Greg Mast

Brendan Bell

Brendan Bell, brought to life by Blair Venn, made his debut on 19 January 2000. As a lawyer, Brendan was married to Teresa Bell (Krista Vendy), who worked as a high school teacher. He subjected Teresa to both physical and emotional abuse, prompting her to find sanctuary with the Kennedy family. Nevertheless, Teresa’s persistence led her to repeatedly forgive Brendan, holding onto the hope that he would reform.

While Brendan projected an image of honesty, he actually displayed a dual nature, manipulating those around him. His intense jealousy escalated to a car accident involving Libby Kennedy and Stephanie Scully. Following charges related to the crash, Brendan succumbed to a fatal heart attack caused by an undiagnosed internal injury shortly thereafter.

Brendan’s storyline brought attention to the themes of domestic violence and psychological manipulation within intimate relationships, significantly affecting several main characters in the series.

Dee Bliss

Dione "Dee" Bliss, portrayed by Madeleine West, first appeared on 3 February 2000. West, who was initially pursuing law studies, secured this role soon after she began exploring acting opportunities and decided to pause her academic pursuits following her casting. Due to Dee’s popularity, producers promoted her to a regular cast member and extended West’s contract. Jim Schembri from The Age referred to Dee as "Ramsay Street's reigning blonde beauty." In 2001, West earned a nomination for the Most Popular New Female Talent Logie Award for her portrayal.

Sheena Wilson

Sheena Wilson, enacted by Zoe Stark, was introduced on 10 August 2000. She worked as a nurse at Erinsborough Hospital and was a close friend of Dee Bliss. Sheena became romantically involved with Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), but their relationship ended after Toadie disclosed that Sheena’s mother, Rhonda, had attempted to seduce him.

Among Sheena’s significant plotlines was her accusation of Martin Cook (Tony Bonner) for victimising her by denying a workshop placement; this was later confirmed when Dee also experienced his inappropriate behavior. In her professional capacity, Sheena assisted with medical situations such as Lou Carpenter's back injury and Lyn Scully’s labor. She also played a key role in managing psychiatric care for Max Hoyland (Stephen Lovatt), overseeing his treatment and liaising with his family during his hospital stay.

On a social level, Sheena attended her high school reunion at the Scarlet Bar, where conflicts emerged involving staff member Sindi Watts (Marisa Warrington) and her boyfriend Stuart Parker (Blair McDonough), illustrating workplace tensions and interpersonal drama within the show’s environment.

Gino Esposito

Gino Esposito, initially portrayed by Claude Stevens and later recast with Shane McNamara, first appeared on 11 August 2000. Gino was depicted as a gay hairdresser managing the local salon. Script producer Luke Devenish characterized him as a comedic figure reminiscent of Mr Humphries from Are You Being Served?, designed as light-hearted representation without reinforcing negative stereotypes. One storyline featured Gino temporarily moving in with Harold Bishop, creating a love triangle complicated further by Lou Carpenter’s jealousy.

Allana Truman

Allana Truman (originally Dorothy Truman), portrayed by Josephine Clark, made her first appearance on 29 September 2000 under a guest role lasting three months. Characterized as quirky, Allana became romantically involved with Lance Wilkinson, bonding over their shared enthusiasm for science fiction.

Their relationship evolved through a series of challenges Allana devised for Lance. These included tracking down a rare television episode, meeting a former actor, producing a sci-fi film, decoding mysterious symbols, and persuading a local journalist to publish an article about UFOs. The final challenge required Lance to obtain a fragment of satellite wreckage; he cleverly faked this himself, which impressed Allana and led to the start of their romance.

Tension emerged when Allana’s mother, Jeannie Truman, who was possessive due to illness, disapproved of the couple. Feeling pressured, Allana ended things with Lance but later enlisted his help to break free from her mother’s control. They planned a trip to the United States to attend science fiction conventions. Lance’s involvement in a radio quiz show—where he exposed cheating by the producer—helped them raise money. Eventually, Allana and Lance departed Erinsborough and established their own sci-fi convention.

Emily Hancock

Emily Hancock, played by Isabella Oldham, first appeared on 11 October 2000 and was reintroduced alongside her family in 2001. The five-member Hancock family was introduced to compensate for the temporary absence of six regular cast members, representing a lively and affectionate Australian household. By 2002, the entire Hancock family had been written out of Neighbours. One of Emily’s key storylines involved finding a love letter from Toadie addressed to her mother Maggie Hancock. Jackie Brygel from the Herald Sun referred to Emily as the "adorable daughter" within the family.

While their mother was away, Emily and her brother Leo were temporarily looked after by Karl and Susan Kennedy. The following year, the family relocated to Ramsay Street. Emily became distressed when her cherished doll Lizzie went missing; she and Leo eventually located it in a local shop owned by Collector Bob. Their attempt to retrieve the doll without parental knowledge was thwarted, but Maggie stepped in to recover it. Later on, Emily took a pair of earrings from an incorrectly delivered package, which led to accusations of theft that she confessed to.

Following a family disagreement, Emily ran away and accidentally got locked inside a bus overnight. A police search was launched after the driver reported her missing. Emily complained about ear pain that was later diagnosed by Karl Kennedy as dental problems. She spoke of an imaginary friend named Madge, which delighted Harold Bishop who felt it connected him with his late wife. Additionally, Emily read aloud a letter from Toadfish Rebecchi expressing his affection for Maggie.

Financial struggles forced the Hancock family to leave Erinsborough. On their final day in town, Emily briefly went missing again but was found saying farewell to Madge in the garden of Number 24.

Leo Hancock

Leo Hancock, portrayed initially by Josh Jay before being recast with Anthony Hammer upon the family's return in 2001, debuted on 11 October 2000. The Hancock family was introduced as a lively Australian household designed to fill gaps left by six temporarily absent regular characters. By 2002, all members of the Hancock family had exited Neighbours.

Leo and his sister Emily (Isabella Oldham) were cared for temporarily by Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) before moving back with their parents to Ramsay Street. Early plots included Leo going missing and being discovered at the local pub where his brother Matt worked. During their parents’ absence, Leo arranged for his friend Aleks Rama (Dean Ali) to stay with them. He grappled with guilt over his sister Francesca's death after blaming himself for leaving a pool gate open that led to her drowning; support from Dee Bliss (Madeleine West) helped him begin healing.

At school, Leo endured bullying from P.E. teacher Dean Hearn (Jason Buckley). After reporting this to his parents Evan and Maggie Hancock and principal Susan Kennedy, Dean resigned following an incident where he injured Leo. Family tensions rose when Leo shouted at Emily causing her disappearance; he later assisted in locating her.

Leo confessed to writing and selling essays online in order to pay for break-dancing lessons that his parents initially forbade. However, after witnessing his skill, Evan permitted him to join a dance group. Leo and Michelle Scully (Kate Keltie) discovered an undocumented immigrant named Gregori (Peter Prenga) and kept his presence secret until he was deported.

When Leo’s dance crew qualified for finals in Adelaide, Evan refused permission for him to attend. The crew attempted fundraising independently which caused family friction. Although Leo considered sneaking away, he ultimately stayed home. After Matt and Glen Bushby (Nathaniel Marshall) were involved in a drag race crash, Leo helped Matt avoid police temporarily by bringing him food; Matt later surrendered leading to expensive legal fees that forced the Hancocks to sell their house and relocate to Albury.

A BBC commentator highlighted Leo’s most memorable moment as "keeping his brother’s location secret following the car accident."

Darcy Tyler

Darcy Tyler, brought to life by Mark Raffety, made his first appearance on 15 November 2000. He is the nephew of Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) and a physician characterized as an antagonist who frequently stirred conflict within the Kennedy family. Raffety appreciated the role for its rich character development opportunities throughout his three-year involvement. His performance garnered nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Bad Boy at the Inside Soap Awards.

Larry Woodhouse

Larry "Woody" Woodhouse, portrayed by Andrew Curry, was introduced on 24 November 2000 as a recurring figure until 2002, with a brief return in 2010. Woody, a mechanic and bouncer, was Stephanie Scully's former partner who had served prison time for handling stolen property. Upon release, he became entangled in witness protection due to threats from criminal elements, inviting Steph to join him. Their escape attempt concluded with a car accident, leading Steph to believe Woody had died.

A year later, Woody reappeared to caution Steph about Mitch Foster, a man she was involved with who had a prison background. Despite Woody's warnings, Steph eventually moved beyond both men. In 2010, Curry reprised Woody’s role for an unexpected return that offered Steph relief from familial duties during her battle with postnatal depression.

Woody’s narrative encompassed criminal involvements, witness protection challenges, and complicated dynamics with Steph, emphasizing themes of loyalty and redemption. His comeback highlighted lingering conflicts and enriched the series’ examination of personal hardships. A BBC commentator described Woody’s most memorable moment as "rising from the dead," while media outlets labeled him a "bad boy biker."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
27 January 2000 – 7 August 2003	Cecile Bliss	Molly McCaffrey	Cecile, Dee Bliss's younger sister, arrives accompanied by friends searching for Joel Samuels. She bullies Michelle Scully, resulting in a confrontation where Michelle suffers a broken arm. Cecile serves as a bridesmaid at Dee’s wedding and attends her funeral. In 2017, a woman claiming to be Dee reveals that Cecile died a year earlier in a motorcycle accident; DNA testing confirms this. The woman is later unmasked as impostor Andrea Somers.
3–16 February	Vanessa Bradshaw	Julieanne Tait	Vanessa, a fashion designer and friend of Dee, participates in a double date with Dee involving Joel and Toadfish. They pose as sisters and rack up an unaffordable bill after discovering Joel and Toadie's true identities.
11 February–5 April	Greg Mast	Roy Thompson	Carpenter Greg offers an apprenticeship in Queensland to Billy Kennedy. After some hesitation, Billy accepts and later discovers Anne Wilkinson has joined him there.
25 February–17 April	Ivan Hart	Erik Donnison	Ivan operates the A Good Hair Day salon but employs dubious business methods, leaving Lyn Scully responsible for expenses. After Ivan absconds due to gambling debts, Lyn convinces his wife Katrina to keep the salon running using her savings.
2 March–6 April	Carrie Clark	Vanessa Rossini	Carrie betrays Dee Bliss by engaging in an affair with her boyfriend, Joel Samuels.
3 March–2 June	Merridy Jackson	Suzi Cato	Lou Carpenter dates teacher Merridy before she leaves for another position. Lou declares his love prior to her departure; they agree to reconsider their relationship after six months but ultimately separate.
20 March–7 June	Simone King	Denise Briskin	Simone flirts with Paul McClain, sparking rivalry with Tad Reeves. After a short-lived relationship and ensuing conflict between Paul and Tad, Paul ends things with Simone.
22 March–21 February 2001	Minnie Kirk	Marion Heathfield	Drew Kirk’s great aunt Minnie visits Erinsborough, mistakenly believes Drew and Libby Kennedy are engaged, and attends their wedding months later.
10 April 2000, 29 July–7 August 2003	Magda Bliss	Marilyn O'Donnell June Jones	Mother of Dee and Cecile Bliss; visits following Cecile’s injury and appears at Dee’s wedding and funeral. In 2017, it is revealed that Magda died in a car accident ten years earlier.
13–24 April	Rachel Jones	Kim Trengove	Rachel meets Tad Reeves through an adoption group; Tad suspects she might be his biological mother but learns they are unrelated. Rachel is searching for her son.
18 April–9 May	Connie O'Rourke	Val Jellay	Connie visits Lyn Scully’s family during financial difficulties but departs to give them space. Years later, Connie suffers a stroke leading to her death; family secrets about adoption cause initial strife but eventual reconciliation.
18 April–15 October 2003	Henry O'Rourke	Bud Tingwell
27 April	Janet Kirk	Roberta Connelly	Aunt of Drew Kirk; meets Libby Kennedy and shares family quilt stories during preparations for Drew and Libby's wedding.
5 May–6 June	Sean Edwards	Daniel Collopy	Sean dates Felicity Scully secretly due to their age gap; her father opposes the relationship which continues briefly before ending amid familial tensions.
9 May	Shanti Pandya	Menik Gooneratne	Traveller Shanti stays at a hostel managed by Toadfish Rebecchi and others; impressed by Joel Samuels but confused about the hostel's closure.
15 May–7 July	Rachel Bailey	Carolyn Bock	Tad Reeves’ biological mother who gave him up for adoption; their reunion is strained due to her secretive lifestyle. Rachel later dies as disclosed by her husband Stephen.
16 May–25 July	Glenda Ryan	Bronwyn Di Cecco	Glenda, spouse of Maurie Ryan, faces cancer misdiagnosis leading to malpractice allegations against Karl Kennedy which are dropped considering community impact.
29 May–30 November	Stephen Bailey	Dean Murphy Kevin Hopkins	Husband of Rachel Bailey; informs Tad Reeves of Rachel's death and son's need for bone marrow transplant; Tad agrees to assist.
29 May–24 October	' Jasmine Bailey '	' Chantelle Davies Chloe Ellison
29 May–26 January 2001	' Tim Bailey '	' Carl Lennie Darcy Bonser
12 June	' Dylan Ryan '	' Nicholas Colla	' Son of Maurie and Glenda Ryan; introduced when dropped off at school by his father.
14–29 June	' Bernie Samuels '	' Sean Scully	' Bernie attempts to bond with his son Joel but repeatedly lets him down by flirting with Dee Bliss and shirking responsibilities; they part on amicable terms.
29 June–17 July	' Wendy Baker '	' Patsy Martin	' Wendy blackmails Harold Bishop over mistaken identity related to an armed robbery; demands payment before clearing Harold once the actual culprit is caught.
6 July–4 August	' Damon Gaffney '	' Richard Morgan	' Damon struggles with agoraphobia following family tragedy; forms bond with Michelle Scully who encourages him to seek counseling after he aids her during a dog attack.
6 July–7 August	' Pete Redman '	' Frank Raco	' Postman Pete becomes the object of Felicity Scully's affection until she discovers he is married after friends orchestrate fake love letters as a prank.
11 July–2 August	' Max Crawford '	' Simon Gleeson	' Dee Bliss's ex-boyfriend returns from overseas causing jealousy involving Joel Samuels; eventually moves on after unsuccessful attempts to rekindle romance.
24 July–24 November	' Cheyenne Rivers '	' Angelique Meunier	' Dates Paul McClain while antagonizing Felicity Scully; their relationship ends after Cheyenne's shoplifting leads to conflict resulting in her father Gareth Rivers sending her away.
4 August–13 June 2002	' Doula Tsobanopoulos '	' Katherine Halliday	' Owner of Hemisfear nightclub; underpays Tad Reeves and steals his passport for identity fraud alongside Richard Knott.
7 August	' Ari Tsobanopoulos '	' Campbell Smith	' Brother of Doula Tsobanopoulos; delivers promotional materials for Hemisfear club to Tad Reeves.
15 August–11 September	' Lisa Ryan '	' Tania Lunson	' Daughter of Maurie Ryan; admires Lance Wilkinson standing up to her father but ends relationship when Lance declines adventurous activities she proposes.
25 August	' Dorothy Rivers '	' Marita Wilcox	' Mother of Cheyenne Rivers; community fundraiser hosting charity events including youth-involved slave auction.
28 August–12 September	' Gareth Rivers '	' Serge De Nardo	' Father of Cheyenne Rivers and P&C committee member who attempts blackmail regarding school funding but fails; sends Cheyenne away following shoplifting incident.
29 September–25 October	' Patsy Edis '	' Anne Maloney	' Nanny employed by Lou Carpenter who attempts theft but is stopped by Joe Scully after Michelle Scully grows suspicious.
31 October–27 March 2001	' Colin Rogers '	' John Tarle	' Student infatuated with Felicity Scully escalates from bullying victim to planting a bomb at school in misguided attempt to impress her; arrested following confrontation involving Joel Samuels.
1–24 November	' Mick Scully '	' Andy Anderson	' Joe Scully’s brother who struggles with motivation after leaving his wife; reconciles with family following accident involving himself and their father.
3 November–5 October 2001	' Pat Miller '	' Matt Norman	' Football coach involved in steroid distribution who bullies players including Paul McClain until confronted and challenged.
24 November–22 January 2001	' Tina Nguyen '	' Kim Nguyen	" Pregnant Tina goes into labor in Joe Scully's taxi during bushfire emergency; Joe delivers baby Joseph who is later named by parents asking Joe to be godfather.
"27 November–22 January 2001"	" Joseph Nguyen "	" Joshua Ten	" Newborn son of Tina and Hung Nguyen.
28 November	" Hunq Nguyen "	" Ferdinand Hoang	" Husband of Tina Nguyen.
5 December–12 February 2001	" Clementine Truman "	" Melanie Lockman	" Older sister of Allana Truman who encourages Toadfish Rebecchi to fight for his radio job after being fired over controversial content advising students on savings.
6 December–13 February 2001	" Kev Kelly "	" Frank Kennedy	" Jewel thief imprisoned in Warrinor Prison who coerces Larry Woodhouse into assisting crimes before being killed during failed drug deal.