Clive West

Neighbours

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

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera that first premiered on 18 March 1985 and is currently broadcast on the digital channel Eleven. Below is a compilation of characters who were introduced throughout 2016, listed according to their initial appearance. Each new character was brought in under the guidance of executive producer Jason Herbison. The show's 32nd season commenced airing on 4 January 2016. January saw the arrival of Julie Quill and Xanthe Canning. In March, Jacka Hills was introduced. April added Jack Callahan, Ned Willis, and Madison Robinson to the cast. The month of May featured Angus Beaumont-Hannay, Walter Mitchell, and Mandy Franze. August brought in James Udagawa, while September introduced brothers David Tanaka and Leo Tanaka, alongside Xanthe's mother, Brooke Butler.

Julie Quill

Julie Quill, portrayed by Gail Easdale, made her first appearance on 12 January 2016. Easdale returned to acting after a hiatus and is married to Stefan Dennis, who plays Paul Robinson. Julie was cast as the new proprietor of Lassiter's Hotel and positioned as an antagonist to Paul. Easdale characterized her as a tough individual with a hidden gentler nature, navigating a predominantly male environment. It was later uncovered that Julie was behind the Lassiters Hotel explosion that resulted in the deaths of Josh Willis and Doug Willis, which led to her exit from the show in June 2016. The actress reprised this role on 8 September 2021, when Julie appears incarcerated and expresses regret for her previous deeds.

Julie arrives to conduct an assessment of Lassiter's following its acquisition by the Quill Group. She harbors resentment toward Paul Robinson due to a past failed relationship and initially declines Paul's nephew Daniel Robinson's application for a hotel position but eventually reconsiders and hires him. She confides in Terese Willis about the difficulties women face in the hotel business and announces plans for constructing a second hotel tower within the Lassiter's precinct. Julie attempts to sabotage Paul's efforts to secure the Erinsborough Citizen of the Year event by lobbying the council to relocate it; however, Paul's countermeasures result in his motel being selected as the venue.

She exerts pressure on her stepson Tom Quill to manipulate environmental assessments favorably for her tower development, disowning him when his dishonesty comes to light. After a boiler room blast devastates Lassiter's, Julie takes up residence with Terese and appoints Sarah Beaumont as hotel manager during Terese's absence. She accuses Paul of orchestrating the explosion and terminates Terese's employment upon discovering she financed a false alibi implicating Paul. At Lassiter's grand reopening, Julie is apprehended after John Doe recalls witnessing her conspiring to cause the blast. She receives a ten-year prison sentence. Five years later, her son Jesse Porter arrives at Lassiters seeking information aimed at rehabilitating 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 in November 2015, she is introduced as the granddaughter of Sheila Canning, half-sister to Kyle Canning, and daughter of Gary Canning. Colette Mann, who portrays Sheila, hinted that Xanthe’s arrival would spark a major new family storyline. Van der Meer characterized Xanthe as someone who injects "mischief, excitement, and trouble" into Ramsay Street, positioning her as a significant figure in future plots.

Jacka Hills

Jackson Derek "Jacka" Hills, portrayed by Brad McMurray, debuted on 7 March 2016 as an old acquaintance of Stephanie Scully. Marketed as the series’ "latest antagonist," Jacka was central to various storylines driven by crime and personal grudges. McMurray embraced the role, highlighting Jacka’s unpredictable nature and tendency to stir trouble.

Jacka’s narrative arcs included acts of vandalism at Robinsons Motel and involvement in the Lassiter's Hotel explosion masterminded by Julie Quill as part of an insurance fraud scheme, which led to his arrest. His relationships with local residents such as Ned Willis added complexity to his influence within the community. After serving time in prison, Jacka resurfaced seeking Steph’s assistance to investigate suspicions about his wife Regan Davis's infidelity. Following Regan’s fatal hot-air balloon crash caused by Jacka’s sabotage, he was apprehended and sentenced to eighteen years behind bars.

In 2022, script producer Shane Isheev confirmed plans for Jacka’s return; however, this was scrapped due to the show concluding. The intended plot involved a prison break triggered by an earthquake, promising further turmoil from this notorious villain.

Jack Callahan

Jack Callahan (also known as John Doe), played by Andrew Morley, first appeared on 4 April 2016. Morley’s casting was announced on 30 January 2016 after he auditioned while engaged in charity work in Cambodia. Filming commenced in December 2015. Initially introduced with a "mysterious past" and no connections to Erinsborough, Jack befriends Paige Smith (Olympia Valance). It is eventually revealed that he is a Catholic priest. Jack decides to stay in Erinsborough but faces challenges balancing his religious commitments with his relationship with Paige.

Ned Willis

Ned Willis, portrayed by Ben Hall, arrived on screen on 6 April 2016. His casting was announced on 11 March 2016 after being mentioned off-screen for several years. 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 seen together on screen. Residing with his grandparents in Darwin, Ned works as a tattoo artist and exhibits a complex, manipulative personality that fuels compelling storylines. After an initial guest appearance, Hall returned for a regular role beginning 20 June 2018.

Madison Robinson

Madison Robinson, played by Sarah Ellen, made her debut on 22 April 2016. Ellen’s casting was revealed in February 2016, with producers open to her becoming a permanent addition. Series producer Jason Herbison spoke about Madison’s introduction into the Neighbours world. She returned on 24 June and stayed until 27 September, with scenes filmed on the Gold Coast. Ellen also appeared in flashback sequences in 2019.

Madison is the offspring of iconic Neighbours characters Scott and Charlene Robinson. She arrives from Brisbane to check on her brother Daniel at their parents’ request. To prepare for the role, Ellen studied footage of her on-screen parents and noted Madison inherited their spirited and adventurous qualities. The character is portrayed as an aspiring journalist and fashionable teenager. After completing her guest stint, Ellen pursued opportunities in Hollywood and described Neighbours as excellent preparation.

Upon arriving at Number 24 Ramsay Street, Madison reconnects with Daniel and reveals her visit is prompted by his engagement to Imogen Willis. She supports their secret wedding plans, which eventually become a family celebration. Choosing to remain in Erinsborough, Madison meets her uncle Paul Robinson and expresses confidence in him despite his legal issues. She encourages Paul to continue gathering evidence before returning to Brisbane.

Following Paul’s imprisonment and eventual vindication, he manipulates events to secure Madison a cadetship at the West Waratah Star. Madison relocates to Erinsborough, abandoning university studies and a boyfriend. Under Paul’s influence, she writes feature articles that are later altered into personal attacks. Upon discovering this manipulation, Madison leaves Paul’s motel and moves in with Terese Willis, who hires her as an assistant after Madison is dismissed from the newspaper for refusing to write a contentious story involving her cousin Amy Williams.

Madison assists Terese with a bid for Lassiter's and travels to New York alongside her aunt Lucy Robinson to manage related paperwork. When singer Rhonda Riley arrives late for a performance at The Waterhole, Madison fills in and later performs again through Aaron Brennan’s arrangement. A misunderstanding results in her dismissal from The Waterhole when she is seen with Ben Kirk; however, they were collaborating on a song for Xanthe.

Lucy offers Madison an audition for a singing residency at Lassiter's Gold Coast. At SeaWorld, Madison reunites with former boyfriend Logan Dunne and resolves prior misunderstandings. Despite impressing judges during the audition and being offered the position, Madison contemplates relocating to California with Logan but ultimately chooses to stay on the Gold Coast with him.

Angus Beaumont-Hannay

Angus Beaumont-Hannay, played by Jai Waetford, made his debut on 2 May 2016. Waetford's involvement was revealed on 10 February 2016, with the character's identity initially kept confidential. Angus is introduced as the defiant son of Sarah Beaumont (portrayed by Nicola Charles), with Waetford contracted for a guest role. Producer Jason Herbison highlighted that Angus challenges limits, providing Waetford with an engaging and energetic part. After his initial appearance, Waetford returned to film scenes alongside the cast on the Gold Coast.

Following expulsion from boarding school, Angus arrives in Australia anticipating a holiday with his mother Sarah; however, she leaves him in the care of friends Karl Kennedy and Susan Kennedy in Erinsborough. He soon comes into conflict with Ben Kirk, sparking a series of disputes including allegations of vandalism and theft. Angus briefly dates Xanthe Canning, but ends the relationship after recognizing their differences.

Throughout his time at school, Angus is involved in various incidents such as graffiti and triggering fire alarms. He also faces financial difficulties connected to Xanthe and Ben’s debt to Tom Quill. Upon learning from Xanthe about his mother’s cancer diagnosis, Angus runs away with money earned from busking. Once found and returned home, he consents to accompany Sarah to Germany for her treatment.

Later residing on the Gold Coast with his father, Angus reconnects with Ben and Xanthe. Motivated by Susan, he returns to Erinsborough and enrolls in music school after leaving high school. He develops feelings for Susan’s niece Elly Conway, resulting in a complex and contentious relationship. After kissing an intoxicated Elly, Susan reports him to authorities. Angus faces assault allegations but apologizes and ultimately avoids charges when Elly decides not to proceed legally. Subsequently, his father takes him to Sydney.

This narrative traces Angus’s tumultuous path through family struggles, school conflicts, and budding musical pursuits, illustrating themes of adolescent rebellion and maturation within the commercial framework of talent cultivation and viewer engagement.

Walter Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, portrayed by Greg Stone, first appeared on 13 May 2016. Introduced as the estranged uncle of Sonya Rebecchi, Walter’s storyline reveals that he is actually Sonya’s biological father, a secret linked to the fatal car accident that claimed her parents’ lives. Walter also has a fourteen-year-old daughter, Zoe, who battles leukaemia and requires a bone marrow transplant; this prompts Walter to ask Sonya to undergo testing as a potential donor.

Walter arrives in Erinsborough claiming he is sober but misappropriates funds intended for rehabilitation. He stays at Stephanie Scully’s motel and initially conceals his identity from Sonya, who later uncovers the truth through Toadie Rebecchi. Walter briefly dates Terese Willis before Sonya learns about his connection to her family tragedy and his paternity. Despite initial rejection, Sonya supports Walter through his addiction struggles and permits him to move in.

The request for a bone marrow donation causes tension when Sonya’s daughter Nell is identified as a match and Walter takes Nell to hospital without consent. After apologizing for this breach, Walter leaves with Zoe for the United States when Sonya’s son Callum becomes the donor match. In 2018, following Zoe’s cancer relapse and Walter’s return to alcoholism, Sonya travels to America to assist him as he recommences Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

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

Mandy Franze

Mandy Franze, portrayed by Kristy Best, made her first appearance on 26 May 2016. Introduced as the enigmatic former partner of John Doe, played by Andrew Morley, Mandy emerges as a romantic competitor to Paige Smith. She insists that she and John—whose real identity she claims is Jason Jones—are in a relationship and cohabitating. Although Paige remains doubtful, John initially interacts with Mandy until she inadvertently reveals errors in her story, such as incorrectly stating he enjoys pineapple despite his allergy, which exposes her dishonesty. Before departing, Mandy confesses that she met John on the day of the Lassiter's explosion but admits to knowing little beyond that encounter.

James Udagawa

James Udagawa, enacted by Samuel David Humphrey, appeared for the first time on 3 August 2016. Characterized as a "corporate prodigy" and sharp-minded entrepreneur, James was introduced to assist in resolving Lassiter's Hotel's financial troubles and oversee Terese Willis's management. Humphrey, who has acrodysostosis, was initially considered for a background role before being offered this significant character.

James arrives at Lassiter's under the guise of a guest to conduct a financial review on behalf of his family's investment firm. He requests comprehensive financial statements, supplier agreements, and future forecasts to evaluate the hotel's performance. Subsequently, he analyzes The Waterhole's quarterly figures and addresses concerns regarding hidden cameras in guest rooms, which are clarified as part of a school media project.

He applies pressure on Terese to develop plans aimed at boosting stagnant revenues and reveals internal family strife: his sister Jasmine intends to take control of their family enterprise following their grandfather’s passing. Jasmine persuades their grandfather to transfer James away, prompting James to caution Terese to be wary of Jasmine’s intentions.

David Tanaka

David Tanaka, portrayed by Takaya Honda, debuted on 21 September 2016. His casting was announced alongside Tim Kano (Leo Tanaka) on 22 August 2016. Honda expressed enthusiasm about joining the series and learning from experienced Australian actors. David is depicted as a socially aware physician arriving in Erinsborough with his twin brother to uncover "a family mystery".

Leo Tanaka

Leo Tanaka, played by Tim Kano, first appeared on 22 September 2016. Announced simultaneously with his twin David, Kano described Leo as an entertaining, cheeky opportunist with a kind heart who holds respect for his brother. The twins arrive in Erinsborough with the goal of resolving a family enigma.

Brooke Butler

Brooke Butler, played by Fifi Box, made her debut on 28 September 2016. Her casting was revealed on 18 July 2016, with Box promptly commencing filming. Executive producer Jason Herbison commended her audition, highlighting her suitability for the "Gold Coast chic" persona. Brooke is introduced as the estranged mother of Xanthe Canning and former partner of Gary Canning. Network Ten’s Claire Tonkin described Brooke as an opportunistic and flighty figure who leverages her appearance and adds vibrant energy to the show. Brooke returned in 2017 to continue her storyline.

Brooke arrives in Erinsborough seeking to reconnect with Xanthe and mend relationships with Gary and his mother Sheila Canning. She presents herself as running a jewellery business but faces skepticism regarding both her intentions and the authenticity of her enterprise. During a jewellery party, she makes some sales but struggles with debts owed to Mack Sweetin, which leads to conflicts involving counterfeit jewellery and manipulation within family dynamics.

Although Brooke reconciles with Gary, her financial difficulties intensify; she manipulates Sheila into hospitalization to gain sympathy and borrows money under false pretenses. After settling a debt for an ex-boyfriend, Brooke confesses the jewellery scam to her family before abruptly leaving town.

She later returns seeking employment but encounters obstacles due to Sheila’s interference. Terese offers Brooke a trial managing Lassiter’s Day Spa and arranges a date with Paul Robinson. Brooke and Gary plan for her to meet her other daughter Jesse during a trip to Malaysia; however, when Gary becomes engaged to Terese, Brooke opts to travel alone to Malaysia with financial support from Sheila.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Situation
4 January	Dr Lee	Marty Rhone	Dr Lee performs a delicate spinal operation on Toadfish Rebecchi to extract a bullet. The procedure faces disruption when Toadie's spouse, Sonya, unexpectedly intervenes.
5–15 January	Warren Stacks	Michael Shanahan	Mistaking Paige Smith for Michelle Kim, Warren takes her hostage. After Paige manages to flee, Warren unintentionally strikes her with his vehicle. He later clarifies the situation to Michelle and Dennis Dimato, who intends to take action against him.
7 January	Rochelle Neve	Carmen Warrington	Stanley Neve's wife, Rochelle, arrives in Erinsborough aiming to rekindle an affair with Lou Carpenter. Lou pretends to be in a relationship to discourage her, prompting Rochelle to depart.
15 January	Carla Watson	Gemma Bird Matheson	Carla issues a fine and seizes Kyle and Sheila Canning's dog Bossy following reports of it biting a child, despite Kyle's protests concerning the dog's health condition.
21 January–16 March, 30 May–6 June 2018	Philippa Hoyland	Wendy Bos	As Max Hoyland's third spouse, Philippa attempts to adopt Steph Scully's son Charlie. Their conflict involves mediation and worries about Steph's business connections. Philippa later compels Charlie to leave town but eventually consents to counseling with Max and permits Charlie to stay with Steph.
27 January	Amanda Tucker	Jennifer Rose	Amanda works as a beautician at Lassiter's Hotel, providing Karl Kennedy with a manicure during his visit.
2 February	Nigel Deme	Adam Dunning	Acting on behalf of the council, Nigel removes love locks from the bridge over Lassiter's Lake. Sonya Rebecchi and Karl Kennedy oppose the removal; subsequently, Nigel closes the bridge citing safety issues.
10 February	Lina Vella	Antonia Vekic	Lina oversees Tim Collins' mayoral campaign and confronts political rival Sonya Mitchell about her past, warning her to keep away from her family.
15 February	Amanda Fowke	Hannah Cliff	Amanda carries out a survey for the Quill Group and requests entry to Rebecchi Law offices. She informs Daniel Robinson about valuable items contained within boxes delivered that Julie Quill wishes to restrict access to.
	Delivery Guy	Russell Leonard	Responsible for delivering boxes to Lassiter's Hotel.
17 February	Trevor Lucas	David Rock	Trevor conducts a health inspection at Erins Burrow motel focusing on bedbug infestations during fumigation efforts.
18 February	Richard Pentecost	Akira Bradley	A journalist covering the 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 academic at Eden Hills University who engages with students Paige Smith and Imogen Willis; discusses Paige’s prospects of transferring universities.
22–24 February	Ainsley Gilzan	Emma Lucy Haughey	Ainsley purchases an exam paper from Xanthe Canning, resulting in suspension due to cheating allegations. Xanthe organizes a party for Ainsley that Sheila Canning ultimately interrupts.
25 February–21 March	Aurora Green	Chloe Ng	Aurora participates in Paige Smith’s protest opposing tree removal for drainage projects, flirts with Daniel Robinson, and suggests Imogen Willis may be polyamorous.
26 February–11 March	Cameron McPhee	Alexander Adams	Cameron steals flowers from bushes at Lassiter's Hotel on behalf of Paul Robinson. Paul supports Cameron but advises caution; Cameron later joins Brad Willis’s outreach initiative.
1 March	Michael Arnold	Des Fleming	Serves as mediator in adoption negotiations between Stephanie Scully and Philippa Hoyland; shares background history with Philippa prior to sessions.
	Nursery Staff	Melissa Hill	Nursery employee contacted by Paul Robinson regarding his grandson Jimmy Williams.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Situation

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Situation

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Situation

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Situation } External links Cast and characters on the official Neighbours site Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database