List of Neighbours characters (1988)

Katie Landers played by Sally Jensen, made her first appearance on 15 February 1988. Jensen and Kristian Schmid, who plays Katie's brother Todd Landers, had not met before or had any acting experience until they attended a drama class with the Actor's Training Studio in Melbourne.[1][2] Scouts from the Grundy Organisation were also in attendance, on the look out for a pair of actors for Neighbours.[1] Jensen and Schmid attended an audition for the roles of regular characters, Katie and Todd, and following a screen test, they were cast.[1][2] Both actors were at school when they were cast, so they were given an on set tutor and a schoolroom was built behind the studio.[1] The BBC said Katie's most notable moment was "Forcing Joe Mangel to bury a casserole."[3] The Sun-Herald said Katie and Todd's escapades often portrayed storylines which were "vital themes in the show."[1]

Todd Landers, played by Kristian Schmid, made his first appearance on 15 February 1988. Schmid was 12 years old when he signed himself up for an acting course in Melbourne.[4] Three weeks later, Neighbours casting director Jan Russ came to the school to hold auditions for the show.[4] Russ said she was looking for a teenage boy, around 14 or 15, to play the role of Todd Landers.[4] Schmid asked to audition and he was cast in the role of Todd.[4] Todd was Beverly Marshall's (Lisa Armytage) "cheekily independent nephew".[5] He and his sister Katie Landers (Sally Jensen), come to live with Beverly and her husband Jim Robinson (Alan Dale) in Ramsay Street in order to escape their abusive father.[5] Schmid remained with Neighbours until his character was killed off at the age of 17,[4] making him the youngest character in the show's history to die.[6] In 2007, Australian newspaper the Herald Sun placed Todd's death at number ten on their list of Neighbours Top Ten moments.[7]

Dave Summers played by Greg Fleet, made his first appearance on 25 March 1988. The character was introduced alongside Ted Regan (Julian Branagan) as new villains for the serial.[8] Fleet's character is best known for causing the death of popular character Daphne Clarke (Elaine Smith).[9] When asked about his character's actions, Fleet responded: "Do I feel bad about killing Daphne on Neighbours? If you are going to be in a show as bad as Neighbours, you should kill one of the main characters."[10] In Fleet's biography These Things Happen, he tells of how his role prevented him from having his throat cut in a drug deal gone wrong, as the dealer recognised him from the show.[11] Series writer Marieke Hardy described Fleet's role as "small but important".[12] Prior to playing Summers, Fleet guested as Steve O'Donnel on the serial in 1985.[13]

Summers and his friend Ted Regan run Daphne Clarke and Gail Robinson's (Fiona Corke) car off the road, causing a crash which leaves Gail with amnesia and Daphne in a coma for several weeks. Summers and Regan are caught by Jane Harris (Annie Jones), Charlene Robinson (Kylie Minogue), Tony Romeo (Nick Carrafa), Jim Robinson (Alan Dale) and Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) when their car is spotted at Lassiter's by Gail, who recalls the license plate via hypnosis. Daphne dies as a result of her injuries and Summers and Regan are both tried, but Summers only receives a one year suspension of his license and a $500 fine, which enrages Mike Young (Guy Pearce). Mike goes after Summers and Regan to fight them, but does not. Summers then reports Mike to the police and he is charged with assault, despite being innocent. Mike is then found guilty of simple assault, but not GBH.

Lou Carpenter, played by Tom Oliver, made his first appearance on 30 March 1988. Oliver appeared for a brief time, having been initially contracted for six months, before leaving and returning in January 1992 as a regular cast member.[14][15] He would go on to become one of the longest-serving continuous characters.[16] Lou was introduced as an old friend of Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) and Madge Ramsay (Anne Charleston). In their fictional backstory, the characters attended the same school and Lou was Harold's rival for Madge's affections. Oliver said that Lou's feelings for Madge led him to visit Ramsay Street to steal her from Harold on their wedding day.[15] Oliver took inspiration for Lou's distinctive "dirty laugh" from actor Sid James.[16] The character also became known for his scams and quick one-liners.[17] Oliver received nominations for Funniest Performance at the 2007 and 2008 Inside Soap Awards.[18][19]

David Bishop, played by Kevin Harrington, made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 11 May 1988, arriving for his father Harold Bishop's (Ian Smith) wedding.[20] Harrington returned to Neighbours after a 16-year absence in October 2003.[20][21] The character, his wife and daughter were written out in 2005, as part of a "surprise shake-up" of the cast.[22] A writer for the BBC's Neighbours website stated that David's most notable moment was "Getting himself into financial trouble and keeping it a secret."[23] Brian Courtis from The Age branded David "Harold's hapless offspring".[24]

Nene Williams (also Nina Williams) made her first appearance on 25 May 1988. She was originally played by Leigh Morgan. When the character was reintroduced in 2016, Ally Fowler took over the role. Fowler previously appeared in Neighbours as Zoe Davis.[25] She commented, "It's not difficult to go full circle on Neighbours. The writers are very clever with the way that they can link people together. I love being back with Stefan again, we're having a lot of fun."[25] Fowler admitted to some apprehension about joining the cast again, as she likes to move forward, but knowing the role was short term, she thought it would be fun.[26] Fowler began filming in late 2015,[25] and began appearing from 29 February 2016.[27]

Nene is Amy Williams's (Zoe Cramond) mother, and former partner of Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who she met while she was an air stewardess.[28] Upon her return, she "immediately ruffles feathers" when she sets her sights on one of the married characters,[25] later confirmed to be Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) after he rescues her during a heatwave.[29] Network Ten drama executive Claire Tonkin called Nene "complex" and stated: "from her first moments on Ramsay Street, this character promises intrigue, secrets and lots of drama".[25] Of her character's reasons for coming to Erinsborough, Fowler explained that Nene is angry with Paul for not helping her or being a proper father to Amy over the years.[28] She said, "I think there's a desperate need in [Nene] to have family and to experience what having a family would be like and have that support, so in that way she craves Paul's support."[28] Fowler also said that Paul would end up using Nene for his own gain.[28]

When her grandson Jimmy Williams (Darcy Tadich) is injured playing cricket, Nene makes some questionable choices while treating him, leading Amy to ask Karl for a second opinion. Nene feels that Amy does not trust her, and Fowler explained to an Inside Soap writer that Nene suffers from anxiety.[30] She continued, "She's had a few problems in the past with her career – she's got involved with the odd doctor that she shouldn't have, which hasn't ended well – and she's had to play with the truth a little bit so that Amy doesn't worry."[30] Knowing that Karl and Amy are watching her, she invents a crisis with Doug Willis (Terence Donovan), who she is caring for.[30] Nene and Paul later share a kiss, and Nene enjoys playing "happy families" with him, Amy and Jimmy. She finds it comforting, but is unaware that Paul has an ulterior motive.[26]

Nina organises a women in the workplace conference at Lassiter's Hotel in Erinsborough, and brings her young daughter Amy with her. She befriends Gail Robinson (Fiona Corke) and invites her to give a talk at the conference when Gail mentions she is married to her boss. Nina is surprised to learn that Gail's husband is Paul Robinson, who she once dated while they worked for the same airline. Gail invites Nina to dinner with her and Paul, but Nina declines the invitation. Paul seeks her out and asks about her life. She explains that she started her own business, fell pregnant with Amy and will be getting married soon. Paul soon works out that Amy is his daughter. Nina tells him that she did not know she was pregnant until after their break up. She also tells him that her fiancé Bruce already thinks of Amy as his own and she is leaving that day. Paul asks to be a part of Amy's life, but Nina refuses. Gail tells Nina that Amy might be the only child Paul has. Before she leaves, Nina visits Paul to tells him that she will send him photos of Amy, as well as allowing him to set up a trust fund for Amy's education. Several years later, when Nina and Bruce go through marital problems, Nina sends Amy to live with Paul in Erinsborough for a few months after he visits her in New Zealand.

Over twenty years later, Nina, now calling herself Nene, returns to Erinsborough in the middle of a massive heatwave. She meets her grandson, Jimmy Williams and goes for walk with him, but collapses due to the extreme heat. Karl Kennedy finds Nene and gets her safely to hospital. Amy visits Nene and wants to know what she is doing in town. Nene tells her she has quit her nursing job in Mount Merrion and moved to Erinsborough for a fresh start. Nene develops feelings for Karl, who she assumes is single, but he tells her he is married. Nene is discharged from hospital and stays with Amy and Jimmy at Number 26, along with Amy's boyfriend Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan) and his family. Amy asks Karl if there are any nursing jobs available at the hospital and Karl agrees to meet with Nene. Nene discloses that she left her previous job because she had an affair with a doctor who blamed her for a mistake after they split. When the arranged interview falls through, Karl arranges for Nene to be Alzheimer's sufferer Doug Willis' carer.

In her new position, Nene manipulates situations to spend more time with Karl by lying about Doug's mood swings and calls Karl during a birthday lunch much to the irritation of his wife, Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). She also begins confusing Doug by claiming she is his wife Pam Willis (Sue Jones), uses Karl's laptop to delete an email from a former colleague, and tracks correspondence between Kyle and his former wife, Georgia Brooks (Saskia Hampele). However, Doug is able to see through her act and tells the Kennedys, who confront Nene about her erratic behaviour. Nene admits that she has not been taking her anti-depressant medication. Doug agrees not to report Nene, as he knows what it is like to lose control of his own mind. Following this, Nene turns to Paul for support and falls for him again. When she tries to kiss him, Paul rebuffs Nene and lets her down gently. When an explosion occurs at Lassiter's hotel, Nene puts on a nurse's uniform and attempts to treat a comatose Jack Callaghan (Andrew Morley), but Doug's granddaughter, Paige Smith (Olympia Valance) recognises her and she flees. When Paul is accused of causing the explosion, he asks Nene to provide an alibi for him and she does so, but retracts it when she sees Paul kissing Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou). She then leaves Erinsborough to stay in a retreat in the Blue Mountains and receives treatment for her condition.

Amy Williams (previously Robinson) made her first appearance on 25 May 1988. She was originally played by Nicolette Minster.[31] Minster was around three years old when she was cast in the role.[32] Amy was introduced to Neighbours as the first child of established character Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).[33] When the character returned to the show in 1992, Sheridan Compagnino took over the role.[34] Amy was reintroduced to Neighbours with actress Zoe Cramond taking over the role in 2015.[35] Cramond described Amy as "very straightforward yet quite complex".[36] A Soap World contributor branded her "mysteriously sexy and tomboyish".[37]

John Worthington, played by Brian James, made his first appearance on 9 June 1988.[38] The character was introduced as a love interest for Nell Mangel (Vivean Gray). He and Nell become bowling colleagues and share "a strong and mutual need for love and companionship."[38] The couple soon become engaged. Shortly before the wedding, Nell has second thoughts, while John needs reassurance from Des Clarke (Paul Keane) and Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).[38] James commented, "He does have a few anxious moments before Nell arrives."[38] Nell and John became the third couple to marry in 1988.[38]

John is a widowed, retired dentist. He meets Nell Mangel when she joins the local bowls team. There is an attraction between them, but their relationship breaks down when John tires of Nell's gossipy ways. However, John reappears several months later and they get reacquainted. Nell's son, Joe Mangel (Mark Little) takes a dislike to John and throws him out of the house. Joe later warms to John and gives him his blessing to marry Nell. When a 30-year-old letter written by John's late wife Iris reveals his infidelity, Nell breaks off the engagement. But she eventually realises John's affair was a long time ago and the wedding goes ahead. John and Nell bid farewell to all their friends in Erinsborough and relocate to St. Albans. When Nell's granddaughter, Jane Harris (Annie Jones) returns to Erinsborough in 2018, she mentions that John has since died.

Bronwyn Davies played by Rachel Friend. She made her first appearance on 7 July 1988. Following Kylie Minogue's (Charlene Robinson) departure, the Neighbours producers were about to begin a nation-wide search for a new female actress to join the show, when they discovered Friend.[39] Friend chose to postpone her university degree to join Neighbours as country girl, Bronwyn Davies.[39] In 1990, Friend decided to quit the serial.[40] For her portrayal of Bronwyn, Friend won "Most Popular Actress" at the 1990 Logie Awards.[41] During a feature on past Neighbours characters, telecommunications network Orange, described Bronwyn's most memorable moment as: "Accidentally pushing good pal Henry Ramsay (played by Craig McLachlan) down some steps. Believing the mulleted larrikin was unconscious, Bronwyn rushed to his side and professed her undying love for him – whereupon Henry opened his eyes and admitted he felt the same. Aaah!"[6]

Nick Page, played by Mark Stevens, made his first appearance on 22 July 1988. Stevens joined the cast of Neighbours soon after taking part in Young Talent Time.[42] Stevens' first scene consisted of Nick trying to find his stolen Walkman.[43] Josephine Monroe, author of Neighbours: the first 10 years described Nick as one Helen Daniels' (Anne Haddy) many waifs and strays, a budding artist and having a recalcitrant personality.[44][45] The BBC described Nick's most notable moment as being "his first appearance when he was caught spraying graffiti".[46] The episode featuring Nick rescuing Todd and Katie from Skinner was watched by 21 million viewers in the United Kingdom. It was the most watched episode of any show during 1990.[47]

Sharon Davies, played by Jessica Muschamp, made her first appearance on 29 July 1988. Muschamp landed the role while completing her VCE in 1988.[48] Muschamp said she thought the audition would be a good experience and that she did not expect to get the role.[49] During her time with Neighbours, Muschamp said she "had a ball" working with the other members of the cast.[48] Sharon is described as an "impetuous, laid back character."[50] She is bubbly, but tactless. Sharon often insults people, but she does not mean to and she can be a little thoughtless.[50] In 1990, during a cast exodus, producers decided to send the character to New Zealand.[48] In Neighbours: The Official Annual 1991, authors John McCready and Nicola Furlong said Muschamp had made her mark on Neighbours. They added "The love lives of those such as Nick Page and Sharon Davies have made the programme perhaps the most popular viewing for teenagers around the world."[51]

Joe Mangel, played by Mark Little, made his first appearance on 8 August 1988.[52] Little was initially contracted for 13 weeks,[53] but this was soon extended.[52] Joe is the estranged son of Nell Mangel (Vivean Gray).[53] Very little was known about Joe prior to his introduction, and Darren Devlyn branded him "an unknown quantity in Erinsborough".[53] Joe is nothing like his mother, and he was described as being an "unreconstructed oaf who likes drinking beer", green fingered and brutish. Nell and Dorothy Burke (Maggie Dence) attempt to make Joe change his ways, and he often clashes with his niece Jane Harris (Annie Jones).[54] Little chose to leave the serial in 1991.[55] Lorna Cooper, editor of MSN TV, branded Joe one of show's legendary characters.[56] While the Daily Mirror's Polly Hudson chose Joe as one of her favourite characters, citing his "funny, sweet and ute-obsessed" personality and comedy moments as her reasons why.[57]

Edith "Edie" Chubb, played by Irene Inescort, made her first appearance on 10 August 1988 and departed on 24 February 1989. Edie is the aunt of Bronwyn Davies (Rachel Friend) and Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp).[58] She purchases Number 30 Ramsay Street and moves in with her nieces.[59] Grace Dent of The Guardian commented that Edie had an echo of Coronation Street's Ena Sharples.[60]

Edie arrives in Erinsborough in the middle of a Murder Mystery party her nieces Bronwyn and Sharon are attending. She tries to take Sharon back to Narrabri, but she refuses to leave, so Edie allows the girls to stay with Nell Mangel (Vivean Gray). Sharon learns Edie is planning to buy Number 30 and that she has asked Des Clarke (Paul Keane) to be a proxy bidder for her. Sharon tries to derail the auction by disguising herself as an elderly woman and attempting to drive the price up. Sharon succeeds, but Des quickly sees through the ruse and Sharon's bid is voided, and Edie buys the house. When Edie returns several weeks later, she is unimpressed to find Bronwyn and Sharon kissing their respective boyfriends Mike Young (Guy Pearce) and Nick Page (Mark Stevens). Edie then moves the girls in with her and tries to control their lives, but Sharon manages to manipulate Edie into letting her see Nick when she gets stuck in a tree attempting to rescue her cat, Arthur.

Edie is less than pleased when Bronwyn begins dating Henry Ramsay (Craig McLachlan), but is delighted when they break up, however, she is horrified when they reconcile. Edie also embarks on a feud with neighbour Joe Mangel (Mark Little). This culminates in Joe playing a practical joke by sending a marijuana plant to Number 30, resulting in Edie's arrest. Bent on revenge, Edie assists Joe's ex-wife Noeline Mangel (Lindy McConchie) in snatching their son Toby Mangel (Finn Greentree-Keane) from Joe, who he is currently staying with. This move endangers Toby as his violent stepfather, Ted Vickers (John Jacobs) attacks him and Noeline, but Joe saves them in the nick of time. Edie apologises to Joe as she had no idea of Ted's violent nature. Soon after, she leaves Erinsborough to look after a sick relative.

Sylvie Latham, played by Christine Harris, made her first appearance on 22 September 1988. Kesta Desmond author of Neighbours Special, commented that Sylvie made a dramatic entrance to the show, as within one episode she had decided to "romantically tackle" Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan).[61] Desmond said Sylvie's method of seduction was "far from subtle!"[61] Of her role, Desmond stated: "It caused quite a stir filming those scenes, but it was a lot of fun."[61] She thought she would get "a lot of flack" from fans of Scott, but she was surprised when she did not receive many complaints.[61]

Sylvie is a model who works for the same agency as Jane Harris (Annie Jones). Scott Robinson interviews Sylvie at Jane's suggestion for his article for the Erinsborough News. Sylvie and Scott have lunch and she is clearly attracted to him. When Sylvie admits that she is attracted to Scott, Jane warns her off and tells her that Scott is married to her friend Charlene Robinson (Kylie Minogue), who is currently in Brisbane. Undeterred, Sylvie steps up her quest to seduce Scott, who rebuffs her advances. Angry with being rejected, Sylvie lies to Jane that Scott spent the night with her at Lassiter's. Scott denies this and he and Jane confront Sylvie, who admits that she did it for attention because she felt like she always had to live in her sister's shadow. She apologises to Scott.

Skinner, played by Mat Stevenson made his first appearance on 31 October and departed on 19 April 1989. In a 2005 interview with the BBC celebrating 20 years of Neighbours, Stevenson opined that serial's success was due to its cheerfulness "There's a fair amount of optimism, youthful exuberance and the sunshine that just appeals." [62] He added "It is 15 years since I've been on the show but I still get recognised as Skinner. Last year I was travelling on a train in Melbourne and I signed 40 autographs. It's amazing how revered I am in other walks of life. Being in Neighbours has done me nothing but favours."[62]

Skinner meets Todd Landers (Kristian Schmid) at a local arcade when he runs away from home. When Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy) and Nick Page (Mark Stevens) come looking for Todd, Skinner lies and tells them he saw him at another arcade. He then invites Todd back to his squat and teaches him how to "survive" on the streets by stealing. Skinner gives Todd an ultimatum; either earn his keep or go back onto the streets. Todd reluctantly complies with Skinner's plan to rob a carphone warehouse and sell the phones for a profit. They go to a warehouse but when they spot Helen and Nick they run off. On the night of the robbery, Nick catches up with Skinner and Todd and fights with Skinner but is arrested when the alarm is triggered and Skinner gets away. Skinner warns Todd not to say anything. Feeling guilty, Todd flees while Skinner is asleep and returns home in order to exonerate Nick.

Skinner turns up on Ramsay Street and plans to rob Number 22, forcing Todd to be his accomplice but Todd's sister, Katie (Sally Jensen) catches him in the act and he threatens her. Fearful for his sister's safety, Todd unhooks Paul (Stefan Dennis) and Gail Robinson's (Fiona Corke) VCR. Gail arrives home unexpectedly and rescues Katie and Todd chases after Skinner. A passing Nick helps overpower Skinner and he is arrested. Several months later, Skinner reappears when Nick and his girlfriend Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp) hitch a lift back to Erinsborough after running away. He drives off with Sharon causing her to panic but offers to take her back to Erinsborough and she thanks him with a kiss. Skinner and Sharon begin dating much to Nick's horror and everyone tries to warn Sharon about Skinner but she will not listen. The final straw comes when Skinner menaces Sharon's older sister, Bronwyn (Rachel Friend) and attempts to force himself on her but Sharon catches him in the act. Skinner is then arrested once again.

Toby Mangel made his first appearance on 10 November 1988. He was originally played by Finn Greentree-Keane until 1990.[63] Ben Geurens then took over the role when Greentree-Keane decided to leave.[63] Geurens had previously done a stunt on Neighbours the year before with the New Generation Stunts company and had doubled for some of the other children.[63] When the producers needed a new actor to play the part of Toby they thought Geurens would be ideal as he already had experience with the show.[63] Guerens remained in the serial until 1993.[64] A writer for the BBC said Toby's most notable moment was "coping with his mother and Kerry's deaths".[65] A columnist for Inside Soap called Toby "the cutest child on Ramsay Street" and said he became a favourite with viewers.[63]

Mark Granger played by Colin Handley, made his first appearance on 23 November 1988 and departed on 9 February 1988. Handley's role was only for three months, but he was able to use the serial's popularity in the United Kingdom to move over there and make public appearances in character.[66] Handley told a reporter for The Gold Coast Bulletin, "I used to put my own ads in the paper with my photo. It used to say Neighbours star Mark Granger now available for personal appearances'. I put my own phone number, but I used to answer it as my own agent."[66] Handley's fame also allowed him to star in pantomime.[66] In an interview with New Idea, Handley's co-star, Annie Jones, whose character Jane Harris is involved with Mark, admitted that the outcome of their storyline was "a bit of a cliffhanger".[67]

Mark is a rich businessman who meets Jane Harris in the United States. Shortly after she returns to Erinsborough, he arrives to visit her and immediately declares his love for her and buys her some diamond earrings. They go on several dates together and Mark proposes and Jane accepts. They make at the announcement to Jane's friends and neighbours at the Robinson family's Christmas party. Their engagement is met with opposition from Mark's mother, Mrs Granger (Mary Ward),[68] who tells Jane she is not suited to her son due to their class differences. Undeterred, Mark is keen to marry Jane and plans are made, but Jane changes her mind after Rosemary Daniels (Joy Chambers), who has done business with Mark in the past, tells her that she is making a mistake. Jane hands Mark back the engagement ring and he returns to the United States.

Bibliography

• Hopwood, Clive (1989). The Official Neighbours Annual 1990. World International. ISBN 978-0-7235-6859-9.
• Wallis, Neil; Hogan, Dave (1989). The Neighbours Factfile. Angus & Robertson. ISBN 978-0-207-16382-1.
• Monroe, Josephine (1996). Neighbours: The First 10 Years. Penguin Group. ISBN 978-0-7181-4212-4.
• Monroe, Josephine (1994). The Neighbours Programme Guide. Virgin Books. ISBN 978-0-86369-831-6.
• McCready, John; Furlong, Nicola (1990). Neighbours: The Official Annual 1991. Hamlyn. ISBN 978-0-600-57045-5.
• Desmond, Kesta (1990). Neighbours Special. Grandreams Limited. ISBN 978-0-86227-775-8.
• Kercher, John (1989). Neighbours. Grandreams Limited. ISBN 978-0-86227-672-0.

• Characters and cast at the Official Neighbours website
• Characters and cast at the Internet Movie Database