Felicity Higgins
Evelyn Farlow | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Fictional character, mother of Levi Canning |
| Years active | 2021 |
Curtis Perkins
Curtis Perkins, portrayed by Nathan Borg, made his first appearance on 28 January 2021. Borg’s casting was announced on the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, marking a milestone as the first Australian television actor to use a cochlear implant. Borg highlighted the significance of visibility for individuals with disabilities. Curtis is introduced as a newly credentialed mathematics and physics instructor at Erinsborough High, brought in through the efforts of principal Susan Kennedy and teacher Jane Harris. His character is depicted as laid-back yet determined, with ties to established figures in the series.
Originally signed on for an eight-week stint, Borg’s contract was extended due to positive reception. Curtis later becomes involved romantically with Jesse Porter, whose deceptive actions test Curtis emotionally and reveal new layers of his personality.
At Erinsborough High, Curtis delivers Auslan lessons and provides support to pupils such as Hendrix Greyson and Brent Colefax, spearheading a vocational initiative designed to engage them. While this project leads to some disagreements with Jane over its execution, Susan expresses her backing for Curtis’s strategy. Curtis also endures hardship after an assault by Holden Brice damages his cochlear implant, prompting an official inquiry.
Determined to establish his professional credibility, Curtis takes on responsibilities including managing Year 13 classes and advising students on alternatives to incarceration—highlighted by Brent’s decision to join the Australian Defence Force. His romance with Jesse dissolves amid trust issues stemming from Jesse’s conflicting commitments.
Beyond his teaching duties, Curtis actively monitors student well-being, addressing concerns about Zara Selwyn’s influence and assisting Aubrey Laing’s transition to homeschooling. He maintains family connections through his aunt Vera Punt and participates in community gatherings such as the Ramsay Street party.
Jesse Porter
Jesse Porter, enacted by Cameron Robbie, first appeared on 19 March 2021. Robbie, sibling of actress Margot Robbie, secured the role following an audition and began filming in late 2020. Jesse is introduced as a lifeguard taking a summer position at Lassiter's Hotel while exploring his career options. Coming from an affluent family background, Jesse aims to escape familial expectations. Robbie described him as "fun-loving," with storylines featuring unexpected developments.
Approximately four months after debuting, Jesse is unveiled as connected to the Quill family—rivals of Lassiters—and has been secretly aiding their hotel chain against Lassiters’ interests. Robbie commented that this gradual revelation added complexity to Jesse’s character and produced compelling narrative moments. Jesse grapples with internal pressures and self-delusion but ultimately strives to satisfy others while pursuing his ambitions.
Jesse works both as a bartender and ceremonial lifeguard at The Flamingo Bar near Lassiter’s Lake, supporting colleagues such as Roxy Willis and Sheila Canning in promotional efforts. He champions Roxy for the bar manager position and contributes to establishing a volleyball court at the venue. Jesse also competes in events like the Longest Workout challenge, which he wins, earning recognition from Harlow Robinson. He mentors Harlow in workplace issues and environmental initiatives while forming a close friendship with her.
His romantic involvement with Curtis Perkins unfolds alongside his covert activities for the Quill Group. Under pressure to provide intelligence on Lassiters’ operations to Shay Quill of the rival company, Jesse experiences ethical conflicts while trying to distance himself from espionage tasks amid increasing demands from Shay and family expectations.
After Terese Willis uncovers Jesse’s true identity as a Quill operative, she terminates his employment at Lassiters. Jesse apologizes sincerely to Terese and Paul Robinson for his deception. Following eviction by his step-siblings, Terese offers him temporary housing and later rehires him at Lassiters, guiding him through workplace challenges including staff strikes.
Jesse’s relationship with Terese intensifies amid personal revelations involving her deceased son Josh Willis, whose passing is linked to Jesse’s family history. Terese supports Jesse’s visit to his mother Julie in prison—connected to Quill Group financial issues affecting hotel negotiations. Paul Robinson cautions Jesse against entangling Terese in family disputes.
Facing pressure from Paul’s family over his closeness with Terese, Jesse eventually resigns from Lassiters and departs for Sydney. He returns briefly at Paul’s request for a final discussion with Terese.
This narrative explores themes of corporate competition within hospitality, challenges of employee loyalty, and how personal relationships influence business operations in fictional Erinsborough.
Sheila Canning
Sheila Canning, played by Shareena Clanton, made her first appearance on 7 April 2021. Clanton's involvement was confirmed in March 2021, with filming taking place between October 2020 and March 2021. The character shares a name with an established regular portrayed by Colette Mann, setting up a distinctive plot centered on mistaken identity. Clanton had previously featured in Wentworth, which connects to Mann’s earlier role on Prisoner. Industry observers described the casting choice as "playful."
Sheila arrives at The Hive, a shared arts workspace, where she contemplates acquiring the business from Paul Robinson. A mail confusion sparks a confrontation that eventually leads to mutual understanding between the two Sheilas. After gaining access to sensitive financial information about The Hive, Sheila initially withdraws from the purchase but later reconsiders, negotiating a reduced price influenced by artist Ned Willis’ enthusiasm for the venue.
Her business plan includes converting The Hive into an open art gallery, with Ned considered for management. Sheila arranges painting workshops and looks into Ned’s background to evaluate his fit for the role. This investigation causes friction when Bea Nilsson discovers a file on Ned, resulting in workplace tension and Bea’s dismissal following Sheila’s unfavorable review of her garage.
A personal rapport develops between Sheila and Ned, marked by shared moments of emotional openness related to Sheila’s grandmother’s passing and travel restrictions hindering family reunions. Although Ned confesses romantic feelings, he ultimately resigns from the gallery project, prompting Sheila to organize a family trip to Perth.
Simultaneously, Sheila counsels Bea regarding her relationship with Levi Canning, urging honesty that leads to their breakup. Offering practical help, Sheila proposes purchasing Levi’s car to support Bea’s travel plans. Prior to leaving Erinsborough, Sheila resolves misunderstandings about Bea and Levi’s separation and withdraws from the gallery venture at The Hive.
Despite her short stint, the character was well-received for her significant influence on both business affairs and personal relationships within the show.
Abigail Tanaka
Abigail Tanaka, portrayed by Nikita Kato since 2023, is the daughter of Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) and Britney Barnes (Montana Cox). She debuted on 10 August 2021, initially played by infant actresses Mary Finn, Axelle Austin, and Juliet Basaraba. Introduced through a surrogate baby swap storyline involving Nicolette Stone (Charlotte Chimes), Abigail was mistakenly identified as the child of David Tanaka and Aaron Brennan despite being Leo and Britney's daughter. This plot was devised as early as December 2019 and served as a key motivation for Leo’s ongoing presence in Erinsborough. During her first month on-screen, Abigail was credited as "Isla Tanaka-Brennan" before being correctly named "Abigail Tanaka." After her initial exit, Axelle Austin briefly returned before Juliet Basaraba assumed the role in 2022.
Nicolette entrusts Abigail to Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), falsely claiming she is his granddaughter named Isla. Paul then passes Abigail to David and Aaron, who believe she is their daughter. Following an anemia diagnosis at the hospital, Abigail forms bonds with Leo Tanaka and other central characters. Britney later abducts Abigail during a film festival but reveals that Abigail is actually her daughter with Leo. Britney and Leo had a prior relationship in New York City; however, Leo was unaware of Britney’s pregnancy until later. Britney suffered post-natal depression and allowed Nicolette to hand over Abigail to Paul.
Once the truth comes out, Abigail returns to the care of Britney and Leo. The family plans relocation to Wollongong, during which Abigail says goodbye to David, Aaron, Paul, and Harlow. Abigail and Britney come back for Christmas; during this visit, Britney dies while protecting Abigail from a falling telegraph pole, leaving Leo as a single father. After an accident requiring hospitalization, Leo asks David and Aaron to take over raising Abigail but ultimately decides to keep custody following Chloe's encouragement. Leo continues parenting Abigail, including bringing her along to a Ramsay Street party in July 2022.
Evelyn Farlow
Evelyn Farlow, played by Paula Arundell, made her first appearance on 24 August 2021. Announced on 12 August 2021, her role spanned roughly two weeks. Evelyn is the mother of the regular character Levi Canning (Richie Morris). Due to her traditional values, Levi chooses to keep his polyamorous relationship with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton)—who is also involved with Ned Willis (Ben Hall)—hidden during her visit.
Evelyn arrives in Erinsborough unexpectedly to see Levi, staying only briefly between work engagements. She presents him with a belated birthday gift, explaining it was selected with the help of his family. Levi’s grandmother, Sheila Canning (Colette Mann), comforts Evelyn regarding the celebration of Levi’s birthday. It is revealed that Evelyn was unable to raise Levi herself because of family objections related to the circumstances surrounding his birth.
While spending time together, Evelyn and Levi talk about his career and lifestyle choices, including his keto diet which Sheila supports. Although initial interactions are strained—partly due to Evelyn feeling excluded from family gatherings and tensions involving Levi’s stepmother—she and Sheila make efforts toward reconciliation.
Evelyn voices concerns about Levi’s involvement with Amy and Ned, particularly highlighting the age gap as an issue. After learning about the relationship through Karl Kennedy, Evelyn confronts Levi but eventually accepts his right to make his own choices. Amy encourages empathy and understanding, stressing their shared care for Levi despite the unconventional nature of their relationship.
The three—Evelyn, Levi, and Amy—engage in conversations aimed at reducing friction. Evelyn questions Sheila about keeping secrets and challenges her intentions concerning the relationship. Despite some ongoing unease, Evelyn opts to prolong her visit slightly but soon departs, placing trust in Levi’s judgment.
Britney Barnes
Britney Barnes, portrayed by Montana Cox, debuted on 9 September 2021. Cox's casting marked her first acting role and was announced via the show's Instagram account and confirmed by Digital Spy. She described joining Neighbours as an honor and noted that initial nerves were alleviated by the welcoming cast and crew. Britney's storyline revolves around her connection to David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) through their niece Abigail Tanaka (Mary Finn), whom they mistakenly believe to be their daughter Isla. Cox explained that Britney’s goal was to get close to them to assess the situation, which leads to her kidnapping Isla in a desperate moment. It is later revealed that Britney is the biological mother of the child, fathered by Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano), David's brother.
After leaving in September, Britney and Abigail returned for the Christmas episodes. Britney meets a tragic end during a storm in Erinsborough following a reunion with Leo, leaving him as a single father facing challenges.
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. During a fireworks display at a film festival, she abducts Isla without being noticed. Constable Levi Canning tracks down Britney and the baby at the community centre, where she admits the infant is hers.
Nicolette Stone (Charlotte Chimes) returns with David and Aaron’s actual baby, Isla Tanaka-Brennan (Axelle Austin; also Finn), clearing up the confusion. Britney had become pregnant with Leo Tanaka’s child after a relationship in New York City. She attended antenatal classes alongside Nicolette, who became a friend and uncovered the paternity. After witnessing Leo kiss Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly), Britney departed for Canberra with Nicolette, gave birth, and experienced post-natal depression. She allowed Nicolette to give her baby to Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who mistakenly believed it was Nicolette’s child.
In hospital, Britney meets David and Aaron once they learn the truth. She names her daughter Abigail but admits she lacks a clear plan moving forward. Aaron hesitates to take custody of Abigail; Leo meets his daughter and discusses future arrangements with Britney. Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) offers them accommodation at 22 Ramsay Street. Britney and Leo attempt co-parenting but face difficulties reconciling their differences, requiring Terese’s intervention. When Terese must leave suddenly, David and Aaron care for Abigail but struggle to bond; Britney returns distressed and asks them to leave. Struggling with bonding in Erinsborough, Britney considers returning to New York; Leo suggests relocating closer to her family in New South Wales. They bid farewell to friends before moving to Wollongong.
Britney and Abigail come back for Christmas; Britney apologizes for earlier conduct and extends her stay, hinting at rekindling feelings for Leo. She proposes that Leo host a ladies' lunch at his winery to attract investors but faces setbacks when Vera Punt (Sally-Anne Upton) alienates attendees. Nicolette supports Britney's renewed relationship efforts with Leo. At Roxy and Kyle Canning's wedding (Chris Milligan), Leo kisses Britney after Nicolette inadvertently reveals her feelings. Later, during a pylon collapse at The Flamingo Bar, Britney protects Abigail from harm but suffers fatal injuries herself, resulting in her death.
Felicity Higgins
Felicity Higgins, played by Isabella Giovinazzo, made her first appearance on 6 October 2021. Announced in July 2021, Giovinazzo joined the series for a guest role as a firefighter who becomes romantically involved with the regular character Levi Canning (Richie Morris). Felicity's introduction brought intricate relationship dynamics, given Levi's involvement in a polyamorous partnership with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton) and Ned Willis (Ben Hall). Giovinazzo described Felicity as "community-oriented," "straightforward," and characterized her profession as "bold." She emphasized that Felicity desires a conventional, exclusive relationship, which contrasts with Levi’s polyamorous lifestyle.
Their first encounter occurs at The Waterhole, where a casual meeting sparks subsequent dates. Throughout these interactions, Felicity discovers Levi’s role as a police officer, while Levi learns about her firefighting career. Unaware of Levi’s relationship with Amy and Ned, Felicity later confronts Amy at Harold's Café, where Amy unintentionally reveals the polyamorous arrangement. Feeling deceived, Felicity decides to end her relationship with Levi.
Later on, Ned advises Felicity to continue seeing Levi to encourage him to end things with Amy. However, tensions escalate when Amy attempts to connect with Felicity, resulting in uncomfortable exchanges. Ned organizes a hotel rendezvous for Felicity and Levi, but once discovered, Levi ends the relationship due to trust concerns. Felicity apologizes, bringing her story arc to a close.
Wendy Rodwell
Wendy Rodwell, portrayed by Candice Leask, first appeared on 2 December 2021. Introduced as the spouse of Andrew Rodwell at the Erinsborough Police Ball, Wendy and Andrew subsequently purchase 26 Ramsay Street and are added to the opening credits alongside their daughter Sadie Rodwell. Script producer Shane Isheev revealed that the Rodwells were planned as a significant new family unit, with intentions for additional children which were halted by the show's cancellation. Wendy was characterized as the local gossip, a trait inspired by Leask’s initial portrayal. She remained on-screen until the intended 2022 finale and returned for the Neighbours reboot.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–11 January | Tally Rennick | Karrin Kose | Participates in an illegal blackjack game at 24 Ramsay Street, encouraging Hendrix Greyson to increase his wager; Hendrix later discovers she is armed. |
| 5 January | Mary Barnett | Emily Goddard | Toadfish Rebecchi’s initial Tinder date; owns a chocolate shop but eventually unmatches him. |
| 6 January | Hugh Davis | Adam Waycott | Council member and judge for Erinsborough’s Best Dish contest; discusses culinary tastes with Dipi Rebecchi. |
| 8–26 January | Jacinta Hay | Maurian Spearim | Councillor and judge for Best Dish; hospitalized after illness; later discusses staff representation and Indigenous matters with Terese Willis. |
| 1–5 February | Mira Dhaliwal | Ashleyrose Gilham | Food safety inspector who orders Kyle Canning to halt operations at The 82 due to poisonous mushrooms; misinterprets Roxy Willis's behavior during inspection. |
| 12 February | Rai Yan | Kevin Duong | Erinsborough High student who warns Hendrix Greyson about Brent Colefax’s leaked personal information. |
| 11 March | Khari Breen | Kulan Farah | University student attempting to flirt with Roxy Willis while claiming knowledge about a ring connected to her assault. |
| 17 March | Linda Donaldson | Amelia Best | Emmett Donaldson’s aunt planning relocation to New Zealand; faces difficulties arranging Emmett’s care. |
| 17 March–7 May 2021, 13 July 2022 | Holden Brice | Toby Derrick | Gang member involved in crimes impacting Brent Colefax; coerces Brent into concealing stolen items; later arrested and manipulated by Paul Robinson for information on other gang activities. |
| 17 March–29 June | Prue | Uncredited (pigeon) | A pigeon adopted by Sheila Canning causing minor disturbances at The 82 café. |
| 29 March | Rudy Johnson | Isaac Crawley | 'Penis puppeteer mistakenly hired for Dipi Rebecchi’s farewell party; performs despite confusion over his role. |
| 4 June, 30 August | Prafulla Sahu | Ravi Chand | Human Resources manager at Lassiter’s Hotel involved in disputes over Roxy Willis’s dismissal and Harlow Robinson’s promotion. |
| 16–30 June | 'Mitch Foster' and 'Nelson Ryker' | 'Kevin Hofbauer' and 'Rhys Mitchell' | 'Gang affiliates linked to Levi Canning’s childhood assault; engage in harassment and criminal acts; ultimately apprehended following police pursuit.' |
| 18 June–19 July | 'Maya Velasco' | 'Christina O'Neill' | 'Pregnant woman attending antenatal classes alongside Nicolette Stone, Aaron Brennan, and David Tanaka; opts for single motherhood.' |
| 18 June | 'Dara Kay' | 'Alexander Capper' | 'Antenatal class instructor attended by Maya Velasco and others.' |
| 28 June | 'Fifi Devenue' | 'Carly Daniels' | 'Friend of Jesse Porter who dates Ned Willis; their relationship causes jealousy from Amy Greenwood.' |
| 30 June 2021, 16 March 2022, 27 March–14 November 2024 | 'Travis Kellog' | 'Liam McCarthy' | 'Paramedic responding to various emergencies including Yashvi Rebecchi’s head injury, fire victims, and workplace incidents.' |
| 29 July–3 August | 'Dr. Anna Buke' | 'Fiona Macleod' | 'Physician involved in Susan Kennedy’s MS treatment discussions; advises against hiring Melanie Pearson due to previous stalking issues.' |
| 4 August | 'Nora Ahmadi' | 'Jessica Lu' | 'University student discussing a law internship connected to Melanie Pearson’s former workplace complications.' |
| 10 August– | 'Isla Tanaka-Brennan' | 'Axelle Austin, Mary Finn, Hana Abe-Tucker' | 'Infant daughter of Nicolette Stone, David Tanaka, and Aaron Brennan; central figure in custody disputes and family interactions.' |
| 25 August | 'Lorant Mathieson' | 'Ronn Kurtz' | 'Director of Shorts and Briefs Film Festival who praises Amy Greenwood’s event organization.' |
| 6 September | 'Justin Buke' | 'Mick O'Malley' | 'Husband of Anna Buke with a history of an affair involving Melanie Pearson; mediates conflicts involving Melanie, Toadie Rebecchi, and Rose Walker.' |
| 9 September 2021, 5 January 2022, 30 May 2022 | 'Rebecca Wright' | 'Wallis Murphy-Munn' | 'Lassiter’s Hotel staff leader who initiates strike action over Harlow Robinson’s promotion.' |
| 13 September | 'Kevin Irving' | 'Wally Elnour' | 'Bartender serving Harlow Robinson at The Flamingo Bar.' |
| 16 September–11 November | 'Dr Cye Alavi' | 'Amir Rahimzadeh' | 'Medical professional conducting testicular cancer screenings for Hendrix Greyson and treating Kyle Canning’s advanced cancer diagnosis.' |
| 27 September | 'Dion Rivera' | 'PJ Van Gyen' | 'Bouncer at Lassiter’s party who ejects Hendrix Greyson following disruptive conduct.' |
| 5 October | 'Greg Cantor' | 'Tony Barea' | 'Owner of Lanzini’s restaurant offering Hendrix Greyson culinary work experience opportunities.' |
| 25 October | Juliana Ayres & Pia Nash| | Legal representatives for David Tanaka and Aaron Brennan during custody proceedings over Isla Tanaka-Brennan; advise careful documentation of Nicolette Stone's behavior.' | |
| 1 November | 'Betty De Silva' | 'Priscilla Castel' | 'Photographer engaged for family photoshoot involving Isla Tanaka-Brennan amid ongoing family tensions.' |
| 10 November | 'Seth Okaine' | 'Noah Janssen' | 'Patron at The Flamingo Bar disputing alcohol content in his drink; files formal complaint after confrontation.' |
| 17 November | 'Will Attles' | 'Charlie Mycroft' | 'Host of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings attended by Glen Donnelly and Terese Willis.' |
| 18 November | 'Tilda' | 'Natalie Lynch (voice)' | 'Lassiter’s employee reporting missing wedding ring status to Terese Willis.' |
| 30 November 2021, 6 January 2022, 23 February 2022 | 'Scott Triffett' | 'Steven Oktaras' | 'Delivery driver handling parcels for Ramsay Street residents including Terese Willis and Hendrix Greyson.' |
| 1 December | 'Const. Robert Dolby' | 'Brett Pearce' | "Police officer making humorous remarks about Levi Canning's polyamorous relationship." |
| 2 December | 'Const. Reuben Elliot' | 'Lee Jankowski' | "Police officer attending Erinsborough Police Ball; removed from event due to inappropriate comments about Levi Canning's relationship." |
External links
- Full character and cast details on the official Neighbours site
- Complete cast list at the Internet Movie Database