Ned Willis

Upon his introduction, Ned had a fractured relationship with his father Brad, played by Kip Gamblin (pictured).

Hall explained that in Ned's fictional backstory, he was left with Beth after her marriage to Brad ended and they moved to Sydney. Some time later, Beth sent Ned to live with his grandparents Pam (Sue Jones) and Doug Willis (Terence Donovan) in Darwin. Hall also said that Ned has "a bit of history" with Doug due to a recent event.[9] Hall liked that Ned is a tattoo artist, deeming the job "cool". He also believed that there had been very few tattoo artists in the show's history. Hall commented that Ned's occupation would lead to some "mischief".[9]

Ahead of his arrival on-screen, Hall described Ned as being a "very complex" and "quite manipulative" character because "he has had a bit to deal with".[2] Hall said his favourite aspect of Ned's personality was that he "prefers actions over words". Ned would rather go and do something about the issue instead of just talking about it. Hall continued, "He shows his feelings through actions rather than just saying meaningless words."[9] Hall also liked that Ned tries to "better himself", but remains conflicted on the inside.[9] Ned often finds that his anger gets the better of him, especially when it comes to Brad.[10]

In an interview with Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap, Hall thought Ned had the potential to be a bad boy character, and he enjoyed playing him when he flirted with that line.[11] But he also called Ned "quite a good person at heart", as he does not act out of spite and is not deliberately malicious.[11] He continued, "He genuinely tries to do things for the right reasons – although he goes about it in the wrong way. But let's just say I wouldn't want him to become too much of a goody two-shoes!"[11]

Hall admitted to being "a bit nervous" ahead of Ned's arrival. He described Ned's entrance as "a massive moment" and he hoped that it would live up to fans' expectations of the character.[9] He also said, "I really wanted to make an entrance as a fully developed, interesting character."[9] The character made his debut during the Hotel Death Trap storyline, in which the boiler room at Lassiters Hotel explodes. Ned is invited to Erinsborough by his grandfather Doug, but they are forced to evacuate the hotel following the explosion .[12] Later that day, Ned comes face-to-face with his father, Brad. Doug witnesses their reunion, before collapsing and dying. Doug's death came shortly after Ned's half-brother Josh Willis (Harley Bonner) was also killed off.[12]

Hall believed that Ned was willing to try and get along with his father. He said that Ned comes to Erinsborough with the "right intentions", although he is unsure what he will achieve.[9] The actor continued, "It's a lot of pain to get over, it's a lot of hurt to be left by your father. To suddenly try and reconcile after twenty years is not going to be easy!"[9] Rebekah Elmaloglou who plays Brad's second wife Terese Willis told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Terese feels a lot of guilt for Brad and Ned's fractured relationship, as she is partly responsible for taking Brad away from Beth.[13] Hall also said that Ned would enjoy getting to know his sisters and becoming part of the family again. He added that Ned would have to learn how to be both a brother and a son, which he would get right and wrong at times.[9]

Brad and Ned's relationship is further strained when Brad reports his son to the police. The storyline begins as Ned's half-sister Piper Willis (Mavournee Hazel) realises that there are holes in Ned's account of the day of the explosion.[14] Piper tells her parents, and while Brad feels he cannot confront Ned, Terese insists that he goes to the police. Meanwhile, Ned confides in Brad's partner Lauren Turner (Kate Kendall) about where he really was.[14] When Ned is brought down to the police station for questioning, he soon learns that Brad was the one who reported him. Ned leaves the station and declares that his father is dead to him. He plans to leave Erinsborough, but stays when Lauren and Terese tell him that his mother tried to keep him and Brad apart.[14]

Ned develops a crush on his father's partner Lauren Turner, played by Kate Kendall (pictured).

During an interview published on the show's official website, Hall commented that Ned would develop a "risqué" crush on someone who lives on Ramsay Street.[9] In an interview for the Neighbuzz podcast, Hall said that producers originally planned for Ned to have a crush on Terese.[3] Ned forms an immediate bond with Brad's partner Lauren Turner, as she is caring and gentle towards him, which is something he has not had since he left home.[15] An Inside Soap columnist noted that Ned's loyalties clearly lay with Lauren instead of his father, and they wondered if Ned was potentially "blurring the lines of her motherly concern".[15] Hall commented that Ned was raised by a single mother, so Lauren's kind nature helps to settle him in and make Erinsborough feel like home. He is aware that she is Brad's partner and "a big no-go zone" when it comes to any romantic feelings.[15] Ned grows even closer to Lauren when she asks him pose for her art project.[16]

Ned soon becomes suspicious that Brad is cheating on Lauren with his former wife Terese, after he sees them talking and sharing a hug.[15] Hall said Ned is "hypersensitive" to anything that Brad does that reminds him of what he did to his mother Beth, so when he sees Brad spending time with Terese and not Lauren, he concludes that something is going on between them.[15] Ned shares his suspicions with his sister Piper, but she tells him that he is mistaken, and that Brad and Terese are mostly likely spending time together because of what happened to Josh.[15] Of the situation, Hall commented, "Ned thinks Brad is just falling into his old ways of cheating – he wants to tell Lauren what he saw, but he's waiting for the right moment."[15] Ned later raises his concerns with Brad, but he is left "frustrated" when his father refuses to discuss his actions.[16]

Lauren tries to help Ned and Brad bond, but Ned finds it easier to talk with her.[17] Kendall said that her character is aware of Ned's flirting and innuendo, which leaves her feeling a little nervous around him.[17] Kendall also explained that when Ned insists that something is going on between Brad and Terese, Lauren is quick to dismiss his concerns, but she soon becomes suspicious too. She confronts Brad, but when he refuses to give her a straight answer, she is left feeling confused.[17] When Lauren is alone with Ned, she vents to him about Brad and Terese and tells him that she cares about him. Ned then kisses Lauren, but she pushes him away and he quickly runs off.[10] Kendall said Lauren is "really shocked, and feels incredibly uncomfortable about the whole situation."[17] Ellis (Inside Soap) pointed out that Lauren had been seen looking at Ned's muscles and wondered if she actually enjoyed the kiss, but Kendall insisted that there was a big difference between noticing Ned's attractiveness and acting on it. Lauren had no intention of doing anything.[17]

Brad eventually admits to Ned that he and Terese are involved in organising a false testimony for the upcoming trial surrounding the explosion. The confession brings Brad and Ned together, as he also wants to see justice for Josh's death.[10] However, when Lauren says she is going to tell Brad about the kiss, Ned persuades her not to, saying it would ruin the relationship that he has built with his father. Kendall thought that Ned was being "quite manipulative" in that moment.[17] Lauren agree to keep quiet, but warns Ned that she will speak to Brad if he crosses the line with her again.[10] The truth about the kiss is later revealed when Piper overhears Ned and Lauren arguing. She insists that they tell Brad, and as Lauren is uncomfortable about keeping it from him any longer, they confess what happened, leaving Brad "stunned."[18] The actress praised the direction of the storyline, calling it "a gutsy move, and very left-field". She also enjoyed working with Hall on the story.[17]

Returning to Erinsborough is "awkward" for Ned, especially when Brad thinks that he still has feelings for Lauren. Hall believed that Ned was remorseful about the kiss, and he wanted to show Brad and Lauren that he had moved on by entering into a new relationship.[6] Hall also explained that Ned still cares for Lauren and he turns to her for advice, but he has put any romantic feelings aside, so they can form a friendship instead. Hall also admitted that he thought it was "a bit weird" of Ned to feel that way about Lauren in the first place.[11] Ned is surprised by Brad and Lauren's engagement, as he knows how "fragile" their relationship has been since the kiss. Hall added, "But Ned wants to be happy for them and he wants them to be happy too. Ned is not malicious, so once he understands it, he's okay with it and wants it to work."[6]

Ned develops a romantic relationship with Elly Conway played by Jodi Anasta (pictured).

Following Hall's return to filming, the actor confirmed that Ned would be receiving a new love interest and producers paired his character with the newly introduced Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta).[6] In a bid to show his father that he is over his crush on Lauren, Ned asks Elly out on a date, and she accepts as she is "intrigued" by Ned.[19] Ned asks Elly out on a second date, but she turns him down and attempts to play hard to get, so Ned asks Madison Robinson (Sarah Ellen) out instead to make Elly jealous.[11] Hall told Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap that Ned knows what Elly is doing, so he "throws it back at her!"[11] Hall also believed Madison was in on his plan.[11] Later that night, Ned meets Elly in the Back Lane Bar in the city and after they have a small argument, they decide to stop playing games and give their relationship a go.[11]

Hall described Ned and Elly's coupling as "a very passionate, fiery, 'up and down' sort of relationship."[6] He went on to say that the pair's romance was initially based on lust and was quite "unstable", but it had potential to develop into love and become a long-term relationship, which would play out over a number of months.[6] Hall thought that the characters were a good match, as they both had passionate personas. He added that arguing was their way of showing they care about one another.[11]

Producers later threw an obstacle in the couple's way by introducing Regan Davis (Sabeena Manalis), Ned's married former lover.[20] Hall hinted at the story arc during his Digital Spy interview, saying "When he gets back to the Street, he's running away from another problem because he's slept with someone and found out that she's married. He's a bit edgy about that!"[20] The storyline begins with Elly confronting Ned about a lock of blonde hair she has found in his wallet, as she believes it is Lauren's.[21] Ned explains that it belongs to a woman he dated during his time away from Erinsborough. Shortly after, Regan comes to town and witnesses Ned kissing Elly at The Waterhole. Ned lies to Elly that he has never seen Regan before, but Elly refuses to believe him.[20]

The reason for Regan's appearance is revealed when she tells Ned that her husband has found out about her affair. She warns Ned that her husband will be out for revenge.[22] Anasta commented that Elly notices them talking and realising that she had been lied to, she feels "uneasy and threatened".[22] Elly then embarrasses Regan by calling her out during a quiz night at the pub, but Ned is equally humiliated and cannot believe Elly acted that way, leaving their relationship in doubt.[22]

Writers soon devised a break up story for Elly and Ned, beginning with the revelation that Regan's husband was recurring villain Jacka Hills (Brad McMurray). Jacka asks Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner) to find the man that his wife has been having an affair with, and Steph soon works out that it is Ned.[23] She warns him that it is just a matter of time before Jacka learns the truth, leaving Ned "terrified". Steph suggests he leaves town, but Ned is "reluctant" as his relationship with Elly is progressing well.[23] Ned eventually decides to break up with Elly to keep her safe. Shorty after, Regan begs Ned to help her and he takes her out of town.[23] Upon his return, Ned finds Elly enjoying a drink with Jacka, who she does not know, in The Waterhole. Knowing that it is part of Jacka's revenge plan, Ned "sees red" and a fight breaks out.[23] Ned later decides to leave town, concluding Hall's second stint with the show.[23]

Hall returned for a second time in November 2016. Ned returns to Erinsborough for Brad and Lauren's wedding. His last storyline is revisited when Jacka's mother Maxine Cowper (Kate Hood) turns up at the wedding reception.[24] It emerges that Ned burnt down Maxine's house, and he is soon arrested for arson. The scenes featuring Ned's arrest were shot out of sync with the rest of the wedding storyline, as an actor was unavailable to film at the time.[25]

The character departed the show on 17 February 2017, after being written out for a third time.[26] Writers decided to end Ned's relationship with Elly before his departure. On-screen, Elly explains to Ned that she needs to be single and independent for a while. Ned accepts her decision, having realised that they just have "bad timing."[26] After saying goodbye to his family, Ned leaves Erinsborough for Gold Coast, where he plans to set up a new tattoo parlour.[26] Hall later thanked viewers for their support on his social media accounts, and added "it was an absolute honour to be a part of the crazy world of Erinsborough and work with such kind and talented people."[26] The actor did not rule out a potential return to the show in the future.[27]

On 18 May 2018, the show's UK broadcaster Channel 5 announced through its official Neighbours Twitter account that Hall had reprised his role.[28] Of his return to the show, Hall stated "It's really nice to back around familiar faces and also some new ones and pick up where the character left off. Ned is very complex, which makes him interesting and a lot of fun to play."[29] Two days later, Hall confirmed that he had joined the regular cast, making Ned a permanent character.[30] Hall admitted that he had no idea he would be returning to Neighbours again, as his last stint felt final to him.[31] He was keen to see his character's dark side emerge, calling it "the most interesting part of the character for me – the fine line that he walks between being a good and bad person. It's exciting!"[31] Ned returns during the episode broadcast on 20 June and is immediately "embroiled in an altercation".[29] He is accidentally punched by Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano), who is trying to provoke Dilhan Ozdil (Kyle Hazebroek) into a fight.[32]

Kilkelly reported that Ned would be hiding a secret upon his return, as he is seen calling an unknown person and telling them no one knows why is he back in Erinsborough.[32] Shortly after, Kendall reprised her role as Lauren Turner, as she returns to Erinsborough for "a final showdown" with Ned.[33] It emerges that he still has feelings for Lauren and Terese asks her to come and sort things out between them. In scenes between the pair, Lauren admits that she is attracted to Ned, but wants to make her marriage to Brad work, which is hard with Ned there too.[33] Terese then invites Ned to stay with her permanently and offers him a job at Lassiters Hotel, which he accepts.[33] Hall thought that with Kendall working on the show as a director, it would be easier to write Lauren back in if the writers ever wanted to explore the relationship between her and Ned further.[34] He told Johnathon Hughes of the Radio Times: "Ned still has a bit of heartache there as his feelings for her were strong and he was confused. I think our producer would love to get Lauren, Brad or even Ned's mum Beth in the show at some point, there's certainly scope for that."[34]

Ned soon becomes involved in Piper's relationship with Cassius Grady (Joe Davidson), as he is suspicious of him. Hall said Ned is "very protective" over Piper, so he keeps an eye on Cassius, as he finds his secretive behaviour odd.[31] His suspicions are raised when he catches Cassius lying to Piper, but Hall said Ned is "conflicted" as Cassius also helps him out.[34] Ned later sees Cassius with a mystery woman and initially believes Cassius is cheating on Piper, but Cassius explains that the woman Elissa Gallow (Verity Charlton) is his mother, who does not approve of his relationship with Piper. Hall told Hughes (Radio Times) that while Ned is tempted to tell Piper about Elissa, he acknowledges that she is "very fragile" and wants to protect her. Hall also said that if Ned's suspicions had been wrong, then it could have damaged his relationship with Piper.[34] It later emerges that Cassius killed his father Hamish Roche (Sean Taylor) and let Piper's former boyfriend Tyler Brennan (Travis Burns) take the blame. Hall stated that with Ned's temper and tendency to react with violence, there was potential for confrontation between them should he find out the truth.[34] He thought the plot could lead to Ned's dark side coming out, as Ned would want to protect his family.[34]

Writers later paired Ned with Elly's younger sister Bea Nilsson (Bonnie Anderson). Hall said that their friendship starts off "coincidentally", as Ned offers to walk Bea home when she thinks she has seen her former partner and villain Finn Kelly (Rob Mills). He commented "their friendship blossoms from there – but it's early days..."[31] Hall also said that while Ned is definitely over Elly, and their romance ended amicably, if he and Bea became a couple it could be "uncomfortable and a bit weird".[34] He explained that Ned and Bea are drawn together by "mutual pain". They find that they can talk to each other about similar experiences, which helps forge a bond between them.[34] Hall believed the couple made a good match, saying "Ned knows Bea has been through a lot having been manipulated and fooled by Finn and realises this needs to be a slow burn, she is very delicate right now."[34] He added that the pair would get closer as their friendship develops, as Bea also voices her suspicions about Cassius and they team up to protect Piper.[34] Anderson told Alice Penwill of Inside Soap that Bea enjoys her friendship with Ned and she feels safe with him, although she puts her guard up occasionally. Ned and Bea soon share a kiss, and Anderson said that Bea is falling for him.[35] Bea's best friend Yashvi Rebecchi (Olivia Junkeer) develops a crush on Ned. Anderson told Penwill that Bea is initially unaware of her friend's feelings, but she thought Bea would not like having someone else "having eyes for the guy she's falling for".[35] Anderson also said that Bea's intrigue over Finn's whereabouts also gets in the way of her relationship with Ned, who is not happy that she is determined to find him.[35]