JJ Varga-Murphy

''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on streaming service Amazon Freevee. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show in 2023, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's executive producer Jason Herbison. The 39th season of ''Neighbours'' commenced with Episode 8904 on 18 September 2023. The Varga-Murphy family, comprising of JJ (Riley Bryant), Cara ( Sara West), Remi (Naomi Rukavina) and Dex Varga-Murphy (Marley Williams), along with Reece Sinclair (Mischa Barton) and Haz Devkar ( Shiv Palekar), were introduced during the same episode. Haz's dog, Trevor (Bodie), was introduced two episodes later. Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo) arrived in October and Reece's younger half-sister, Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis), in November.

JJ Varga-Murphy

JJ Varga-Murphy, played by Riley Bryant, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. JJ is part of a new family that were introduced called the Varga-Murphys. He was joined by his parents Cara ( Sara West) and Remi (Naomi Rukavina), with the addition of his brother, Dex (Marley Williams). Rukavina revealed that the Varga-Murphys had formed a "special bond" both on and off screen, while West was happy the family would represent the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community". The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison, expressed his delight about the introduction of the Varga-Murphy's, which would generate "many new stories to tell". It was later revealed in an interview to Digital Spy that JJ would be searching for his biological father. West explained, "JJ has found out some information. They've all come to Ramsay Street for a holiday, but JJ wants to know more about his biological dad. That leads the family to Ramsay Street, because JJ thinks he lives there."

JJ drives into Ramsay Street with his family after recommending renting 24 Ramsay Street. He meets Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) and Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan), as well as the latter's father, Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will). JJ later reveals to Dex that he recommended Ramsay Street as he believes that Andrew is his biological father, rather than an American donor as his mum, Cara, claims.

Cara Varga-Murphy

Cara Varga-Murphy, played by Sara West, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. West's character and casting details were announced on 22 June 2023. Cara is part of a new family that was introduced called the Varga-Murphy's. Cara was introduced alongside her wife Remi (Naomi Rukavina) and their children JJ (Riley Bryant) and Dex (Marley Williams). West stated that she was "honoured" to join the cast and "looking forward" to introducing the Varga-Murphy family. She also hoped the inclusion of the family, fronted by a lesbian couple would "help better reflect the beautiful LGBTQIA+ community" that she proudly comes from. Describing her character, West revealed "Cara has a bold, impassioned love for her family and I love that her intentions have, so far, always been good." The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison revealed that he thought it was appropriate that a new chapter of ''Neighbours'' included the arrival of a new family.

Cara and her family drive into Ramsay Street. She and Remi Varga-Murphy discuss plans to build a new house, however she remains unemployed until Remi convinces Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to give her a job at Lassiter's Hotel.

Remi Varga-Murphy

Remi Varga-Murphy, played by Naomi Rukavina, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. Rukavina's character and casting details were announced on 22 June 2023. Remi is part of a new family that was introduced called the Varga-Murphy's. Remi was introduced with her wife Cara ( Sara West) and their two children JJ (Riley Bryant) and Dex (Marley Williams). Rukavina stated that she was "thrilled" to join the cast and praised ''Neighbours'' for being willing to portray diverse families without a "tokenistic" approach. She added that her prior filming in the role had "been a great adventure" and the Varga-Murphy's have a "special bond". The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison revealed that he thought it was appropriate that a new chapter of ''Neighbours'' included the arrival of a new family. In an introductory video posted via the official ''Neighbours'' Instagram page, Rukavina revealed that Remi works as a doctor.

Remi and her family drive into Ramsay Street. She meets the neighbours and then helps Mary Ryan (Carissa McPherson) when she chokes, which allows Remi to introduce herself to Karl Kennedy ( Alan Fletcher) as a nurse. When Remi realises that Cara Varga-Murphy is struggling to find employment, she approaches Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) and convinces him to give Cara a job at Lassiter's Hotel.

Dex Varga-Murphy

Dexter "Dex" Varga-Murphy, played by Marley Williams, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. Williams' character and casting details were announced alongside the other Varga-Murphys on 22 June 2023. Dex is Williams' first television role. Dex is part of a new family being introduced called the Varga-Murphys. The character was introduced with his parents Cara ( Sara West) and Remi (Naomi Rukavina), with the addition of his brother JJ (Riley Bryant). West was empowered by the Varga-Murphys representing the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community" and Rukavina added that the family had formed a "special bond". ''Neighbours'' executive producer, Jason Herbison expressed his delight about the Varga-Murphy's arrivals, which would create "many new stories to tell".

Reece Sinclair

Reece Sinclair, played by Mischa Barton, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. The character and Barton's casting details were announced on 17 April 2023. Reece is the first new character to be announced following the revival of the serial. Reece is American and her arrival in town is "far from what it appears to be". Of her casting, Barton stated: "I'm excited to be part of this iconic show's next chapter, and I'm really looking forward to being back in Australia, a place I know and love! I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with." Executive producer Jason Herbison described Reece as "dynamic and unpredictable" and believed the show's viewers in Australia and around the world would love her. Barton later admitted that she had never watched the show, but she was familiar with it thanks to Kylie Minogue (who played Charlene Robinson). She also revealed that producers approached her about the role of Reece, and she thought the character was "a very good fit". Reece appeared for a ten-week guest stint, which concluded on 23 November. Posts from the ''Neighbours'' social media accounts suggested that she could return in the future.

Haz Devkar

Hari "Haz" Devkar, played by Shiv Palekar, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. Palekar's character and casting details were announced on 7 June 2023 via the serial's social media accounts. Haz was introduced as the new manager of Harold's Café, and has a dog called Trevor (Bodie). When Haz is introduced into the series, he lives on Ramsay Street at Number 32. Producers included him in a house share concept alongside the established characters Mackenzie Hargreaves ( Georgie Stone) and Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux). When the show resumed broadcasting, the housemates are depicted as having been living together for only three months. Haz moved to Erinsborough from Geelong, Palekar told Sarah Ellis from ''Inside Soap'' that Haz arrived looking for a house share. He added that the cast were unsure how Haz, Mackenzie and Byron originally became friends. Molyneux added that the three characters lead "very different work lives" and Stone concluded that "they're all getting along really well."

Writers quickly positioned Haz as a potential love interest for Mackenzie. She is a widow, following the death of her husband, Hendrix Greyson (Ben Turland). This occurred two years prior to meeting Haz but writers portrayed her as willing to move on. Stone told Asyia Iftikhar from PinkNews that "the budding relationship between Mackenzie and Haz, that is gonna be really cool." She added that some of her "favourite moments" occurred whilst filming with Palekar.

In the backstage video series ''Ramsay Street Revelations'', Stone revealed that it was an "incredibly big deal" for Mackenzie to be exploring romance again. She believed Mackenzie was reaching a point where she feels ready to move on. She described Haz and Mackenzie as "really good friends" and their early dynamic as a "will they? won't they?" style scenario. Stone stated that Mackenzie "loves" Haz's characteristics which are being "kind", "genuine", "funny", "playful" and "really down to earth". She added Mackenzie is a "really drawn to" Haz's "lightness" because of her past trauma. In the video, Palekar stated that Haz has "ultimate respect and admiration" for Mackenzie. He revealed that Haz values "honesty and justice and truth and just doing good in the world." He believed that Haz likes Mackenzie because upheld these morals. Palekar added that Haz "just admires the hell out of Mackenzie" and to Haz's "detriment" he "puts her on a pedestal." Writers created a series of relationship hurdles between Mackenzie and Haz. First she develops a connection with Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo). Billie Alessio (Georgia Walters), which is halted by Haz favouring his pet dog, Trevor over Billie.

Before his first on-screen appearance, Haz moved to Erinsborough to take over the lease of Harold's, and answered a housemate wanted ad placed by Mackenzie for 32 Ramsay Street. Haz attends Toadie Rebecchi ( Ryan Moloney) and Terese Willis' ( Rebekah Elmaloglou) wedding as Mackenzie's date. Although he likes her, Haz tells Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan) that it would be too complicated to date her, so he joins an online dating app. Haz hides his dog, Trevor, in the Harold's kitchen, before meeting Harold Bishop ( Ian Smith) and discussing the history of the café.

Trevor

Trevor, played by Bodhi, made his first appearance on 20 September 2023. Trevor is introduced into the series as Haz Devkar's (Shiv Palekar) pet dog. The character was announced via the ''Neighbours'' official X account on 3 August 2023, prior to the series return. The dog appeared in promotional cast pictures prior to announcement. The inclusion of a dog in the show had long been a traditional aspect in the soap opera, which Trevor continues. Bodhi's breed is a Groodle, a cross breed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Bodhi is supplied to ''Neighbours'' from the animal talent agency, "Paws on Film". Bodhi was trained by Luke Hura, who previously trained numerous other on-screen pets in ''Neighbours'', including Bouncer. Hura described Bodhi as a "very intelligent dog" but sometimes becomes distracted during filming. Lauren Sellwood has also been credited as the animal wrangler during Trevor's episodes. Paleker revealed that Trevor would be a chaotic character. He told Sarah Ellis from ''Inside Soap'' that "Trevor's gorgeous, and is going to steal every scene. He's an agent of chaos - but beautiful chaos!"

In 2024, writers created a new storyline for Trevor in which his original owner, Alyssa Gavalas (Imogen Sage) is introduced. She recognises Trevor whilst he is being taken for a walk by Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux). The scenes also reveal that Trevor's original name was Bodie. She wants to contact Haz and reconnect with her lost dog. Haz fears he will lose Trevor and seeks legal advice.

Trevor is a rescue dog owned by Haz. He brings Trevor into work at Harold's Café, despite health and safety regulations. Trevor chews on and destroys Mackenzie Hargreaves ( Georgie Stone) pillows, which were bought for her by Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan). Trevor's presence at the café causes problems for Haz when dog hairs are found in food and drinks purchased onsite. Haz reveals that Trevor suffers from anxiety and cannot stay at home. Mackenzie agrees to look after Trevor at home. He continues to struggle when left alone and chews up a jumper belonging to Haz's girlfriend, Billie Alessio (Georgia Walters). When Trevor annoys Billie, she locks him out of the house over night. Haz is shocked to find Trevor outside the following morning and breaks-up with Billie for her attitude towards Trevor. Haz's next girlfriend, Holly Hoyland ( Lucinda Armstrong Hall) destroys a scarf gifted to him by Mackenzie because she is jealous. She lets Trevor take the blame for the damage but Haz soon discovers she has lied. Byron takes Trevor for a walk where he meets Trevor's original owner, Alyssa. She reveals that she had been looking for Trevor, originally named Bodie since he went missing. She requests that Byron give her Haz's details so she can reconnect with her former pet. Haz is reluctant to speak to her and forbids his housemates to let Trevor go outside. However, after Alyssa introduces her son to Haz, he agrees to give Trevor back. Haz and Mackenzie watch Trevor drive away in Alyssa's car. Trevor runs off from from the Gavalas family home and returns to Haz, who returns him back to Alyssa. The Gavalases decide to return Trevor back to Haz after they realise he is homesick.

Eden Shaw

Eden Shaw, played by Costa D'Angelo, made his first appearance on 16 October 2023. Eden is introduced into the series as a potential love interest of Mackenzie Hargreaves ( Georgie Stone). He first appears in The Waterhole where he meets a drunken Mackenzie and introduces himself as Ed. They share romantic chemistry and get to know each other. Writers played his introduction as a surprise reveal after it becomes apparent that he is Eden, the ex-boyfriend of Holly Hoyland ( Lucinda Armstrong Hall), who had discussed the character in various scenes detailing their difficult break-up. In a backstage video, D'Angelo revealed that "Eden is a bit of a troubled character" and confirmed there would be much drama between him and Holly. Armstrong Hall added that "Eden and Holly are exes and Eden treated her pretty badly and was quite nasty."

Peter Hart and Dan Laurie from OK! branded Eden a "bad boy" type character. They revealed that Eden would play "a key part" in the show's flashback week. The week consists of special flashback episodes which reveal what occurred during the show's absence from television. Armstrong Hall told Sarah Ellis from ''Inside Soap'' that Eden is Holly's first love. She revealed that they met in the UK then travelled to Australia together.`She added that Holly wanted Eden to meet her parents Karl Kennedy ( Alan Fletcher) and Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte). Holly was upset to find Izzy and Shane Ramsay ( Peter O'Brien) "being naughty" and decided to postpone the meeting. Instead, during the flashback scenes, they meet Krista and go backpacking with her. Armstrong Hall added that the trio "just wanted to escape, go have fun and be young together." She added that over a year Eden, Holly and Krista become great friends but it ends in a "really heart-breaking" scenario of Holly discovering that Eden and Krista had sex.

Eden meets Mackenzie in The Waterhole and flirts with her. Eden then receives a job at Yorokobi Winery. Eden meets Mackenzie's friends, but when he sees Holly, he flees and runs back into the winery, where he steals Mackenzie's rings and her friends' bags. Holly and Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar) go to an address they believe Eden is staying at and they find all the stolen belongings except the rings, before Eden locks Holly in the shed, punches Haz in the eye and escapes before the police arrive. Later, Eden is recognised by Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp), before running off. Eden knocks out Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) when she enters a house that she believes her stepmother Melanie Pearson ( Lucinda Cowden) is staying at. Melanie arrives home and tends to Nell and takes her to a nearby pay-phone. Nell's father Toadie Rebecchi ( Ryan Moloney) contacts the police when he realises she is missing. They track her down to Melanie's house and break the door down. Holly and Haz find Nell with Melanie, but Holly is shocked to learn that Eden is behind Nell's injury.

It is revealed that one year ago, Eden cheated on Holly with Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis). When Melanie pushed Krista in the pool and she hit her head, Eden blackmailed Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) into keeping her death a secret. However, Krista survives the incident and is left in a controlling relationship with Eden. Holly and her friends eventually track Eden to a deceased estate, where Krista is found. Eden is arrested by the police.

Krista Sinclair

Krista Sinclair, played by Majella Davis, made her first appearance on 13 November 2023. Krista is the half-sister of Reece Sinclair (Mischa Barton). Krista was involved in a mystery storyline prior to her debut. Barton revealed on 2 October 2023, that the main reason for Reece being in Erinsborough was to track down her sister. After Krista was revealed to have survived her apparent death on-screen on 21 November, official ''Neighbours'' social media accounts confirmed that Davis was continuing in the role. Davis revealed on Instagram that she had been hired on a year-long contract. Davis was added to the show's opening titles from 27 November 2023. Davis had previously auditioned for the roles of Chloe Brennan and Nicolette Stone but was unsuccessful.

It was later revealed that Krista is friends with the characters Holly Hoyland ( Lucinda Armstrong Hall) and Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo). Their friendship is explored during a special week of episodes containing flashback scenes. These were designed to show viewers stories that had occurred whilst ''Neighbours'' had ceased broadcasting. Armstrong Hall told Sarah Ellis from ''Inside Soap'' that Krista meets Holly and Eden, who are in a relationship in Erinsborough. They become friends and go on a road trip together because they "just wanted to escape, go have fun and be young together." Krista and Holly develop a close friendship and spend a year together. Krista also becomes close to Eden and they have sex. Armstrong Hall revealed that their betrayal is "really heart-breaking". On 12 November 2023, Amazon Freevee released a trailer promoting Reece's search for Krista. In the video Reece discovers a photograph of Krista, Holly and Eden, confirming their friendship.

Davis explained in the online series ''Ramsay Street Revelations'' that Krista was her first "official big gig". Of describing Krista, Davis said that she is "a very outgoing person. She's very fun and eccentric and she loves life. She loves the party vibe." Davis also explained that she was unaware of the connection between her and Barton's characters until she noticed that Barton's character's surname was the same as Krista's. Krista has been told that she has to "take on the family business, go into the family line and she does not want to, so she has taken a little journey down to Ramsay Street to evade her family." Davis promised "lots of ups and downs for Krista, but there's great redemption".

On her return to Erinsborough, Melanie Pearson ( Lucinda Cowden) reveals that she had spotted Krista prior to her wedding to Toadie Rebecchi ( Ryan Moloney). Through flashback, it is shown that Melanie was working as Krista's housekeeper in England, and had fled the country after becoming involved in a drug deal to protect Krista. Krista asks Melanie for money, which she takes from her business on the condition that Krista does not contact her again. Krista, calling herself Kelly, meets Eden Shaw and his girlfriend Holly Hoyland, and the three decide to go travelling together. While they are away Eden and Krista begin an affair, and Eden encourages Krista to contact Melanie again to extort more money from her. When they eventually return to Erinsborough, Krista arrives at Melanie's house while on drugs and attempts to blackmail her. She also tells Holly that she and Eden are going to continue travelling without her. After Eden intimidates Melanie and her family, she agrees to meet Krista on the roof of Lassiter's Hotel. Melanie tells her she will not be paying her any more money, and during their confrontation pushes Krista. Krista hits her head and falls into a pool, and appears to be dead when Melanie takes her out. Melanie flees the scene, and when Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) returns Krista has gone. Eden appears and claims to have removed her body.

A year later, Holly finds Krista inside an abandoned house that Eden has been hiding in. Krista is taken to hospital in Erinsborough, where she is reunited with Reece. Reece is forced to return to the United States after their father, Conrad, suffers a stroke, before Reece's boyfriend, Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux), puts Krista up in a room in Lassiter's. Krista begins experiencing withdrawal symptoms and fails to eat sufficiently, so Byron organizes David Tanaka ( Takaya Honda), a former doctor, to help her. Krista discovers that her father has died when Holly accidentally tells her. David agrees to become Krista's sober companion and she therefore goes to rehab. However just one week later, David finds out that Krista has checked herself out of the rehab clinic. She can be seen alone in her hotel room taking women's health drug medication, and the next day, she reveals to David's twin brother Leo Tanaka ( Tim Kano) that she is pregnant with her and Eden Shaw's child. Krista's father Conrad dies and Reece takes control of the family business. She appoints Krista to work as representative at Lassiters Hotel, working alongside hotel owner Paul, who is annoyed with Krista's interference. Krista tries to prove herself to Paul and begins planning events. At a new year's eve party at The Waterhole, Krista has her drink spiked with drugs and she is hospitalised. David questions Krista whether she has relapsed but she is adamant that she was spiked. Everyone believes Krista aside from Paul.

Krista agrees to look after Leo's daughter, Abigail Tanaka (Nikita Kato) after her babysitter, Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan) needs to leave her. Leo is upset to find his daughter in Krista's care. He berates Sadie for allowing a recovering drug addict to care for his daughter but Krista overhears their exchange. She tells Leo she is upset and believes he no longer trusts her. Leo explains he is highly protective of his daughter due to Abigail's mother, Britney Barnes ( Montana Cox) dying. Paul attempts to convince Krista that Leo is trying to replicate his relationship with Britney after he accidentally calls Krista by Britney's name. He manages to convince Krista otherwise and they begin a romantic relationship. Paul is unhappy with their relationship and annoys Leo. David talks to Paul and makes him realise that continuing to target Krista will result in him becoming estranged from Leo. He agrees to call a truce.

Others

References

External links

Characters and cast
at the Official ''Neighbours'' website

{{Neighbours characters, year

2023
*, Neighbours
2023 in Australian television