David Bishop (Neighbours)
David Bishop | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Financial adviser |
| Years active | 1988, 2003–2005 |
| Known for | Neighbours |
David Bishop is a fictional persona featured in the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, portrayed by actor Kevin Harrington. His initial appearance occurred on 11 May 1988, coinciding with the wedding of his father Harold (Ian Smith) to Madge Ramsay (Anne Charleston). David reemerged on screen in October 2003 alongside his wife Liljana (Marcella Russo) and daughter Serena (Lara Sacher). The Bishop family was written out in May 2005, with David's final scene airing on 25 October 2005.
Initial tenure
Kevin Harrington first took on the role of David in 1988.[1] David was introduced as the son of the established character Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) and came to Erinsborough specifically for his father's nuptials with Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston).[2] Following the wedding, David remained in the area and pursued a romantic interest in Jane Harris (Annie Jones).Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Harrington characterized David as a "miniature version of Harold," pointing out their similar traits, including wearing glasses akin to Harold’s during his debut.[3]
Jason Herbison from Inside Soap observed that David was notably absent from several critical story arcs involving Harold, such as his disappearance, memory loss, and Madge's passing.[2] Harrington humorously speculated that David was probably residing in Perth during those events, which accounted for his absence from Ramsay Street.[2]
Return to the series
On 15 May 2003, Kylie Miller of The Age announced Kevin Harrington’s comeback to Neighbours after a 15-year hiatus, with filming scheduled shortly thereafter.<ref> Miller later confirmed that these scenes were set to broadcast in October 2003.<ref> Initially interested only in guest appearances, Harrington accepted a three-year contract in 2003 to settle permanently in Melbourne where the show is produced.<ref> He remarked, "This opportunity came at precisely the right moment: steady employment on a weekly basis and the chance to be home with my family."<ref>
Within the storyline, David relocates to Erinsborough accompanied by his wife Liljana Bishop (Marcella Russo) and daughter Serena Bishop (Lara Sacher) to establish a financial advisory firm, temporarily residing with Harold while preparing their own residence.<ref> Harrington described David as somewhat "naive and accident-prone," with his daughter skillfully manipulating him.<ref> While he enjoyed reprising the role, adjusting to memorizing lines daily remained challenging.<ref> Eleanor Sprawson from The Advertiser noted Harrington’s physical likeness to Ian Smith (Harold) and observed his evident enjoyment of the character.<ref>
The relationship between David and Harold begins under tension; David harbors resentment over Harold’s preferential treatment of other children, while Harold disapproves of David’s materialistic tendencies.<ref> Liljana often mediates between the two strong-willed men.<ref> Harrington sought to preserve continuity from his original portrayal while allowing David to develop a distinct persona.<ref> Sprawson described David as an "anti-Harold" figure through his business-oriented behavior.<ref>
Shortly after their arrival, David confides financial difficulties to Liljana and Serena.<ref> Russo explained that Liljana had been unaware and believed their financial status was stable.<ref> When Liljana and Serena discover David’s office shuttered, he admits that their business collapsed after a partner absconded with funds.<ref> As a result, Serena withdraws from private schooling and the family endures economic hardship.<ref>
Exit
In May 2005, it was revealed that Harrington, Russo, and Marisa Warrington (portraying Sindi Watts) were written out to accommodate new cast members following contract expirations.<ref> Soon after, Lara Sacher also left amid an "extremely dramatic storyline" centered on the Bishop family planned for October.<ref> Script producer Luke Devenish commented that all three Bishops would depart simultaneously in one of the most shocking plotlines of the year; however, their return remained a possibility despite this dramatic exit.<ref>
1988
David is introduced as the eldest son of Harold and Mavis Bishop, sharing both physical stature and values with his father. During a brief visit back to Erinsborough, he participates as best man at Harold's stag party and wedding. Initially skeptical of Madge Ramsay, he eventually embraces her as family. David attempts to court Jane Harris but faces rejection. After an unsuccessful date with Prue Watkins, he returns to Adelaide.
Subsequently relocating to Perth, David marries Liljana Ristic and they have a daughter named Serena. In 1991, he comes back upon hearing about Harold’s disappearance. Five years later when Harold is found alive, tensions between father and son persist.
2003–2005
Fifteen years on, David brings his family to Erinsborough for employment alongside an old school friend. They temporarily live with Harold despite underlying estrangement.
David faces financial collapse when his business partner absconds with funds. He conceals this from Liljana until repossession of their car forces disclosure. Both spouses secure local jobs.
The arrival of Liljana’s mother Svetlanka intensifies family tensions further complicated by Serena’s involvement with a predatory photographer. The revelation that Liljana had a lost son named Luka adds more complexity.
David supports his niece Sky Mangel as she confronts her mother’s shooter while managing marital strain caused by mutual suspicions of infidelity.
Following Liljana’s liver failure and recovery aided by Luka—who later leaves after causing trouble—David runs for local council backed by Paul Robinson but is later framed for fraud by Paul. Although legally exonerated, this damages his marriage.
David uncovers an affair between Paul and Liljana; after confronting Paul resulting in Paul being hospitalized due to injury sustained during their altercation, David eventually reconciles with Liljana despite ongoing harassment from Paul.
Winning $250,000 in a lottery draw, David donates the entire sum to the Salvation Army.
During a celebratory joyflight marking Lassiter’s anniversary, a bomb causes the plane to crash; David's body is recovered while Liljana and Serena remain missing. A memorial service is held attended only by Harold and Sky.
Reception
Eleanor Sprawson lauded casting Harrington as Harold’s son as "casting genius," emphasizing their striking resemblance.<ref> The BBC identified David’s concealment of financial problems as one of his most memorable moments.<ref> Brian Courtis from The Age described him as "Harold's hapless offspring."<ref> Ausculture placed him eighth among Top Ten Australian Soap Villains due to various controversial storylines involving his daughter Serena.<ref> In 2015, Herald Sun included David’s death among "Neighbours' 30 most unforgettable moments."<ref>
External links
- Pages with reference errors
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- Neighbours characters
- Fictional accountants
- Fictional murdered people
- Television characters introduced in 1988
- Australian male characters in soap operas
- Male villains
- Bishop family (Neighbours)