Rhys Lawson

"Rhys is a real city guy, and thinks Erinsborough is a bit of a backwater. He is career focused, driven and determined to be a surgeon — and he doesn't care who he has to tread on to get there."[5]

— Eleven on Rhys

Alan Fletcher plays Rhys' colleague and "career rival", Karl Kennedy.[5]

Shortly after his casting was announced, Barber told a reporter for the Herald Sun that he loved his character and said his determination and focus would get him into trouble.[6] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said Rhys's arrival would cause a stir in Erinsborough and may not go down well with some of the local residents.[1] Barber also called Rhys ambitious and said that while he is not a villain, he is not an entirely good guy either.[4] The actor explained "He rides that line and that's a lot of fun to play. There are a lot of different dynamics. He can be very persuasive, bordering on manipulative, but he has a sensitive side as well, which is coming out gradually."[4] Barber told a writer for Inside Soap that Rhys is good at separating his work life from his home life, and can easily switch from one to the other. Barber quipped that Rhys knows how to have a good time, while the official Neighbours website said he considers himself "a bit of a ladies' man".[5][7] A Herald Sun reporter said Rhys would "rile" his colleague, Karl Kennedy.[6] Alan Fletcher, who plays Karl, revealed that his character and Rhys would share many scenes. Fletcher explained that it can be "somewhat galling" for Karl to be faced with Rhys, who is an enthusiastic young doctor.[8] The actor added "So expect some fun confrontation but also cleverly the writers have explored what Rhys and Karl might have in common."[8]

When asked what advice he would give to his character, Barber said "Unfortunately, I don't think he would listen to me in the first place, but if he could give me the time of day, I would say lighten up on the control because you’re never going to have it."[9] Speaking to Channel 5, Barber revealed Rhys would not do a lot to redeem himself in the new year, but viewers would get learn more about his back story, which could explain his dark side.[10] During a 2012 interview with Kilkelly, Barber said his character is good at getting what he wants, saying "I think at the end of the day, he just wants to win and he has this ability to justify why he does things, and if people are hurt in the process, it's their fault. His vision is the one that is most important."[11] Barber said that deep down, Rhys is sensitive and he means well.[11] When asked about the reaction Rhys has received from viewers, Barber believed they liked the character as he is unpredictable and manipulative. He added that the viewers are interested in seeing what Rhys does next.[11] When asked how he felt about playing a bad boy by DNA's Matthew Myers, Barber revealed that he loved it, saying "It's always exciting getting the scripts because I never know which way they are going to turn or who I'm going to be turning on!"[12] The actor quipped that he is always wondering which character he is going to manipulate or "screw over" next and added "But at the core of things Rhys has a heart of gold."[12]

Rhys' mother, Elaine (Sancia Robinson), was introduced in November 2011.[13] Barber revealed in his interview with Kilkelly that their backstory would be explored and stated that it would explain "a lot more about why Rhys is the way he is".[11] He added that there would be "a big revelation" about Elaine coming up.[11] Elaine suffers from a degenerative spinal condition and has to use a wheelchair. Rhys was forced to care for her when his father ran out on them both.[14] Rhys tries to keep his life on Ramsay Street separate from his family, so when Elaine asks him if she can spend Easter with him, he makes up excuses as to why she cannot visit him.[14] Barber revealed to an Inside Soap writer that Elaine realises Rhys is lying to her and she starts to wonder if he is ashamed to be seen with her. Rhys' actions when his housemates arrive appear to confirm his mother's suspicions.[14] While they wonder who Elaine is, he makes up an excuse. Barber explained "Rhys pretends he's visiting one of his patients. Elaine is really hurt and embarrassed when he comes out with that. He realises, and feels terrible."[14]

Rhys tries to make things up to Elaine by taking her to the hospital to meet his colleagues, but when she questions his motives for "going public" and admitting who she is, Rhys has to look at himself and his attitude towards her.[14] In a May 2012 interview with Inside Soap's Jason Herbison, Barber said he liked the fact that Rhys' mother had been introduced and that he had the chance to learn more about his character's background.[3] He expressed his wish of having Rhys' father introduced in the future, saying "Rhys doesn't have a good relationship with him, as his dad abandoned the family when he was younger. It would certainly create a lot of interesting dilemmas".[3]

One of Rhys' first storylines saw him caught up in Karl and Susan Kennedy's marital problems. Rhys is the attending physician to Jim Dolan (Scott Parmeter), a man befriended by Susan.[7] At first, Rhys is not aware that Karl and Susan are going through a difficult time in their marriage as he is "solely concerned" with Jim's well-being.[7] Rhys is annoyed by Susan's interference with his patient and Barber told a columnist for Inside Soap "He wants him to have chemotherapy, but Karl tells Susan it will only prolong Jim's suffering, not save his life. Susan tells that to Jim, which Rhys doesn't like."[7] Karl later takes over as Jim's physician and Rhys steps back and watches the situation unfold.[5] Rhys is with Jim when he dies and a writer for the official Neighbours website said it is an event that will stay with him for a long time.[5]

Rhys has a one-night stand with Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) not long after his introduction.[15] Rhys meets Kate in the local bar and they have a "big night out"; the following morning Kate wakes up in Rhys' apartment.[15][16] Brewer told a writer for Inside Soap "You don't actually see the lead-up – one minute she meets Rhys in a bar, the next minute we see that they've already slept together!"[16] Kate feels awkward about the situation, but it is made worse when she is unable to remember Rhys' name.[16] When Kate and Rhys meet again, they have different attitudes to their one-night stand. Brewer said Rhys is "a bit of a player", so it is not a big deal to him.[16] He does not have any expectations of Kate, but she is uncomfortable with it and tries to cover her tracks.[16] In November 2011, Brewer said it would be interesting to revisit the relationship between Rhys and Kate.[17] Barber also thought it would be interesting to see where the characters could go together. The actor added that "sparks fly" when Rhys is around Kate, as he knows how to "press her buttons".[11]

Rhys becomes determined to join the hospital surgical program led by the head of surgery, Martin Chambers (John Wood). When Karl makes a potentially dangerous mistake on a prescription form, Rhys covers for him, but makes it clear he wants something in return.[18] Knowing Karl plays golf with Martin, Rhys asks to join their game so he can try and impress the surgeon.[18] Despite being warned that Martin does not like to talk shop during his golf games, Rhys reveals that he has been following his career and Martin is impressed.[18] Barber explained to a writer for Inside Soap "And Karl has no choice but to agree that Rhys is a good doctor. It's a bit awkward, because Karl doesn't like the way Rhys operates — so to speak!"[18] Martin grants Rhys an interview for a place on the surgical program; however he forgets everything he knows and makes a fool of himself due to being hungover.[19] Rhys misses out on a place on the program and Barber told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that he is feeling "devastated and desperate."[11] Barber described the position as the Holy Grail for Rhys and because of a stupid act, he has lost it.[11]

Shortly after missing out on the program, Rhys finds himself performing surgery on Chris Pappas (James Mason).[20] Rhys initially treats Chris at the hospital after he is attacked at work by an unknown assailant. Chris refuses to stay for any further medical treatment and later collapses with a punctured lung.[20] Barber said that as soon as Rhys sees Chris's X-rays, he "goes beyond the call of duty" to find him.[20] The actor explained "When he finds him on the floor, he knows exactly what's happened, but he isn't sure how long he's been unconscious for. For all he knows, Chris could be dead within the minute — so he goes straight into emergency mode."[20] In a bid to save Chris's life, Rhys performs an emergency procedure to get him breathing again using a screwdriver and a piece of piping.[20] Rhys should not be conducting any type of surgery as he is not a qualified surgeon, but he does not think of the consequences.[20] All About Soap's Laura Morgan said Rhys' "quick thinking" pays off and Chris starts breathing again, but at the hospital Karl warns him he will be held accountable if Chris does not pull through.[21]

Rhys tries unsuccessfully to get Robbie O'Brien (Shaun Goss) to quit the surgical program.[22] He then turns his attention to Erin Salisbury (Elise Jansen) and plots to take her spot on the program instead. He pursues Erin romantically and tries to distract her away from her work, so she will be kicked off the program and he can take her place.[23] Barber said the scheme sees Rhys at his manipulative best, he realises Erin is vulnerable and he strikes.[11] Jansen told a writer for TV Week that Erin is a bit reluctant to accept when Rhys asks her out.[23] She thinks that someone like Rhys would not normally be interested in her, but she is flattered by the attention. Jansen added Erin is unaware it is all an act.[23] Kate realises what Rhys is doing and interferes with his plan. Barber explained that Kate's feelings about the matter means nothing to Rhys as his sole objective is to get into the program.[11] He does not mind that Kate is appalled at Erin becoming a casualty of his scheme.[11]

Rhys forces Erin to miss a class and Barber revealed that Rhys feels no guilt about what he has done. He quipped "His plan is falling into place perfectly. You'll see that Kate later tries to tell Erin what Rhys is up to. But the guy is a charmer and is able to make Erin believe that Kate is the one with the problem."[11] Rhys manages to convince Erin that Kate is a jealous ex-girlfriend and that he does not want her place on the program.[22] Rhys charms Erin "into his bed", but he is put out when she calls time on their relationship to focus on her studies.[22] Rhys later learns Erin has turned up late for surgery and during dinner together, he spills wine on Erin's top. When she turns up at the hospital, she smells of alcohol. Rhys then implies to Karl that she has a drinking problem.[11][22] Barber explained "Rhys just has to plant the seed of doubt, fake some concern for his colleague, and rumour and innuendo does the rest..."[11] Erin quits the program, giving Rhys the chance to successfully apply for her place.[22]

When Vanessa Villante (Alin Sumarwata) moves into Ramsay Street, she immediately catches Rhys' eye.[24] He later treats her when she is admitted to hospital with severe morning sickness.[25] Rhys believes the father of her child, Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major), is not "pulling his weight" and he starts looking out for her.[26] Rhys helps Vanessa lift some heavy boxes and she offers to show him how to bake a cake to say thank you.[26] A columnist for All About Soap observed "While Vanessa sees it as mates having fun, it's clear Rhys has got it bad!"[26] Rhys later returns to spend more time with Vanessa, which unnerves Lucas.[26] Herbison commented that Rhys may have met his match in Vanessa, while Barber said her feistiness appeals to him.[3] He stated "He finds her attractive, and she takes the mickey out of him - that's good for Rhys. He needs to be knocked off his pedestal! Vanessa also exposes a rare vulnerability in Rhys, so there's a risk he could get hurt and lash out in other ways."[3]

The actor further explained that Rhys is not put off by the fact she is carrying another man's child, he is attracted to her because of her "fire and passion".[24] Barber added "She also doesn't play games and she says what she thinks. Rhys loves that about Vanessa and sees her as someone he can trust, which is rare for him."[24] Vanessa and Rhys eventually give into their attraction for one another and share a kiss in Harold's Store.[24] Barber commented that his character enjoys making the first move, so he is the one who goes in for the kiss.[24] The actor also thought it would be interesting to see his character in a relationship.[3] TV Week's Andrew Mercado observed that Rhys should prepare for a bumpy road ahead, with Vanessa living under the same roof as Lucas.[24] Rhys and Vanessa take their relationship to the next level in a consultation room at Erinsborough Hospital. However, they are shocked when Karl walks in on them.[27]

When Rhys is offered the chance to apply for a three-month work placement in Japan, he decides to apply and then convince Vanessa to go with him.[28] Barber revealed "He puts himself and his heart on the line like he's never done before. At first, Vanessa says no - and he's devastated. He's in a really vulnerable place and he doesn't take her knockback well. Rhys has been a bit of a ladies man all his life and he's never really committed to someone before Vanessa. She's a pretty special girl as far as Rhys is concerned."[28] Rhys becomes determined not to give up and he is "thrilled" when Vanessa changes her mind. Barber teased that it is possible viewers could see the last of Rhys and Vanessa for a while, adding "There are definitely interesting times ahead!"[28]

On 26 November 2012, Erin Miller from TV Week announced that Barber would be leaving Neighbours, along with two other cast members.[29][30] Executive producer Richard Jasek stated "All the characters departing will leave a legacy on Ramsay Street which is testament to the extraordinary talents of the actors playing them. Communities are constantly changing and Neighbours is reflective of this."[31] Miller believed Barber was keen to look for new projects elsewhere.[29] The actor filmed his final scenes in December and it was later revealed that his character would be killed off.[29][32] While attending Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey) and Toadfish Rebecchi's (Ryan Moloney) wedding reception, Rhys becomes trapped inside a collapsed marquee, following a gas explosion.[32] He appears to be unharmed and Barber explained "Rhys survives and comes to and manages to free himself from the wreckage. He seems relatively okay and unscathed."[32] Rhys goes to the hospital as a precaution but, despite being told not to by Karl, discharges himself. Barber said that because Rhys is headstrong, he thinks he is fine, but then he collapses outside the hospital and dies.[32] TV Week's Thomas Mitchell commented that Rhys's death is heartbreaking, especially as he was planning to reconcile with his father.[32] Rhys made his last screen appearance on 20 March 2013.[32]