Boof (Neighbours)

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Founder	Reg Watson
Area served	Australia
Key people	Don Battye (executive producer, 1990)
Products	Soap opera

Neighbours is a soap opera from Australia, developed by Reg Watson, which first aired on 18 March 1985. The characters introduced during 1990 are detailed below, listed in the order of their initial appearance. All introductions were overseen by executive producer Don Battye. The sixth season commenced broadcast on 11 January 1990.

In January, viewers were introduced to the Alessi twins, Caroline and Christina, portrayed by Gayle & Gillian Blakeney. That same month saw the debut of bartender Kelvin Stubbs. February brought the characters Josh Anderson and Ryan McLachlan, played by Jeremy Angerson and Richard Norton respectively. British actor Derek Nimmo appeared as guest star Lord Ledgerwood. March featured the arrival of new principal Dorothy Burke, played by Maggie Dence. In April, Bob La Castra joined the cast as Eddie Buckingham, alongside Stephen Hall as Boof. June marked the introduction of Beth Buchanan in the role of Gemma Ramsay, who is the niece of established character Madge Bishop. Later in the year, the Willis family members—Doug, Pam, and Adam—were added, portrayed by Terence Donovan, Sue Jones, and Ian Williams. September included guest spots from Alison Whyte playing environmentalist Amber Martin and Richard Huggett as Glen Donnelly.

Caroline Alessi

Caroline Alessi, enacted by Gillian Blakeney, made her first appearance on 18 January 1990. Her narrative arcs involved romantic connections with Adam Willis (Ian Williams) and Jim Robinson (Alan Dale). A notable storyline centered on her sharing a kiss with her sister Christina's (Gayle Blakeney) husband, Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).

Christina Alessi

Christina Alessi, played by Gayle Blakeney, also debuted on 18 January 1990. She is the twin sister of Caroline Alessi (Gillian Blakeney). Christina eventually marries a long-established character. A key plotline involved her absconding with her son, Andrew Robinson (Shannon Holmes), without notifying Paul.

Kelvin Stubbs

Kelvin Stubbs, brought to life by Michael Fletcher, made his debut on 22 January 1990. Fletcher, a British actor, had previously taken on minor parts in Neighbours. Kelvin is portrayed as "timid" and "awkward," with Fletcher highlighting the character’s streak of "misfortune." The writers developed a romantic connection between Kelvin and Melanie Pearson (played by Lucinda Cowden). Fletcher noted that Kelvin’s growth—becoming less awkward and gaining self-assurance—caught Melanie’s attention, which was also reflected in his on-screen change, including the addition of glasses.

Their romance was depicted as intense yet volatile, featuring more intimate scenes in the scripts than what was eventually broadcast; both Fletcher and Cowden modified some moments to reduce the amount of kissing. Kelvin is employed as a waiter at Lassiter's and initially acts as Melanie’s secret admirer before they begin dating after she helps him build confidence. Nevertheless, Kelvin’s newfound self-assurance leads him to pursue relationships with other women, such as Christina Alessi and Andrea (Bridie Carter), causing distress for Melanie. Kelvin’s last appearance aired on 3 April 1990.

Josh Anderson

Joshua "Josh" Anderson, portrayed by Jeremy Angerson, first appeared on 5 February 1990. He arrives in Erinsborough when his father takes over a local newsagency. Angerson was cast to reinforce the male presence following several key actor departures. Josh is characterized as amiable, academically talented, and particularly skilled in chemistry. He formed part of the central teenage group alongside characters like 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 to take on the role and described securing the part as a significant break. Ryan is the protective older sibling of Tiffany McLachlan and comes to Ramsay Street to live with their aunt, Dorothy Burke. Norton remained with the show for one year before departing to join the rival soap Home and Away. His exit storyline involved enlisting in the military.

Lord Ledgerwood

Lord Ledgerwood, played by Derek Nimmo, appeared briefly beginning 26 February 1990. Nimmo’s casting was revealed in December 1989; he filmed guest scenes on location at Lyme Park, Cheshire, alongside Anne Charleston and Ian Smith. Nimmo described his character as an "archetypal silly Pom," designed to amuse Australian viewers. The eccentric nobleman’s plot centered around Rosemary Daniels and involved negotiating a business deal at his estate. His final episode aired on 27 February 1990.

Dorothy Burke

Dorothy Burke (formerly McLachlan), portrayed by Maggie Dence, debuted on 7 March 1990. Dence was invited by Grundy while performing in theatre to join the series. Dorothy’s storylines blended elements of comedy and drama. She resided on Ramsay Street with her niece Tiffany and nephew Ryan McLachlan. In 1993, she developed a romantic relationship with Tom Merrick, a school inspector, which led to her departure alongside him.

Eddie Buckingham

Edward "Eddie" Buckingham, portrayed by Bob La Castra, made his debut on 2 April 1990. La Castra developed the character himself after encountering difficulties in casting because of his ethnic heritage, submitting a video audition. Eddie's storyline concluded in October 1990 as the producers shifted their focus toward family-centered narratives; his final appearance was on 28 September 1990.

Boof

Gary "Boof" Head, played by Stephen Hall, first appeared on 19 April 1990. Introduced amid a bicycle race, Boof caused disturbances among local teenagers and engaged in criminal acts, including breaking into a car crushing facility alongside Todd Landers. This led to Boof's arrest and placement in juvenile detention, whereas Todd received a good behavior bond. Upon returning, Boof intimidated residents such as Toby Mangel into committing theft and even kidnapped Toby's dog, Bouncer, to exert pressure. The Alessi brothers orchestrated a rescue operation for Bouncer and obtained Boof’s confession, resulting in his re-arrest.

Several months later, Boof reemerged as a member of "The Peace Patrol," a neighborhood watch group that staged a fabricated robbery for publicity involving reporter Cameron Hudson.

Gemma Ramsay

Gemma Ramsay, enacted by Beth Buchanan, arrived on screen on 20 June 1990. Early in 1990, producers secured Buchanan with a six-month contract that included an option for extension. Gemma relocates to Erinsborough to live with Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston) following her mother’s passing. Described as "carefree and independent," she favors enjoyment over academics but is intelligent and capable of much more.

Doug Willis

Douglas "Doug" Willis, brought to life by Terence Donovan, first appeared on 18 July 1990. After his stint on Home and Away, Donovan joined Neighbours portraying Doug Willis, the head of the newly introduced Willis family and spouse to Pam (Sue Jones). Donovan accepted the role partly due to the family-oriented focus of the storyline. Doug’s character explored issues such as depression and Alzheimer's disease. His daughter-in-law Therese Willis was introduced in 2013, sharing storylines with Doug until his character passed away in 2016.

Pam Willis

Pamela "Pam" Willis (née Beresford), portrayed by Sue Jones, made her first appearance on 6 August 1990. As a qualified nurse, Pam arrives as a full-time mother to four children: Adam, Gaby, Brad, and Cody. She is married to Doug Willis (Terence Donovan). One of her notable storylines involved being accused of murdering her patient, Garth Kirby.

Adam Willis

Adam Willis, played by Ian Williams, debuted on 9 August 1990. Williams was cast earlier that year without complete details about the character since the writers were still shaping the story arcs. At the time, he was working on another Grundy production, Bony, and began filming for Neighbours after completing that project. Williams was attracted to the role due to its versatility and Adam’s humorous side, although he found the character’s innocence somewhat less engaging. Adam’s storylines 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 an environmental campaigner and longtime companion of Kerry Bishop. Her introduction coincided with Linda Hartley-Clark’s departure from the show. Amber’s reappearance leads Kerry to reconsider her married life with Joe Mangel. She motivates Kerry to resume her activism, particularly by protesting a duck hunting season in the nearby wetlands. Despite Joe’s disapproval, Kerry joins Amber in the demonstration, which tragically culminates in Kerry being fatally shot by a hunter.

Amber’s advocacy also extends to trying to educate Joe’s son Toby about the realities of the meat industry, creating friction with both Kerry and Joe. Following Kerry’s passing, Joe holds Amber responsible and excludes her from the funeral service; however, Amber eventually delivers a eulogy celebrating the happiness Kerry experienced during her marriage before leaving Erinsborough.

Glen Donnelly

Glen Donnelly, played by Richard Huggett, first appeared on 7 December 1990. Huggett joined Neighbours after a regular role on the competing soap E Street. Glen is depicted as "self-reliant, resilient, and mature beyond his years." His most significant plot involved an incestuous relationship with his half-sister Lucy (Melissa Bell), marking the soap’s inaugural storyline addressing incest.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Details
26 January	Rick	Paul Cannon	Dates Sharon Davies, but Sharon's sister Bronwyn admonishes them for being too forward with kissing.
26 January	Julie Cabot	Roberta Connelly	Social worker arriving to arrange care for Rhys Turner.
1 February 1990–16 April 1991	Alan Stewart	James Patrick	Detective who mistakenly arrests Joe Mangel and later tries to rescue Christina Alessi following a kidnapping.
8–9 February	Barry Dwyer	Chris Waters	Revealed as Matt Robinson's father; offers to connect but unaware that Hilary is pregnant.
8 February	Lisa	Jodie Wright	Schoolmate of Sharon Davies, ostracizes her due to her frequent dating.
12 February	Karl	Uncredited	Called a derogatory name by Sharon Davies after refusing to take her to a party.
15 February–29 May	Natasha Kovac	Courtney Compagnino	Rival classmate of Tiffany McLachlan, known for their disputes during a school play.
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. Disapproves of her father’s fiancée Melanie Pearson but later accepts her; Melanie eventually cancels the wedding.
22 March–25 May	Ewan O'Brien	Peter Sumner	Former acquaintance of Beverly Marshall, causing strain with her husband Jim Robinson; proposes but is declined due to Beverly's pregnancy.
22 March	Keith	Paul Flaherty	Discusses Beverly Marshall alongside friend Ewan O'Brien.
3 April	Andrea	Bridie Carter	Dates Kelvin Stubbs; causes breakup between Kelvin and Melanie Pearson.
18–20 April	Lester Cooper	Roy Baldwin	Upset about a bike race in a national park; sets a tripwire that injures Todd Landers.
30 April–28 August	Mr. Denning	Paul Dawber	Teacher at Erinsborough High who welcomes new principal Dorothy Burke; wrongfully accuses Todd Landers of assault.
Other minor characters include Nurse Radcliffe; Derek Wilcox; Dawn and Rowena from the women's refuge; Quentin Becker, marriage counselor; Diane Beaumont; Mr Vasiliou, employer at Parkside Pacific; friends of Melanie Pearson such as Leonie, Janelle, Babs, Thommo; Constable Wiler; Candice Hopkins, employee at Paul Robinson's firm; Phillip and Jenny Arnel with their newborn Nicole; Felicity Brent, local councillor opposing retirement village plans; Ken, security guard at Lassiter's; Neil, salesman rivaling Kerry Bishop; Rosie the dog companion to Bouncer; Clarrie McLachlan, retired professor and Dorothy Burke’s father; Tracey Dawson adopted by Rosemary Daniels; Steve and Pat, local workers; Bullett, bike rider companion to Josh Anderson and Todd Landers; Roger Walsh, Melanie Pearson’s love interest causing family tension; Whacker, debt collector for Joe Mangel; Annabelle Deacon, student linked to Ryan McLachlan; Heather Barrett, play centre worker enrolling Sky Mangel; Debbie Langford, school counselor involved in conflicts; Karen Hollis involved in child abuse allegations against Beverly Marshall; Sam and Barry from Alcoholics Anonymous who meet Clarrie McLachlan and Helen Daniels; Debbie Norton, romantic interest of Matt Robinson causing jealousy; Eric Jensen, biological father of Sky Mangel engaged in custody disputes with wife Sandy Jensen who later relocates to New Zealand with Eric; Michael and Megan protesters against duck poaching connected to Kerry Bishop’s death caused by poacher John Swan who later returns with son Ryan Swan creating family strife; Doctor Byrnes informing the Bishop family of Kerry’s death; Isabella Lopez, Paul Robinson’s fiancée involved in deception regarding family poverty claims leading to breakup; John Brice and John A from dating agency matching Dorothy Burke resulting in proposal rejection due to estranged marriage status; Aidan Devlin, ex-boyfriend of Gemma Ramsay causing rivalry with Matt Robinson; Sandy Jensen involved in custody battle over Sky Mangel before moving away post-conflict; Lynn Bianca and Jessie school friends attending slumber party prank leading to mistaken prowler arrest involving Doug Willis; Anthony Reeves social worker checking on Sky Mangel's care by Joe Mangel; Bob pub customer interacting with Madge Bishop; Mick Gilbert and George Muscara involved in "Phantom Kisser" mystery solved as Justin Freedman responsible; Vera Carmichael hired assistant at Coffee Shop filing harassment suit against Harold Bishop which is dropped leading Harold Bishop to reconsider her employment. Ben Nicolls friend encouraging shoplifting influencing Toby Mangel; Dr Morgan treating Matt Robinson after accident; Dr Barclay surgeon caring for Gemma Ramsay post-surgery.

References

Bibliography

External links

• Official AU Neighbours site: Characters and cast
• Full cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database