Nicolette Stone

Nicolette Stone is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Charlotte Chimes. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 15 July 2020. Chimes auditioned for the role at a time she felt creatively fulfilled owing to her work on another series. Despite her nonchalant approach, Chimes was invited to a second audition, which the then Sydney based actress had to perform over video-tape due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions imposed in Australia. Chimes was successful and assumed the role of Nicolette, who writers created as the daughter of the heritage character, Jane Harris (Annie Jones). From her introduction, Nicolette was portrayed as "straight talking" and "brash", unafraid to hurt other character's feelings. Nicolette is a lesbian and is confident with being open about her sexuality. Writers often used Nicolette's characterisation in her storylines. Writers created a fractured backstory between Nicolette and Jane, owed to Jane's request that Nicolette conceal her sexuality from her opinionated grandmother. Nicolette's early stories commonly featured her and Jane's journey to reconciliation. Writers further explored Nicolette's backstory with the introduction of her friend Audrey Hamilton (Zahra Newman), who had helped Nicolette commit fraud.

Nicolette quickly formed a friendship with Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly), acting as a live-in-carer for her ill mother Fay Brennan (Zoe Bertram). Nicolette develops romantic feelings for Chloe which are forbidden. Writers established her first feud with Chloe's husband Pierce Greyson (Tim Robards) and via their rivalry they fully developed Nicolette's manipulative and brash persona. Nicolette eventually wrecks their marriage and moves in with Chloe's brother Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) and his husband David Tanaka (Takaya Honda). ''Neighbours'' used the trio to create their first surrogacy storyline involving three gay characters. Chimes believed the story created the ideal opportunity for Nicolette to created the family she had longed for. Writers marred the storyline with drama ranging from accidents, a romance with Chloe and family feuds, most notably between Nicolette and David's suspicious father Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).

When David's scheming brother, Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) attempts to snare Chloe from Nicolette, she betrays David and Aaron and absconds, later giving birth to a baby, Isla. Producers removed Nicolette from the opening credits to create further uncertainty about the story. When Nicolette returns one of her most notable stories played out on-screen, featuring the revelation Nicolette swapped her baby with Britney Barnes (Montana Cox) and Leo's daughter Abigail to gain revenge. Nicolette is then involved in a legal case to gain custody of Isla until she reaches an agreement with David and Aaron. Writers then created a relationship with Kiri Durant (Gemma Bird Matheson), which was not fully developed because of Channel 5's cancellation of ''Neighbours''. Writers continued to feature Nicolette until the show's finale episode, reconciling her family and romantic relationships. Nicolette's manipulative behaviour has garnered her a reputation with television critics as being a "troublemaker" and "villain". Critics praised Nicolette's characterisation and development writers had managed to achieve in just two years on-screen.

Casting

When Chimes auditioned for the role of Nicolette felt "blasé about it" because she felt "creatively fulfilled" producing work for the ''Build Series Sydney''. Chimes did not want to pitch her entire career hopes on a single audition but later reflected that her career satisfaction played a large part in securing the role. She recalled "it was like oh I think I'm gonna get this, it happened very easily, so easily really, oh I guess that's the key." Chimes was invited to perform a second audition for the role. As Chimes was located in Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to travel to Melbourne for the call back auditions. Chimes filmed a video audition in her mother's kitchen. Her mother also read other characters lines and Chimes described it as a surreal experience as they pretended to flirt and proceed to argue.

Securing the role made Chimes confident about beginning filming until two days prior. Chimes explained that "imposter syndrome" affected her and she was unsure if she could portray the character. A conversation with her acting coach, who like Nicolette is gay, helped her better prepare. Chimes explained that it was important to portray LGBTQ characters with authenticity and bring a truth to Nicolette. Chimes was eager to play Nicolette on her first day on-set and recalled stating "finally I'm here, now lets get to work".

The character and Chimes' casting were announced on 27 June 2020. Producers signed Chimes to a three year contract. Nicolette is Chimes' first ongoing role after previously acting in two mini-series projects. Chimes reflected that she felt "immense gratitude" to be cast in an "iconic" series and secure long-term work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicolette is introduced into ''Neighbours'' as the estranged daughter of Jane Harris (Annie Jones). Her debut coincides with the permanent reintroduction of Jane, who was once a regular character and had been appearing on a recurring basis for two years. Writers created a backstory for her, which details a fractured relationship with Jane ever since Nicolette decided to come out as lesbian. Discussing the announcement, Jones stated "audiences will learn more about her family, as fans are introduced to her daughter Nicolette for the first time." Chimes made her first appearance as Nicolette during the episode broadcast on 15 July 2020.

Development

Characterisation

Nicolette's character profile on the show's official website states that she is "deeply practical and fantastic in a crisis" and adores being active because she "has an adventurous streak a mile wide". Nicolette chose nursing as a career because she it would "provide plenty of variety and excitement". It also branded her a "straight talker" who "never holds back when something important is on the line." Nicolette also struggles to interpret with her own feelings and "can sometimes be oblivious when her straight talking has hurt feelings." Chimes' first scene was filmed with Rebekah Elmaloglou who plays Terese Willis. The scene depicts Nicolette meeting with Terese and Nicolette reveals that she has a difficult relationship with Jane. Nicolette also announces that she is a lesbian. Chimes described Nicolette as making a statement of "this is who I am, this is what's going on, I have nothing to hide anymore."

In her first interview with ''Inside Soap'', Chimes described Nicolette as an optimistic character with "cheerful, adventurous and fun" personality traits. Though she believed that Nicolette was not well adapted to dealing with her emotions. Nicolette is often portrayed as "brash", she talks in literal terms and "calls a spade a spade." Chimes was pleased that writers portrayed Nicolette being confident and open about her sexuality. Nicolette is portrayed as a villainous character but writers often showcased her vulnerable side. Chimes "loved" playing Nicolette as a villain and found her going "head-to-head" more exciting. She also enjoyed Nicolette the most when "she's being naughty". Chimes was protective of Nicolette, despite her villainy. She told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy that "sometimes when she's remorseful, I get very protective of her and I think: 'Well, she's not entirely wrong and why is she always the one apologising?'" When Chimes filmed the character's more mundane scenes, directors allowed her to amp-up the comedy in Nicolette's scenes. Chimes told Kilkelly that "I thought of some weird, quirky things I could do to bring the scenes to life in the most Nicolette way possible." Chimes was fond of the contents of Nicolette's wardrobe and described her as having "exceptional style".

Chimes told Stephen Patterson of ''Metro'' that she sometimes found it both difficult and fun to play Nicolette. Chimes never shied away from expressing Nicolette's "human-ness in her" and her "ugly" characteristics. Chimes assessed that Nicolette had many "Cha Cha's", which she explained were stories in which Nicolette's actions would see her progress "two steps forward and one step back." Nicolette is often involved in animosity with other characters, especially Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), Pierce Greyson (Tim Robards) and her mother Jane. Chimes concluded that collectively this was Nicolette as "not her best self" but was her "favourite" content to portray.

In a later story, Nicolette questions if she and established villain Paul are alike as they concoct schemes together. Chimes believed that this signified that Nicolette still had the same characterisation but she "had softened as a person". Nicolette becoming a parent also affected her personality. Chimes believed Nicolette never stopped being "a fiery firecracker" but motherhood grounded her and made her "very conscious" about parenting as she settled into her first "stable home environment".

Mother-daughter conflict

Chimes was thrilled to play the daughter of Jane, one of the show's legacy characters. Chimes felt it was more "rewarding" because of the rich backstory Jane provided Nicolette within the series. One of Nicolette's main story arcs created from this backstory is her fractured relationship with Jane. Chimes told Sarah Ellis of ''Inside Soap'' that Nicolette and Jane's problems arose from when Nicolette came out as lesbian whilst they lived at her her grandmother's house. Jane did not want Nell to know about Nicolette's sexuality which left her feeling unaccepted by Jane. Chimes believed that neither character was able to communicate their wanting of a better family relationship and the issue is "swept under the carpet" and festers.

Jones thought that Nicolette and Jane's problems stemmed from them being "polar opposites". Jones added that "I think Jane wishes she would be more like her, which of course she isn't." Jane is hopeful they can solve their differences about what happened when Nicolette came out, but the latter is not as keen. Jones reasoned it was difficult because Nicolette moved to Australia and trained to become a nurse, while Jane remained in the UK to care for Nell. This time and distance only served to add to their rift. Jones concluded that the entire issue leaves Jane feeling "like a complete failure again" and finds it "very hard" to deal with.

Writers continued to play on their fractured relationship during Nicolette's stories. When Nicolette decides to become a surrogate mother, Jane disapproves and expresses her concerns Nicolette is being hasty. Chimes believed that having a baby would be "healing" for Nicolette because of her own upbringing. She branded Nicolette and Janes relationship "tumultuous" and wants the child "to be fully expressed" because Jane did not allow Nicolette to express her sexuality when she was young. Despite Jane's disapproval, Chimes noted Jane's behaviour is because she "deeply loves and cares" for daughter. Chimes believed that her and Jones' good dynamic and workplace happiness was vital in portraying Nicolette and Jane's relationship. She described their artistic approach in which they strived to produce scenes that were superlative. If a scene required Nicolette to be arguing with Jane they spared no effort in shouting, "Come on! Come at me!"

Chloe Brennan

One of the character's early stories was her unrequited love for her friend, Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly). Chimes believed that Nicolette and Chloe have a "natural chemistry" from their first meeting and "were meant to be in each others lives." Chimes later told television director Lee Salisbury that Nicolette is in love with Chloe and "has pined after her basically since the moment they met." She thought it was unlike Nicolette to ask to date someone because she had grown accustomed to women chasing her. Nicolette begins to care for Chloe's terminally ill mother, Fay Brennan (Zoe Bertram). Nicolette and Pierce soon begin to feud with each other. Nicolette decides to hide her feelings for Chloe but grows annoyed with Pierce's treatment of Chloe. Chimes told Amy Hadley from ''TV Week'' that Nicolette hates "how possessive and controlling" Pierce is towards Chloe and it was ironic because Nicolette offers him good advice. She decides to prank Pierce while he visits a day spa, which only worsens their feud. A ''Neighbours'' publicist assessed that Pierce's dislike of Nicolette occurrs when he discovers she is gay. He feels insecure about and convinced Nicolette wants Chloe to herself. Pierce's son, Hendrix Greyson (Ben Turland) discovers Nicolette's feelings for Chloe and threatens to tell his father. Robards told Ellis that Pierce is already insecure about Chloe's sexuality because he feels like he cannot compete with women. He added that he would feel more "threatened" by Nicolette if he knew her true intentions.

Nicolette discovers Pierce is having an affair with Dipi Rebecchi (Sharon Johal) and the story takes a dramatic turn as plots to expose their infidelity. Nicolette realises that Pierce is being unfaithful when she learns he kissed someone in fancy dress. Nicolette works out that Dipi was wearing the matching costume. Chimes told Hadley that her character goes into "stealthy snooping" mode and uses a diamond necklace to expose their affair. Chimes explained that Nicolette is "devastated" for Chloe but never thought Pierce was suitable for her and she feels "proven right". She added that Nicolette feels obliged to expose Pierce even if it will "crush" Chloe. Ultimately, Nicolette believes with her help, "Chloe can start her life afresh and work out what she really wants."

In a later interview with Salisbury, Chimes stated that Nicolette was stuck in a predicament, was "screwed" and would be blamed either way so concocted the scheme to expose the affair. Chimes believed that Nicolette could have told the truth sooner, but she was happy that the scripts initially made it appear that Nicolette gets away with her scheming. Despite this, Chimes warned secrets are eventually exposed in ''Neighbours'' storylines. After Pierce's infidelity is exposed, Nicolette and Chloe remain good friends. Chimes did not believe that the pair should begin a romance because Nicolette made the scenario more complicated by deceiving Chloe. At the point in the story, Nicolette is also on good terms with Jane. Chimes assessed that her character is content being Chloe's friend because "she's in a really good place and she doesn't want to jeopardise that in any way."

Chloe ends her friendship with Nicolette once she discovers her involvement. When Fay becomes more frail, she requests that Nicolette helps care for her again. Chloe struggles with having Nicolette around again but respects her mother's wishes. Pengilly told Laura Masia from ''TV Week'' that "Chloe feels very conflicted about having Nicolette back in her life, she's still upset with Nic." She added that she knows Nicolette is a good carer to Fay and agrees to the arrangement. Fay then decides she wants to update her will, to include Nicolette, but keeps this a secret from her. Fay asks Nicolette to keep her meeting with her lawyer, Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) a secret. Toadie then wrongly assumes Nicolette has coerced Fay into changing her will and accuses her of fraud. Fay also wants Nicolette and Chloe to reconcile and begin a relationship. Bertram told Ellis (''Inside Soap'') that Fay mistakes the tension between Nicolette and Chloe for attraction and "likes the idea" of them together because it would complete the family unit with Chloe's brother Aaron. Nicolette confesses her guilt about the many lies she told previously, but Fay is forgives her. Bertram explained that Fay "has a real soft spot for Nicolette" and decides it would be hypocritical to judge her. She sees Nicolette's honesty as chance for her children to build a future with Nicolette. Fay also feels her unborn grandchild kick before she dies. After Fay's death, Chloe struggles with her grief and propositions Nicolette who respectfully rebuffs her advances. Pengilly opined that Chloe feels "mortified" and "foolish and embarrassed". Chloe still "cares" about Nicolette and feels as though she "turns her down when she needs her most."

Nicolette later begins a relationship with Chloe and Pengilly told Ellis that Nicolette worries Chloe is still grieving for Fay. She opined that Chloe observed how "wonderful" Nicolette was caring for Fay and this makes Chloe determined for them to be together. Pengilly added that Nicolette still has "genuine feelings" for Chloe. Their new relationship is also complicated because she the surrogate mother to Chloe's brother Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) and his husband David Tanaka's (Takaya Honda) unborn child. When David's brother Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) returns to Erinsborough, he is wary of Nicolette. He used to date Chloe but Nicolette decides put aside her worries and not jeopardise her new relationship. Chimes told Masia that Nicolette makes a promise "not to be the jealous partner anymore" and want to acquainted with Leo. Unbeknownst to her, Leo does not share her enthusiasm and begins to bond with Chloe as they work together. Kano explained that Leo thinks Nicolette is a "dodgy character" and wants to protect David and Chloe from her dramas. Kano added his belief that Leo ends up wanting Chloe for himself as their bond grows and plots against Nicolette. Kano told Ellis that Leo, Paul and Pierce form a "secret alliance" working against Nicolette protect their family interests. He described "red flag" warnings that Nicolette will hurt David and Aaron, especially when she refers to her unborn child as belonging to her and Chloe. ''Inside Soap's'' Alice Penwill reported that Hendrix would discover Leo's plans and attempt to stop him. Hendrix takes Nicolette to Leo's vineyard to stop him snaring Chloe. A ''Neighbours'' publicist told Penwill that Hendrix "ups the ante" in his efforts to rumble Leo. He arranges a romantic picnic for Chloe and Nicolette, but she wanders off alone and has an accident, possibly harming her unborn child.

Nicolette and Chloe become engaged but writers did not plan to continue their romance. On-screen, Chloe feels their relationship is rushed. Pengilly explained that other characters are "excited and supportive" of their engagement. Chloe's doubts arise from her dramatic year of stories, which the actress explained as "the divorce, miscarriage, her mother dying" and a terminal illness. She told ''TV Week's'' Masia that "Chloe needs some time to collect her thoughts away from the pressure." She decides to spend the night at the Vineyard in Leo's company. Not wanting Nicolette to worry, she pretends to stay with Aaron and David, who agree to lie for her. Pengilly claimed that Chloe purely wanted "to buy herself sometime" without worrying Nicolette. But the story does not play out as such. Chloe awakes the following morning with hangover and no recollection of the previous nights events. She is in bed with Leo's jacket and worries she has cheated on Nicolette. Chloe feels guilty and decides to inform Nicolette about the incident. Nicolette discovers that Chloe has lied about her whereabouts before Chloe can confess and assumes that she has had sex with Leo. Chimes described her character as "confused" and "heartbroken" by Chloe's behaviour and the fact Aaron and David lied to her. Nicolette break-up with Chloe and flees Erinsborough.

Nicolette's relationship with Chloe was also problematic because of Chloe's previous romance with Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta). The duo were popular with viewers who gave them the portmanteau

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