brennan
Aaron Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Matt Wilson. The actor originally auditioned for the role of Tyler Brennan and participated in a long casting process, during which he sent the pro ...
(Matt Wilson) recognises him as his stalker from his time in dance troupe Rough Trade.
Rory Zemiro
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2017, by order of first appearance. ...
(Ash Williams) later claims that Mick has trashed his motel room, before approaching him at the Erinsbrough Backpackers' for a talk. Mick overhears
Elly Conway
Eleanor "Elly" Conway (also Brennan) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Jodi Gordon. She was originally played by Kendell Nunn from her first appearance on 13 December 2001, until her departure in ...
(
Jodi Anasta
Jodi Lee Gordon (previously Anasta; born 1 February 1985) is an Australian actress and model. From 2005 to 2010 she portrayed Martha MacKenzie in '' Home and Away''. Gordon won the Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent in 2006. Gordon c ...
) and
Paige Smith
Paige Smith (also Novak) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Olympia Valance. The actress was cast in February 2014 after a lengthy audition process, which included four call-backs. Series produce ...
(
Olympia Valance
Olympia Montana Valance (born 7 January 1993) is an Australian actress and model, whose roles include Paige Smith in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' (2014–2018, 2020, 2022) and Tahlia Woods in '' Playing for Keeps''. For her role as Paige, Vala ...
) discussing Rough Trade and he introduces himself. He tells them that he is a big fan of Rory and not Aaron, as they were led to believe. He also tells them that he and Rory used to have sex, while Rory was dating Aaron. Two years later, during Sydney Mardi Gras, Mick sees Aaron and his partner
David Tanaka
David Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Takaya Honda. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside ...
(
Takaya Honda
Takaya Honda (born 6 September 1987) is an actor and television presenter. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Josh in the children's television series ''A gURLs wURLd'', Klaus Thomson in the comedy series ''The Family Law'' and David Tanak ...
) taking a selfie together and
photobombs them. Mick tells them that he recognised Aaron's walk and followed them, before asking what their plans are. Aaron and David then run off down the street and hide from Mick.
The following year, Mick is hired as the front desk manager at Lassiters Hotel and states that he prefers to be called Michel now. He briefly recognises
Chloe Brennan Chloe Brennan may refer to:
* Chloe Brennan (One Life to Live), Chloe Brennan (''One Life to Live'')
* Chloe Brennan (Neighbours), Chloe Brennan (''Neighbours'')
{{hndis, Brennan, Chloe ...
's (
April Rose Pengilly
April Rose Pengilly (''pen-GILL-ee''; born 12 April 1988), also known as April Rose, is an Australian actress and model.
Early life
April Rose Pengilly is the daughter of INXS member Kirk Pengilly and designer Karen Hutchinson. She attended Wen ...
) surname, before going on a tour of the hotel with
Harlow Robinson
Harlow Loomis Robinson (born 20 September 1950) is a Matthews Distinguished University Professor of History at Northeastern University who specializes in Soviet and Russian cultural history, with writings on Soviet film and performing arts.
...
(Jemma Donovan). Mick later sees Chloe with Aaron and he ducks behind a bush to avoid him. When Mick asks Harlow to organise a birthday celebration for him, she asks him why he applied for a job in a hotel when he has no previous experience. Chloe then confronts Mick about asking a guest to cover up on their way to the pool, but Harlow saves him by saying that he meant for the guest to cover themselves in sunscreen. Mick later tells Chloe about his ideas for redecorating the outdoor areas in a jungle theme, but Chloe tells him that she would prefer him to learn the basics of his job first. Mick later enters
Amy Greenwood's (
Jacinta Stapleton) apartment while drunk and tells her that he was given the wrong key. He also notices some medicated STD cream on the kitchen bench. Amy soon realises that Mick is squatting in the apartments and took the master key from reception. She threatens to tell Chloe, who has been gathering evidence of Mick's indiscretions, and he counters by threatening to reveal that she has
crabs
Crabs are decapod crustaceans of the infraorder Brachyura, which typically have a very short projecting "tail" (abdomen) ( el, βραχύς , translit=brachys = short, / = tail), usually hidden entirely under the thorax. They live in all the ...
. Mick suggests several ways to improve the hotel, but Chloe tells him that he needs to tone down his ideas. Mick then tries to convince
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'' since 1995.
Career
Moloney's first acting experience was with ...
) to turn his office into a Santa's grotto, before he runs into David, who asks whether he is after Aaron. Mick assures him that Aaron is not his type anymore and that he wants to keep their history a secret. Chloe later confronts him about stalking Aaron, having learned who he is. Mick wears a crab costume to the Lassiters Christmas party amidst a potential crabs outbreak at the hotel, which attracts the attentions of Amy, Chloe and manager
Terese Willis
Terese Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rebekah Elmaloglou. The actress was cast in the role after attending an audition in late 2012. Before she began filming her first scenes in early Fe ...
(
Rebekah Elmaloglou
Rebekah Sophie Elmaloglou (born 23 January 1974) is an Australian actress, known for her roles as teenage tearaway Sophie Simpson on ''Home and Away'' and Terese Willis on ''Neighbours''. She also made guest appearances in ''E Street (television ...
). Hotel owner
Paul Robinson (
Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis (born 30 October 1958) is an Australian actor and singer best known for playing the role of cold-hearted and ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from its first episode on March 18, 1985. He departed ...
) eventually tells Mick to change, while Amy tells him to stop him shaming her.
When Chloe and Harlow ask Amy for information about the issue at Lassiters, Amy assumes Mick has told them about her having crabs, so she tells them about him squatting at the apartments. Mick then publicly announces that Amy and her boyfriends
Ned Willis
Ned Willis is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Ben Hall. The character was created in the early 1990s, but he was not seen on-screen. Over twenty years later, the show's UK broadcaster Cha ...
(Ben Hall) and
Levi Canning
Levi Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Richie Morris. The actor auditioned for the role in early 2020 and successfully received the role of the newly created Levi Canning, a police officer a ...
(Richie Morris) are responsible for spreading the crabs at the hotel, which later turns out to be bed bugs. After being fired, Mick attempts to take a bag of toiletries and stationary from the hotel, but is caught by Chloe and Harlow on the way out. A couple of weeks later,
Kyle Canning
Kyle Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Chris Milligan. The actor successfully auditioned for the six-week recurring role of Kyle and he made his first on screen appearance on 26 November 200 ...
(
Chris Milligan
Christopher Milligan (born 14 June 1988) is an Australian actor. From 2008 to 2022, he played Kyle Canning in the television soap opera ''Neighbours''. He initially started out as a recurring cast member, until he was promoted to the regular ca ...
) hires Mick as his and
Roxy Willis
Roxy Willis is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Zima Anderson. Anderson secured the role two years after relocating to Melbourne in the hope that she might win a part on the show. She felt t ...
' (Zima Anderson) wedding planner. Roxy is set to fire Mick, until he shows her a mood board he has worked on, which seems to match the couple's personalities. Roxy is still unsure, but is convinced to keep Mick on when he demonstrates that he knows her better than she thinks and tells her that he can pull anything together quickly. Mick later discusses his new job with
Karl Kennedy
Karl Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Alan Fletcher. The actor previously appeared in the soap in 1987 as mechanic Greg Cooper. He made his first screen appearance as Karl during the episo ...
(
Alan Fletcher) and hires him to be the wedding singer. Mick's arrangements fall through and Kyle and Roxy's friends and family sort out the venue together. Months later, Terese and Chloe arrange a meeting with fashion designer
Montana Marcel's (
Tammin Sursok
Tammin Sursok (born 19 August 1983) is a South African-born Australian actress and singer. She is known for her roles on television as Dani Sutherland on ''Home and Away'', Colleen Carlton on ''The Young and the Restless'', and Jenna Marshall ...
) assistant and are surprised when Mick turns up. He asks for a massage and a cocktail while Terese and Chloe try to explain their pitch for Montana's Fashion Week. He eventually agrees to arrange a meeting with Montana for them. Mick gives Terese, Chloe and
Leo Tanaka
Leo Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Tim Kano. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 22 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside his t ...
(
Tim Kano
Tim Kano is a New Zealand actor, known for playing Leo Tanaka in the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'' from 2016 until 2022. He also stars in the 2021 horror film '' Great White''.
Early life
Kano's mother Sue is from New Zeal ...
) some suggestions to impress Montana, including adding tiki torches, gladioli, and an ice sculpture to the potential locations for the runways. He accompanies Montana on her visit and it emerges all the things Mick suggested remind Montana of being jilted by her fiancé. Chloe realises that Mick set them up and confronts him, but he wishes her good luck proving it. Mick visits Aaron at the hospital, after an unsuccessful date with porter
Dean Covey (
Travis Cotton
Travis Cotton (born 18 May 1975) is an Australian actor and playwright. He studied acting at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) was ...
). He tells Aaron that Dean would not stop talking about David and came to warn Aaron. Mick later finds Montana entertaining Leo and she threatens to fire him for sabotaging the Lassiters pitch. He says that it was just a test and Montana tells him that it is lucky he makes her laugh, before asking him to leave them alone.
Rafael Humphreys
Rafael Humphreys, played by
Ryan Thomas
Ryan may refer to:
People and fictional characters
*Ryan (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name)
*Ryan (surname), a surname (including a list of people with the name)
Places Australia
* Division of Ryan, an elector ...
, made his first appearance on 12 February 2018. The character and Thomas's casting details were announced on 12 October 2017.
Unconfirmed reports of his casting were previously published in early September 2017. Thomas explained that he was on holiday when his agent contacted him about the role. After speaking with a producer, he accepted the part as the character was different to those he had played before.
He added "I grew up watching the show so to get the chance to join the cast is amazing".
Johnathon Hughes of ''
Radio Times
''Radio Times'' (currently styled as ''RadioTimes'') is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in May 1923 by J ...
'' observed that Thomas's casting was "a canny coup" for the show, as a well known soap actor would please British viewers.
Thomas finished filming his guest stint during the week commencing 20 November 2017.
Rafael was initially billed as being "a mysterious loner with dark secrets", who comes to
Erinsborough
Erinsborough is the fictional suburb where the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' is set. The show focuses on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the suburb. ''Neighbours'' storylines primarily centre on the ...
to confront an incident from his past.
Greg Barnett, the commissioning editor at
Channel 5, described Thomas as "the perfect handsome devil", whose arrival would bring "darker times" to an established character.
Thomas was photographed with actors
Olympia Valance
Olympia Montana Valance (born 7 January 1993) is an Australian actress and model, whose roles include Paige Smith in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' (2014–2018, 2020, 2022) and Tahlia Woods in '' Playing for Keeps''. For her role as Paige, Vala ...
and
Andrew Morley
Andrew James Morley (born 10 November 1989) is an Australian actor, known for his roles as Brandon Benedict in '' Lightning Point'' and Spencer Harrington in '' Home and Away''. Following his departure from ''Home and Away'' in 2015, Morley work ...
on set, leading Hughes to speculate that Rafael may be involved with their characters
Paige Smith
Paige Smith (also Novak) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Olympia Valance. The actress was cast in February 2014 after a lengthy audition process, which included four call-backs. Series produce ...
and
Jack Callahan.
He was also pictured filming scenes with Matt Wilson, who plays
Aaron Brennan
Aaron Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Matt Wilson. The actor originally auditioned for the role of Tyler Brennan and participated in a long casting process, during which he sent the pro ...
.
Publicity photos later showed Rafael with scars covering his back and it was revealed that he is set to target
Paul Robinson (
Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis (born 30 October 1958) is an Australian actor and singer best known for playing the role of cold-hearted and ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from its first episode on March 18, 1985. He departed ...
) in a revenge storyline.
![Ryan Thomas 2](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Ryan_Thomas_2.jpg)
Rafael visits the Lassiters Complex amid a 90s fancy dress party. He goes to The Waterhole and watches Paul Robinson from afar. After noticing that Paul has left his penthouse key card behind, Rafael takes it and lets himself into the penthouse. He watches on while Paul sleeps. Rafael checks into the Erinsborough Backpackers, and later enquires about a staff wanted poster in the pub.
Sheila Canning
Sheila Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Colette Mann. The character was teased by the show's executive producer Richard Jasek in January 2012. The following month Mann's casting was ann ...
(
Colette Mann
Colette Mann (born 17 February 1950) is an Australian actress, singer, TV and radio presenter, choreographer and author/writer and media personality, she has been in the entertainment industry for over 50 years.
Mann appeared in two Grundy Orga ...
) gives him a trial shift. He befriends
David Tanaka
David Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Takaya Honda. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside ...
(
Takaya Honda
Takaya Honda (born 6 September 1987) is an actor and television presenter. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Josh in the children's television series ''A gURLs wURLd'', Klaus Thomson in the comedy series ''The Family Law'' and David Tanak ...
) after helping out with his mixed up meal order, and Sheila is impressed enough to hire him. Rafael asks Sheila about Paul and learns he owns a new housing development called Robinson Heights. David tries to flirt with Rafael and later asks him out for a drink. Rafael tells David that he was born in the UK, but spent a lot of time in South America as that is where his mother was born. Sheila lets Rafael know that David is Paul's son, so he cuts the date short and leaves. Rafael reports Robinson Heights for unsafe work practices.
Mishti Sharma
Mishti Sharma is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Scarlet Vas. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 April 2017. The character was introduced alongside an extended branch ...
(Scarlet Vas) catches Rafael breaking into the building site and he asks her to charge Paul with murder. He explains that his mother died during a fire in a factory owned by Paul. He gleaned from his mother's diary that the factory was unsafe, so he blames Paul for her death. Mishti later tells Rafael that she has been unable to find anything to support his claim, and there is nothing she can do.
Rafael apologises to David and asks him out on another date. David invites Rafael to spend the evening with him at Paul's penthouse, where he is babysitting
Gabriel Smith
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2017, by order of first appearance. ...
(Kian Bafekrpour). When David goes to check on Gabe, Rafael finds a folder on Robinson Heights and photographs the documentation, including a page about a reimbursement scheme for the former residents, which he then sends to the ''West Waratah Star'' newspaper. The paper runs a story about the housing development ripping off pensioners, and Rafael assures David that he did not say anything. Rafael tries to talk to
Jayden Warley
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the soap in 2013, by order of first appear ...
(Kahn Oxenham) about the safety at Robinson Heights and is overheard by Jayden's mother
Sue Parker (Sue Gorman), who wants to know why Rafael is asking questions about Paul's interests. They plot to cause an accident at the site. Paul invites Rafael to a family celebration. When he is alone with David, Rafael shows him his scars and they have sex. Jayden reveals to Rafael that he has been sabotaging the Robinson Heights site for weeks on his mother's orders. Rafael contacts Sue to call off their arrangement, but as he reaches the site, he finds David's brother
Leo Tanaka
Leo Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Tim Kano. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 22 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside his t ...
(
Tim Kano
Tim Kano is a New Zealand actor, known for playing Leo Tanaka in the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'' from 2016 until 2022. He also stars in the 2021 horror film '' Great White''.
Early life
Kano's mother Sue is from New Zeal ...
) trapped under a fallen concrete slab. Rafael starts to call an ambulance, but leaves when
Mark Brennan (
Scott McGregor) comes across the scene.
Aaron Brennan questions Rafael about Jayden, but Rafael says he does not know him and accuses Aaron of being jealous of his relationship with David. Rafael later catches Aaron going through his belongings and Aaron asks him why he has Sue Parker's business card. Aaron knows that Sue hates Paul and believes Rafael is dating David to get to Paul. Aaron follows Rafael outside and grabs his shirt, which rips and exposes Rafael's scars. Rafael, Sue and Jayden are questioned by the police and Rafael admits to his involvement in the accident at the building site. Paul bails Rafael out and tells him that he does not recall Rafael's mother or the fire, but vows to find out what happened. Rafael assures David that his feelings for him are real despite what has happened. Leo meets with Paul's old business partner
Dakota Davies
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the soap in 2014, by order of first appearance. All charact ...
(
Sheree Murphy
Sheree Victoria Murphy (born 22 August 1975) is an English actress and television presenter, best known for her roles as Dawn in Only Fools and Horses and Tricia Dingle in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', Eva Strong in the Channel 4 soap oper ...
) in London and she later sends him a USB stick containing a document in which she admits to start the factory fire to claim the insurance. Rafael apologises to Paul, who offers to pay his $10,000 fine. Rafael decides to return to the UK to find Dakota. Before he leaves, he tells David to consider giving Aaron another chance.
Chloe Brennan
Chloe Brennan, played by
April Rose Pengilly
April Rose Pengilly (''pen-GILL-ee''; born 12 April 1988), also known as April Rose, is an Australian actress and model.
Early life
April Rose Pengilly is the daughter of INXS member Kirk Pengilly and designer Karen Hutchinson. She attended Wen ...
, made her first appearance on 27 March 2018.
Pengilly's casting and character details were confirmed on 1 March 2018.
She secured the role shortly before moving to Los Angeles, stating "I think it's a goal for most Aussie actors to be on one of these iconic Aussie shows that is beloved world wide, but I'd kind of given up on it, my goal was America."
Chloe is the sister of the established Brennan brothers;
Mark
Mark may refer to:
Currency
* Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark, the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
* East German mark, the currency of the German Democratic Republic
* Estonian mark, the currency of Estonia between 1918 and 1927
* Fi ...
(
Scott McGregor),
Aaron
According to Abrahamic religions, Aaron ''′aharon'', ar, هارون, Hārūn, Greek (Septuagint): Ἀαρών; often called Aaron the priest ()., group="note" ( or ; ''’Ahărōn'') was a prophet, a high priest, and the elder brother of ...
(Matt Wilson), and
Tyler Tyler may refer to:
People and fictional characters
* Tyler (name), an English name; with lists of people with the surname or given name
* Tyler, the Creator (born 1991), American rap artist and producer
* John Tyler, 10th president of the United ...
(
Travis Burns). She has been mentioned on-screen by her family several times,
and Wilson teased her introduction in July 2017. Chloe comes to
Erinsborough
Erinsborough is the fictional suburb where the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' is set. The show focuses on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the suburb. ''Neighbours'' storylines primarily centre on the ...
to see her brothers, after spending years travelling overseas.
Of her character, Pengilly said "Chloe Brennan is one of the most fun, interesting roles I've ever been offered and I'm already having a ball playing her."
For her portrayal of Chloe, Pengilly was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2018 ''
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, ...
'' Reader Awards; she came in sixth place with 5.9% of the total votes.
Bea Nilsson
Beatrix "Bea" Nilsson, played by
Bonnie Anderson, made her first appearance on 18 May 2018.
Anderson's casting details were announced on 5 May. She was initially contracted for two years and the show marks her first major acting role. Anderson auditioned for the role of
Chloe Brennan Chloe Brennan may refer to:
* Chloe Brennan (One Life to Live), Chloe Brennan (''One Life to Live'')
* Chloe Brennan (Neighbours), Chloe Brennan (''Neighbours'')
{{hndis, Brennan, Chloe ...
, and was being considered for the part alongside
April Rose Pengilly
April Rose Pengilly (''pen-GILL-ee''; born 12 April 1988), also known as April Rose, is an Australian actress and model.
Early life
April Rose Pengilly is the daughter of INXS member Kirk Pengilly and designer Karen Hutchinson. She attended Wen ...
before producers decided to create the additional role of Bea for her. Of her casting, Anderson commented, "I do pinch myself, this is an amazing job to have, even though I started filming in February, it still feels surreal being on set, seeing how it all happens and being a part of it."
Bea is the estranged half-sister of
Elly Conway
Eleanor "Elly" Conway (also Brennan) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Jodi Gordon. She was originally played by Kendell Nunn from her first appearance on 13 December 2001, until her departure in ...
(
Jodi Anasta
Jodi Lee Gordon (previously Anasta; born 1 February 1985) is an Australian actress and model. From 2005 to 2010 she portrayed Martha MacKenzie in '' Home and Away''. Gordon won the Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent in 2006. Gordon c ...
) 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 ...
's (
Jackie Woodburne
Jacqueline Anne Woodburne (born 5 February 1956) is a Northern Irish-born Australian actress, who is notable for her roles in TV soap operas.
Since 1994, Woodburne has played teacher Susan Kennedy in ''Neighbours''. She first became notable for ...
) niece.
Megan Davies of ''
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, ...
'' stated that Bea and Elly have "a tempestuous history", and Elly worries that her sister will turn her life upside down, especially as Bea has "a dark past".
On 21 February 2021, a reporter for the ''
Herald Sun
The ''Herald Sun'' is a 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 Murdoch owned News Corp. The ''Herald S ...
'' confirmed Anderson's departure from the show.
Anderson chose to leave so she could concentrate on her music career.
She stated "I was like a pig in mud at that place. ''Neighbours'' really changed my life for the better in so, so many ways. I feel like at the age I was, 23, when I joined the show it has really shaped me into the person that I am today. I have overcome a lot, I have grown and I am proud of the way I live my life. It was really good to have that structure and now after 3½ years on that show I have decided it is time for me to continue challenging myself and create space to focus on my music and songwriting and more acting."
Her final scenes aired on 24 May 2021.
It was confirmed that Anderson would be reprising her role as Bea for the
serial's finale.
![Bonnie Anderson 2013](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Bonnie_Anderson_2013.jpg)
Bea's sister Elly Conway spots her in the Lassiter's Complex, but Elly soon loses sight of her. Bea's aunt Susan Kennedy notices her in the complex the following day and follows her until she stops. Bea admits that she was unsure whether to say hello or not. Susan persuades Bea to come home with her and see Elly. Susan suggests that the sisters get to know each other properly, and Elly apologises to Bea for her behaviour the last time they were together. Elly invites Bea to stay with them, but Bea has already booked an apartment. She agrees to go out for dinner with Elly, who introduces her to
Mark Brennan (
Scott McGregor). Elly later takes Bea on a tour of the area. When Bea returns to her apartment, she rants to her boyfriend
Patrick Patrick may refer to:
* Patrick (given name), list of people and fictional characters with this name
* Patrick (surname), list of people with this name
People
* Saint Patrick (c. 385–c. 461), Christian saint
*Gilla Pátraic (died 1084), Patrick ...
(
Rob Mills
Robert Mills (born 21 June 1982) is an Australian actor, television host and singer-songwriter. He was one of the finalists from the first season of ''Australian Idol''. He co-hosted the late-night quiz show '' The Mint'', and was a regular sin ...
) about Elly's perfect life, while she has nothing. He convinces her to resolve things with Elly. After learning that Bea knows her way around cars, Mark offers her an apprenticeship at the local garage but she is reluctant to accept as she learned her skills at a former boyfriend's
chop shop
A chop shop is a business, often mimicking a body shop, that illicitly disassembles stolen motor vehicles and sells their parts. Chop shops are often linked to car-theft rings as part of a broader organized crime enterprise.
In the United Sta ...
. Patrick can see that she wants the job and tells her to contact Mark and accept it. Bea admits that she feels guilty that Patrick is in a wheelchair after he was assaulted by a group of men, who were harassing her. After learning that Bea has met
Xanthe Canning
Xanthe Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Lilly Van der Meer. The character's introduction was teased by actress Colette Mann, who plays Sheila Canning, during an interview in October 2015. ...
(Lilly Van der Meer), Patrick encourages Bea to befriend her. Mark tells Bea about Elly's former boyfriend Finn Kelly, who tried to ruin her life and put Susan in hospital.
Mark accuses Bea of inputting the wrong numbers for the invoices, but Elly comes to her defence and Bea agrees to join her on a girls' night out. Patrick berates Bea when she suggests that his rehab should take place at a hospital.
Yashvi Rebecchi (Olivia Junkeer) advises Bea to give her boyfriend space and Patrick buys her a dress as an apology. Bea later confides in Yashvi that she was homeless for a while. When she comes home to find Patrick's wheelchair empty, Bea calls him and he explains that he has been regaining movement in his legs and fell when he went out to test them. Bea brings him home and he proposes. Bea accepts on the condition that he meets her family, but he cancels at the last minute. He later suggests they invite Elly to see them elope. On the day of their elopement, Patrick and Bea take part in the local scavenger hunt until Patrick complains of pain in his legs and they return home. Patrick later goes out to write his vows, and upon his return he tells Bea that he spoke with Elly and she refuses to attend their wedding. On the way to
Maryborough, Bea becomes suspicious of Patrick and leaves the car. He chases after her, revealing that he was never paralysed. He knocks Bea out and puts her in a shipping container, where she is later joined by Elly and Susan, who explain that Patrick is actually Finn Kelly. Bea accuses Elly of ruining her life. They are later found by Mark and Karl. After she is checked over, Bea says she will find a hotel, but she begins sleeping in the garage work van, until Elly asks her to move into Number 28.
Susan invites Elly and Bea's mother,
Liz Conway
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was created by Reg Watson and first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the soap in 2001, by order of first appearance. All character ...
(
Debra Lawrance
Debra Lawrance (born 1 January 1957) is an Australian actress.
She is best known for her role on '' Home and Away'', as Pippa Ross, which she played from 1990 to 1998, and has made a number of return appearances as the character, the most re ...
) to Erinsborough. Liz confirms Bea's beliefs that Elly asked their mother to kick her out when she was fifteen. However, Elly reveals that Liz told her and Susan that it was not her fault. The sisters realise that Liz has been lying to them both, and when Bea finds a photo in Liz's wallet that she is folded out of, Liz admits that she wanted Bea gone as she reminded her too much of Bea's father, Lars. Elly and Bea ask Liz to leave, but she attempts to make amends by inviting them to lunch, where she gets drunk and talks about herself. Liz later claims she has been mugged by Finn, which causes Bea and Elly to soften towards her until they learn from Mark that she made it all up.
Finn later confronts Bea, Susan, Elly and Xanthe resulting in him being pushed off a cliff by Susan. The incident is ruled as self-defence, and Finn later wakes up from his coma. Finn's brother
Shaun Watkins (Brad Moller), who had arrived in town a few months previously, returns to help him despite Ned warning him to stay away. Ned becomes overprotective of Bea and at one point assists
Harry Sinclair
Harry Alan Sinclair (born 1959) is a New Zealand film director, writer and actor. In his early career he was an actor and member of The Front Lawn, a musical theater duo. He went on to write and direct several short films, a TV series and thr ...
(
Paul Dawber
Paul Dawber is a British born-Australian stage, film and television actor. He attended drama school at National Theatre, Melbourne and graduated in 1987. That same year, he played the role of Todd Buckley in '' Sons and Daughters''. He has ap ...
) in his attempt to set up Finn. After this results in Bea's hospitalisation, she breaks up with Ned. She later recommences a relationship with Finn, which Karl, Susan and Elly are initially against. However, in time, Finn comes to be accepted by the Kennedys, especially after they discover Shaun is the father of Elly's baby, and how he blackmailed Elly into letting Finn stay with them. Finn and Bea's relationship appears to be going well until Elly is held hostage by
Robert Robinson (
Adam Hunter) and he helps Elly give birth to her daughter
Aster Conway
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2019, by order of first appearance. All char ...
(Isla Goulas, Scout Bowman). Unknown to Bea, this reignites Finn and Elly's feelings towards each other.
Bea later contacts Finn's father
Trent Kelly
John Trent Kelly (born March 1, 1966) is an American lawyer, politician, and U.S. Army general officer from Mississippi. A member of the Republican Party, Kelly is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from .
Early life and career
John ...
(Peter Houghton) in an attempt to reunite them. However, this angers Finn, especially after he discovers she did this without telling him and that his father had intended to save him when he was held hostage in Colombia, but gambled the ransom money. Finn's memories also return and he plans to kill Bea. When they head to
Pierce Greyson
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearance. ...
's (
Tim Robards
Timothy Robards (born 1 October 1982) is an Australian actor, chiropractor, model, and television personality. Robards worked as a chiropractor for seven years, before he was cast in the first season of '' The Bachelor Australia''. He chose Anna ...
) island to celebrate Elly's 35th birthday, Finn pushes Bea down an old mineshaft and leaves her to die. He then lies to the others that she has gone back to Sydney.
Harlow Robinson
Harlow Loomis Robinson (born 20 September 1950) is a Matthews Distinguished University Professor of History at Northeastern University who specializes in Soviet and Russian cultural history, with writings on Soviet film and performing arts.
...
(Jemma Donovan) finds her and attempts to rescue her but is also trapped. Elly eventually discovers that Finn has been deceiving her and he pushes her into the mineshaft as well. The three are later rescued when
Paul Robinson (
Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis (born 30 October 1958) is an Australian actor and singer best known for playing the role of cold-hearted and ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from its first episode on March 18, 1985. He departed ...
) informs the other islanders of Bea's whereabouts. Upon returning to Erinsborough, Bea is horrified to discover that Finn has also murdered
Prue Wallace (
Denise van Outen) and
Gary Canning
Gary Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Damien Richardson. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 November 2014. Richardson previously appeared in the show in 1992. ...
(
Damien Richardson), the latter of whom tried to save her and Harlow. Upon discovering that Elly had feelings for Finn, she is angry, but convinces her to return home. Bea learns that Finn is dead and Elly is accused of murdering him. When Claudia returns to Erinsborough, Bea became suspicious of Claudia. When Elly is sentenced to prison for Finn's murder, Claudia wins custody over Aster. With the help from Aaron and Chloe, Bea realises that Claudia is planning to leave Melbourne with Aster so she and Susan rush to the airport to stop her. As they arrive, they are shocked to find Shaun, alive, confronting Claudia's actions. Elly is bailed from prison and Claudia is charged after turning herself in.
Bea meets and befriends
Levi Canning
Levi Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Richie Morris. The actor auditioned for the role in early 2020 and successfully received the role of the newly created Levi Canning, a police officer a ...
(Richie Morris) and they both volunteer to clear up Pierce's island, with Roxy and Levi's cousin
Kyle Canning
Kyle Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Chris Milligan. The actor successfully auditioned for the six-week recurring role of Kyle and he made his first on screen appearance on 26 November 200 ...
(
Chris Milligan
Christopher Milligan (born 14 June 1988) is an Australian actor. From 2008 to 2022, he played Kyle Canning in the television soap opera ''Neighbours''. He initially started out as a recurring cast member, until he was promoted to the regular ca ...
). While clearing up, Levi has a seizure. Levi admits that he hit his head as a child and as a result developed epilepsy. He tells Bea not to tell anyone but Bea is concerned about him keeping it quiet from his family and colleagues. Bea learns that Elly is planning to move to Switzerland with Shaun and Aster, Bea is angry at Elly for not telling her. Bea begs Elly to stay as she needs her, but Elly tells Bea that she needs a fresh start so Bea lets her go, but prefers not to accompany her at the airport. They say their goodbyes outside the house as Elly leaves with Shaun and Aster. Bea is then harassed by Tucker Brunnings, while setting up for her performance at the Waterhole. Bea tells him to back off, but he continues to provoke her and when he mentions Elly, Bea snaps and punches him, which Levi witnesses. Levi supports Bea as she tries to move on without Elly. Bea supports Levi when he has a fall out with his grandmother
Sheila Canning
Sheila Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Colette Mann. The character was teased by the show's executive producer Richard Jasek in January 2012. The following month Mann's casting was ann ...
(
Colette Mann
Colette Mann (born 17 February 1950) is an Australian actress, singer, TV and radio presenter, choreographer and author/writer and media personality, she has been in the entertainment industry for over 50 years.
Mann appeared in two Grundy Orga ...
), and when she learns from him that he moved out and is staying at Lassiter's, Bea offers for him to stay at her place. Bea asks Susan for permission, but she refuses. Bea then tells Levi the bad news.
Bea realises that she has a thing for Levi and tells Yashvi about her feelings for him. Yashvi decides to set them up on a date and Bea dresses up and meets Levi at the Waterhole. She begins to flirt with him, but later gets a call from Yashvi that she had interrogated Levi minutes before and confesses to Bea that Levi has no interest in her. Bea takes off, feeling embarrassed. Levi comes to Bea, telling her that Sheila accidentally destroyed his epilepsy medication in the washing machine and asks her to get his medication from the pharmacy. Bea first refuses, but agrees to do so, when Levi has trust in her. When Bea secretly gives Levi his medication, Yashvi has followed Levi and finds him and Bea together. When Yashvi starts questioning Levi for lying to her about his whereabouts, Bea steps in and reveals to Yashvi that she and Levi are secretly dating. Bea then goes to Switzerland to see Elly and Aster. When Bea returns, she helps Levi, when he has a seizure in front of Kyle and Sheila. Bea and Sheila then drive out of Ramsay Street. The following year, Bea returns with Elly to attend
Toadie 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 ...
's (
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'' since 1995.
Career
Moloney's first acting experience was with ...
) wedding reception and party.
Hugo Somers
Hugo Somers (also credited as Hugo Rebecchi) played by John Turner, made his first appearance on 26 June 2018. Hugo is
Andrea Somers
Andrea Somers is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Madeleine West. West had previously played the role of Dee Bliss, who disappeared after a car crash into the ocean after marrying Toadie Rebecchi (R ...
' (
Madeleine West
Melanie Ann Weston (born 26 July 1980), known professionally as Madeleine West, is an Australian actress. She is known for her television roles, having played Dee Bliss and Andrea Somers on the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 2000 to 2003 and on- ...
) infant son.
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-Australian actress who played Sindi Watts on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours''.
Warrington as Sindi made her debut on ''Neighbours'' on a recurring basis in 2002. Sindi became a regular character ...
) brings Hugo to Erinsborough and tells
Toadie 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'' since 1995.
Career
Moloney's first acting experience was with ...
) that he is Hugo's father.
Willow Somers (Mieke Billing-Smith), who previously knew of Hugo's existence, tells the family the details of Andrea's pregnancy and subsequent
post-natal depression
Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth, which can affect both sexes. Symptoms may include extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety, crying episodes, irritability, and chan ...
, culminating in her abandoning Hugo with Sindi. Toadie takes a DNA test and cares for Hugo as he waits for the result, which eventually confirms that Toadie is Hugo's father. Toadie takes Hugo and Willow to visit Andrea in a psychiatric hospital in
Hobart
Hobart ( ; Nuennonne/Palawa kani: ''nipaluna'') is the capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Home to almost half of all Tasmanians, it is the least-populated Australian state capital city, and second-small ...
, but she does not acknowledge her children. Toadie's wife
Sonya Rebecchi
Sonya Rebecchi (also Mitchell) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Eve Morey. The actress auditioned for the role and began filming in June 2009. She made her first screen appearance during the episod ...
(
Eve Morey
Eve Morey (born 4 June 1983) is an Australian actress. Her roles have included Lucy Green in '' Pig's Breakfast'' and Sonya Rebecchi in the soap opera '' Neighbours'', the latter role played from 2009 to 2022. She has also appeared in '' All Sai ...
) attempts to bond with Hugo. When she is distracted while changing Hugo, he falls from the change table, but is not badly hurt. Toadie and Sonya hold a naming day for Hugo to officially welcome him to their family, and they give him the nickname Sunfish as per Rebecchi family tradition. Later, Andrea's mother
Heather Schilling
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2018, by order of first appearance. ...
(
Kerry Armstrong
Kerry Michelle Armstrong (born 12 September 1958) is an Australian actress and author. She is one of only two actresses to win two Australian Film Institute Awards in the same year, winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for ''Lantana'' and B ...
) tricks the Rebecchis into hiring her as a live-in nanny, in an attempt to get closer to Hugo and eventually restore Andrea's role in his life, but her deception is uncovered when she attempts to murder Sonya. While still in recovery, Andrea gives full custody of Hugo to Toadie and Sonya, shortly before the latter dies of ovarian cancer. In 2020, Andrea escapes from prison via dressing up her identical twin,
Dee Bliss
Dione "Dee" Bliss is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Madeleine West. The actress received the role three days after securing an agent. West deferred her law degree studies to take the part. She ma ...
(also West), in a prison suit. She then pretends to be Dee and takes Hugo, before escaping town with
Owen Campbell (
Johnny Ruffo). Owen eventually admits to Toadie where Andrea, who is still holding Hugo, is hiding. Using Heather, Constable
Levi Canning
Levi Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Richie Morris. The actor auditioned for the role in early 2020 and successfully received the role of the newly created Levi Canning, a police officer a ...
(Richie Morris) lures Andrea into
Erinsborough High
''Neighbours: Erinsborough High'' is an Australian streaming television series produced for video on demand and catch up TV services My5 and 10 Play. It was released on 11 November 2019. The series is a spin-off of soap opera ''Neighbours''. F ...
and Toadie safely manages to get Hugo back. According to Daniel Kilkelly of ''
Digital Spy
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, ...
'', Hugo's presence allowed the manipulative Andrea to show a "more human side".
Jemima Davies-Smythe
Jemima Davies-Smythe, played by
Magda Szubanski
Magdalene Mary Therese Szubanski ( ; born 12 April 1961) is an Australian comedy actress, author, singer and LGBT rights advocate. She performed in ''Fast Forward'', '' Kath & Kim'' as Sharon Strzelecki and in the films ''Babe'' (1995) and ' ...
, made her first appearance on 3 September 2018.
The character and Szubanski's casting details were announced on 30 May 2018, along with details of the show's first same-sex wedding.
Of her guest role, Szubanski said, "I thought it was just one of the best offers I've had for a long time. I thought it was both hilarious and historic so when they asked me I just jumped at it. I think it's gold." Szubanski, who led the "yes" campaign for marriage equality law in Australia, plays marriage celebrant Jemima, who marries
David Tanaka
David Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Takaya Honda. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside ...
(
Takaya Honda
Takaya Honda (born 6 September 1987) is an actor and television presenter. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Josh in the children's television series ''A gURLs wURLd'', Klaus Thomson in the comedy series ''The Family Law'' and David Tanak ...
) and
Aaron Brennan
Aaron Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Matt Wilson. The actor originally auditioned for the role of Tyler Brennan and participated in a long casting process, during which he sent the pro ...
(Matt Wilson).
Jemima is also revealed to have a connection to "Ramsay Street royalty". It was later confirmed that she is
Karl Kennedy
Karl Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Alan Fletcher. The actor previously appeared in the soap in 1987 as mechanic Greg Cooper. He made his first screen appearance as Karl during the episo ...
's (
Alan Fletcher) half-sister.
![Magda Szubanski (8480987723)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Magda_Szubanski_%288480987723%29.jpg)
Jemima is contacted by her half-brother Karl Kennedy, but she tells him she does not want to meet him. However, she later travels to his home town of
Erinsborough
Erinsborough is the fictional suburb where the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' is set. The show focuses on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the suburb. ''Neighbours'' storylines primarily centre on the ...
, where she overhears that Aaron Brennan and David Tanaka need a celebrant. Jemima steps in for
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 a Northern Irish-born Australian actress, who is notable for her roles in TV soap operas.
Since 1994, Woodburne has played teacher Susan Kennedy in ''Neighbours''. She first became notable for ...
) and uses her speech. After the wedding, Jemima finds that the front grill of her car fell off when Susan leant against it. Karl offers to cover the cost and gives Jemima a business card, leading her to realise that he is her half-brother. Karl explains that he and Susan went to
Echuca
Echuca ( ) is a town on the banks of the Murray River and Campaspe River in Victoria, Australia. The border town of Moama is adjacent on the northern side of the Murray River in New South Wales. Echuca is the administrative centre and largest s ...
to find her, but Jemima says that she was not sure if she wanted to meet another half-sibling. Karl invites Jemima to stay with him and Susan, and they bond over their shared love of music. Susan starts to suspect that Jemima is a