Eden Shaw
| Industry | Television |
|---|---|
| Founded | March 18, 1985 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia, international (via streaming platforms) |
Key people | Jason Herbison (executive producer) |
| Products | Television soap opera |
| Website | 10play |
Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on 18 March 1985 and is currently available on the streaming platform Amazon Freevee as well as Network 10 in Australia. This section details characters introduced in 2023, all under the guidance of executive producer Jason Herbison. The show's 39th season commenced with Episode 8904 airing on 18 September 2023, marking the end of a 14-month break following the departure of UK broadcaster Channel 5. The Varga-Murphy family—comprising JJ (Riley Bryant), Cara (Sara West), Remi (Naomi Rukavina), and Dex (Marley Williams)—made their debut alongside newcomers Reece Sinclair (Mischa Barton) and Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar) in the season opener. Haz's dog, Trevor (Bodhi), was introduced two episodes later. Subsequent arrivals included Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo) in October, followed by Reece's younger half-sister, Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis), in November.
JJ Varga-Murphy
JJ Varga-Murphy, brought to life by Riley Bryant, first appeared on-screen on 18 September 2023 as a member of the newly introduced Varga-Murphy family. Along with his parents, Cara (Sara West) and Remi (Naomi Rukavina), and his brother Dex (Marley Williams), JJ plays a significant role in broadening the show’s diverse storytelling scope. Naomi Rukavina highlighted the close-knit dynamic shared by the family both on-screen and behind the scenes, while Sara West underscored their representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. Executive producer Jason Herbison emphasized the family’s capacity to introduce new and engaging storylines.
In a key plotline, JJ embarks on a quest to uncover the identity of his biological father, which motivates the family's relocation to Ramsay Street. West explained JJ’s narrative drive: "JJ has discovered some information... he wants to learn more about his biological father," setting the stage for their move into 24 Ramsay Street. Throughout this journey, JJ forms connections with residents such as Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) and Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan), as well as Sadie's father, Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will). Confiding in Dex, JJ reveals his suspicion that Andrew might be his biological father, despite Cara’s assertion that JJ’s father is an American sperm donor.
Cara Varga-Murphy
Cara Varga-Murphy, portrayed by Sara West, made her debut on 18 September 2023. Announced on 22 June 2023, Cara is introduced as part of the new Varga-Murphy family unit alongside her wife Remi (Naomi Rukavina) and their children JJ (Riley Bryant) and Dex (Marley Williams). West expressed her pride in joining the cast and highlighted the significance of authentically portraying an LGBTQIA+ family. She characterized Cara as fiercely loving and passionate about her family, driven by genuine intentions. Executive producer Jason Herbison remarked that introducing a new family aligns perfectly with this fresh era of Neighbours.
Laura Jane Turner and Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy identified the arrival of the Varga-Murphys among the top sixteen LGBTQ+ television moments of the year, noting their role in mirroring shifting societal attitudes toward rainbow families and predicting that Cara and Remi could become prominent figures on Ramsay Street.
Remi Varga-Murphy
Remi Varga-Murphy, portrayed by Naomi Rukavina, made her debut on 18 September 2023. Her introduction was revealed alongside the announcement of Cara’s casting, establishing her as a medical professional and a member of the newly introduced Varga-Murphy family in Neighbours. Rukavina commended the series for its genuine depiction of diverse family units and described the filming process as fulfilling, highlighting the close-knit nature of her on-screen family. Executive producer Jason Herbison endorsed the addition of the Varga-Murphys, viewing them as a valuable enhancement to the show.
Upon joining the Ramsay Street community, Remi swiftly becomes an active participant, showcasing her healthcare skills by assisting Mary Ryan during a choking emergency and presenting herself to Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) as a nurse. Aware of Cara’s employment difficulties, Remi successfully negotiates with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to arrange a job opportunity for Cara at Lassiters Hotel.
Dex Varga-Murphy
Dexter "Dex" Varga-Murphy, played by Marley Williams, also first appeared on 18 September 2023. His casting was announced on 22 June 2023 along with the rest of the Varga-Murphy family. This role marks Williams' television debut. Dex is part of the new family unit comprising parents Cara (Sara West), Remi (Naomi Rukavina), and sibling JJ (Riley Bryant). West emphasized that the family represents the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community," while Rukavina highlighted their unique closeness. Executive producer Jason Herbison expressed excitement about introducing the Varga-Murphys, anticipating numerous compelling storylines.
Reece Sinclair
Reece Sinclair, enacted by Mischa Barton, appeared for the first time on 18 September 2023. Her casting was revealed on 17 April 2023 as the initial new character following the show's revival. Reece is an American whose arrival holds more complexity than initially perceived. Barton shared her enthusiasm about joining such an iconic series and delving into this role. Executive producer Jason Herbison characterized her as "dynamic and unpredictable," expecting her to resonate strongly with audiences both locally and internationally. Although Barton had not watched Neighbours before, she was aware of it through Kylie Minogue’s involvement and felt Reece was a well-suited character for her. Reece’s first guest stint lasted ten weeks, concluding on 23 November, with social media hints indicating a possible future return.
Haz Devkar
Hari "Haz" Devkar, played by Shiv Palekar, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. His casting was publicly announced via the show's social media channels on 7 June 2023. Haz was introduced as the new manager of Harold's Café and owns a dog named Trevor (Bodie). He resides at Number 32 Ramsay Street in a shared house with established characters Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) and Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux). The trio, each with different professional backgrounds, has been cohabiting for three months after Haz relocated from Geelong seeking shared accommodation.
The writers have positioned Haz as a potential romantic interest for Mackenzie, who is still coping with widowhood following her husband Hendrix Greyson's (Ben Turland) death two years prior. Stone described their developing relationship as a highlight and remarked on the strong chemistry between herself and Palekar onscreen. In the behind-the-scenes series Ramsay Street Revelations, Stone underscored the importance of Mackenzie exploring romance again, describing their early interactions as a "will they? won't they?" dynamic. Mackenzie is attracted to Haz’s warmth, sincerity, humor, and grounded personality, which contrast with her previous experiences of trauma. Palekar mentioned that Haz deeply respects Mackenzie’s values of honesty, fairness, and kindness.
Their relationship encounters obstacles including Mackenzie’s connection with Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo) and friction arising from Haz prioritizing his dog Trevor over Billie Alessio (Georgia Walters).
Trevor
Trevor, brought to life by Bodhi, made his first appearance on 20 September 2023 as the canine companion of Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar). The character was announced through the official Neighbours X account on 3 August 2023, continuing the series' legacy of including a dog in its cast. Bodhi is a Groodle—a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle—provided by the animal talent agency "Paws on Film" and trained by Luke Hura, who has also prepared previous on-screen dogs such as Bouncer. The episodes featuring Trevor involved animal handler Lauren Sellwood. Haz describes Trevor as "gorgeous" and a "scene-stealing agent of chaos."
In 2024, the storyline unveiled Trevor’s original owner, Alyssa Gavalas (Imogen Sage), who recognizes him during a walk with Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux). Alyssa discloses that Trevor’s birth name was Bodie and seeks to reunite with her lost pet. Concerned about losing Trevor, Haz seeks legal counsel.
Trevor is portrayed as a rescue dog struggling with anxiety, which creates challenges at Haz’s workplace, Harold's Café, where health regulations are violated due to his presence, and property damage occurs. Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) offers to take care of Trevor at her home. Tensions arise when Haz’s girlfriend Billie Alessio (Georgia Walters) leaves Trevor outside overnight, leading Haz to end their relationship. Later, when Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong Hall) damages a scarf intended as a gift but blames Trevor, Haz uncovers the real culprit.
When Byron takes Trevor for a walk and meets Alyssa, she requests contact information to reconnect with her former dog. Although hesitant at first, Haz agrees after Alyssa introduces her son. Trevor briefly returns to Alyssa but soon runs back to Haz. Recognizing Trevor’s distress, the Gavalas family decides he should remain with Haz.
Eden Shaw
Eden Shaw, played by Costa D'Angelo, was introduced on 16 October 2023 as a potential romantic interest for Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone). Making his debut at The Waterhole under the name "Ed," Eden quickly reveals a complicated history as Holly Hoyland's (Lucinda Armstrong Hall) troubled former boyfriend. D'Angelo described Eden as a "troubled character" deeply involved in significant drama with Holly, who confirms he treated her poorly.
OK! Magazine referred to Eden as a "bad boy" central to the show's flashback week that explores events occurring during the series’ hiatus. Holly’s past with Eden includes meeting him in the UK, traveling together to Australia, and plans to introduce him to her parents Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) and Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte). Instead, they backpack alongside Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis), developing a close but ultimately broken friendship when Holly discovers Eden had an intimate encounter with Krista.
Eden’s storyline escalates after he flirts with Mackenzie and lands employment at Yorokobi Winery. Upon encountering Holly again, he steals personal belongings from Mackenzie and her friends before fleeing violently. His actions further include assaulting Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar) and rendering Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) unconscious, prompting police intervention. It emerges that Eden cheated on Holly with Krista and blackmailed Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to conceal an accident involving Krista, who survived but remained under Eden’s control.
After Holly and her friends track him down, Eden is arrested. Upon release, he confronts Krista and her partner Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano), leading to a violent clash during which David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) sacrifices himself to save Eden. Though Eden survives surgery, he refuses to reveal how he located Krista. Later, Paul Robinson discloses that he informed Eden about Krista’s pregnancy—a revelation indirectly linked to David’s death. Eden escapes from the hospital and takes Melanie Pearson hostage (Lucinda Cowden), sparking a police standoff. Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) intervenes by attacking Eden and rescuing Melanie before Eden is apprehended once more.
Krista Sinclair
Krista Sinclair, portrayed by Majella Davis, made her first appearance on 13 November 2023 as the half-sister of Reece Sinclair (played by Mischa Barton). Prior to Krista's arrival, a mystery storyline revolved around her, with Barton revealing that Reece had come to Erinsborough in search of her sibling. Following confirmation of Krista’s survival on-screen on 21 November, it was officially announced that Davis would continue in the role under a contract lasting one year. From 27 November onwards, she was included in the opening credits. Davis had previously auditioned for roles such as Chloe Brennan and Nicolette Stone. For her work as Krista, she earned a place on the longlist for "Best Daytime Star" at the 2024 Inside Soap Awards.
The storyline delves into Krista’s relationships with Holly Hoyland (played by Lucinda Armstrong Hall) and Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo) during a specially designed flashback week, which aimed to reveal untold narratives during Neighbours' broadcast break. Armstrong Hall described their bond as a youthful escape involving a road trip, with Krista and Holly becoming close over the span of a year. Krista also develops an intimate connection with Eden, leading to a significant betrayal within the plot. On 12 November 2023, Amazon Freevee released a trailer showcasing Reece’s quest to find Krista, including an image confirming her friendship with Holly and Eden.
In the digital series Ramsay Street Revelations, Davis characterized Krista as sociable, lively, quirky, and someone who embraces a party atmosphere. She only became aware of Krista’s link to Barton after noticing their shared last name. The character is depicted as reluctant to assume control of the family enterprise, which motivates her relocation to Ramsay Street to avoid familial responsibilities. Davis hinted at forthcoming major obstacles and redemption storylines for Krista.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 September | Mary Ryan | Carissa McPherson | A woman who experiences choking during dinner at The Waterhole, receiving assistance from Remi Varga-Murphy and Karl Kennedy. |
| 2 October 2023–12 March 2024 | Billie Alessio | Georgia Walters | Connects with Haz Devkar via an online dating platform; they briefly date before splitting due to Haz's loyalty to his dog. Later disqualified from the Lassiters Lie-In contest after adding laxatives to Haz’s meal. |
| 12 October 2023–3 January 2024 | Noah Dawes | Zane Ciarma | A student who bullies Dex Varga-Murphy because he has two mothers; receives a three-day suspension. Attends a New Year's Eve party where principal Jane Harris addresses underage drinking. |
| 12 October | Pete Dawes | Gabriel Egan | Noah’s father who disputes his son’s suspension and threatens via email to reduce his school attendance. |
| Monique Fallon | Lily Mooney | Seen from afar by Reece Sinclair, who recognizes her. | |
| 18 October | Sandy Phillips | Juliana Begue | Housekeeper at Lassiters Hotel assisting with lost property alongside Katrina Marshall. |
| 23 October | Garrett Wilkins | Scott Reid | Participates in a tour of Erinsborough High School. |
| Antonia Hammond | Katie Weston | Also takes part in the Erinsborough High School tour. | |
| James Douglas | Andy Steuart | Architect visiting Erinsborough High School, identified as a potential development site associated with Terese Willis. | |
| 23 October 2023–12 December 2024 | Tess Carmichael | Anica Calida | Sinclair group manager overseeing main investors in Lassiters; monitors Reece Sinclair’s efforts to locate her sister while protecting corporate interests. Involved in a scam with Heath Royce against Lassiters, fleeing after exposure but later rescued and returns to face consequences. |
| 25 October | Tina Marin | Paris Valentino | Employee at Lassiters' dayspa who provides guest information to Reece Sinclair; dismissed for poor performance but reinstated due to political leverage from her father, Anthony Marin. |
| 25 October 2023-27 March 2024 | Penny Shrewster | Jessica Husband | Lassiters staff member causing disturbances; terminated by Krista Sinclair, later suspected of sabotage resulting in a guest’s miscarriage. |
| 1-15 November 2023, 21 November 2024- | Hudson Greene | Nikita Chronis | Mechanic at Fitzgerald Motors involved in vehicle sales connected to key characters; retained as manager following business sale and mentors apprentice Max Ramsay. |
| 1 November | Theo Kaloudis | Lawrence Hawkins | Erinsborough High student who sells Reece Sinclair a car previously owned by her missing sister Krista. |
| 9 November | Ted Munce | David Simes | Receptionist at a backpackers’ hostel who fails to recognize Krista Sinclair’s photograph. |
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|
|- ! scope="row"| 16 November 2023, 30 September-4 December 2024
| Senior Sergeant Tony Thompson | Damien Aylward | Police officer engaged in investigating significant events including Krista Sinclair’s death and an armed siege at The Waterhole; maintains discipline within the force and aids in locating missing individuals.
|- ! scope="row" rowspan=2 | 20 November
| Gillian Byrne | Sally Cheng | Councillor in Erinsborough attending meetings regarding proposals for combining school and aged care facilities. |- | Anthony Marin | Gregory Caine | Conservative councillor influenced by bribery from Paul Robinson to back a development plan; uses his position to secure employment for his daughter at Lassiters.
|- ! scope="row"| 4 December
| Neil Martello | Steven Oktaras | Security personnel hired to safeguard Erinsborough High amid protests; involved in an incident causing harm to Melanie Pearson; previously appeared as another character in earlier seasons.
|- ! scope="row"| 20–21 December
| Tamara Daine | Jodie Dry | Former client of Byron Stone’s escort services attempting to re-engage him; discouraged due to Byron’s recent split with Reece Sinclair.
|- |}