Britney Barnes
Evelyn Farlow | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Mother of Levi Canning (character) |
| Years active | 2021 (brief role) |
| Known for | Character on Neighbours |
Curtis Perkins
Curtis Perkins, brought to life by Nathan Borg, made his first appearance on 28 January 2021. Borg's casting, announced on 3 December 2020, was notable for being the first Australian television role filled by an actor with a cochlear implant. Highlighting the significance of disability representation in media, Borg stressed its importance. Curtis is introduced as a newly certified mathematics and physics educator at Erinsborough High, joining under the mentorship of Susan Kennedy and Jane Harris. His personality blends a relaxed demeanor with strong resilience and independence that transcends his hearing impairment. Originally signed for an eight-week stint, Borg’s engagement was prolonged following favorable audience response.
Within his narrative arc, Curtis spearheads a vocational initiative involving students Hendrix Greyson and Brent Colefax, reflecting his hands-on educational style. He also embarks on a romantic involvement with Jesse Porter, which encounters difficulties due to Jesse’s conflicting priorities and trust challenges. Additionally, Curtis's familial ties include being Vera Punt’s nephew, enriching his character background.
Significant storylines see Curtis addressing student welfare issues, managing workplace interactions with Jane Harris regarding the vocational program, and coping with an assault that damages his cochlear implant. He also counsels Brent Colefax on alternative futures, recommending the Australian Defence Force as a constructive path to avoid legal consequences.
Curtis exhibits leadership by overseeing Year 13 classes during Jane’s absence and tackling behavioral problems among pupils such as Zara Selwyn. His contributions extend to facilitating homeschooling transitions and engaging in community activities, underscoring his essential role at Erinsborough High and within the broader narrative.
Jesse Porter
Jesse Porter, portrayed by Cameron Robbie, entered the series on 19 March 2021. Robbie, sibling to Margot Robbie, secured the role through auditions and commenced filming in late 2020. Jesse is depicted as a lifeguard taking on a summer position at Lassiter's Hotel while contemplating his future career direction. Originating from an affluent family background, Jesse aims to break free from parental expectations. Robbie described him as "fun-loving," with a storyline filled with unexpected developments.
Several months post-introduction, it was unveiled that Jesse has connections to the Quill family—owners of a competing hotel chain—and was secretly assisting their agenda against Lassiters. Robbie highlighted this gradual revelation added complexity to Jesse’s character by exploring his internal struggles and sense of duty despite conflicting intentions.
Jesse serves as both bartender and ceremonial lifeguard at The Flamingo Bar near Lassiter's Lake, supporting colleagues including Roxy Willis and Sheila Canning in promotional efforts and daily operations. He champions Roxy’s bid for bar manager and aids in creating a volleyball court to enhance venue attractiveness. Additionally, Jesse organizes community events like a picnic celebrating Harlow Robinson’s new executive assistant role and participates in contests that foster local engagement.
On the professional front, Jesse seeks guidance from Paul Robinson while managing intricate personal relationships—such as a staged romance with Harlow designed to deter Paul's interference—and maintains a brief romantic connection with Curtis Perkins. His covert activities for the Quill Group intensify as he collects competitive intelligence but struggle with divided loyalties and familial pressures.
After Terese Willis uncovers Jesse’s true allegiance and espionage role, she ends his employment but later offers support when he faces rejection from his step-siblings. Terese initially invests in the hotel before withdrawing and subsequently mentors Jesse within Lassiters. He becomes instrumental during staff strikes by acting as an intermediary between management and employees.
Jesse’s rapport with Terese deepens amid disclosures about her late son Josh Willis, forging a personal link to her family history. With Terese’s encouragement, he visits his mother Julie Quill in prison while navigating strained relationships with Paul Robinson over business matters involving the Quill Group.
Following concerns voiced by David Tanaka about Jesse's association with Terese, he resigns from Lassiters and relocates to Sydney but returns briefly for resolution before departing once more.
Sheila Canning
Sheila Canning, brought to life by Shareena Clanton, made her first appearance on 7 April 2021. Clanton's involvement was revealed on 29 March 2021, with filming spanning from October 2020 through March 2021. This character shares her name with the established Sheila Canning, portrayed by Colette Mann, which sparked a narrative centered around mistaken identity and postal confusion. Known for her role in Wentworth, Clanton faced accusations of racism and misogyny during production, leading to her decision not to return. Critics lauded her impactful guest role.
Upon arriving in Erinsborough, Sheila visits The Hive, a shared arts workspace, where she encounters Ned Willis (Ben Hall). She is introduced as a prospective purchaser of The Hive, which is owned by Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). After uncovering mail mix-ups with the other Sheila, the two meet and clear up the misunderstanding. Paul reveals his motivation for selling The Hive is his exit from real estate. Sheila learns about Ned’s success as an artist and initially withdraws her offer after seeing sensitive financial information. Nevertheless, moved by Ned’s dedication, she renegotiates a reduced price and contemplates transforming The Hive into an open art venue involving Ned.
Sheila conducts background checks on Ned through her assistant and attends social gatherings featuring characters like Bea Nilsson and Levi Canning. Discovery of a file about Ned at a garage creates friction, but trust is eventually restored. Sheila posts a negative online review of the garage, which leads to Bea’s termination. Emotional over collaborating with Ned on painting, Sheila shares personal grief about her grandmother’s passing and difficulties caused by border closures.
Following a leak of financial details, Sheila decides to purchase The Hive at full value to safeguard Paul’s interests. Ned unveils a new gallery name and logo, and their deepening relationship culminates in an intimate moment followed by awkwardness during a local volleyball match. Ned admits his feelings but later resigns from the gallery, prompting Sheila to plan a trip to Perth to address family matters.
Before departing Erinsborough, Sheila advises Bea regarding her relationship with Levi, urging honesty that results in their breakup. Sheila offers to buy Bea’s car for a road trip and encourages Ned to be truthful with his girlfriend Yashvi Rebecchi. Ultimately, she opts to abandon the gallery project. After apologizing for earlier accusations linked to Bea and Levi’s split, Sheila leaves Ramsay Street accompanied by Bea.
Abigail Tanaka
Abigail Tanaka, played by Nikita Kato, is the daughter of Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) and Britney Barnes (Montana Cox), making her debut on 10 August 2021. Previously portrayed by Mary Finn, Axelle Austin, and Juliet Basaraba, Abigail was introduced through a storyline involving a baby swap with surrogate Nicolette Stone (Charlotte Chimes), who absconds with the unborn child of David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson). Initially believed to be David and Aaron’s daughter Isla Tanaka-Brennan, Abigail is in fact Leo and Britney’s child. This plot was crafted to keep Leo anchored in Erinsborough. During her first month on screen, she was credited as "Isla Tanaka-Brennan" before changing to "Abigail Tanaka" after the truth was revealed. After Austin’s departure, Basaraba took over in 2022; Nikita Kato assumed the role in the 2023 revival.
Nicolette entrusts Abigail to Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), claiming she is his granddaughter Isla. Paul then places Abigail with David and Aaron, who believe she is their child. At the hospital, Abigail receives an anemia diagnosis and meets key figures including Leo Tanaka and members of the Robinson family. Britney briefly kidnaps Abigail during a film festival event, exposing her true parentage as Leo and Britney’s daughter. Britney recounts their past relationship in New York City and reveals her battle with post-natal depression that led Nicolette to take Abigail to Paul.
Once the truth emerges, Abigail returns to Leo and Britney’s care. The family relocates to Wollongong, but Abigail returns to Erinsborough for Christmas. During this visit, Britney dies protecting Abigail from a falling telegraph pole, leaving Leo as a single parent. When Abigail is hospitalized after an accident, Leo asks David and Aaron to care for her but ultimately retains custody following intervention from Chloe Brennan. Leo continues raising Abigail, including taking her along to a Ramsay Street party in July 2022.
Evelyn Farlow
Evelyn Farlow, brought to life by Paula Arundell, made her first appearance on 24 August 2021. Announced on 12 August 2021, Evelyn featured for roughly two weeks as the mother of established character Levi Canning (Richie Morris). Due to her traditional values, Levi keeps his polyamorous involvement with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton), who is also romantically linked to Ned Willis (Ben Hall), hidden during Evelyn’s visit.
Evelyn arrives on Ramsay Street to surprise Levi, presenting a belated birthday gift and staying briefly between employment contracts. She reconnects with Levi and his relatives, including grandmother Sheila Canning (Colette Mann), who comforts her regarding Levi’s birthday plans. Evelyn’s history includes tension with the Canning family stemming from her conservative background and previous disputes involving Levi’s stepmother, Jackie.
Throughout her visit, Evelyn and Sheila discuss Levi’s childhood struggles and familial conflicts. Evelyn admits feeling left out of family gatherings and reveals that earlier attempts to see Levi were hindered by feelings of shame. Sheila offers an apology for unintentionally excluding Evelyn.
At The Waterhole, Evelyn observes Amy and Ned together and voices doubts about their age difference. After encountering Amy and Ned once more, Evelyn confronts Levi upon learning about his relationship with Amy, information revealed by Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher). Though hesitant, Evelyn ultimately respects Levi’s independence.
Amy urges Evelyn to embrace Levi’s happiness despite the unconventional nature of his relationship. The trio shares a moment of mutual understanding, although Evelyn challenges Sheila over secrecy and motives concerning Levi and Amy. Before leaving, Evelyn states she will depart the following day but trusts Levi to make his own choices regarding his romantic life.
Britney Barnes
Britney Barnes, played by Montana Cox, debuted on 9 September 2021. Her casting was revealed on the show’s Instagram on 13 June 2021, marking Cox’s first acting role. She expressed enthusiasm about joining Neighbours and acknowledged the support from cast and crew in easing her entry into acting. Britney’s storyline revolves around her connection to David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson), as well as Abigail Tanaka (Mary Finn), who is actually Britney’s biological daughter.
Britney is introduced as deeply attached to Abigail, culminating in a dramatic baby abduction when she takes Isla, whom David and Aaron mistakenly believe is their child. It is later uncovered that Britney is Abigail’s mother and Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano), David’s brother, is the father. After departing in September, Britney and Abigail return for the Christmas episodes. Shortly after reuniting with Leo, Britney dies during a storm, leaving Leo to raise their daughter alone.
Britney first appears at Harold's Café watching David, Aaron, and Harlow Robinson caring for Isla. She follows them at Lassiter's complex and later breaks into 32 Ramsay Street carrying one of Isla's toys. Seizing a distraction during fireworks at a film festival, Britney kidnaps Isla. Constable Levi Canning locates her at the community center where she reveals the baby is hers.
Nicolette Stone returns with the real Isla and clarifies Britney’s pregnancy with Leo Tanaka’s child following their time in New York City. Britney had attended antenatal classes alongside Nicolette and suffered post-natal depression after giving birth in Canberra. She allowed Nicolette to hand over her baby to Paul Robinson, who mistakenly believed it was Nicolette’s child.
In hospital scenes, Britney meets David and Aaron after the truth emerges. She names her daughter Abigail but faces emotional challenges; Aaron hesitates before returning Abigail. Leo meets his daughter and discusses future plans with Britney, who confesses that relinquishing Abigail was her greatest regret. Terese Willis invites them to reside at 22 Ramsay Street as Britney and Leo navigate co-parenting amid disputes over childcare and living arrangements. Ultimately, they decide to relocate with Abigail to Wollongong near Britney’s family.
Britney returns for Christmas, apologizing for past actions and opting to extend her stay, potentially influenced by Leo. She proposes that Leo host a ladies' lunch at the winery to attract investors, though Vera Punt presents obstacles for the event. Nicolette encourages Britney’s reconciliation with Leo, who kisses her following Roxy and Kyle Canning’s wedding. During a pylon accident at The Flamingo Bar, Britney shields Abigail but sustains fatal injuries leading to her death.
Felicity Higgins
Felicity Higgins, played by Isabella Giovinazzo, made her first appearance on 6 October 2021, with the casting announcement revealed on 8 July 2021. Giovinazzo described her entry into the series as a warm welcome and indicated that Felicity would introduce "bold and intense drama to Ramsay Street." Felicity is introduced as a romantic interest for existing character Levi Canning (Richie Morris), who is engaged in a polyamorous relationship with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton) and Ned Willis (Ben Hall). To authentically portray the developing relationship, Giovinazzo collaborated with intimacy coach Eve Morey, portraying Felicity as "community-oriented," "kind," and "courageous," reflecting her profession as a firefighter. She depicted Felicity as someone who prefers exclusivity in romance, describing her as "the type for one partner at a time," seeking transparency and commitment.
Their initial encounter occurs at The Waterhole, where they connect over shared experiences in emergency services. Following several dates, Felicity discovers from Amy that Levi is simultaneously involved with her, revealing the polyamorous arrangement she was previously unaware of. Feeling betrayed, Felicity decides to end things with Levi.
Later, Ned encourages Felicity to rekindle her relationship with Levi in order to instigate a breakup between Levi and Amy. However, their efforts to manage this complicated situation—including uneasy encounters with Amy and a planned hotel stay—are thwarted when Amy uncovers their intentions. Felicity confesses the truth to Levi, who subsequently ends their relationship due to trust issues. Felicity expresses regret for the ensuing complications.
Wendy Rodwell
Wendy Rodwell, portrayed by Candice Leask, first appeared on 2 December 2021. Introduced as the spouse of Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will) during the Erinsborough Police Ball, Wendy and Andrew later become homeowners of 26 Ramsay Street. Alongside their daughter Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan), they were incorporated into the show's opening credits. Script producer Shane Isheev identified the Rodwells as an important new family addition, although plans for further children were halted following the show's cancellation. Wendy was characterized primarily as the community’s gossip, a trait inspired by Leask’s performance. She remained part of the cast until the 2022 finale and returned for the Neighbours reboot.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–11 January | Tally Rennick | Karrin Kose | Participates in illicit blackjack games at 24 Ramsay Street; linked to a gambling debt storyline involving Hendrix Greyson. |
| 5 January | Mary Barnett | Emily Goddard | Toadfish Rebecchi's inaugural Tinder date; owns a chocolate shop and is fond of knitting. |
| 6 January | Hugh Davis | Adam Waycott | Councillor and judge for Erinsborough's Best Dish contest; interacts with cafe proprietor Dipi Rebecchi. |
| 8–26 January | Jacinta Hay | Maurian Spearim | Councillor and competition adjudicator; discusses staff representation issues with Terese Willis following hospitalization. |
| 1–5 February | Mira Dhaliwal | Ashleyrose Gilham | Food safety official who orders The 82 to cease operations due to poisonous mushrooms; misreads Roxy Willis's motives. |
| 12 February | Rai Yan | Kevin Duong | Student at Erinsborough High who alerts Hendrix Greyson about leaked records. |
| 11 March | Khari Breen | Kulan Farah | University student providing Roxy Willis with information connected to an assault investigation. |
| 17 March | Linda Donaldson | Amelia Best | Aunt to Emmett Donaldson; debates his living arrangements between New Zealand and Australia. |
| 17 March–7 May 2021, 13 July 2022 | Holden Brice | Toby Derrick | Gang member involved in criminal acts impacting Brent Colefax and others; manipulated by Paul Robinson for hidden agendas; later betrays Paul. |
| 17 March–29 June | Prue | Uncredited (voice) | Pigeon adopted by Sheila Canning; causes minor disruptions at The 82 cafe. |
| 29 March | Rudy Johnson | Isaac Crawley | Entertainer mistakenly booked for a party event. |
| 4 June, 30 August | Prafulla Sahu | Ravi Chand | HR manager at Lassiter's Hotel involved in staff disputes and concerns over nepotism related to Harlow Robinson’s promotion. |
| 16–30 June | Mitch Foster | 'Kevin Hofbauer' | 'Gang member connected to Levi Canning’s past; participates in harassment and criminal activities leading to arrest.' |
| '16–30 June' | 'Nelson Ryker' | 'Rhys Mitchell' | 'Associate of Mitch Foster involved in gang-related offenses.' |
| '18 June–19 July' | 'Maya Velasco' | 'Christina O'Neill' | 'Pregnant attendee of antenatal classes planning single parenthood.' |
| '18 June' | 'Dara Kay' | 'Alexander Capper' | 'Facilitator of antenatal classes.' |
| '28 June' | 'Fifi Devenue' | 'Carly Daniels' | 'Date arranged by Amy Greenwood for Ned Willis.' |
| '30 June 2021, 16 March 2022, 27 March–14 November 2024' | 'Travis Kellog' | 'Liam McCarthy' | 'Paramedic responding to various emergencies including hospital transfers of key characters.' |
| '29 July–3 August' | 'Dr. Anna Buke' | 'Fiona Macleod' | 'Physician involved in storyline addressing restraining order against Melanie Pearson.' |
| '4 August' | 'Nora Ahmadi' | 'Jessica Lu' | 'University student sharing internship experiences relevant to ongoing plots.' |
| '10 August–' | 'Isla Tanaka-Brennan' | 'Axelle Austin / Mary Finn / Hana Abe-Tucker' | 'Child of Nicolette Stone, David Tanaka, and Aaron Brennan; central figure in custody disputes and family dynamics.' |
| '25 August' | 'Lorant Mathieson' | 'Ronn Kurtz' | 'Director of Shorts and Briefs Film Festival; congratulates Amy Greenwood on event organization.' |
| '6 September' | 'Justin Buke' | 'Mick O'Malley' | 'Spouse of Anna Buke; linked to past affair subplot involving Melanie Pearson.' |
| '9 September 2021, 5 January 2022, 30 May 2022' | 'Rebecca Wright' | 'Wallis Murphy-Munn' | 'Lassiter’s Hotel employee leading strike related to Harlow Robinson’s promotion.' |
| '13 September' | 'Kevin Irving' | 'Wally Elnour' | 'Bartender at The Flamingo Bar serving Harlow Robinson.' |
| '16 September–11 November' | 'Dr Cye Alavi' | 'Amir Rahimzadeh' | 'Physician managing testicular cancer cases concerning Hendrix Greyson and Kyle Canning.' |
| '27 September' | 'Dion Rivera' | 'PJ Van Gyen' | 'Bouncer at The Pavilion involved in conflicts with Hendrix Greyson.' |
| '5 October' | 'Greg Cantor' | 'Tony Barea' | "Owner of Lanzini's restaurant offering work experience placements." |
| "25 October" | "Juliana Ayres" | "Chelsea Gibb" | "Attorney representing David Tanaka and Aaron Brennan in custody proceedings regarding Isla Tanaka-Brennan." |
| "25 October 2021, 8 March 2022" | "Pia Nash" | "Sarah Melody Hallam" | "Lawyer collaborating with Juliana Ayres on custody issues." |
| "1 November" | "Betty De Silva" | "Priscilla Castel" | "Photographer contracted for family portraits including Isla Tanaka-Brennan and relatives." |
| "10 November" | "Seth Okaine" | "Noah Janssen" | "Customer at The Flamingo Bar involved in a complaint concerning drinks." |
| "17 November" | "Will Attles" | "Charlie Mycroft" | "Facilitator of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings attended by Glen Donnelly and Terese Willis." |
| "18 November" | "Tilda" | "Natalie Lynch (voice)" | "Lassiter's employee reporting on lost wedding ring." |
| "30 November 2021, 6 January 2022, 23 February 2022" | "Scott Triffett" | "Steven Oktaras" | "Delivery driver handling parcels for Ramsay Street residents including Hendrix Greyson." |
| "1 December" | "Const. Robert Dolby" | "Brett Pearce" | "Police officer commenting on Levi Canning’s polyamorous relationship." |
| "2 December" | "Const. Reuben Elliot" | "Lee Jankowski" | "Police officer attending Erinsborough Police Ball; involved in dispute over polyamorous relationship." |
External links
- Complete cast and characters on the Official Neighbours site
- Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database