Angelina Jackson

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on 18 March 1985 and currently broadcasts on the digital channel Eleven. This section details characters introduced throughout 2016, all under the guidance of executive producer Jason Herbison. The show's 32nd season commenced on 4 January 2016. Characters such as Julie Quill and Xanthe Canning made their debut in January; Jacka Hills was introduced in March; April saw the arrival of Jack Callahan, Ned Willis, and Madison Robinson; in May, Angus Beaumont-Hannay, Walter Mitchell, and Mandy Franze appeared; August brought James Udagawa; and September introduced siblings David and Leo Tanaka, along with Xanthe’s mother, Brooke Butler.

Julie Quill

Julie Quill, played by Gail Easdale, made her first appearance on 12 January 2016. Easdale returned to acting after a hiatus spent raising her family and is married to Stefan Dennis, who portrays Paul Robinson. Julie is introduced as the proprietor of Lassiter's Hotel and positioned as a rival to Paul. Her character is depicted as strong-willed but respectful of diligence, highlighting the obstacles women encounter in a predominantly male sector. It is later uncovered that Julie was behind the explosion at Lassiter’s that resulted in several fatalities, leading to her departure in June 2016. She returned to the series on 8 September 2021, appearing incarcerated during Terese Willis’s visit concerning her son’s death. This comeback followed the earlier introduction of her son Jesse Porter in March 2021. Easdale commented that Julie had developed a sense of remorse since her previous storyline.

In her professional capacity, Julie arrives to evaluate Lassiter’s Hotel, which is part of the Quill Group’s holdings. She harbors resentment toward former owner Paul Robinson due to a past romantic disappointment and initially declines Daniel Robinson’s job application. After discussing with Terese Willis the difficulties women face managing hospitality ventures, she ultimately employs Daniel. Julie announces intentions to construct a second tower within the Lassiter’s complex and seeks to thwart Paul’s campaign for Erinsborough Citizen of the Year by influencing council decisions and disrupting catering operations.

Working alongside her stepson Tom Quill to push forward the tower development, Julie pressures him into falsifying an environmental impact report. When Tom's dishonesty comes to light, she disowns him. Following an explosion in the boiler room that devastates Lassiter’s, Julie moves in with Terese and appoints Sarah Beaumont as interim hotel manager during Terese's absence. She accuses Paul of orchestrating the explosion and dismisses Terese after learning she arranged a false alibi implicating Paul. At the reopening event for Lassiter’s, Julie is arrested based on evidence connecting her to the conspiracy behind the blast. She expresses regret but faces condemnation from Terese's family and receives a decade-long prison sentence. Five years later, her son Jesse Porter arrives at Lassiters aiming to rehabilitate the Quill Group's image.

Xanthe Canning

Xanthe Canning, brought to life by Lilly Van der Meer, made her first appearance on 22 January 2016. Her introduction was announced on 30 November 2015. Xanthe is the granddaughter of Sheila Canning, half-sister to Kyle Canning, and daughter of Gary Canning. Colette Mann, who portrays Sheila, emphasized that Xanthe’s arrival would introduce a significant new narrative for the family. Van der Meer characterized Xanthe as a potential close companion on Ramsay Street who would experience "adventures, challenges, and mischief."

Jacka Hills

Jackson Derek "Jacka" Hills, portrayed by Brad McMurray, debuted on 7 March 2016 as a longtime acquaintance of Stephanie Scully. Promoted as the program’s "latest antagonist," Jacka played a pivotal role in multiple storylines centered around crime and deceit. McMurray expressed enjoyment in playing the villain and teased unexpected developments in Jacka’s storyline. After his initial guest stint, Jacka returned in September with a plotline involving suspicions about his wife Regan Davis's loyalty.

Jacka engaged in acts such as vandalism, theft, and was implicated in an explosion at Lassiter's Hotel connected to an insurance scam. His ties to criminal circles through Ned Willis allowed him to manipulate events to avoid capture. Following his arrest after the hotel incident, Jacka enlisted Steph’s assistance to investigate Regan’s alleged infidelity. Upon early release to care for his terminally ill mother, he came back intent on revenge against Ned Willis.

Under the alias JD, Jacka gained Elly Conway’s trust to destabilize Ned. Despite cautions from Steph and Terese Willis, he intensified his vendetta by contaminating Ned's tattoo ink and sabotaging a hot-air balloon carrying Ned’s family, which led to Regan’s death. Jacka was subsequently apprehended again and sentenced to eighteen years imprisonment.

In 2022, script producer Shane Isheev disclosed plans for Jacka’s return involving a prison escape storyline that was halted due to the show's cancellation. Isheev described Jacka as one of the series’ most "iconic villains."

Jack Callahan

Jack Callahan (also known as John Doe), played by Andrew Morley, first appeared on 4 April 2016. Morley’s casting was revealed on 30 January 2016 after he auditioned while undertaking charity work in Cambodia. Filming commenced in December 2015. Introduced initially as a man with "an enigmatic background" and no connections to Erinsborough, the character, initially called John Doe, forms a friendship with Paige Smith (Olympia Valance). It is eventually disclosed that his true identity is Jack Callahan and that he serves as a Catholic priest. Jack decides to remain in Erinsborough but faces internal conflict between his religious commitments and his relationship with Paige.

Ned Willis

Ned Willis, portrayed by Ben Hall, first appeared on 6 April 2016. His casting announcement came on 11 March 2016, with the character having been mentioned off-screen since birth. After an initial guest appearance, Ned returned on 10 August and was later reintroduced as a regular from 20 June 2018 onwards. Ned is the son of Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia), marking the first time all of Brad’s children have been shown together on screen. Before arriving in Erinsborough, Ned lived with his grandparents in Darwin. He works as a tattoo artist whose intricate and manipulative traits fuel captivating storylines involving family tensions and mischief.

Madison Robinson

Madison Robinson, brought to life by Sarah Ellen, first appeared on-screen on 22 April 2016. Ellen's casting was revealed in February 2016, with the character of Madison having been mentioned off-screen since her birth in 1995. Series producer Jason Herbison expressed excitement about adding her to the Neighbours storyline, highlighting the character’s seamless integration into the show's world. Madison made a brief return between June and September 2016, with scenes shot on the Gold Coast. Additionally, Ellen reprised the role in flashback sequences in 2019.

Madison is the daughter of well-known figures Scott and Charlene Robinson, arriving in Erinsborough to check on her brother Daniel on behalf of their parents. To prepare for the role, Ellen reviewed footage of her on-screen parents, emphasizing Madison’s spirited and daring qualities inherited from Charlene. Professionally, Madison is an aspiring journalist and has been characterized as a "fashionable teenager." After completing her time on the show, Ellen sought roles in Hollywood, praising Neighbours for its valuable training experience.

Upon her arrival at Number 24 Ramsay Street, Madison reconnects with Daniel during his secretive wedding plans with Imogen Willis. She supports Daniel by lending attire to his neighbour Xanthe Canning and encourages Xanthe during a photo session. Madison influences Daniel and Imogen to hold a public wedding instead of a clandestine one. After their departure, Madison remains in Erinsborough, standing by her uncle Paul amid allegations connected to the Lassiter's Hotel explosion, showing confidence in him and motivating his inquiry.

Once Paul is released due to another suspect being charged, he leverages his media influence by coercing a newspaper editor into employing Madison as a trainee reporter. She abandons university ambitions and a relationship to seize this opportunity but soon discovers Paul's unethical practice of twisting local profiles into personal attacks. After moving out of Paul’s motel room and living with Terese Willis, Madison is dismissed for refusing to write a defamatory piece about a cleaning company linked to her cousin Amy Williams. Terese then hires Madison as her assistant and involves her in efforts to bid for Lassiter's, prompting Madison to travel to New York with her aunt Lucy Robinson to complete necessary paperwork.

Madison also pursues singing prospects at The Waterhole after stepping in for an absent performer, thanks to Aaron Brennan. Rumours about her relationship with Ben Kirk arise but are cleared up when it’s revealed they are collaborating musically for Xanthe. Lucy arranges an audition for Madison for a singing residency at Lassiter's Gold Coast. There, Madison reunites with former boyfriend Logan Dunne, resolving previous misunderstandings. Although she impresses the judges and receives an offer for the residency, she initially plans to relocate to California with Logan but decides to stay on the Gold Coast after he chooses to remain with her.

Angus Beaumont-Hannay

Angus Beaumont-Hannay, portrayed by Jai Waetford, made his debut on 2 May 2016. Waetford’s casting was revealed on 10 February 2016, initially keeping the character’s identity under wraps. Angus is introduced as the defiant son of Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles), a divisive figure in Erinsborough. Series producer Jason Herbison highlighted that Waetford would relish playing a character who challenges limits. After completing a guest stint, Waetford returned to film alongside the cast on the Gold Coast.

Following his expulsion from boarding school, Angus arrives in Australia and stays with friends Karl and Susan Kennedy while his mother travels to Germany. He quickly comes into conflict with Ben Kirk, stealing money Ben had hidden inside his guitar case. Angus’s rebellious acts escalate, including triggering a fire alarm and tagging graffiti, intensifying his rivalry with Ben. He briefly dates Xanthe Canning, but their relationship ends when Angus realizes they are not well matched.

Upon discovering his mother’s cancer diagnosis, Angus takes money earned busking with Ben and Xanthe and runs away, but he is found and convinced to return. Sarah invites him to Germany for treatment; although he initially opts to remain with Karl and Susan, he eventually departs with his mother.

Later, on the Gold Coast, Angus reunites with Ben and Xanthe. Motivated by Susan’s encouragement, he returns to Erinsborough to enroll in music school. He develops feelings for Susan’s niece Elly Conway, which leads to complications including an inappropriate incident when Elly is intoxicated. This event results in police involvement and assault allegations against Angus. Despite being offered a record contract, the incident tarnishes his reputation. After Elly decides against pressing charges, Angus is taken to Sydney by his father.

Walter Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, played by Greg Stone, first appeared on 13 May 2016 as the estranged uncle of Sonya Rebecchi. His storyline reveals that he is actually Sonya’s biological father, a secret connected to her parents’ fatal car accident. Walter also has a fourteen-year-old daughter, Zoe, who is battling leukaemia, which leads Walter to ask Sonya to undergo bone marrow testing as a potential donor.

Walter arrives in Erinsborough claiming sobriety but misappropriates funds intended for rehabilitation. He stays at Stephanie Scully's motel and begins a relationship with Terese Willis. Sonya initially rejects Walter upon learning of his presence during her parents’ crash and that he is her real father from an affair with her mother. After Walter struggles with alcoholism, Sonya supports his recovery efforts and invites him to live with her.

Walter reveals Zoe’s illness, prompting Sonya to be tested; however, she is not a match. Walter then proposes that Nell, Sonya’s daughter, be tested; despite objections from Toadie, Nell undergoes testing secretly and is found compatible. Walter controversially takes Nell to the hospital without consent but returns her safely after apologizing. When Sonya’s son Callum is identified as a suitable donor, Walter and Sonya depart for the United States for Zoe's treatment.

In 2018, following Zoe’s cancer relapse requiring chemotherapy, Walter falls back into drinking. Sonya travels to the US to support him as he resumes attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Mandy Franze

Mandy Franze, brought to life by Kristy Best, made her first appearance on 26 May 2016. Introduced as the enigmatic former partner of Andrew Morley’s character John Doe, Mandy emerges as a romantic competitor to Paige Smith. She insists she is John’s girlfriend, claiming his true identity is Jason Jones and that they share a home. Although Paige harbors doubts, John interacts with Mandy, culminating in a kiss between them. Mandy’s ruse unravels when she offers John a Hawaiian pizza—his alleged favorite—despite his allergy to pineapple. Before leaving, she confesses that she encountered John on the day of the Lassiter's explosion but admits knowing very little about him.

James Udagawa

James Udagawa, portrayed by Samuel David Humphrey, debuted on 3 August 2016. Initially considered for a minor role, Humphrey was cast after featuring in a documentary highlighting young individuals with physical disabilities. James is depicted as an astute "corporate whizz kid" and shrewd businessman recruited to assist in rescuing Lassiter's Hotel from financial difficulties and to supervise Terese Willis's leadership.

At first, James contends with prejudices due to his height but swiftly establishes himself as a key figure representing his family’s investment interests. He scrutinizes hotel financials, forecasts, and supplier agreements, later addressing concerns about concealed cameras in guest rooms—clarified as part of a student media project. James evaluates The Waterhole’s financial results and confronts Terese over stagnant revenue, urging her to devise strategies for improvement.

Privately, James discloses that his sister Jasmine intends to seize control of their family enterprise following their grandfather’s passing. Jasmine manipulates familial relationships to have James relocated, prompting him to caution Terese about trusting her.

David Tanaka

David Tanaka, played by Takaya Honda, entered the series on 21 September 2016. His casting was revealed alongside that of Tim Kano, who portrays his twin brother Leo Tanaka, on 22 August 2016. Honda expressed honor at joining the regular cast of Neighbours. David is a socially aware medical professional arriving in Erinsborough with the goal of uncovering a family secret.

Leo Tanaka

Leo Tanaka, enacted by Tim Kano, made his debut on 22 September 2016. Announced concurrently with his twin brother David, Kano described Leo as opportunistic, playful, and cheeky yet possessing a kind heart and deep respect for his sibling. The Tanaka twins come to Erinsborough intent on resolving a familial mystery.

Brooke Butler

Brooke Butler, portrayed by Fifi Box, first appeared on 28 September 2016. Her casting was announced on 18 July 2016, with filming commencing that same week. Executive producer Jason Herbison commended her audition, highlighting her ability to embody "Gold Coast chic." Brooke is the estranged mother of Xanthe Canning and former partner of Gary Canning. Characterized as opportunistic and flighty, she depends heavily on her appearance and is described as a "colourful character" by Network Ten's Executive Producer Claire Tonkin. Brooke reappeared in the show in April 2017 following her initial stint.

Brooke arrives in Erinsborough aiming to reconnect with Xanthe while rekindling relationships with Gary and his mother Sheila Canning. She introduces herself as running a jewellery business but faces skepticism regarding its authenticity. Hosting jewellery parties, Brooke secures several sales but struggles with debts owed to supplier Mack Sweetin. Her manipulations strain Xanthe’s relationship with Ben Kirk.

Although Brooke reconciles with Gary, her financial woes worsen; she deceives Sheila causing health issues that result in hospitalization and borrows money from Gary under false pretenses. When confronted about her past misdeeds—including demands from ex-boyfriend Trey Johnson for repayment of stolen funds—she reimburses him but ultimately leaves town after confessing the jewellery is counterfeit.

Upon returning, Brooke seeks work at the hospital but faces opposition from Sheila. She apologizes for her previous scam and obtains a three-month trial managing Lassiter's Day Spa through Terese’s endorsement, who also arranges a date between Brooke and Paul Robinson. Brooke plans to visit her daughter Jesse during a layover en route to Malaysia but departs after Gary becomes engaged to Terese, with Sheila financing her trip.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
4 January	Dr Lee	Marty Rhone	Dr Lee conducts spinal surgery on Toadfish Rebecchi to extract a bullet lodged in his spine. The procedure faces interruption when Toadie's wife, Sonya, arrives, leading to complications.
5–15 January	Warren Stacks	Michael Shanahan	Warren mistakenly believes Paige Smith is Michelle Kim and takes her hostage. Paige escapes after being struck by Warren's vehicle. Later, Warren explains his actions to Michelle and Dennis Dimato, who promises to handle the situation.
7 January	Rochelle Neve	Carmen Warrington	Rochelle, married to Stanley Neve, had an affair with Lou Carpenter. She visits Erinsborough hoping to rekindle the relationship, but Lou deceives her by pretending to be involved with Sheila Canning. Rochelle departs after realizing the deceit.
15 January	Carla Watson	Gemma Bird Matheson	Carla, a council officer, issues fines to Kyle Canning and Sheila Canning for allowing their dog Bossy to roam unleashed and impounds the dog despite Kyle’s concerns about its health.
21 January–16 March, 30 May–6 June 2018	Philippa Hoyland	Wendy Bos	Philippa, Max Hoyland’s third spouse, seeks custody of his son Charlie Hoyland. She disputes parenting arrangements with Steph Scully and questions Steph’s judgment due to her association with Paul Robinson. After mediation and revelations of Philippa’s affair, custody issues arise but counseling leads to shared arrangements.
27 January	Amanda Tucker	Jennifer Rose	Amanda works as a beautician at Lassiter's and provides a manicure to Karl Kennedy during his hotel visit.
2 February	Nigel Deme	Adam Dunning	Nigel is assigned by the council to remove love locks from the bridge over Lassiter's Lake. Despite objections from Sonya Rebecchi and Karl Kennedy, he proceeds and later closes the bridge citing safety concerns.
10 February	Lina Vella	Antonia Vekic	Lina manages Tim Collins' campaign for mayor and confronts rival Sonya Mitchell about her past addiction and family difficulties, resulting in Sonya severing contact.
15 February	Amanda Fowke	Hannah Cliff	Amanda conducts surveys for the Quill Group seeking access to Rebecchi Law offices. She informs Daniel Robinson about valuable contents in delivered boxes and restricts access under Julie Quill's orders.
	Delivery Guy	Russell Leonard	Responsible for delivering boxes to Lassiter's Hotel as part of Quill Group activities.
17 February	Trevor Lucas	David Rock	Health inspector evaluating Erins Burrow motel for bedbug infestation during fumigation; interacts briefly with co-owner Paul Robinson and resident Doug Willis.
18 February	Richard Pentecost	Akira Bradley	Journalist attending a public question-and-answer session between mayoral candidates Sonya Rebecchi and Tim Collins.
19 February–3 March, 28 February 2017	Noel Creighton	Kristian Beddow	Gender studies lecturer at Eden Hills University who engages with student Paige Smith, facilitating her academic progress and potential university transfer discussions.
22–24 February	Ainsley Gilzan	Emma Lucy Haughey	Ainsley purchases exam answers from Xanthe Canning, leading to suspension for cheating. She organizes a party that Sheila Canning disrupts.
25 February–21 March	Aurora Green	Chloe Ng	Activist involved in protests against tree removal for drainage projects; interacts with Sonya Rebecchi and flirts with Daniel Robinson.
26 February–11 March	Cameron McPhee	Alexander Adams	Caught damaging plants on behalf of Paul Robinson for fresh flowers; retained as a valued employee with instructions for discretion; later participates in Brad Willis's outreach program.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
1 March	Michael Arnold	Des Fleming	Serves as mediator during adoption discussions between Stephanie Scully and Philippa Hoyland; shares previous professional connections with Philippa.
Nursery Staff	Melissa Hill	Nursery employee contacted by Paul Robinson regarding his grandson Jimmy Williams.
3 March	Bernice Ashton	Rain Fuller	Department of Human Services worker assessing Xanthe Canning’s care needs following concerns raised by Kyle Canning.
4 March	Juliet Worth	Lana Schwarcz	DHS caseworker managing Xanthe’s living arrangements during Sheila Canning’s hospitalization; mediates family custody dynamics.
9 March–22 July 2016, 31 May–28 June 2017	Tom Quill	Kane Felsinger	Development manager for the Quill Group involved in controversial dealings including bribery related to Lassiter’s Hotel expansion; implicated in blackmail and sabotage; later oversees Lassiter’s after Julie Quill’s arrest; maintains complex relationships within Erinsborough’s business community.
11 March–25 May	Brodie Chaswick	Matt Testro	Former swimming student of Brad Willis who returns seeking coaching; involved in secret relationship with Piper Willis and subsequent conflicts; linked to hotel explosion investigation but provides an alibi.
24 March–2 August	Archie Quill	Harrison Mark	Son of Julie Quill involved in family disputes including altercations with Charlie Hoyland; placed in care of relatives following mother’s arrest; implicated in bullying incidents at school.
14 April	Alex Jones	Jana Wilkes	Clarifies identity confusion involving John Doe; reveals personal connections impacting ongoing storylines.
5 May	Jackie Gore	Ana Mitsikas	Engages in mediation following conflict involving her daughter Alison Gore and Sheila Canning; legal action threatened amid escalating tensions.
6 May	Steven Aniston	Garikai Jani	Provides information on John Doe's location prior to Lassiter's Hotel explosion; initiates contact with Paige Smith.
11 May	Sharn Hauser	Juliette Salmon	Confronts Ben Kirk regarding past incidents involving Jayden Warley; dismissive toward explanations offered.
11 May–2 November, 8 March 2017	Dustin Oliver	Kevin Clayette	Connected to John Doe/Father Jack Callahan through shared history; participates in youth outreach programs; briefly involved romantically with Paige Smith; departs due to personal reasons while maintaining ties with key characters.
17 May	Detective Chris Santini	Joel Pierce	Investigates allegations against Paul Robinson relating to Lassiter's Hotel explosion; manages witness testimonies amid complex legal proceedings.
30 May"	Shandi Bouchard	Krystal Lencova	Receptionist at Rush Street Clinic handling cosmetic surgery appointments, notably for Xanthe Canning.
	Tess Land	Clare Pickering	Plastic surgeon preparing for Xanthe Canning’s breast augmentation surgery; faces opposition from Sheila Canning causing procedural challenges.
6–7 June	Karen Harding	Wallis Murphy Munn	Prosecutor overseeing Paul Robinson’s trial related to Lassiter's Hotel explosion; responsible for witness examination and trial management.
6 June"	Tipstave Alma Aboud	Arisha Bordbar

External links

• Cast and characters on the official Neighbours site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database