Finn Kelly

Finn Kelly
Occupation	High school teacher
Years active	2017–2022 (fictional character timeline)
Known for	Neighbours

Finn Kelly is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by actor Rob Mills. To take on the role of Finn, Mills moved to Melbourne. Finn is introduced in March 2017 as a modern high school educator, stepping in for teacher Brad Willis at Erinsborough High.

At first, Finn presents himself as charming and approachable but hides a sociopathic personality beneath the surface. He devises plans to win back his former partner Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta) and aims to secure the position of school principal. His manipulative tactics involve taking advantage of student Xanthe Canning (Lilly Van der Meer) and tampering with Susan Kennedy’s (Jackie Woodburne) medication for multiple sclerosis, resulting in her hospitalization and Finn’s subsequent promotion. When his illegal actions come to light, Finn tries to escape but suffers a brain aneurysm, leading to his departure from the series in June 2017.

Mills returned for a guest appearance in May 2018, with Finn resurfacing under the pseudonym Patrick alongside Elly’s sister Bea Nilsson (Bonnie Anderson), whom he manipulates to implicate Elly in a hit-and-run incident. This plotline ends with Susan pushing Finn off a cliff, leaving him in a coma for four months. In March 2019, Mills was elevated to the main cast as Finn embarked on a redemption storyline involving amnesia and developing a new relationship with Bea. Mills finished filming in December 2019, with Finn’s exit broadcast in March 2020. He briefly reprised the role in March 2021 and again for the series finale in July 2022.

For his portrayal, Mills was longlisted for Best Daytime Star at the 2019 Inside Soap Awards. Radio Times critic Johnathon Hughes described Finn as "one of the nastiest characters Neighbours has ever seen." The character's redemption arc and regular presence elicited varied responses from the audience.

Casting

On 15 November 2016, Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy revealed that actor Rob Mills had been cast as the high school teacher Finn Kelly. Mills began filming that same week and expressed enthusiasm: "I can't wait to get started on the show... now it has happened!" The storyline involving his character was originally intended to span four to five months.<ref>Mills made his debut as Finn on 15 March 2017.<ref>

Characterisation and introduction

Finn is recruited by Erinsborough High’s principal Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) to succeed teacher Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin).<ref> He is portrayed as "charismatic and affable," as well as a "progressive and respected educator".<ref>Mills drew parallels between himself and Finn, highlighting their mutual dedication to teaching and supporting students.<ref> Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described Finn upon arrival as "warm, easygoing and friendly".<ref> Claire Tonkin from Network Ten remarked that Finn "brings an unexpected agenda, juicy secrets and oodles of charm."<ref> Executive producer Jason Herbison referred to him as "a really intriguing character".<ref>Mills/><ref> Colin Vickery of the Herald Sun noted that Finn "has a dark side," with Mills characterizing him as "driven," ready to use charm and manipulation to fulfill his ambitions.<ref>

Finn shares a romantic history with fellow teacher Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta), who was unaware that he was married and deceitful towards her.<ref>Anasta described him as "the ultimate charmer and heartbreaker" and confirmed he was the ex she attempted to run over with her car.<ref> This backstory added complexity to Elly’s character while exposing the manipulation she experienced. Elly fears that Finn will bring trouble, whereas Susan holds a favorable impression of him.<ref>Anasta acknowledged that both characters have endured hardships; while flawed, Finn is not entirely villainous.<ref> Initially at odds due to their past, Elly requests that Finn resigns, which he declines. Following an altercation at a bar, they create a public disturbance.<ref> Finn also tutors Elly's student Xanthe Canning (Lilly Van der Meer) and shows an interest in her cousin Ben Kirk (Felix Mallard)'s development. During a dispute with Elly over an online remark, she pushes Finn down a flight of stairs in front of Xanthe.<ref>

Manipulation of Xanthe Canning and Finn's Career Objectives

Finn's primary goal is to reunite with Elly and claim the principalship from Susan. His transfer to Erinsborough High was a strategic move designed to mend his fractured relationship with Elly, which had been damaged by his previous "vindictive scheming." After being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, Finn becomes driven by the urgency of limited time to achieve his ambition of becoming principal, closely scrutinizing Susan's actions. He recruits Xanthe as an informant once he confides in her about his medical condition. Although Finn briefly rekindles a romantic connection with Elly, she ultimately rejects him and distances Xanthe from his influence by arranging for her to have a new tutor. Frustrated by these setbacks, Finn escalates his efforts to oust Susan, exploiting his relationship with Elly to weaken Susan’s position.

Taking advantage of Xanthe’s empathy, Finn manipulates her during a Mother's Day outing by sharing his personal grief and subsequently gifts her a necklace along with hospital visitation privileges. His scheme intensifies when he deliberately tampers with Susan’s medication for multiple sclerosis, leading to her hospitalization and creating an opportunity for him to assume the role of acting principal. Actor Rob Mills commented that Finn’s actions illustrate a darker route chosen to expedite his objectives, presenting him as a multifaceted character rather than simply villainous. Mills also pointed out the calculated rivalry between Finn and Susan, underscoring their preference for strategic maneuvering over direct conflict.

Upon discovering Finn’s involvement in Susan’s health crisis, Xanthe is met with "inappropriate flattery" intended to secure her silence. Media commentators have labeled Finn’s conduct as "borderline grooming," although Mills clarified that while Xanthe harbors romantic feelings, Finn does not reciprocate them. Instead, he views Xanthe as a stabilizing presence in her life and depends on her discretion regarding his aneurysm. Mills expressed concern about the extent of Finn’s manipulation but confirmed that their relationship would not cross into sexual territory, as Finn remains emotionally connected to Elly. Nevertheless, he might simulate affection toward Xanthe if it helps maintain her trust.

Decline

Finn’s downfall begins when students protest against his poorly executed vertical integration teaching model, which lacked adequate planning. Mills described Finn as "an idiot" who wrongly assumed both students and staff were prepared, leading to increased frustration and erratic behavior. Piper and Ben expose Finn through a petition and video campaign, while Finn antagonizes Ben following Xanthe’s breakup. His role in Susan’s hospitalization comes to light after Nell Rebecchi collapses from ingesting pills that Finn had swapped. Karl Kennedy provides evidence to law enforcement.

Under police investigation, Finn attempts to escape the country; however, Xanthe secretly boards the flight, insisting she must care for him. Mills observed that Finn feels powerless to refuse her demands for fear of exposure. Both are apprehended during the flight; Finn tries to implicate Xanthe in poisoning Susan, but she refuses to comply. After being released, Finn goes into hiding while waiting for the controversy to die down. During a confrontation with Xanthe, his aneurysm ruptures; he lapses into a coma and later pretends to be paralyzed and victimized. Mills described this period as Finn’s descent into compulsive deceit and psychopathic tendencies. He exits on 29 June 2017 following Susan’s confrontation over his lack of remorse. Mills left open the possibility of Finn returning in the future.

Reintroduction

On 22 May 2018, Mills reprised his role as Finn, joined by newcomer Bonnie Anderson portraying Bea Nilsson, Elly’s sister and one of Finn’s victims. Mills commended the scriptwriters for effectively depicting Finn’s escalating psychotic behavior and manipulative tactics without resorting to clichéd villain ambitions, instead centering on his quest for vengeance over unresolved issues. His fixation on Elly intensifies his mental instability, while he harbors resentment toward both Xanthe and Susan.

Under the false identity "Patrick," Finn begins dating Bea, exploiting her fragile state due to family estrangement; she remains unaware of his true persona. He persuades Bea to rebuild ties with her relatives and deceitfully obtains a hospital internship by fabricating credentials, including stealing Susan’s medical records. To maintain his ruse, he fakes reliance on a wheelchair and manipulates data in a multiple sclerosis clinical trial, which is eventually uncovered, resulting in the trial’s termination.

During a community scavenger hunt event, Finn deliberately strikes Xanthe with Elly’s car and abducts Bea, Elly, and Susan, imprisoning them inside a shipping container before escaping. The women are subsequently rescued, leaving Bea feeling profoundly betrayed.

Cliff fall and redemption

Towards the end of 2018, Finn is found hiding in an isolated cabin where Bea confronts him seeking closure but escapes after he attempts to seduce her. A struggle ensues at a cliffside, culminating in Susan pushing Finn off in self-defense. He remains unconscious in hospital care while Bea, Xanthe, Susan, and Elly conceal their involvement. Subsequently, cyanide canisters planted by Finn cause illness at the school; Susan nearly suffocates him before admitting to pushing him.

In March 2019, Mills secured a permanent contract as Finn returned suffering from retrograde amnesia, believing it was 2007 and that he was a university student. Beverly Marshall reappears to conduct tests confirming the amnesia’s authenticity. Efforts by Karl Kennedy to restore Finn’s memories prove unsuccessful; aware that recollection could lead to imprisonment, Finn consults lawyer Imogen Willis. Mills embraced this vulnerable portrayal aiming to elicit audience empathy.

Perceptions of Finn soften: Susan develops compassion for him; Bea experiences inner conflict after witnessing his bravery during an accident. At sentencing, Bea delivers a heartfelt statement that results in Finn receiving a non-custodial sentence. He moves into the Kennedy household with Bea, generating tension with neighbours and her boyfriend Ned Willis.

Relationship with Bea Nilsson

In May 2019, following Bea’s breakup with Ned due to his revenge scheme against Finn, romantic feelings between Bea and Finn resurface. Despite initial confusion and hesitation discussing their emotions, they seek guidance from Karl and Susan. Their mutual attraction strengthens amid obstacles including harassment from obsessive fan Alfie Sutton who blackmails them after breaking into their residence.

Finn’s protective instincts confirm his affection for Bea; they begin dating secretly but are caught kissing by Ned. They reveal their relationship to family members despite concerns about potential emotional harm to Bea. Alfie’s ongoing intimidation prompts police involvement; Finn faces remand but is placed under house arrest following a panic attack.

In February 2020, Finn’s estranged alcoholic father Trent Kelly arrives, exposing family secrets that further complicate Finn’s relationship with Bea while deepening his bond with Elly.

Departure and returns

Mills wrapped up filming in December 2019, with Finn’s departure broadcast on 24 March 2020 during Neighbours' 35th anniversary celebrations. The character meets his end by drowning in a shallow grave he had dug for Susan amidst a confrontation that leaves him paralyzed from a head injury. Elly faces murder charges due to suspicious conduct at the scene.

In March 2021, Mills briefly returned to portray Finn as a ghostly figure assisting Susan in processing her trauma related to him. He also appeared in June 2022 during the series finale, which had been filmed earlier that year.

Storylines

Finn arrives at Erinsborough High as a teacher alongside his former partner Elly Conway but quickly plots to take over principal Susan Kennedy’s role by manipulating both staff and students through personal relationships. His vertical integration teaching initiative provokes protests and opposition.

He causes Susan’s MS relapse by tampering with her medication; once discovered, he escapes but is apprehended along with Xanthe, whom he frames for poisoning Susan. Following aneurysm surgery and a feigned paralysis, Finn admits to his offenses before being transferred to a prison hospital.

Assuming the alias "Patrick," Finn deceives Bea Nilsson into reconnecting with her family while pretending to be disabled and undermining her career opportunities. He alters hospital trial data, assaults Xanthe using Elly’s car, and abducts several victims including Bea; he is later believed to have fled overseas.

After months in hiding, he is found and mocks Bea until Susan pushes him off a cliff in self-defense; he remains unconscious as the school suffers cyanide poisoning from canisters he planted.

Upon awakening with amnesia, thinking it is 2007, Finn receives familial support despite lingering distrust. When evidence against him is destroyed by fire, altered testimonies influenced by his apparent reformation result in a non-custodial sentence.

Finn moves in with the Kennedys, causing friction; he begins a relationship with Bea complicated by obsessive fan Alfie Sutton, leading to police involvement and house arrest.

His estranged father Trent Kelly arrives, revealing past secrets that impact relationships. As Finn regains memories, darker tendencies resurface culminating in perilous acts on Pierce Greyson’s island including attempted murder and kidnapping before dying accidentally during a struggle with Susan.

After death, Finn appears as a vision aiding Susan’s emotional closure; his presence continues symbolizing his lasting effect on the community.

Reception

Mills earned a longlist nomination for Best Daytime Star at the 2019 Inside Soap Awards for his portrayal of the multifaceted villain-turned-redeemed Finn Kelly. Critics lauded his compelling depiction which added complexity beyond typical soap villainy.

Initial responses described Finn as charismatic yet threatening—a "toxic teacher" whose schemes introduced new conflict layers to Neighbours. While some reviewers found his redemption storyline divisive, they recognized the bold narrative exploration of moral complexity.

Audience reactions ranged from verbal hostility directed at Mills for embodying the antagonist to sympathy as storylines revealed Finn’s vulnerabilities and potential for change.

Commentators emphasized the character’s evolution from adversary to a layered figure struggling with redemption as engaging storytelling within the soap opera format.

Finn Kelly remains one of Neighbours' most iconic characters due to intricate writing supported by Mills’ dynamic performance throughout various narrative arcs.