Amber Martin

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Founder	Reg Watson
Area served	Australia
Parent	Grundy Television (implied)
Website	www.neighbours.com.au

Neighbours is an Australian soap opera created by Reg Watson that first aired on 18 March 1985. This compilation highlights characters introduced during 1990, all of whom were introduced under the guidance of executive producer Don Battye. The sixth season commenced broadcasting on 11 January 1990.

In January, the Alessi twins Caroline and Christina, played by Gayle & Gillian Blakeney, were introduced, alongside the character of barman Kelvin Stubbs. February welcomed the characters Josh Anderson and Ryan McLachlan, portrayed by Jeremy Angerson and Richard Norton respectively, as well as a guest appearance by British actor Derek Nimmo in the role of Lord Ledgerwood. March saw the addition of principal Dorothy Burke, played by Maggie Dence. April brought in Bob La Castra as Eddie Buckingham and Stephen Hall as Boof. In June, Beth Buchanan joined the cast as Gemma Ramsay, who is the niece of established character Madge Bishop. Later in the year, the Willis family expanded with the introductions of Doug, Pam, and Adam, portrayed by Terence Donovan, Sue Jones, and Ian Williams. September featured guest roles including Alison Whyte as environmental activist Amber Martin and Richard Huggett portraying Glen Donnelly.

Caroline Alessi

Caroline Alessi, played by Gillian Blakeney, made her first appearance on 18 January 1990. Her story arcs primarily involved romantic connections with characters such as Adam Willis (Ian Williams) and Jim Robinson (Alan Dale). A notable storyline centered on Caroline sharing a kiss with businessman Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who was married to her twin sister, Christina Alessi (Gayle Blakeney).

Christina Alessi

Christina Alessi, portrayed by Gayle Blakeney, also debuted on 18 January 1990. She is the twin sibling of Caroline Alessi (Gillian Blakeney) and eventually marries a long-established character on the show. One major plotline involved Christina absconding with her son, Andrew Robinson (Shannon Holmes), without informing her husband Paul.

Kelvin Stubbs

Kelvin Stubbs, portrayed by Michael Fletcher, made his debut on 22 January 1990. Fletcher, a British actor, had previously taken on minor parts in Neighbours. Kelvin is described as "timid" and "awkward," characteristics Fletcher referred to as "misfortune." While producers inquired if Fletcher shared these qualities, he denied being clumsy despite experiencing some on-set mishaps.

The writers developed a romantic storyline between Kelvin and Melanie Pearson (played by Lucinda Cowden). Fletcher noted that Kelvin’s change in looks and newfound confidence attracted Melanie’s attention. To increase his character’s charm, Fletcher wore glasses during scenes, although he did not wear them off-camera. Their relationship was portrayed as intense yet unstable, with the actors moderating the more intimate moments. Fletcher characterized their connection as "repeatedly falling in and out of love" and found the ending of their romance both unexpected and heartfelt.

Kelvin was employed as a waiter at Lassiter's and harbored secret feelings for Melanie, who initially accused him of stalking her. After Melanie helped boost his self-esteem, they began dating. However, Kelvin’s inflated confidence led him to pursue relationships with both Christina Alessi and Andrea (Bridie Carter), which upset Melanie once she uncovered his betrayal. Kelvin’s final episode aired on 3 April 1990.

Josh Anderson

Joshua "Josh" Anderson, enacted by Jeremy Angerson, first appeared on 5 February 1990. He arrives in Erinsborough following his father’s relocation to manage a newsagent. Angerson was cast to strengthen the male presence on the show after several prominent actors left. Josh is portrayed as amiable, academically gifted, and particularly talented in chemistry. He helped form the teenage ensemble of the time alongside Todd Landers, Melissa Jarrett, and Cody Willis.

Ryan McLachlan

Ryan McLachlan, played by Richard Norton, made his first appearance on 15 February 1990. Norton relocated to Melbourne at age 19 for this role and described securing it as fortunate. Ryan acts as the protective elder brother to Tiffany McLachlan and comes to Ramsay Street to live with their aunt Dorothy Burke. After a year, Norton departed Neighbours to join rival soap Home and Away, with writers scripting Ryan’s exit through enlistment in the army.

Lord Ledgerwood

Lord Ledgerwood, brought to life by Derek Nimmo, appeared between 26 and 27 February 1990. Announced in December 1989, Nimmo filmed special episodes on location at Lyme Park, Cheshire, alongside Anne Charleston and Ian Smith. Nimmo considered the role a form of holiday though filming took place in his home country. He described Lord Ledgerwood as an "archetypal foolish Englishman," a character type well-received by Australian viewers. The eccentric nobleman’s storyline also involved Rosemary Daniels.

Within the narrative, Madge and Harold visit Lyme Park seeking Lord Ledgerwood’s assistance to help Rosemary finalize a business deal. Initially reluctant to meet them, he eventually consents after Rosemary arrives and guides them around his estate.

Dorothy Burke

Dorothy Burke (formerly McLachlan), portrayed by Maggie Dence, debuted on 7 March 1990. Dence was cast while engaged in theatre work after being approached by representatives from Grundy. Dorothy’s storylines blended humor with drama. She resided on Ramsay Street with her niece Tiffany and nephew Ryan McLachlan. In 1993, Dorothy falls for Tom Merrick, a school inspector, which leads to her departure alongside him.

Eddie Buckingham

Edward "Eddie" Buckingham, brought to life by Bob La Castra, made his debut on 2 April 1990. La Castra developed the character himself after encountering difficulties in casting due to his ethnic heritage, submitting an audition through a video recording. Eddie's storyline concluded in October 1990 as the show shifted focus back to family-centric narratives; his last appearance was broadcast on 28 September 1990.

Boof

Gary "Boof" Head, enacted by Stephen Hall, first appeared on 19 April 1990. Introduced during a bicycle race alongside established characters, Boof quickly became involved in plots revolving around delinquency and intimidation, affecting characters such as Todd Landers and Melissa Jarrett. His unlawful behavior included breaking into a car crushing facility, which led to his placement in juvenile detention.

Two years later, Boof returned as an antagonist bullying neighbors like Toby Mangel and Rick Alessi into theft, escalating his tactics by abducting Toby’s dog, Bouncer, to exert pressure. The Alessi siblings devised a plan that resulted in Boof’s capture and confession, culminating in his arrest and return to incarceration.

Subsequently, Boof reemerged as a member of "The Peace Patrol," a community watch group that orchestrated a staged robbery for publicity purposes, exposing manipulative practices within local neighborhood initiatives.

Gemma Ramsay

Gemma Ramsay, portrayed by Beth Buchanan, was introduced on 20 June 1990. Producers secured Buchanan’s involvement in March 1990 with an initial six-month contract and the possibility of extension. Gemma relocates to Erinsborough to reside with Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston) following her mother’s passing. Described as "free-spirited and independent," she tends to prioritize enjoyment over academics but possesses intelligence and untapped potential.

Doug Willis

Douglas "Doug" Willis, portrayed by Terence Donovan, first appeared on 18 July 1990. After previously acting in Home and Away, Donovan joined Neighbours as Doug, the head of the Willis family and spouse to Pam (Sue Jones). The familial aspect of the role attracted Donovan. Doug’s character explored themes including depression and Alzheimer's disease. His daughter-in-law Therese Willis was introduced in 2013, sharing significant storylines until Doug’s departure from the series in 2016.

Pam Willis

Pamela "Pam" Willis (née Beresford), played by Sue Jones, debuted on 6 August 1990. As a qualified nurse, Pam is a devoted full-time mother to four children: Adam, Gaby, Brad, and Cody. She is married to Doug Willis (Terence Donovan). One of her major plotlines involved being wrongfully accused of murdering her patient, Garth Kirby.

Adam Willis

Adam Willis, played by Ian Williams, made his first appearance on 9 August 1990. Williams secured his contract early in 1990 while the character details were still being finalized by the writing team in April of that year. At that time, Williams was finishing work on Bony, another production by Grundy, and began filming for Neighbours upon completion. He was drawn to the role due to its flexibility and Adam’s comedic traits, although he noted Adam’s naivety differed from his own personality. Adam’s story arcs included romantic relationships with Caroline Alessi and Gemma Ramsay.

Amber Martin

Amber Martin, portrayed by Alison Whyte, made her debut on 27 August 1990 as a committed environmentalist and a longtime companion of Kerry Bishop. Introduced during the narrative arc leading to Kerry's departure, Amber's arrival causes Kerry to reconsider her married life with Joe Mangel. Despite Joe's opposition, Amber persuades Kerry to participate in a demonstration opposing duck hunting in the marshlands. The protest ends in tragedy when Kerry is shot and killed by a hunter. Holding Amber responsible, Joe refuses her attendance at Kerry's funeral; nevertheless, Amber delivers a eulogy highlighting Kerry’s joy during her marriage to Joe before leaving Erinsborough.

Glen Donnelly

Glen Donnelly, played by Richard Huggett, first appeared on 7 December 1990. Huggett joined Neighbours following a regular role on the competing soap E Street. Glen is depicted as "self-reliant, resilient, and mature beyond his years." His most prominent storyline involved an incestuous relationship with his half-sister Lucy (Melissa Bell), marking the first time Neighbours explored this controversial theme.

Others

18–20 April 30 April–28 August 11–18 May 11 May–7 July 11 May 11 May 16–18 May 29 May–12 July 14 May 14 May (multiple) 18–21 May 31 May–22 June 6 June (multiple) 8 June 1990–21 November 1991 11–12 June 13 June 15 June–22 August 18 June–22 August 25 June–2 July 4 July (multiple) 5 July 11 July–3 August 13–18 July 23 July–15 August 25 July 2 August 13 August 14 August (multiple) 4 September 6 September 1990–15 February 1991 7 September (multiple) 7–19 September 1990,
4–6 April 2004 10 September 13 September–12 November 3 October–26 November 3 October 5 October 1990–19 March 1991 22 October–5 December 30 October (multiple) 2–5 November 6 November 7 November (multiple) 12 November–5 December 14 November (multiple) 22–23 November 30 November 1990–11 March 1992 7 December 7 December 1990,
25 January 1991

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
26 January	Rick	Paul Cannon	Dates Sharon Davies, but Sharon’s sister Bronwyn Davies disapproves of their early physical relationship.
26 January	Julie Cabot	Roberta Connelly	Social worker who arrives to arrange care for Rhys Turner.
1 February 1990–16 April 1991	Alan Stewart	James Patrick	Detective responsible for arresting Joe Mangel; last seen attempting to rescue Christina after her abduction.
8–9 February	Barry Dwyer	Chris Waters	Revealed as Matt Robinson’s father; provides contact information but is unaware of Matt’s existence.
8 February	Lisa	Jodie Wright	Schoolmate of Sharon Davies who ostracizes her due to frequent dating.
12 February	Karl	Uncredited	Uses a derogatory term towards Sharon during a party confrontation.
15 February–29 May	Natasha Kovac	Courtney Compagnino	Competes with Tiffany McLachlan in a school play; classmates.
5 March	Cliff	Simon Mills	Sells a trail bike to Todd Landers.
22 March–3 August	Tania Walsh	Angela Nicholls	Friend of Sharon Davies, dates Ryan McLachlan, opposes her father Roger’s fiancée Melanie Pearson; her objections result in the wedding being called off.
22 March–25 May	Ewan O'Brien	Peter Sumner	Former acquaintance of Beverly Marshall; causes tension in her marriage with Jim Robinson; proposes but is rejected due to Beverly’s pregnancy.
22 March	Keith	Paul Flaherty	Talks about Beverly Marshall with Ewan; overheard by Jim Robinson.
3 April	Andrea	Bridie Carter	Part of subplot involving Kelvin Stubbs and Melanie Pearson that leads to a breakup.
' Lester Cooper '	' Roy Baldwin	' Upset by bike race in national park; sets tripwire injuring Todd Landers.
' Mr. Denning '	' Paul Dawber	' Erinsborough High teacher involved in incidents with Dorothy Burke and Todd Landers.
' Nurse Radcliffe '	' Traci Hannigan	' Provides medical updates on Derek Wilcox to Helen Daniels.
' Derek Wilcox '	' John Frawley	' Develops romantic relationship with Helen Daniels before dying from heart attack.
' Dawn '	' Lynda Gibson	' Worker at women’s refuge opposing Harold Bishop’s Christian outreach efforts.
' Rowena '	' Bernadette Doyle	' Ally of Dawn involved in refuge storyline.
' Quentin Becker '	' Paul Smyth	' Marriage counselor for Jim Robinson and Beverly Marshall.
' Diane Beaumont '	' Jennifer Robinson	' Daughter of Derek Wilcox who contests Helen Daniels’ intentions regarding inheritance.
' Mr Vasiliou '	' Vince D'Amico	' Offers employment at Parkside Pacific to Caroline and later Christina Alessi under misleading conditions.
' Leonie, Janelle, Babs, Thommo '	' Fiona Kent, Traci Morley, KellyAnne, Tony Di Dio	' Friends of Melanie Pearson practicing dance routines at her residence.
' Constable Wiler '	' John Stapleton	' Arrests Boof for breaking into wreckers yard; interrogates Todd Landers.
' Candice Hopkins '	' Rachel Bacon	' Employed then dismissed by Paul Robinson due to poor public relations skills; involved in dating storyline.
' Phillip Arnel, Jenny Arnel, Nicole Arnel '	' Geoff O'Connell, Gina Mendoza, Uncredited	' Phillip and Jenny arrive at Lassiter's for childbirth assistance; Nicole is born.
' Felicity Brent '	' Rona McLeod	' Local councilor engaged in community disputes and business matters affecting Paul Robinson and Doug Willis.
' Ken '	' Ian Sprake	' Security guard investigating graffiti incidents at Lassiter's complex.
' Neil '	' David Legge	' Salesman competing with Kerry Bishop at the market.
' Rosie '	Border Collie owned by Clarrie McLachlan that bonds with Toby Mangel’s dog Bouncer; central to rescue storyline.
Clarrie McLachlan	Frederick Parslow	Retired academic and Dorothy Burke’s father; struggles with family issues and alcoholism; develops affection for Helen Daniels.
Tracey Dawson	Emily Mortimore	Orphan girl adopted by Rosemary Daniels and relocated to the United States.
Steve, Pat	Martin Heller, Jack Mobbs	Steve served food by Madge Bishop; Pat feeds Bouncer at construction site prior to accident.
Bullett	Paul Baiguerra	Joins local youths on bike ride excursion.
Roger Walsh	Gregory Ross	Romantic partner and fiancé of Melanie Pearson; relationship ends due to family conflicts involving daughter Tania Walsh.
Whacker	Paul Glen	Friend of Joe Mangel who finances gardening supplies repaid through darts competition winnings.
Annabelle Deacon	Amanda Douge	Student pursued by Ryan McLachlan who steals from Dorothy Burke to impress her.
Heather Barrett	Suzanne Brenchley	Play center worker involved in discussions about Sky Mangel’s enrollment.
Debbie Langford	Jackie Hardy	Participant in school council conflict implicating Todd Landers and Cody Willis.
Karen Hollis	Margaret Kenno	Confronted by Beverly Marshall over suspected child abuse allegations later dismissed.
Sam, Barry	Bob Stevens, Donald Hirst	Attendees at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings alongside Clarrie McLachlan and Helen Daniels.
Debbie Norton	Michelle McClatchy	Romantic interest causing jealousy involving Gemma Ramsay and Matt Robinson.
Eric Jensen	John Ley	Biological father of Sky Mangel; custody dispute with Joe Mangel and Sandy Jensen leads to family relocating to New Zealand.
Michael, Megan	Richard Fitzgerald, Christine Satchell	Protestors against illegal duck poaching alongside Kerry Bishop and Amber Martin.
John Swan	Brett Swain, David Murray	Poacher responsible for shooting that kills Kerry Bishop; returns years later with son Ryan Swan impacting Sky Mangel’s storyline.
Doctor Byrnes	Geoff Baird	Informs Bishop family about Kerry Bishop’s death.
Isabella Lopez	Mich White	Paul Robinson’s fiancée whose deceit leads to breakup amid family disputes.
John Brice	Terry McDermott	Dating agency contact for Dorothy Burke resulting in multiple dates and declined marriage proposal due to existing marriage status.
John A	Lloyd Cunningham	Another dating agency contact for Dorothy Burke sharing dinner amicably discussing art with John Brice.
Aidan Devlin	Blake Collins	Ex-boyfriend of Gemma Ramsay causing tension with Matt Robinson before leaving town.
	Sandy Jensen		Donna Woodhouse		Eric Jensen's wife involved in custody dispute over Sky Mangel leading family move to New Zealand.
	Lynn, Bianca, Jessie		Olivia Penniston-Bird, Kerry Bartlett, Simone Robertson		School friends attending slumber party where prank causes mistaken arrest of Cody Willis’s father Doug Ramsay as prowler.
	Anthony Reeves		David Wicks		Social worker evaluating Sky Mangel’s welfare under Joe Mangel’s care.
	Bob		Steve Lane		Customer interacting with Madge Bishop at pub establishment.
	Mick Gilbert, George Muscara		Scott Bowie, Peter Tzefrios		Suspects involved in "Phantom Kisser" storyline at Erinsborough High; culprit later revealed as Justin Freedman.
	Rory Marsden		Tom Jennings		Friend of Adam Willis engaged in job seeking and romantic storylines leading to dismissal and rehiring following age-related controversy.
	Rodney Feldon, Justin Freedman		Luke Wright, Justin Morley		Students implicated in "Phantom Kisser" mystery ultimately solved as Justin Freedman being responsible.
	Vera Carmichael		Dawn Klingberg		Assistant employed by Harold Bishop who resigns over discomfort with his behavior; sexual harassment suit filed then withdrawn by sister Gwen resulting in reconciliation with Harold.
	Ben Nicolls		Mario Nicolosi		Friend of Toby Mangel encouraging delinquency including shoplifting and attempts to join local gang "The Demons".
	Dr Morgan		Megan Rees		Treats Matt Robinson following motorbike accident involving Gemma Ramsay; provides medical updates including surgery details for Gemma.
	Dr Barclay		David Cotter		Medical professional updating Tom Ramsay on Gemma Ramsay's post-surgical condition including intensive care status and recovery outlook.