Bec Simmons

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment, Television
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Headquarters	Australia , Australia
Area served	Australia
Key people	Jason Herbison (executive producer)
Products	Soap opera
Website	www.neighbours.com.au

Neighbours is an Australian soap opera that premiered on 18 March 1985 and is currently broadcast on the digital channel Eleven. The list below details characters who were introduced throughout 2016, arranged by their initial appearance. All new additions were overseen by executive producer Jason Herbison. The show's 32nd season commenced airing on 4 January 2016. Characters such as Julie Quill and Xanthe Canning made their debut in January. March introduced Jacka Hills, while April saw the arrival of Jack Callahan, Ned Willis, and Madison Robinson. In May, Angus Beaumont-Hannay, Walter Mitchell, and Mandy Franze appeared. August included the introduction of James Udagawa, and September brought in brothers David Tanaka 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 secured the role after an earlier unsuccessful audition in 2015. This marked her return to acting following a hiatus; she is married to Stefan Dennis, who portrays Paul Robinson. Julie was introduced as the new proprietor of Lassiter's Hotel and positioned as a rival to Paul Robinson. Easdale characterized Julie as a resilient businesswoman with a compassionate side who has thrived in a male-dominated sector. The storyline revealed Julie as responsible for the Lassiters Hotel explosion that resulted in the deaths of Josh Willis and Doug Willis, leading to her exit in June 2016. Easdale reprised the role on 8 September 2021, with Julie appearing incarcerated during Terese Willis’s visit seeking closure following her son’s death. This comeback followed the introduction of Julie’s son, Jesse Porter (Cameron Robbie), earlier in March 2021. Easdale noted that Julie had grown remorseful and reflected on her past decisions.

Julie arrives in Erinsborough to manage Lassiter's Hotel after it is acquired by the Quill Group. Bearing resentment towards Paul Robinson due to a failed relationship, she initially declines Paul’s nephew Daniel Robinson for a position at the hotel but later employs him upon learning of his estrangement from Paul. She confides in Terese Willis about the difficulties faced by women in the hospitality industry and takes full accountability for hotel operations. Julie aims to construct a second hotel tower within the Lassiter's precinct and attempts to thwart Paul's efforts to host the Erinsborough Citizen of the Year event by securing the launch party venue herself and disrupting catering plans.

Collaborating with her stepson Tom Quill to counter opposition against the tower development, she disowns him after discovering he falsified an environmental report. Following a boiler room explosion that devastates Lassiter's, Julie moves into Terese’s home and becomes aware that Tom is missing. She appoints Sarah Beaumont as hotel manager during Terese’s absence. Julie accuses Paul of orchestrating the explosion and physically attacks him; however, Tom survives, leading Julie to express anger towards Aaron Brennan for hiding an assault on Tom prior to the blast. Upon uncovering that Terese paid for a false alibi implicating Paul, Julie terminates Terese’s employment.

At Lassiter's reopening, Julie is arrested after John Doe’s recovered memory implicates her and Jacka Hills in conspiring to cause the explosion. Charged and sentenced to ten years imprisonment, she attempts reconciliation with Terese’s family but is met with rejection. Five years later, her son Jesse Porter arrives at Lassiters with intentions to rehabilitate the Quill Group’s standing.

Xanthe Canning

Xanthe Canning, brought to life by Lilly Van der Meer, made her first appearance on 22 January 2016. Announced on 30 November 2015, she is the granddaughter of Sheila Canning, half-sister to Kyle Canning, and daughter of Gary Canning. Colette Mann, who plays Sheila, indicated that Xanthe's introduction would initiate a major new family-focused storyline. Van der Meer characterized Xanthe as a catalyst for "mischief, excitement, and trouble" within Ramsay Street, suggesting she would become a significant figure in the neighborhood's social fabric.

Jacka Hills

Jackson Derek "Jacka" Hills, portrayed by Brad McMurray, entered the series on 7 March 2016 as a former acquaintance of Stephanie Scully. Presented as the show's latest antagonist, Jacka swiftly became central to numerous conflict-driven narratives. McMurray emphasized the role's appeal in exploring a captivating villainous character.

Initially appearing in a guest capacity, Jacka returned in September 2016, engaging in plots involving his spouse Regan Davis and Steph’s investigation into potential unfaithfulness. Although there were plans for a 2022 comeback featuring a prison escape storyline, these were abandoned following the show's cancellation; script producer Shane Isheev later acknowledged Jacka as an iconic villain.

Jacka’s storyline encompasses leading a biker gang responsible for disturbances at Robinsons Motel, participating in theft and property damage, and masterminding the explosion at Lassiter’s Hotel to claim insurance money—though the plan was complicated by resulting deaths. After being apprehended, Jacka continued manipulating events from behind bars by procuring false passports and undermining Paul Robinson.

Upon release to care for his ailing mother, Jacka pursues vengeance against Ned Willis after uncovering Regan's affair with him. Using an alias, he infiltrates Ned’s circle and sabotages a hot-air balloon ride that leads to Regan’s demise. Ultimately, Jacka is re-arrested and sentenced to eighteen years imprisonment, concluding his revenge-driven storyline dramatically.

Jack Callahan

Jack Callahan (also known as John Doe), played by Andrew Morley, debuted on 4 April 2016. Morley’s casting was revealed on 30 January 2016 after he auditioned while engaged in charity work in Cambodia. Filming commenced in December 2015. Initially introduced with an enigmatic background and no connections to Erinsborough, the character—originally referred to as 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 stay in Erinsborough but struggles to reconcile his dedication to Paige with his religious commitments.

Ned Willis

Ned Willis, portrayed by Ben Hall, made his debut on 6 April 2016. Hall’s involvement was announced on 11 March 2016, with the character having been mentioned off-screen for several years beforehand. Following an initial guest stint, Ned returned on 10 August. He is the son of Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia), marking the first time all of Brad’s children have appeared together on screen. A tattoo artist who previously lived with his grandparents in Darwin, Ned is described as "manipulative" and "complex," often involved in mischievous storylines. He was reintroduced as a regular cast member on 20 June 2018.

Madison Robinson

Madison Robinson, portrayed by Sarah Ellen, made her first appearance on 22 April 2016. Ellen's casting was revealed in February 2016, with producers considering the possibility of a longer-term role. Series producer Jason Herbison expressed enthusiasm about adding Madison to the Neighbours storyline. As the daughter of well-known characters Scott and Charlene Robinson, Madison came to Erinsborough to check on her brother Daniel on behalf of their parents. To prepare, Ellen studied the traits of her on-screen parents, describing Madison as a "fashionable teenager" and an "aspiring journalist" who inherited qualities from Charlene.

Madison's narrative commenced with her reunion with Daniel after arriving from Brisbane. She supported Daniel and his fiancée Imogen Willis in their secret wedding arrangements, eventually helping organize a family ceremony. Opting to remain in Erinsborough, Madison stood by her uncle Paul Robinson during his legal difficulties, expressing confidence in him despite allegations linked to the Lassiter's Hotel explosion.

After Paul's imprisonment and subsequent clearance, he used his influence to secure Madison a cadetship at the West Waratah Star, which led her to forgo university plans and end a relationship. Under Paul's guidance, Madison wrote profiles on local residents that were later twisted into personal attacks, prompting her to leave Paul's motel and move in with Terese Willis. When she declined to write a contentious article about her cousin Amy Williams, Madison was dismissed but soon employed by Terese as a personal assistant. She played a significant role in encouraging Terese's campaign for control of Lassiter's, accompanying her aunt Lucy Robinson to New York to handle necessary paperwork.

In addition, Madison pursued singing opportunities, substituting for a late performer at The Waterhole and impressing judges during an audition for a Lassiter's Gold Coast residency. A subplot involved rekindling a relationship with former boyfriend Logan Dunne, who confessed he still had feelings for her and was single. Although offered the residency position, Madison contemplated moving to California with Logan; however, he chose to remain on the Gold Coast alongside her.

Angus Beaumont-Hannay

Angus Beaumont-Hannay, portrayed by Jai Waetford, first appeared on 2 May 2016. Waetford’s casting was announced on 10 February, initially keeping the character’s identity confidential. Angus is introduced as the son of Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles). Series producer Jason Herbison remarked that Waetford would enjoy playing a character who pushes boundaries. After completing a guest contract, Waetford returned to film scenes with the cast on the Gold Coast.

Angus arrives in Australia following his expulsion from boarding school, anticipating a holiday with Sarah but instead staying with her friends Karl Kennedy and Susan Kennedy in Erinsborough. He becomes involved in conflicts with Ben Kirk over accusations involving stolen money, leading to several confrontations. Angus develops a connection with Xanthe Canning, resulting in a brief relationship that ends when he concludes they are not compatible. He admits responsibility for triggering a fire alarm at school and vandalizing property with graffiti but avoids punishment, which intensifies tensions with Ben.

Amid local disputes, Angus learns from Xanthe that his mother is battling cancer. He takes money collected by Ben and Xanthe from busking and runs away intending to travel to Bali. After being located and brought back home, Sarah returns and requests Angus accompany her to Germany for treatment. Initially hesitant, he agrees upon realizing he is not at fault for her illness.

Several weeks later on the Gold Coast with his father, Angus reconnects with Ben and Xanthe. He substitutes for Madison Robinson during a singing audition and accepts Susan’s invitation to return to Erinsborough. Encouraged by Susan’s niece Elly Conway, Angus re-enrolls in school and develops feelings for Elly. After being rejected by her, he loses his virginity to Piper Willis. He attempts to get a tattoo but is stopped due to health concerns.

At the Halloween dance event, Angus performs a song for Elly and later kisses her while she is asleep. Despite warnings from Leo Tanaka, he continues pursuing Elly until she asks him to keep his distance. After having his drink spiked at music school, Elly assists him in recovering. A music video leads to interest from an independent record label.

When Elly plans to meet her ex-boyfriend, Angus enlists Piper’s help to intervene but fails. After Elly becomes intoxicated, Angus kisses her again; Susan discovers them and reports the incident to education authorities and police. Although offered a record contract, Angus faces assault allegations after Elly fully recalls the event. He apologizes and accepts responsibility; Elly decides not to press charges. Subsequently, Angus’s father takes him to Sydney.

Walter Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, played by Greg Stone, made his first appearance on 13 May 2016 as the estranged uncle of Sonya Rebecchi. His storyline uncovered a concealed secret: Walter was, in fact, Sonya's biological father, linked to the tragic car accident that claimed her parents' lives. Additionally, he had a fourteen-year-old daughter named Zoe (Nicola Billie Gullotti), who was battling leukaemia. Walter asked Sonya to undergo testing to determine if she could be a bone marrow donor for Zoe.

Walter's entry into Erinsborough was met with distrust. Although he professed sobriety, it was revealed he had misappropriated funds intended for rehabilitation. He took up residence at Stephanie Scully's motel and started a relationship with Terese Willis. Initially, Sonya rejected Walter after discovering his true identity and his involvement in the night her parents died. Over time, however, she supported his recovery efforts and permitted him to live with her.

Walter disclosed Zoe’s medical condition and sought Sonya’s assistance for a bone marrow transplant. When Sonya was not a compatible donor, Walter proposed testing Nell, Sonya’s daughter, without informing Toadie. After Nell was identified as a match, Walter took her to the hospital without consent, resulting in a brief kidnapping situation. Sonya chose not to pursue legal action.

Eventually, Sonya's son Callum was found to be a suitable donor for Zoe, which led to Walter and Sonya relocating to the United States. In 2018, following Zoe’s cancer recurrence and Walter’s relapse into alcoholism, Sonya traveled to support him as he recommitted to attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy described Walter as a "troubled relative," while an All About Soap writer referred to him as "cunning."

Mandy Franze

Mandy Franze, portrayed by Kristy Best, appeared first on 26 May 2016. Introduced as the enigmatic former partner of Andrew Morley's character John Doe, Mandy emerges as a romantic competitor for Paige Smith. She claims a shared history with John, stating they cohabit and that his real name is Jason Jones. Despite Paige’s doubts, John reconnects with Mandy, culminating in a kiss between them. Mandy’s deceit is exposed when she offers John a Hawaiian pizza—his supposed favorite—despite his allergy to pineapple. Before leaving, Mandy reveals they first met on the day of the Lassiter's explosion but that John has kept personal details from her.

James Udagawa

James Udagawa, enacted by Samuel David Humphrey, debuted on 3 August 2016. Humphrey secured the role after impressing producers during a documentary focused on young people with disabilities; initially cast as an extra, he was later given this significant part. James is portrayed as a highly intelligent "corporate whizz kid" assigned to save Lassiter's Hotel from financial troubles and oversee operations alongside Terese Willis.

Upon arrival, Terese mistakes James for a child due to his height; however, he clarifies that he represents his family’s investment in the hotel. James conducts thorough reviews of financial statements, supplier agreements, and forecasts to evaluate the hotel’s status. He also addresses concerns regarding hidden cameras in guest rooms, which are explained as part of a school assignment. Later, he critiques stagnant revenue at The Waterhole bar and challenges Terese to enhance performance.

James reveals underlying family conflicts: his sister Jasmine intends to assume control over their family business following their grandfather’s passing. Jasmine manipulates their grandfather into relocating James, prompting him to caution Terese about trusting Jasmine fully.

David Tanaka

David Tanaka, brought to life by Takaya Honda, made his initial appearance on 21 September 2016. His casting, revealed alongside that of his twin brother Leo on 22 August 2016, signaled the arrival of the Tanaka family in Erinsborough. David is a medical professional driven by strong ethical values, arriving with the purpose of solving a family enigma.

Leo Tanaka

Leo Tanaka, portrayed by Tim Kano, was introduced on 22 September 2016. Cast simultaneously with his twin David, Leo is depicted as a playful, opportunistic, and cheeky counterpart to his brother, yet shares a kind heart and deep respect for David. Together, the brothers are determined to uncover a hidden family secret in Erinsborough.

Brooke Butler

Brooke Butler, played by Fifi Box, debuted on 28 September 2016. Her casting was announced in July 2016, with Box quickly joining the production team. Brooke arrives as an impulsive and opportunistic jewellery salesperson and spa manager with a complicated personal background. She is the estranged mother of Xanthe Canning and former partner of Gary Canning (Damien Richardson).

Brooke comes to Erinsborough aiming to rebuild her relationship with Xanthe while grappling with financial difficulties stemming from debts related to her jewellery business. Her activities include selling both authentic and counterfeit jewellery, which creates tension within the Canning family and the wider community. She manipulates circumstances to obtain money, borrowing from Gary and involving relatives without their full awareness.

Despite facing obstacles, Brooke secures a managerial position at Lassiter's Day Spa thanks to Terese's assistance and strives to mend her relationships with her daughter and Gary. However, challenges arise when Gary becomes engaged to Terese, leading Brooke to depart town to visit her other daughter, Jesse, in Malaysia—an opportunity funded by Sheila Canning.

Brooke’s narrative explores themes of financial hardship, attempts at personal redemption, and intricate family relationships within Erinsborough’s competitive community environment.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
4 January	Dr Lee	Marty Rhone	Conducts spinal surgery on Toadfish Rebecchi to extract a bullet; complications arise due to interruption by Toadie's wife Sonya.
5–15 January	Warren Stacks	Michael Shanahan	Takes Paige Smith hostage mistakenly instead of Michelle Kim. After Paige escapes, he injures her with his vehicle. Later meets Michelle and Dennis Dimato to justify his actions; Dimato promises to deal with Warren.
7 January	Rochelle Neve	Carmen Warrington	Wife of Stanley Neve, engaged in an affair with Lou Carpenter. Visits Erinsborough expecting continuation of their relationship but leaves after Lou deceives her by feigning a relationship with Sheila Canning.
15 January	Carla Watson	Gemma Bird Matheson	Interviews Kyle Canning and Sheila Canning regarding their dog Bossy biting a child; issues a fine and impounds Bossy despite Kyle's objections.
21 January–16 March, 30 May–6 June 2018	Philippa Hoyland	Wendy Bos	Max Hoyland’s third spouse who seeks adoption of Max’s son Charlie Hoyland. Engages in mediation with Max’s former wife Stephanie Scully. Later involved in custody disputes and reconciliation efforts including counseling agreements. Philippa’s affair influences family dynamics significantly.
27 January	Amanda Tucker	Jennifer Rose	Beautician at Lassiter's Hotel providing manicure services to Karl Kennedy during his stay.
2 February	Nigel Deme	Adam Dunning	Council officer responsible for removing love locks from the bridge over Lassiter’s Lake; faces protests from Sonya and Karl. Subsequently closes the bridge citing safety concerns.
10 February	Lina Vella	Antonia Vekic	Campaign manager for Tim Collins’ mayoral bid; attempts to discredit rival Sonya Mitchell by referencing her familial past, which Sonya rebuffs.
15 February	Amanda Fowke	Hannah Cliff	Conducts survey work for Quill Group; requests entry to Rebecchi Law offices. Delivers important boxes to Lassiter’s Hotel restricting access to storeroom.
	Delivery Guy	Russell Leonard	Responsible for delivering boxes to Lassiter's Hotel as part of Quill Group operations.
17 February	Trevor Lucas	David Rock	Health inspector evaluating Erins Burrow motel for bedbug infestation; interacts with co-owner Paul Robinson and guest Doug Willis during inspection.
18 February	Richard Pentecost	Akira Bradley	Journalist attending public Q&A 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; engages with students Paige Smith and Courtney Grixti; involved in Paige’s academic progress and decision about transferring universities.
22–24 February	Ainsley Gilzan	Emma Lucy Haughey	Purchases exam paper from Xanthe Canning resulting in suspension for cheating; organizes a party interrupted by Sheila Canning causing conflict among suspended students.
25 February–21 March	Aurora Green	Chloe Ng	Participates in environmental protest alongside Paige Smith opposing tree removal for drainage project; engages in discussions about relationships and flirts with Daniel Robinson.
26 February–11 March	Cameron McPhee	Alexander Adams	Caught damaging plants on behalf of Paul Robinson for motel floral arrangements; retained as valued employee advised for discretion; later joins Brad Willis's outreach program.
1 March	Michael Arnold	Des Fleming	Acts as mediator during adoption meeting between Stephanie Scully and Philippa Hoyland; discusses mutual legal connections prior to session.
	Nursery Staff	Melissa Hill	Nursery employee contacted by Paul Robinson regarding his grandson Jimmy Williams.
3 March	Bernice Ashton	Rain Fuller	DHS worker assessing Xanthe Canning’s need for temporary care during grandmother Sheila Canning’s hospitalization.
4 March	Juliet Worth	Lana Schwarcz	DHS caseworker managing Xanthe's living situation; communicates with Kyle Canning, Amy Williams, and Sheila Canning over custody concerns.
9 March–22 July 2016, 31 May–28 June 2017	Tom Quill	Kane Felsinger	Development manager for Quill Group involved in bribery and manipulation concerning Lassiter's tower project; engages in blackmail following explosion at Lassiter's; manages company affairs post-arrest of Julie Quill; maintains complex relations with Aaron Brennan and Leo Tanaka.
11 March–25 May	Brodie Chaswick	Matt Testro	Former swimming student under Brad Willis; reconciles with Piper Willis amid family tensions; attempts manipulation leading to confrontation and eventual departure after hotel explosion investigation.
24 March–2 August	Archie Quill	Harrison Mark	Son of Julie Quill involved in conflicts with Charlie Hoyland and other youths resulting in police investigations; placed under relatives’ care following mother’s arrest.
14 April	Alex Jones	Jana Wilkes	Reveals true identity as Alex Jones to Paige Smith at Erinsborough Hospital clarifying confusion around John Doe amnesia case.
5 May	Jackie Gore	Ana Mitsikas	Engages in mediation with Sheila Canning after altercation involving their daughters; dispute escalates toward legal proceedings due to exchanged insults.
6 May	Steven Aniston	Garikai Jani	Contacts Paige Smith about John Doe's location before Lassiter's explosion; provides information on prior interactions at bar during football match viewing.
11 May	Sharn Hauser	Juliette Salmon	Confronts Ben Kirk over involvement in Jayden Warley's behavior bond issue; dismissive of Ben’s explanations.
11 May–2 November, 8 March 2017	Dustin Oliver	Kevin Clayette	Interacts with John Doe/Father Jack Callahan and Paige Smith; develops dynamics involving youth outreach programs and personal struggles; declines job offer at refuge center for personal reasons.
17 May	Detective Chris Santini	Joel Pierce	Investigates allegations linking Paul Robinson to Lassiter's Hotel explosion; discusses witness statements implicating Paul but lacks confirmation on cooperation.
30 May	Shandi Bouchard	Krystal Lencova	Receptionist at Rush Street Clinic managing appointments including Xanthe Canning’s breast enlargement consultation.
	Tess Land	Clare Pickering	Plastic surgeon preparing for Xanthe Canning’s surgery; faces opposition from Sheila Canning threatening regulatory action over forged parental consent emails.
6–7 June	Karen Harding	Wallis Murphy Munn	Prosecutor overseeing Paul Robinson’s trial related to Lassiter's Hotel explosion; manages witness testimonies and courtroom procedures.
"6 June"	"Tipstave Alma Aboud"	"Arisha Bordbar"	"Alma summons Paul Robinson to stand trial."
	"Tipstave Roger Corr"	"Stanley Roach"	"Roger escorts Stephanie Scully and Terese Willis as witnesses during Paul Robinson's trial."
"7 June"	"Tipstave Sam Wise"	"James Ballard"	"Sam supervises jury proceedings during verdict announcement in Paul Robinson’s trial."
	"Foreman George Poulos"	"Andrew Pantelis"	"Jury foreman announces Paul Robinson found guilty on all charges."
	"Megan Cooper"	"Joanne Dobbin"	"Connected indirectly through John Doe’s attempts to locate contacts at Braun & Bell Technologies."

External links

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