''
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 created by
Reg Watson
Reginald James Watson (27 August 1926 – 8 October 2019) was an Australian television producer and screenwriter. He was executive producer on ''Crossroads (British TV series), Crossroads'' and created Australian media exports serials such as ' ...
. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1994, by order of first appearance. Until 9 May, characters were introduced by the soap's executive producer,
Alan Coleman. Thereafter, they were introduced by his successor, Stanley Walsh. The 10th season of ''Neighbours'' began airing from 20 January 1994.
Frank Bren began appearing as
Colin Taylor
Colin Taylor (24 August 1940 — June 2005) was a Stourbridge-born English footballer who played for Walsall F.C. in three different spells, with whom he made at least 459 league appearances by the end of the 1972–73 season, scoring at least ...
in same month. Bren also played Colin's twin brother
Alf. March saw the arrivals of
Len Mangel
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1994, by order of first appearance. Until 9 May, c ...
,
Sally Pritchard and
Stonefish Rebecchi.
Katerina Torelli made her first appearance in April, followed by
Andrew MacKenzie in May.
Sam Kratz was introduced in June and his grandmother
Marlene Kratz
Marlene Kratz is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Moya O'Sullivan. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 July 1994 and remained in the show until 14 October 1997, wh ...
began appearing in July. That month also saw the births of
Louise Carpenter
Shannon Louise "Lolly" Allen (also Carpenter) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours''. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 25 July 1994. Louise was played by Tessa Taylor from her bi ...
and
Zac Willis
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1994, by order of first appearance. Until 9 May, cha ...
.
Serendipity Gottlieb made her debut in August. Stonefish's brother
Shane Rebecchi
Shane Rebecchi is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours''. He was originally played by Greg O'Meara from his first appearance on 8 September 1994. Shane was introduced along with his parents and two younger ...
arrived in September. He was followed by the first two members of the
Kennedy family
The Kennedy family is an American political family that has long been prominent in American politics, public service, entertainment, and business. In 1884, 35 years after the family's arrival from Ireland, Patrick Joseph "P. J." Kennedy be ...
: doctor
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 ...
and his youngest son
Billy. Karl's wife
Susan and their elder children
Malcolm
Malcolm, Malcom, Máel Coluim, or Maol Choluim may refer to:
People
* Malcolm (given name), includes a list of people and fictional characters
* Clan Malcolm
* Maol Choluim de Innerpeffray, 14th-century bishop-elect of Dunkeld
Nobility
* Máe ...
and
Libby followed in October. November saw
Bianca Zanotti
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1994, by order of first appearance. Until 9 May, c ...
and
Ling Mai Chan
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1994, by order of first appearance. Until 9 May, cha ...
make their debut appearances.
Colin Taylor
Colin Taylor, played by
Frank Bren, made his first appearance on 27 January 1994. The character was described as an "incurable chatterbox" and "irritating as hell" by a writer for ''
Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...
''.
Writers later paired Colin with established character
Marlene Kratz
Marlene Kratz is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Moya O'Sullivan. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 July 1994 and remained in the show until 14 October 1997, wh ...
(
Moya O'Sullivan
Moya O'Sullivan Macarthur (8 June 1926 – 16 January 2018) was an Australian-born actress who worked both locally and briefly in the United Kingdom. She was best known for her long-running role as the popular character Marlene Kratz in the soap ...
). O'Sullivan said the pair "seem to hit it off in a big way" and that it was "definitely love".
Marlene and Colin share similar interests and O'Sullivan thought it was nice that Marlene had someone of her own that cared for her.
Colin introduces himself to
Philip
Philip, also Phillip, is a male given name, derived from the Greek (''Philippos'', lit. "horse-loving" or "fond of horses"), from a compound of (''philos'', "dear", "loved", "loving") and (''hippos'', "horse"). Prominent Philips who popularize ...
(
Ian Rawlings
Ian Rawlings (born 9 March 1959) is an Australian actor. He is best known for his long-running roles in soap operas '' Sons and Daughters'' and ''Neighbours''. He also appeared in the short-lived serial ''The Power, the Passion''.
Career ''Sons ...
) and
Julie Martin (Julie Mullins) when they arrive at their holiday bungalow in Queensland. The Martins find Colin friendly, but his tendency to ramble irritates them. Colin reappears several months later as
Doug Willis
Douglas "Doug" Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Terence Donovan. Doug was introduced by executive producer Don Battye as the patriarch of the newly introduced Willis family. Donovan expl ...
's (
Terence Donovan) roommate at the hospital. Colin takes a job at Philip's newsagency and competes against
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) at the auction for Number 28
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 r ...
but ultimately loses out. Colin makes several changes to the newsagency, and he forms a
Barbershop Trio with Philip and
Vikram Chatterji (Nigel Rodrigues). Colin moves into Number 30 with
Mark Gottlieb (
Bruce Samazan
Bruce Samazan (born 13 November 1970) is an Australian actor who appeared in several soap operas and drama series on Australian television and is the only male actor to have played regular roles in Australia's "Big Three" soap operas of the 199 ...
) and
Cody Willis
Cody Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', originally played by Amelia Frid. She made her first on-screen appearance on 24 November 1989. The character departed in 1991, but returned in 1993 with Peta Bra ...
(
Peta Brady
Peta Brady (born 1972) is an Australian actress. She is best known for being the second actress to play Cody Willis, a role instituted by Amelia Frid in the TV soap opera ''Neighbours''. Since she left the show, Brady has appeared in the film ...
). Colin's twin brother
Alf (also Bren) comes to visit him. When Colin pursues a relationship with Marlene Kratz, he believes Alf is also trying to making advances towards her and they fight. Alf then admits that he is not interested in Marlene, as he is gay. Colin proposes to Marlene. They argue about what type of ceremony to have, as Marlene is Catholic and Colin wants a civil ceremony. Shortly after, Colin is offered a job as a translator by the curator of the Modern Ceramics exhibition, which is going on a world tour. Marlene ends their relationship, as she does not want to leave her family. Colin then leaves for Argentina, after his friends throw him a leaving party.
Colin received a nomination for Most Annoying Character at the 1996
''Inside Soap'' Awards. Dave Lanning of ''
The People
The ''Sunday People'' is a British tabloid Sunday newspaper. It was founded as ''The People'' on 16 October 1881.
At one point owned by Odhams Press, The ''People'' was acquired along with Odhams by the Mirror Group in 1961, along with the ' ...
'' was not a fan of the Colin/Marlene pairing, commenting that the writers must have been on
magic mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain psilocybin which turns into psilocin upon ingestion. Biological genera containing psilocybin mushrooms include ''Psilocybe'', ''Pa ...
when they came up with the storyline.
He stated, "Moonie Marlene, who had an invisible cat and disappearing garden gnomes, is being wooed by the terminally boring Colin Taylor, who always appeared in a straw boater originally; pioneered barber shop quartets, and is back from China – banging a gong and muttering in Mandarin. You honestly wouldn't script it."
Matthew Clifton, writing for HecklerSpray, included the character in his feature on the "Best Ever Mid-90s ''Neighbours'' Characters". Clifton said, "Colin was pompous and irritating, a pastiche of a middle class bore who looked a lot like a paedophile. Colin actor Frank Bren also played his identical twin Alf, the more go-getting, handsome one, who turned out to be gay."
Len Mangel
Leonard G. "Len" Mangel, played by
John Lee John Lee may refer to:
Academia
* John Lee (astronomer) (1783–1866), president of the Royal Astronomical Society
* John Lee (university principal) (1779–1859), University of Edinburgh principal
* John Lee (pathologist) (born 1961), English ...
, made his first appearance on 16 March 1994.
Len is
Nell Mangel
Eleanor "Nell" Worthington (previously Mangel) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Vivean Gray. She made her first on-screen appearance on 29 April 1986. She was known almost exclusively to others as ...
's (
Vivean Gray
Jean Vivra Gray (20 July 1924 – 29 July 2016), known professionally as Vivean Gray, also credited as ''Vivian Gray'' and ''Viven Gray'', was an English television and film actress. She starred in the films '' Picnic at Hanging Rock'' a ...
) former husband, who was often mentioned during the early years of the programme, but never seen.
He returns 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 ...
"out of the blue" and romances
Helen Daniels
Helen Daniels is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', portrayed by Anne Haddy. Following the death of Jim Robinson (Alan Dale) in 1993, she remained the only original character played continuously by the same act ...
(
Anne Haddy
Anne Haddy (5 October 1930 – 6 June 1999), credited also as Anne Hardy, was an Australian actress, television presenter and voice artist, who worked in various facets of the industry including radio, stage and television. She was married ...
), as he wants to steal her widow's pension.
An ''Inside Soap'' columnist branded Len an "evil conman", and commented, "Poor old Helen – it looks as if she's headed for a fall – again!"
Len is the former husband of Nell Mangel and father of
Amanda Harris (
Briony Behets) and
Joe Mangel
Joe Mangel is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Mark Little. He debuted on-screen in the episode airing on 8 August 1988. Little later departed the serial and Joe left in 1991. In 2005 Lit ...
(
Mark Little). After Len's granddaughter
Jane
Jane may refer to:
* Jane (given name), a feminine given name
* Jane (surname), related to the given name
Film and television
* ''Jane'' (1915 film), a silent comedy film directed by Frank Lloyd
* ''Jane'' (2016 film), a South Korean drama fil ...
(
Annie Jones Ann Jones (or similar) may refer to:
Writers
*Ann Jones (author) (born 1937), American writer on women's issues
*Anne Jones (writer) (born 1955), Australian editor and administrator
* Anna Jones (food writer), columnist and cookbook author
* Cat ...
) suspects Nell has killed him, it is eventually revealed that Len has left Nell for another woman. Len files for divorce and wants to sell Number 32 Ramsay Street and split the proceeds between them. Nell refuses and blackmails Len by threatening to follow him wherever he goes if she should lose the house.
Seven years later, Len returns to Erinsborough after
Michael Martin (Troy Beckwith) and
Doug Willis
Douglas "Doug" Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Terence Donovan. Doug was introduced by executive producer Don Battye as the patriarch of the newly introduced Willis family. Donovan expl ...
(
Terence Donovan) find some old war medals and a trombone case with the initials L.G.M inscribed on it, while renovating an old house. Len reveals he used to live in the house and the case and medals belong to him. He lets Michael keep all the medals except for the
Flying Cross
The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The medal was established on July 2, 1926, and is currently awarded to any persons who, after April 6, 1917, distinguish themselves by single acts o ...
. Len then meets up with his former neighbour Helen Daniels, who he has not seen in many years and they reminisce about old times. Len mentions he had left Nell because of her incessant nagging and moved in with Mary Pengelly who turned out to be just as bad and faked his death to get away from her and planned to reappear to scare her, but Mary had died before Len had the chance. He also mentions he has since reconciled with Joe but Amanda will not forgive him for leaving Nell. Helen is initially appalled at Len's justification for his actions but continues to see him, much to the chagrin of
Julie
Julie may refer to:
* Julie (given name), a list of people and fictional characters with the name
Film and television
* ''Julie'' (1956 film), an American film noir starring Doris Day
* ''Julie'' (1975 film), a Hindi film by K. S. Sethumadhava ...
(Julie Mullins), Helen's granddaughter.
Len attempts to con some money out of Helen by suggesting she invest in Outback Tours. Despite warnings from her family, Helen is undeterred. When Michael returns Len's jacket to an address on his driving license he meets
Gwen Childs (Robyn Bissett), who warns him that Len is not to be trusted, as he conned her into putting her money into a joint account and emptied it. Gwen thinks Len may do the same to Helen. Michael warns Helen, who continues not to listen, so he and his sister,
Debbie
Debbie (or Debby or Deb) is a feminine given name, commonly but not always short for Deborah (or Debra and related variants).
Notable people
* Debbie Allen, American actress, choreographer and film director
* Debbie Armstrong, American athlete
* ...
(
Marnie Reece-Wilmore
Marnie Reece-Wilmore (born 10 January 1974) is an Australian actress from Sydney. She is best known for her role playing Debbie Martin in '' Neighbours'', and was the third actress to portray the character.
Career
Reece-Wilmore is best known ...
), set a trap for Len. When Len is caught, he tries to explain himself to Helen, and she sends him packing.
A writer for
BBC Online
BBC Online, formerly known as BBCi, is the BBC's online service. It is a large network of websites including such high-profile sites as BBC News and BBC Sport, Sport, the on-demand video and radio services branded BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, t ...
, which hosted an official ''Neighbours'' website, said Len's most notable moment was "Trying to scam money out of Helen by trying to get her to invest in a dodgy business called Outback Tours."
Len was also included in the BBC's list of twenty favourite obscure ''Neighbours'' characters to help celebrate the show's 20th anniversary.
Len's off-screen presence and the reason why viewers did not get to see him were noted.
In her book ''The Neighbours Programme Guide'', Josephine Monroe commented "Poor old Len Mangel was so henpecked by his witch of a wife Nell that he never dared show his face in Ramsay Street!"
Sally Pritchard
Sally Pritchard, played by singer
Brenda Webb, made her first appearance on 23 March 1994. Pritchard's casting was announced in January 1994. Brett Thomas of ''
The Sun-Herald
''The Sun-Herald'' is an Australian newspaper published in tabloid or compact format on Sundays in Sydney by Nine Publishing. It is the Sunday counterpart of ''The Sydney Morning Herald''. In the 6 months to September 2005, ''The Sun-Herald' ...
'' reported that she was initially contracted for six weeks.
Webb liked the short duration, as she wanted to concentrate on her music career. She stated, "I don't think I'd like to work any longer than six months on a soapie because I feel I'd get stale doing the one character; plus I want to move on to bigger and better things."
Sally was introduced as Erinsborough High's new Japanese language teacher, and a friend of
Gaby Willis
Gaby Willis is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rachel Blakely. The show's casting director spotted Blakely on the cover of a magazine and asked her to audition for the role of Gaby. Blakel ...
(
Rachel Blakely
Rachel Leigh Blakely (born 28 July 1968) is a Malaysian-born Australian-American actress. Her works include films such as ''Love Until'', ''Young Hercules'' and ''Counterstrike'', as well as guest appearances on television shows such as '' Xena ...
). Sally's student
Rick Alessi
Rick Alessi is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Dan Falzon. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 8 June 1992. Rick and his family were introduced to the show following se ...
(
Dan Falzon
Dan Falzon (born 24 November 1972) is an Australian actor of Maltese descent, best known for his role as Rick Alessi on the television soap opera '' Neighbours''. He also appeared in the Channel Nine drama '' The Alice'', as a park ranger. ...
) develops a crush on her, and they soon begin a romantic relationship.
Sally's friend Gaby Willis helps her get a job teaching Japanese at Erinsborough High. Gaby also introduces Sally to Rick Alessi, a student at the school. He develops a crush on Sally and decides to take Japanese as an extra subject. Sally develops feelings for Rick, but assures him that nothing can happen as she is his teacher. Rick makes the decision to leave school and becomes a bar man at The Waterhole. He uses his salary to buy an engagement ring and proposes to Sally. She tells him it is too soon, but agrees to think about it. Sally talks to Gaby and her flatmate
John Muir
John Muir ( ; April 21, 1838December 24, 1914), also known as "John of the Mountains" and "Father of the National Parks", was an influential Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, glaciologist, a ...
(Benjamin Grant) about Rick's proposal, and John advises her to break up with Rick. Sally later tells Gaby that she is scared at what Rick might do next, as he is not behaving very rationally. Sally asks Gaby to let Rick down gently on her behalf. John suggests that they pretend to be a couple to put Rick off. Sally accepts a job in Japan and before she leaves, she tells Rick that she cannot marry him, as she does not feel the same way as he does.
Stonefish Rebecchi
Kevin "Stonefish" Rebecchi, played by Anthony Engelman, made his first appearance on 31 March 1994. The character was introduced after a ''
TV Week
''TV Week'' is a weekly Australian magazine that provides television program listings information and highlights, as well as television-related news.
Content ranges from previews for upcoming storylines of popular television programs, particu ...
'' reporter revealed the show would be getting "a younger, livelier look" with some new characters under the age of eighteen.
[ Mercado 2004, p.211.] Engelman told an ''
Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...
'' columnist that his first script said his character got his nickname because he looked like a
stonefish
''Synanceia'' is a genus of ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Synanceiinae, the stonefishes, which is classified within the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfishes and relatives. Stonefishes are venomous, dangerous, and fatal to huma ...
.
Another writer for the publication observed that Stonefish was happy when he was causing a stir in the classroom, and that he was likely to be involved wherever there was trouble. Stonefish arrives on
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 r ...
after hearing that
Brett Stark
Brett Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Brett Blewitt. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993, along with his sister, Danni Stark and remained as a regul ...
(
Brett Blewitt
Brett Blewitt, (born 17 November 1975) is an Australian actor who played Brett Stark on the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'' from 1993 to 1996. Brett briefly returned to the show in 2005, when his character made a cameo appearance.
Prior t ...
) is dating his girlfriend
Sassy Patterson-Smythe (Defah Dattner).
Engelman said he had a lot in common with his character, as he had a tough time at school too and did not have much luck with girls.
Katerina Torelli
Katerina "Katy" Torelli, played by
Josephine Mitchell
Josephine Mitchell (born 21 May 1965) sometimes credited as Jo Mitchell is an Australian actress and playwright with a lengthy career in theatre and television soap operas and serials.
Biography
Mitchells first major role was in Seven's drama ...
, made her first appearance on 18 April 1994.
Mitchell was initially contracted for an eight-week guest stint. Mitchell was pleased to join another soap opera, having previously made appearances in ''
A Country Practice
''A Country Practice'' is an Australian television soap opera which broadcast on the Seven Network from 18 November 1981 until 5 November 1993, airing at 7:30 pm on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Altogether, 14 seasons and 1,058 episodes were p ...
'' and ''
E Street''. She also liked that Katerina was "such a positive character".
Katerina has been disabled since birth and uses a wheelchair. Mitchell admitted that she found it hard acting in a wheelchair, and had to make it look as if she really was paralysed. During her research for the role, Mitchell turned to the Australian Paraquad Society for help.
The actress thought the introduction of a disabled character was "just what the soap needs" and hoped it would get people talking about the issues raised.
Katerina was introduced as a potential love interest for
Mark Gottlieb (
Bruce Samazan
Bruce Samazan (born 13 November 1970) is an Australian actor who appeared in several soap operas and drama series on Australian television and is the only male actor to have played regular roles in Australia's "Big Three" soap operas of the 199 ...
) and rival for
Annalise Hartman
Annalise Hartman is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Kimberley Davies. She made her debut during the episode broadcast on 15 January 1993 and departed on 31 January 1996. Davies reprised the role in J ...
(
Kimberley Davies
Kimberley Davies (born 20 February 1973) is an Australian actress most famous for playing Annalise Hartman on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1993 to 1996. She is sometimes credited as "Kimberly Davies".
Life and career
Davies wa ...
). Mitchell said Katerina thinks Mark is "very cute" and goes out of her way to make Annalise jealous.
Kevin Sadlier of ''
The Sydney Morning Herald
''The Sydney Morning Herald'' (''SMH'') is a daily compact newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and owned by Nine. Founded in 1831 as the ''Sydney Herald'', the ''Herald'' is the oldest continuously published newspaper ...
'' reviewed Mitchell's first episode as Katerina as part of the paper's "Television This Week" feature.
Sadlier wrote "Katerina first appears as a mystery woman waving to Mark Gottlieb from a passing car as if they are old friends, causing pangs of jealousy in Annalise. Actually they really are old friends – from ''E Street''!"
When Katerina sees Mark Gottlieb out driving with Annalise Hartman, she immediately develops a crush on him. She starts phoning him using the alias "KT", causing Annalise to become jealous. Mark learns KT is actually Katerina, who explains that she is impressed with his fundraising for the Paralympics and wants to work with him. Katerina develops a crush on Mark, and starts dedicating songs to him on the radio. Mark warns her that he will not cheat on Annalise. After a night out with Mark's friends, Katerina makes a suggestive comment to Mark, who tells her again that he loves Annalise. But when Annalise goes away, Mark kisses Katerina. She tells Annalise that she and Mark are in love. Mark confronts Katerina, who insists that she is destined to be with him. Annalise and Mark realise they need to get away from Katerina's obsessive behaviour, so they leave for his parents' farm.
Andrew MacKenzie
Andrew "Macca" MacKenzie, played by
John Morris, made his first appearance on 9 May 1994. Macca is the first gay character to be introduced to ''Neighbours''.
Morris felt it was a "bonus" for him to play Macca, explaining "It gave me exposure because he's a controversial character. I've never played a gay part in ten years as an actor, but let's face it, gay people are people. You don't try to be a gay person – put on a funny voice or wear a dress, you just are that person."
Morris partly modelled the character on a friend who was gay and worked as a builder in Australia. He said that his friend was "built like a tank" and most people would assume he was straight.
Macca is a council recreation officer and
Doug Willis
Douglas "Doug" Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Terence Donovan. Doug was introduced by executive producer Don Battye as the patriarch of the newly introduced Willis family. Donovan expl ...
's (
Terence Donovan) new boss.
He is open and happy about his sexuality, though he is used to girls having crushes on him. Teenager
Debbie Martin
Debbie Martin is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Marnie Reece-Wilmore. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 22 July 1985. Debbie was played by Mandy Storvik in her ...
(
Marnie Reece-Wilmore
Marnie Reece-Wilmore (born 10 January 1974) is an Australian actress from Sydney. She is best known for her role playing Debbie Martin in '' Neighbours'', and was the third actress to portray the character.
Career
Reece-Wilmore is best known ...
) falls for him after taking his photograph, forcing Macca to tell her he is gay.
Morris was disappointed that the scriptwriters did not give Macca a love interest, saying "There's never any reference made to a man in Macca's life."
He thought they should have gone further with his character's storyline, which he would not have minded playing out.
Morris admitted that Macca's exit after 12 weeks came as a surprise, but having also appeared in ''
Home and Away
''Home and Away'' (often abbreviated as ''H&A'') is an Australian television soap opera. It was created by Alan Bateman and commenced broadcast on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Bateman came up with the concept of the show during a trip ...
'', he had no desire to stay in soaps long-term and wanted to continue working in television and theatre productions.
Andrew visits the site of Kia-Ora, an old house which is being renovated by Doug Willis. He finds
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-born Australian retired actor who started his career in theatre in his native country, before emigrating to Australia.
Oliver, a staple of the small screen since the early 1960s, is best known for h ...
) brewing beer inside and asks if Doug is about. Lou directs him Doug's way, where Andrew introduces himself as a recreation officer from the council and Doug's supervisor on the project. He explains that the place should be done in six months, as the council want to open it as a museum. He also says that Lou needs to get his brewery off the premises as it is council property. While Debbie Martin is taking photographs at Kia-Ora for a school assignment, she sees Andrew gardening and takes his photo. She tells Doug's daughter
Cody Willis
Cody Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', originally played by Amelia Frid. She made her first on-screen appearance on 24 November 1989. The character departed in 1991, but returned in 1993 with Peta Bra ...
(
Peta Brady
Peta Brady (born 1972) is an Australian actress. She is best known for being the second actress to play Cody Willis, a role instituted by Amelia Frid in the TV soap opera ''Neighbours''. Since she left the show, Brady has appeared in the film ...
) about how attractive Macca is, so Cody visits the site to see him for herself. Andrew interrupts Cody and Doug to ask about a wall that Doug knocked down. He asks for it to be put back as it is part of the original design, leading Cody to call him an arrogant pig. She asks him to show her father more respect. Debbie later returns to the site to ask Andrew if Cody is there. Andrew recognises her school uniform and tells her that the council have put him in charge of the centenary celebrations and he is going around the local schools to drum up some fundraising, so if she has any good ideas to let him know. Andrew apologises to Doug about the wall and compliments the work he has done. He asks whether the homebrew is ready to drink, but Doug says no, so they decide to go to the local pub instead and Andrew tells Doug to call him "Macca".
Debbie later tells Macca about her debutante ball idea for Erinsborough's centenary celebrations, which Macca says is fantastic. Debbie asks if he likes dancing and invites him to a Hawaiian luau event at The Waterhole that evening. Macca attends the luau and Andrew encourages Debbie and Cody to join him in the conga. Macca allows Doug and Lou to store their homebrew at Kia-Ora and even becomes involved in the brewing operation. Macca works with Debbie organising the debutante ball and her crush on him intensifies. He tries to put her off, but she tells him that he is the only one who understands her. Cody warns Macca about Debbie's infatuation with him, and Macca tells her that he does not know what else he can do without hurting Debbie. He suggests resigning from the ball committee, so he will not have to go to the school, but Cody says he cannot avoid Debbie forever. She also berates him for storing Doug and Lou's illicit alcohol. Macca rejects Debbie's romantic advances and eventually tells her he is gay. Debbie struggles with Macca's rejection and develops an eating disorder. At the Deb ball, Macca apologises for not telling Debbie the truth sooner and he tells her that he never meant to hurt her, which she accepts. Doug, Lou and Macca make a deal to sell their homebrew at The Waterhole. Macca tells
Rick Alessi
Rick Alessi is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Dan Falzon. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 8 June 1992. Rick and his family were introduced to the show following se ...
(
Dan Falzon
Dan Falzon (born 24 November 1972) is an Australian actor of Maltese descent, best known for his role as Rick Alessi on the television soap opera '' Neighbours''. He also appeared in the Channel Nine drama '' The Alice'', as a park ranger. ...
) that it is only for customers who know about it.
Megan Levy (Michelle Twigden) comes to Doug's house wanting to buy some of the homebrew and he, Lou and Macca take her to Kia-Ora to sample some. Rick realises that Megan is an undercover police officer and tells Cody, who goes to Kia-Ora and stops her father from selling the alcohol to Megan.
Drew Grover
Drew Grover, played by Christopher Kirby made his first appearance on 9 June 1994. Kirby's casting was announced by Caron James from ''
TV Week
''TV Week'' is a weekly Australian magazine that provides television program listings information and highlights, as well as television-related news.
Content ranges from previews for upcoming storylines of popular television programs, particu ...
''.
An American citizen, Kirby was jobbing actor in Australia when he received the guest role. Drew was introduced as the secret husband of
Cody Willis
Cody Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', originally played by Amelia Frid. She made her first on-screen appearance on 24 November 1989. The character departed in 1991, but returned in 1993 with Peta Bra ...
(
Peta Brady
Peta Brady (born 1972) is an Australian actress. She is best known for being the second actress to play Cody Willis, a role instituted by Amelia Frid in the TV soap opera ''Neighbours''. Since she left the show, Brady has appeared in the film ...
), who she married during her time as an exchange student in the United States.
[ Kirby told James that he believed the marriage story was credible, despite accusations that it was far-fetched.][ Drew's introduction into the series sees him arrive in Erinsborough. Cody reveals that Drew had slept with her friend causing her to return home.] Kirby told Victoria Ross of ''Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...
'' that Drew married Cody so he could avoid paying tax on his family inheritance by transferring it into her name.[ He added that Cody "knew what she was getting into, but unfortunately she fell head over heels in love with him and was devastated when she found out that he was having an affair with her best friend."][ Cody's family are perturbed because Drew does not return the United States immediately.][ Drew soon requests a divorce because he believes a mixed race marriage might ruin his aspirations of a career in politics.][ He departed on 22 June 1994.
]
Sam Kratz
Sam Kratz, played by Richard Grieve
Richard Grieve (born 25 January 1970) is an Australian actor, who has worked extensively in film, television, theatre and musical theatre, but is perhaps best known for his roles in the British soap ''Emmerdale'', and two Australian television s ...
, made his first appearance on 13 June 1994. ''Neighbours'' was Grieve's first major television role and he relocated from his native Sydney to Melbourne, where the studio is located. Of being cast in a soap, he said "I'm thrilled with the way things have gone. I was very nervous when I first started because it was a long-running job but it's turned out well." Sam is sent 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 r ...
by his grandmother, Marlene
Marlene may refer to:
People
* Marlene (given name), including a list of people with the name
* Marlene (Burmese businesswoman), Nang Kham Noung (born 1991)
* Marlene (Japanese singer) (born 1960), a Filipina jazz singer active in Japan
Film
* ...
(Moya O'Sullivan
Moya O'Sullivan Macarthur (8 June 1926 – 16 January 2018) was an Australian-born actress who worked both locally and briefly in the United Kingdom. She was best known for her long-running role as the popular character Marlene Kratz in the soap ...
), to check out the house she has purchased. While he initially gets off to a rough start, Sam soon becomes a popular Ramsay Street resident. Grieve wanted to be more like his character. He said that he was more of a worrier than Sam, who he described as "friendly and laid-back". For his portrayal of Sam, Grieve earned a nomination for Most Popular Newcomer at the 1st National Television Awards in 1995.
Marlene Kratz
Marlene Kratz, played by Moya O'Sullivan
Moya O'Sullivan Macarthur (8 June 1926 – 16 January 2018) was an Australian-born actress who worked both locally and briefly in the United Kingdom. She was best known for her long-running role as the popular character Marlene Kratz in the soap ...
, made her first appearance on 5 July 1994. She was introduced as the grandmother of Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve
Richard Grieve (born 25 January 1970) is an Australian actor, who has worked extensively in film, television, theatre and musical theatre, but is perhaps best known for his roles in the British soap ''Emmerdale'', and two Australian television s ...
) and the estranged mother of Cheryl Stark
Cheryl Stark is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Caroline Gillmer. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 July 1993. Colette Mann took over the role for eight we ...
(Caroline Gillmer
Caroline Gillmer (born 1955) is an Australian actress, best known for her roles in various television series, such as ''Prisoner'' as Helen Smart and ''Neighbours'' as Cheryl Stark. During her time off sick from ''Neighbours'', Gillmer was t ...
).[ Monroe 1994, p.36–37.] Josephine Monroe, author of ''Neighbours: the first 10 years'', said Cheryl had "demonized her mother in her mind" and wanted nothing to do with her. Monroe described her as a bit scatty and always ready for a scam or a bet. Marlene also became a love interest for Colin Taylor
Colin Taylor (24 August 1940 — June 2005) was a Stourbridge-born English footballer who played for Walsall F.C. in three different spells, with whom he made at least 459 league appearances by the end of the 1972–73 season, scoring at least ...
( Frank Bren). A columnist for ''Inside Soap'' branded Marlene "the grooviest granny in Erinsborough, who throws herself into any worthy cause, and opens her house to every passing waif and stray." Alex Fletcher from 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, ...
made Marlene their "DS Icon" in January 2011. Fletcher stated that Marlene was "a crucial cog in the Golden Age of ''Neighbours'' in the '90s."
Louise Carpenter
Shannon Louise "Lolly" Allen (also Carpenter) made her first appearance on 25 July 1994. Louise was originally played by Tessa Taylor from her on-screen birth, with Jiordan Tolli
Jiordan Anna Tolli (born 1994) is an Australian actress and singer, known for playing the role of Lolly Allen in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours''. In 2013, Tolli competed in the The X Factor (Australia season 5), fifth season of ''The X ...
taking over the role a few months later. Cheryl Stark
Cheryl Stark is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Caroline Gillmer. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 July 1993. Colette Mann took over the role for eight we ...
(Caroline Gillmer
Caroline Gillmer (born 1955) is an Australian actress, best known for her roles in various television series, such as ''Prisoner'' as Helen Smart and ''Neighbours'' as Cheryl Stark. During her time off sick from ''Neighbours'', Gillmer was t ...
) gives birth to Louise on the same day as Gaby Willis
Gaby Willis is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rachel Blakely. The show's casting director spotted Blakely on the cover of a magazine and asked her to audition for the role of Gaby. Blakel ...
(Rachel Blakely
Rachel Leigh Blakely (born 28 July 1968) is a Malaysian-born Australian-American actress. Her works include films such as ''Love Until'', ''Young Hercules'' and ''Counterstrike'', as well as guest appearances on television shows such as '' Xena ...
) gives birth to her son Zac
Zac is a masculine given name, often a short form (hypocorism) of Zachary or Zechariah. It may refer to:
People:
* Zac Alexander (born 1989), Australian professional squash player
* Zac Brooks (born 1993), American National Football League playe ...
(Jay Callahan). Louise came to be more commonly known as "Lolly". She was presumed to be 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, ...
's (Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver (born 12 June 1938) is a British-born Australian retired actor who started his career in theatre in his native country, before emigrating to Australia.
Oliver, a staple of the small screen since the early 1960s, is best known for h ...
) daughter, until her biological father John Allen (Adrian Mulraney) got in contact, after Cheryl's death. Tolli departed the cast in 2001. The character was reintroduced in 2006, with Adelaide Kane
Adelaide Victoria Kane (born 9 August 1990) is an Australian actress and model. She first gained recognition for her roles as Lolly Allen in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' and Tenaya 7 (later Tenaya 15) in the children's series ''Power Rangers RP ...
taking over the role, after winning the '' Dolly'' "''Neighbours'' Next Big Stars" competition. For her portrayal of Lolly, Kane was nominated for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent
The Silver Logie for Most Popular New Female Talent was an award presented at the Australian TV Week Logie Awards. It was first awarded at the 41st Annual TV Week Logie Awards ceremony, held in 1999. The award is given to honour a standout perfo ...
in 2008.
Zac Willis
Shannon Zachary "Zac" Willis, played by Jay Callahan, was born on screen during the episode broadcast on 25 July 1994.[ Monroe 1996, p.90.] Zac is the son of Gaby Willis
Gaby Willis is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rachel Blakely. The show's casting director spotted Blakely on the cover of a magazine and asked her to audition for the role of Gaby. Blakel ...
(Rachel Blakely
Rachel Leigh Blakely (born 28 July 1968) is a Malaysian-born Australian-American actress. Her works include films such as ''Love Until'', ''Young Hercules'' and ''Counterstrike'', as well as guest appearances on television shows such as '' Xena ...
) and Jack Flynn (Mark Pennell). Blakely thought motherhood would be an eye opener for Gaby, saying "She thinks she can juggle work and home life and the baby will look after himself. She's going to get a real shock when she realises how difficult it's going to be to bring up a child."
Gaby becomes pregnant after a brief relationship with her flying instructor, Jack Flynn. Shortly after she announces her pregnancy, Cheryl Stark
Cheryl Stark is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Caroline Gillmer. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 July 1993. Colette Mann took over the role for eight we ...
(Caroline Gillmer
Caroline Gillmer (born 1955) is an Australian actress, best known for her roles in various television series, such as ''Prisoner'' as Helen Smart and ''Neighbours'' as Cheryl Stark. During her time off sick from ''Neighbours'', Gillmer was t ...
) also announces she is pregnant. Gaby gives birth to a healthy baby boy, while Cheryl gives birth to a daughter who is premature. Gaby names her son Shannon, but Cheryl also uses the name for her daughter. While registering the birth, Gaby's father Doug Willis
Douglas "Doug" Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Terence Donovan. Doug was introduced by executive producer Don Battye as the patriarch of the newly introduced Willis family. Donovan expl ...
( Terence Donovan) names his grandson Zachary, after his grandfather. Gaby is not happy, but realises she likes the shortened version of the name, Zac. Jack returns and says he wants to be a part of his son's life. When Gaby gets a job in Darwin, Jack decides to move there with her and Zac. Shortly before they leave, the Willis family hold a naming ceremony at Number 28 and Gaby plants a tree for Zac.
Josephine Monroe, author of ''Neighbours: The First 10 Years'', commented that it was "in true ''Neighbours'' style" that both Gaby and Cheryl went into labour at the same time.
Serendipity Gottlieb
Serendipity "Ren" Gottlieb, played by Raelee Hill
Raelee Hill (born 24 October 1972) is an Australian actress best known for portraying roles in some of Australia's most successful television series. Her first major role was as Loretta Taylor in ''Paradise Beach'', which was followed shortly ...
, made her first appearance on 25 August 1994. She was among several new characters under the age of eighteen to be introduced after a ''TV Week
''TV Week'' is a weekly Australian magazine that provides television program listings information and highlights, as well as television-related news.
Content ranges from previews for upcoming storylines of popular television programs, particu ...
'' reporter revealed the show would be getting "a younger, livelier look". The show's casting director Jan Russ
Jan Russ (born 1939) is an Australian casting director, producer and actor of theatre and TV.
Russ in best known for best known for her work as a casting director on the TV soap opera ''Neighbours'' from the show's beginning in 1985 to her depa ...
noticed Hill in a cafe, while she was on a break from filming ''Blue Heelers
''Blue Heelers'' is an Australian police drama series that was produced by Southern Star Group and ran for 12 years on the Seven Network, from 1994 to 2006. Although based around the policing of the town, the series generally depicted the ever ...
'', and asked her to audition for the role. Serendipity is the younger sister of Stephen
Stephen or Steven is a common English first name. It is particularly significant to Christians, as it belonged to Saint Stephen ( grc-gre, Στέφανος ), an early disciple and deacon who, according to the Book of Acts, was stoned to death; ...
( Lochie Daddo) and Mark Gottlieb (Bruce Samazan
Bruce Samazan (born 13 November 1970) is an Australian actor who appeared in several soap operas and drama series on Australian television and is the only male actor to have played regular roles in Australia's "Big Three" soap operas of the 199 ...
). Unlike her brothers, she enjoyed living in the hippy communes with her parents when she was a child and retained her beliefs.[ Monroe 1996, p.72–74.] She is described as "one of life's free spirits" and is ruled by her heart rather than her head. Serendipity was less conservative than the other 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 r ...
residents and she "brought a breath of fresh air" into Mark's life.
Shane Rebecchi
Shane Rebecchi, played by Greg O'Meara, made his first appearance on 8 September 1994. Shane is the elder brother of Stonefish
''Synanceia'' is a genus of ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Synanceiinae, the stonefishes, which is classified within the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfishes and relatives. Stonefishes are venomous, dangerous, and fatal to huma ...
(Anthony Engelman) and 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 ...
). The character departed in 1995, but was reintroduced to the regular cast in 2017, with Nicholas Coghlan taking over the role. Producers created a family for Shane and he returns to Erinsborough with his wife Dipi Rebecchi
Dipi Rebecchi is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Sharon Johal. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 24 April 2017. Johal originally auditioned for the role of Dipi's younge ...
(Sharon Johal), daughters Yashvi Rebecchi (Olivia Junkeer) and Kirsha Rebecchi
''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. ...
(Vani Dhir), and sister-in-law 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). 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 ...
commented, "Shane Rebecchi is one of the great untapped characters from ''Neighbours'' history. I'm delighted to welcome him back to Ramsay Street along with his beautiful wife, two children and sister-in-law. It's a great new chapter of the Rebecchi family." Coghlan said that Shane comes to support Toadie during his "time of need", following his marriage breakdown. Of how Shane has changed in twenty years, the actor explained "He's no longer the loose cannon he once was – Shane believes in family above all else, and would do anything for his loved ones."
Karl Kennedy
Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher, made his first appearance on 20 September 1994. The character and his family were created by the storyliners, who wanted to bring the show back to its roots, as most of the houses on 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 r ...
were filled with misfits and distant relatives. Karl was introduced as a General Practitioner, which gave him immediate links with the other characters.[ Monroe 1996, p.60, 63.] Alan Fletcher previously appeared in the show as mechanic Greg Cooper for three weeks in 1987. When the role of Karl became available, Fletcher auditioned in the same way as he had for Greg. Fletcher admitted that when he joined the show again he thought he would only be there for a year. Karl initially ran his own surgery in the Lassiter's Complex. He and his wife Susan (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 ...
) were childhood sweethearts. Fletcher won Best Daytime Star at the 2016 ''Inside Soap'' Awards.
Billy Kennedy
Billy Kennedy, played by Jesse Spencer
Jesse Gordon Spencer (born 12 February 1979) is an Australian actor and musician. He is best known for his roles as Billy Kennedy on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' (1994–2000, 2005, 2022), Robert Chase on the American medical drama ...
, made his first appearance on 27 September 1994. The character was introduced along with his mother, father and two older siblings by the show's storyliners, who wanted to take the show back to its roots, as it seemed that all the houses on 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 r ...
were populated with misfits and distant relatives. Spencer originally auditioned for the role of Brett Stark
Brett Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Brett Blewitt. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993, along with his sister, Danni Stark and remained as a regul ...
, but he was told that he was too young. The following year, he successfully auditioned for the role of Billy. Billy was described as being "sensitive" and "not as academically gifted as sister Libby" by Tony Johnston author of ''Neighbours: 20 years of Ramsay Street''. Billy often gets into trouble with his best friend 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 ...
). For his portrayal of Billy, Spencer received nominations for the Logie Award for Most Popular Actor
The Silver Logie for Most Popular Actor is an award presented annually at the Australian TV Week Logie Awards. The award recognises the popularity of an actor in an Australian program.
It was first awarded at the 19th Annual TV Week Logie Award ...
in 1998 and 1999.
Susan Kennedy
Susan Kennedy, played by 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 ...
, made her first appearance on 3 October 1994. The character was introduced along with her husband and three teenage children by storyliners in an effort to bring the show back to its roots, as it seemed that all the houses on 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 r ...
were populated with misfits and distant relatives. Actress Ailsa Piper
Ailsa Mary-Ellen Piper (born 1959) is an Australian writer, director and performer.
Career
Acting
Ailsa Piper worked as an actress in theatre in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne from the early 1980s until 2000. She made her first appearance on TV i ...
was initially considered for the role of Susan, before she was cast as Ruth Wilkinson
Ruth Wilkinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Ailsa Piper. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 October 1996. Ruth was introduced as Helen Daniels' ( Anne Haddy) physi ...
. Woodburne received the role, and later revealed that she only intended to play the part for twelve months, but she soon fell in love with the show. Susan was given a teaching job at the local high school, giving her close links with the other characters. On her arrival, Susan was described as being good natured and more open-minded than her husband 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).
Malcolm Kennedy
Malcolm Kennedy, played by Benjamin McNair
Benjamin John McNair (born 25 August 1974, London) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Malcolm Kennedy in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' which he played from 1994 to 1997 returning briefly in 2002, 2004, 2011 and 2014 with a cameo ap ...
, made his first appearance on 3 October 1994. The character was introduced along with his parents and two younger siblings by storyliners, who wanted a "solid" family, as they felt that the houses on 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 r ...
were populated with misfits and distant relatives. After being cast as Malcolm, McNair relocated from his home in Sydney to Melbourne, where the show is filmed. He admitted that he had never watched ''Neighbours'' before joining the cast. Malcolm is the eldest of the Kennedy siblings. He is an athlete, and enjoys being in charge. He quickly gets involved in Ramsay Street "shenanigans". Shortly after his arrival, producers plotted a ''Romeo and Juliet
''Romeo and Juliet'' is a Shakespearean tragedy, tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about the romance between two Italian youths from feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetim ...
'' style romance between Malcolm and Danni Stark
Danielle "Danni" Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Eliza Szonert. She made her debut during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993 and remained in the show until 13 November 1996, with a br ...
(Eliza Szonert
Eliza Szonert (born 29 January 1974) is an Australian actress. Born in Victoria, Australia, Szonert played Danni Stark in Australia's long-running soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1993 to 1996. Szonert reprised the role in 2005 for the show's 20th ...
). Caroline Milburn 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 ...
'' branded him a "larrikin
Larrikin is an Australian English term meaning "a mischievous young person, an uncultivated, rowdy but good hearted person", or "a person who acts with apparent disregard for social or political conventions".
In the 19th and early 20th centurie ...
."
Libby Kennedy
Libby Kennedy, played by 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 Granville. ...
, made her first appearance on 3 October 1994. The character was introduced along with her parents and two brothers by storyliners, who wanted to bring the show back to its roots when it seemed that all the houses on 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 r ...
were populated with misfits and distant relatives. After being cast as Libby, Valentine relocated from Sydney to Melbourne, where the studios are located, when she was 17 years old. Josephine Monroe, author of ''Neighbours; The First 10 Years'', described Libby as an opinionated girl, who is willing to make a stand on "any and every issue." She is a communist and her political views often frustrate her father, 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). Valentine enjoyed playing Libby's humorous and quirky personality traits. Libby was voted viewer's third favourite character in a 2002 poll run by ''Newsround
''Newsround'' (stylised as ''newsround'', and originally called ''John Craven's Newsround'' before his departure in 1989) is a BBC children's news programme, which has run continuously since 4 April 1972. It was one of the world's first televi ...
''.
Bianca Zanotti
Bianca Zanotti, played by Annie Gagliardi, made her first appearance on 11 November 1994. Bianca was introduced as a teen runaway, who is found sleeping rough in Marlene Kratz
Marlene Kratz is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Moya O'Sullivan. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 July 1994 and remained in the show until 14 October 1997, wh ...
's (Moya O'Sullivan
Moya O'Sullivan Macarthur (8 June 1926 – 16 January 2018) was an Australian-born actress who worked both locally and briefly in the United Kingdom. She was best known for her long-running role as the popular character Marlene Kratz in the soap ...
) bric-a-brac shop. She befriends Marlene and her nephew Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve
Richard Grieve (born 25 January 1970) is an Australian actor, who has worked extensively in film, television, theatre and musical theatre, but is perhaps best known for his roles in the British soap ''Emmerdale'', and two Australian television s ...
), and she tells them that she is "an ex-offender who is trying to go straight". When Bianca says that she cannot find anywhere to live or work, Sam allows her to stay at the shop. Gagliardi found playing a teen runaway made her a "cult figure" among young street children in St Kilda, who often recognised her and spoke to her as if she was one of them.
When Bianca and Marlene find some jewels among some of the stock in the shop, Bianca takes them to be valued and is accused of being in possession of stolen goods. Gagliardi told ''Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...
's'' Victoria Ross that her character would have a tough time proving her innocence, explaining "Everyone seems to turn against her, especially Cheryl who thinks that Bianca is real big trouble. This new run-in with the police makes her realise how difficult it will be to prove to people that her tearaway days are behind her." Bianca is also concerned that the police will not believe her because she has spent time in a detention centre. Although Marlene and Sam stand by her, Bianca decides to run away. Gagliardi said Bianca "feels terrible" about leaving the only people who have ever had faith in her, but she would not be gone for long. Of Bianca's time in the show, David Banks of ''The People
The ''Sunday People'' is a British tabloid Sunday newspaper. It was founded as ''The People'' on 16 October 1881.
At one point owned by Odhams Press, The ''People'' was acquired along with Odhams by the Mirror Group in 1961, along with the ' ...
'' observed, "Call her the tiddler who got away if you like, but Bianca's departure set some kind of record for a woman from ''Neighbours''. No sex, no seductions, no real romance – just a solitary kiss from Brett Stark makes her the first nubile maid to escape from Ramsay Street without so much as a grope to remember the boys by."
After she is discovered sleeping in the bric-a-brac shop by Sam Kratz and Serendipity Gottlieb (Raelee Hill
Raelee Hill (born 24 October 1972) is an Australian actress best known for portraying roles in some of Australia's most successful television series. Her first major role was as Loretta Taylor in ''Paradise Beach'', which was followed shortly ...
), Bianca tells them that she was thrown out of her house by her stepfather. She also tells them that she served time in a detention centre after she stole a car with some friends. Bianca is initially wary of Sam, and she reveals that she has been harassed by guys in the past. Sam asks Bianca to help him out with his handyman business. Sam's grandmother Marlene takes pity on Bianca, and invites her to move in with her. Bianca befriends Malcolm Kennedy
Malcolm Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Benjamin McNair. Shortly after he was cast, McNair relocated to Melbourne to be closer to the studio. He admitted that it was a shock lea ...
(Benjamin McNair
Benjamin John McNair (born 25 August 1974, London) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Malcolm Kennedy in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' which he played from 1994 to 1997 returning briefly in 2002, 2004, 2011 and 2014 with a cameo ap ...
). When he tries to make advances towards her during a date, she punches him and he invents a story that he fended off muggers that attacked them. An incensed Bianca tells the truth, which humiliates Malcolm. Bianca becomes close with Brett Stark
Brett Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Brett Blewitt. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993, along with his sister, Danni Stark and remained as a regul ...
(Brett Blewitt
Brett Blewitt, (born 17 November 1975) is an Australian actor who played Brett Stark on the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'' from 1993 to 1996. Brett briefly returned to the show in 2005, when his character made a cameo appearance.
Prior t ...
) who helps her fill out an application for college. When Bianca's mother, Claudia Marcusani (Helen Trenos) reappears in her life, things are initially frosty between them, but Bianca decides to give her mother another chance and move back home with her. Before she leaves, Bianca gives Brett a kiss and a passionflower, asking him to keep it alive for her.
Ling Mai Chan
Ling Mai Chan, played by Khym Lam
Khym Lam (born 1963 or '64) is a Singaporean-born Australian actress.
Biography
Lam was born in Singapore to a Malayan father and a Eurasian mother—her grandparents were Charles Davis, a Welsh engineer who married May Lawrence, a part-Chine ...
, made her first appearance on 23 November 1994. Ling Mai is 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, ...
's (Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver (born 12 June 1938) is a British-born Australian retired actor who started his career in theatre in his native country, before emigrating to Australia.
Oliver, a staple of the small screen since the early 1960s, is best known for h ...
) daughter. Oliver told the show's producers that he believed Lou was old enough to have been conscripted for the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (also known by #Names, other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vie ...
and could have fathered a child over there. However, a similar storyline had already been done with Jim Robinson (Alan Dale
Alan Hugh Dale (born 6 May 1947) is a New Zealand actor. As a child, Dale enjoyed theatre and rugby. After retiring from the sport, he took on a number of occupations, before deciding to become a professional actor at age 27. Dale subsequentl ...
), so the producers suggested something else instead. Lou learns he fathered a daughter after a brief relationship when he was twenty-one. An ''Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...
'' columnist observed, "the fruit of Lou's affair was a beautiful daughter Mai Ling who has now grown up to be a sophisticated university tutor." Lou is surprised when Ling Mai gets in contact and he arranges to meet her in secret, which leads his partner Cheryl Stark
Cheryl Stark is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Caroline Gillmer. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 July 1993. Colette Mann took over the role for eight we ...
(Caroline Gillmer
Caroline Gillmer (born 1955) is an Australian actress, best known for her roles in various television series, such as ''Prisoner'' as Helen Smart and ''Neighbours'' as Cheryl Stark. During her time off sick from ''Neighbours'', Gillmer was t ...
) to think he is having an affair. After a month, Ling Mai makes "shock announcement" that she is returning home, after her partner proposes. Lou is forced to say "a miserable farewell" to his daughter, leaving Cheryl to console him. The character was referenced in 2013, when Lou is persuaded to get back in contact with her. After Lou sends Ling Mai an email, she asks him to visit her in Cambodia
Cambodia (; also Kampuchea ; km, កម្ពុជា, UNGEGN: ), officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, spanning an area of , bordered by Thailand t ...
. The storyline was inspired by Oliver's real life trip to the country.
Lou Carpenter receives a letter from Ling Mai informing him that she is his daughter, and wants to meet him. Lou initially keeps Ling Mai a secret from his partner Cheryl, who follows him one day and sees him meeting with Ling Mai. Cheryl assumes Lou is having an affair with Ling Mai, until Lou tells her that Ling Mai is his daughter. Cheryl invites Ling Mai to dinner, and she befriends Cheryl's son Brett Stark
Brett Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Brett Blewitt. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993, along with his sister, Danni Stark and remained as a regul ...
(Brett Blewitt
Brett Blewitt, (born 17 November 1975) is an Australian actor who played Brett Stark on the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'' from 1993 to 1996. Brett briefly returned to the show in 2005, when his character made a cameo appearance.
Prior t ...
). Lou shows her his used car business and offers a car to make up for the birthdays he has missed. Lou and Cheryl's relationship becomes strained and Lou moves in with his daughter. Ling Mai tries to talk to Cheryl, before she and Cheryl's mother Marlene Kratz
Marlene Kratz is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Moya O'Sullivan. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 July 1994 and remained in the show until 14 October 1997, wh ...
(Moya O'Sullivan
Moya O'Sullivan Macarthur (8 June 1926 – 16 January 2018) was an Australian-born actress who worked both locally and briefly in the United Kingdom. She was best known for her long-running role as the popular character Marlene Kratz in the soap ...
) get the couple to reconcile.
Lou pays for Ling Mai's university funding, and tries to get her a show at the local radio station. He also takes her to the beach, so he can teach her how to swim. Ling Mai later tells Lou that she is leaving Australia, as her boyfriend, Bin, has come over from Hong Kong and has proposed to her. Lou thanks her for getting in touch and meeting him. On Boxing Day 2003, Lou receives a congratulatory telegram from Ling Mai for his wedding to Trixie Tucker
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the Network Ten soap opera ''Neighbours'' in 2003, by order of first appearance. Ric Pellizzeri took over the role of executive producer from Stanley Walsh, who left the show in Novembe ...
(Wendy Stapleton
Wendy Anne-Marie Stapleton (born 8 July 1954) is an Australian pop/rock singer-songwriter, musical theatre performer and television actress and presenter Stapleton has performed as a backing singer, session musician and a solo artist; she fronte ...
). He visits her the following year, while he is in Hong Kong helping Trixie promote a production of '' Hello Dolly!'' she is starring in. Nine years later, Lou decides to get back in contact with Ling Mai and learns she is living and working for a charity in Cambodia. He flies out to spend a few months with her.
Others
References
;Bibliography
*
*
*
*
External links
Characters and cast
at the Official ''Neighbours'' website
Characters and cast
at the Internet Movie Database
IMDb (an abbreviation of Internet Movie Database) is an online database of information related to films, television series, home videos, video games, and streaming content online – including cast, production crew and personal biographies, ...
Shane Rebecchi
at the Official ''Neighbours'' website
{{Neighbours characters, year
1994
File:1994 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The 1994 Winter Olympics are held in Lillehammer, Norway; The Kaiser Permanente building after the 1994 Northridge earthquake; A model of the MS Estonia, which Sinking of the MS Estonia, sank in ...
*, Neighbours