Dylan Timmins

Dylan Timmins
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	2005–2007, 2020
Known for	Character on Neighbours

Dylan Timmins is a made-up persona from the Australian television soap Neighbours, brought to life by actor Damien Bodie. His debut occurred on 3 February 2005, joining the extended Timmins clan connected to the established character Stingray Timmins (Ben Nicholas). Dylan is depicted as a rebellious "bad boy" with a penchant for unlawful activities, yet he displays unwavering dedication to his family. His challenging dynamic with his mother Janelle Timmins (Nell Feeney) underscores familial discord, while he also develops a mentor-mentee relationship with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).

Initially, Dylan's romantic plotline centered around Sky Mangel (Stephanie McIntosh), followed by an involvement with Elle Robinson (Pippa Black). A complicated storyline unfolded revealing Sky’s pregnancy with Dylan’s child, despite her original belief that Stingray was the father. Dylan was pivotal in a storyline involving a staged death, where his family was misled into thinking he had perished in a plane crash. Bodie exited the series in 2007 but made a comeback for Neighbours’ 35th anniversary episodes in March 2020.

Casting

Before landing the role of Dylan in 2005, Damien Bodie had previously appeared on Neighbours portraying Charlie Moyes (1996) and Liam Rigby (1999). Although initially uncertain about securing a long-term role due to his "pale and skinny" appearance, which contrasted with the show's typical "beachy" aesthetic, Bodie was eventually cast as a regular. He also expressed initial reservations about Dylan’s working-class "bogan" background, given his own Melbourne roots rather than rural origins.

Characterisation

Dylan is depicted as a rebellious youth emerging from a troubled family environment, seemingly destined for a life of crime. He possesses a strong sense of empathy for those disadvantaged and exhibits fierce loyalty to his relatives, which often results in his involvement in delinquency. Over time, he strives to improve himself by returning to education. Bodie described Dylan as "an outcast who needs a lot of help."

Introduction

Dylan entered the narrative as the third member of the Timmins family following his younger sibling Stingray Timmins (Ben Nicholas) and their mother Janelle Timmins (Nell Feeney). Prior to arriving, he had been incarcerated in juvenile detention for robbery and chose to visit Stingray in Erinsborough instead of going home. Bodie characterized him as "the black sheep of the family – definitely more of an outsider than Stingray." Janelle showed clear favoritism toward Stingray, intensifying friction between the brothers; Dylan frequently antagonized Stingray, who regarded him simply as an older brother who "bashed him up." Dylan’s envy also extended toward Stingray’s girlfriend Serena Bishop (Lara Sacher), with Bodie noting Dylan "will basically go after anything with two legs" and expressing surprise at Stingray's achievements. Although Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) invited Dylan to stay, Stingray remained suspicious of his intentions.

The writers emphasized Dylan’s fraught relationship with Janelle, who blamed him for many family problems and openly preferred Stingray. Bodie explained that despite his misdeeds, Dylan yearned deeply for his mother’s approval. Susan attempted to ease their disputes, recognizing the emotional pain Dylan endured. The tension peaked when Janelle accused Dylan of stealing an expensive birthday ring he had purchased for her, leading to a confrontation that unveiled unexpected facets of their relationship.

In terms of professional growth, Dylan became a protégé under Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), forming an unusual mentor-mentee alliance where Dylan filled the void left by an absent father figure and Paul sought redemption for neglecting his own children. Paul became involved with Affirmacon in a contentious land development project impacting Ramsay Street. Despite warnings from Dylan’s romantic interest Sky Mangel, portrayed by Stephanie McIntosh, Dylan remained steadfastly loyal to Paul, idolizing him and dismissing concerns raised. Additionally, Dylan saved Paul’s life after he was pushed off a cliff by associates linked to Affirmacon.

Connections with Sky Mangel and Elle Robinson

Dylan's initial major romantic plotline centered on Sky Mangel, which led to the end of her established relationship with Boyd Hoyland. At first, the couple of Dylan and Sky was met with disapproval, as many questioned Sky's decision to choose Dylan over Boyd despite the "intriguing path" their relationship took. Their romance commenced on-screen with a kiss occurring while Boyd was in a coma. Dylan's involvement arose from suspicions about secrets between Sky and Boyd, and his attraction to Sky was depicted as unusual, drawn by her hopeful and positive demeanor.

Following Sky's breakup with Boyd, Dylan pursued a reluctant Sky, who felt it was premature to start a new relationship. Dylan showed his support for her efforts to save birds endangered by toxic waste, even at personal health risk, which deepened their bond and officially marked the beginning of their relationship. After their separation—triggered by Sky’s affair with her art teacher Jean-Pierre Valasco—Dylan became involved with Paul's daughter, Elle Robinson. This new relationship encountered difficulties when Sky disclosed that she was expecting Dylan's child. While Dylan sought to remain faithful to Elle, he found the situation challenging, particularly as Sky concealed the baby's true paternity upon learning it was Stingray’s.

The storyline became more intricate as Dylan and Elle's union was portrayed as lacking genuine affection, while Dylan still harbored feelings for Sky. Elle, depicted as manipulative, feigned a terminal illness to retain Dylan’s attention, enlisting her father Paul’s assistance in the deception. Heartbroken yet manipulated, Dylan stayed with Elle until he uncovered the ruse and reunited with Sky, culminating in their engagement.

Embracing the prospect of fatherhood, Dylan viewed the baby as a positive influence in his life. However, when Sky revealed that Stingray was the biological father, Dylan responded emotionally and confronted Stingray about the strain on their brotherly relationship. The actors described these scenes as both demanding and fulfilling.

Dylan briefly rekindled his relationship with Elle, but Paul aimed to undermine their connection by encouraging Elle to pursue Oliver Barnes for financial gain. A holiday plan involving Ned Parker caused misunderstandings between Dylan and Carmella Cammeniti, resulting in Elle ending her relationship with Dylan and turning her attention toward Oliver.

Robbery and staged death

To coincide with the show's twentieth anniversary and the notable plane crash episode, producers devised a storyline involving Dylan faking his death. His adversary Roo Hausman kidnaps Stingray and forces Dylan into committing an armed robbery at a petrol station to secure Stingray's freedom. Roo ensures that only Dylan is implicated by handing over the robbery weapon directly to police authorities. Bodie described this event as "the breaking point" for Dylan, who believes imprisonment is inevitable. Unaware of these events, Sky remains uninformed while Dylan confides in Paul. Initially disowning him, Paul later formulates a plan to help Dylan escape by booking him on a joy flight to Tasmania where he intends to assist upon arrival. During this flight, an explosion causes the plane to crash into the Bass Strait.

Although Dylan survives the crash believing himself to be the only survivor, he washes ashore and decides to fake his own death in order to avoid jail time. There he meets Connor O'Neill (Patrick Harvey), who also opts for faking his demise. Bodie explained that Dylan is "devastated because he assumes Sky has died," leading them both to agree that remaining presumed dead is safer given their legal troubles.

Dylan’s family holds a memorial service accepting his passing. Meanwhile in Tasmania, Dylan and Connor face survival challenges while scavenging for food and come across a newspaper article revealing that Sky survived and Stingray confessed to the robbery. True to his loyal character, Dylan resolves to return home and admit his involvement so Stingray can be cleared. Bodie commented that Stingray’s confession "changes everything for Dylan," motivating him to "apologize sincerely and fully confess his role in the robbery." Upon returning to Erinsborough, Dylan interrupts his own funeral during his mother’s eulogy, shocking her deeply. The actor noted that Janelle’s initial relief quickly turned into anger; she embraced him before slapping him. Bodie added that "things will not be as straightforward as Dylan expects" due to ongoing investigations related to the robbery.

Both Dylan and Stingray are incarcerated; Paul attempts to secure their release by offering Roo money for a confession. However, Roo is apprehended and sent to the same prison as Dylan. Bodie remarked that Dylan "completely loses control when Roo arrives," blaming him for recent hardships. The prison storyline focuses on their adjustment period, highlighting Dylan’s care for Stingray who has ADHD.

Departure and return

In October 2006, news broke that Bodie would be exiting Neighbours. Prior to Dylan's departure, the death of Stingray ignites his frustration, motivating him to take control of his life by relocating away from Erinsborough. His final appearance was broadcast on 30 March 2007.

On 24 November 2019, Neighbours announced Bodie’s comeback for the series’ 35th anniversary episodes scheduled for March 2020. Dylan was among ten returning characters representing various periods of the show. Producer Jason Herbison expressed enthusiasm about this ensemble. Dylan made his return on 19 March, called back by his former partner Sky, with whom he shares three children. Initially suspecting Sky wanted to rekindle their relationship, he soon discovers she is marrying Lana Crawford and ultimately supports their union. Actress McIntosh highlighted the contemporary family dynamic they represent, focusing on cooperative parenting despite changes in their relationship.

Storylines

Upon arriving in Erinsborough, Dylan stands up to a man abusing a dog, earning admiration from Sky and Serena Bishop. He confides in Susan Kennedy that he has recently been released from juvenile detention. Though there is initial friction with his brother Stingray, Susan convinces Stingray to give Dylan another chance and arranges for him to enroll at Erinsborough High. Dylan quickly establishes influence, persuading Serena and Stingray to skip classes.

Dylan frequently rescues dogs from the local pound, prompting Susan to caution him about their precarious situation despite her appreciation when her dog Audrey is returned. He later moves in with Janelle Timmins and becomes a trusted assistant to Paul Robinson after impressing him in a business course. Dylan’s family, including sisters Janae and Bree Timmins, also settle on Ramsay Street.

During Sky’s difficult relationship with Boyd, Dylan shares a kiss with her. After an angry outburst where he causes damage at the Bishop household, Paul provides Dylan with an alibi. When his friend Roo involves him in a robbery scheme, Paul convinces Dylan to betray Roo instead. Following Sky’s breakup with Boyd, she and Dylan grow closer but keep their relationship platonic.

Dylan suffers poisoning while attempting to save animals from contaminated water at Lassiter’s Lake and discovers he is now susceptible to illnesses. With assistance from Paul and Sky, they thwart Affirmacon’s plan to purchase Ramsay Street for a shopping center development. After Paul is kidnapped and injured, Dylan forges his signature to authorize emergency medical treatment; though this angers Paul initially, it eventually earns his respect. Dylan and Sky begin dating.

For Lassiter’s 20th anniversary celebration, Dylan wins a contest with a 1940s-themed joy-flight concept. Roo kidnaps Stingray to coerce Dylan into robbing a service station; following the robbery, Roo anonymously tips off the police. A bomb explodes on the joy-flight over Bass Strait; Dylan survives but fakes his death and lives rough alongside Connor.

Dylan returns to clear Stingray’s name after his arrest connected to the robbery. Their father Kim also reappears. Both brothers are imprisoned but later released when Stuart Parker goes undercover during a riot and secures Roo’s confession. Dylan resumes his relationship with Sky.

Dylan launches "Dyl-Dogs," a mobile hot dog venture before becoming head chef at Lucinda's café. Robert Robinson frames him for food poisoning and theft, resulting in Paul dismissing him. After Sky admits an affair and pregnancy, Dylan ends their relationship but reconciles following Elle’s deception regarding illness. He proposes marriage to Sky.

Sky reveals the baby might not be Dylan's but instead Stingray’s child. In response, Dylan disowns Stingray and returns to Elle. After daughter Kerry is born, a DNA test confirms Dylan as the father. Paul schemes to separate Dylan and Elle by framing him for infidelity, successfully causing their breakup. When Kerry develops leukemia, Dylan blames Paul and assaults him; Stingray saves Kerry but dies due to an aneurysm.

Overcome by grief-fueled rage, Dylan kidnaps Paul and pushes him off a cliff but later helps him back up. Acknowledging his destructive anger issues, Dylan asks Allan Steiger to arrest him but instead receives encouragement from Kim to leave Erinsborough for recovery. He vows to return as a better father to Kerry.

Dylan takes up work on a tourist boat in Port Douglas and reunites with Sky during her visit; he secures a chef position there. The couple eventually has two more children.

Thirteen years later, after experiencing relationship difficulties, Dylan returns to Erinsborough hoping for reconciliation with Sky but discovers she plans to marry Lana Crawford. He offers them his blessing at their wedding before leaving once again.

Reception

A BBC commentator identified Dylan's standout moment as "Being attacked by Stingray upon his arrival in Erinsborough!" A reporter from the Daily Record pointed out that although Dylan Timmins initially appeared as a rebellious figure, he is, in reality, a compassionate and empathetic person whose large-hearted nature endeared him to Sky Mangel. Another Daily Record writer remarked that despite Dylan's early "bad reputation," he transformed into a "generous, good-natured young man." Tina Burke of TV Week characterized the role as a "troubled bad boy" with a turbulent existence.

External links

• Dylan Timmins on the Official AU Neighbours website