Gregory Jenkins

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Headquarters	Australia , Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Soap opera
Website	www.neighbours.com.au

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on 18 March 1985 and is currently broadcast on the digital channel Eleven. The list below details characters introduced to the series during 2016, organized by their debut dates. Each new character was brought in under the guidance of the show's executive producer Jason Herbison. The 32nd season of Neighbours commenced airing on 4 January 2016. During January, both Julie Quill and Xanthe Canning made their first appearances. In March, Jacka Hills was added to the cast. April saw the introductions of Jack Callahan, Ned Willis, and Madison Robinson, while May brought in Angus Beaumont-Hannay, Walter Mitchell, and Mandy Franze. The character James Udagawa debuted in August, followed by siblings David Tanaka and Leo Tanaka in September, alongside Xanthe's mother, Brooke Butler.

Julie Quill

Julie Quill, portrayed by Gail Easdale, made her initial appearance on 12 January 2016. Easdale secured the role after previously auditioning for a different part in 2015. This character marked Easdale's return to acting, and she is married to Stefan Dennis, who plays Paul Robinson on the show. Julie was introduced as the new proprietor of Lassiter's Hotel and positioned as Paul's rival. Easdale characterized Julie as a "tough figure" who has succeeded within a male-dominated sector. Later storylines reveal Julie's responsibility for the Lassiter's Hotel explosion that resulted in the deaths of Josh Willis and Doug Willis, which led to her exit from the series in June 2016. Easdale reprised her role in September 2021 when Julie appears incarcerated, showing signs of remorse for her previous deeds.

Julie arrives to conduct an assessment of Lassiter's, newly acquired by the Quill Group. She harbors resentment toward Paul Robinson stemming from a past failed relationship and initially refuses to employ Paul's nephew Daniel Robinson; however, she later hires him after discovering his estrangement from Paul. Julie confides in Terese Willis about her struggles as a woman in the hotel business and discloses her intention to construct a second hotel tower on existing Lassiter's properties.

In an effort to undermine Paul's attempt to host the Erinsborough Citizen of the Year event, Julie secures the launch party venue at The Waterhole but deliberately causes food poisoning among attendees to sabotage it. When Robinson's Motel ultimately wins the award ceremony instead, Julie coerces her stepson Tom Quill into falsifying an environmental report for her tower development project; upon exposure of his fraudulent act, she disowns him.

After an explosion devastates Lassiter's boiler room, Julie moves in with Terese Willis and appoints Sarah Beaumont as hotel manager during Terese's absence. She accuses Paul of orchestrating the explosion and dismisses Terese once it is revealed that Terese financed a false alibi implicating Paul. At Lassiter's reopening event, Julie is arrested when John Doe regains his memory and identifies her involvement in conspiring to cause the blast. She receives a ten-year prison sentence.

Five years later, Julie's son Jesse Porter starts working at Lassiters with the objective of gathering information intended to restore the Quill Group’s standing.

Xanthe Canning

Xanthe Canning, brought to life by Lilly Van der Meer, made her first appearance on 22 January 2016. Announced in November 2015, Xanthe is the granddaughter of Sheila Canning, half-sister to Kyle Canning, and daughter of Gary Canning. Colette Mann, who portrays Sheila, suggested that Xanthe’s introduction would catalyze a significant family-focused storyline. Van der Meer characterized Xanthe as someone who injects "excitement, mischief, and trouble" into Ramsay Street and predicted she would become "a valued friend" within the community.

Jacka Hills

Jackson Derek "Jacka" Hills, portrayed by Brad McMurray, debuted on 7 March 2016 as an old acquaintance of Stephanie Scully. Introduced as the program’s "latest antagonist," Jacka was central to numerous storylines filled with crime and deceit. McMurray expressed enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the character’s flair for instigating chaos and unexpected developments.

Jacka’s narrative involved various criminal endeavors including vandalism, theft, and orchestrating an explosion at Lassiter's Hotel as part of an insurance fraud scheme. He was implicated in a $10,000 contract from Julie Quill to bomb the hotel but was apprehended following fatalities. His ties with local gangs and Ned Willis added layers to his storyline.

After serving time in prison, Jacka enlisted Steph’s assistance to investigate suspicions regarding his wife Regan Davis’s fidelity. Upon early release to care for his terminally ill mother, he returned with intentions of vengeance against Ned Willis, committing further offenses such as poisoning and sabotage that culminated in a hot-air balloon accident causing Regan’s death. Jacka was once again arrested and received an eighteen-year prison sentence.

In 2022, script producer Shane Isheev confirmed plans for Jacka’s comeback involving a prison escape plot; however, this was scrapped due to the series concluding. Isheev described Jacka as one of Neighbours’ "most memorable villains."

Jack Callahan

Jack Callahan (also known as John Doe), played by Andrew Morley, first appeared on 4 April 2016. Morley’s casting was revealed on 30 January 2016 after he auditioned while engaged in charity work in Cambodia. Filming started in December 2015. Initially introduced with "an enigmatic background" and no connections to Erinsborough, the character—initially called John Doe—forms a friendship with Paige Smith (Olympia Valance). It is later uncovered that his true identity is Jack Callahan and that he serves as a Catholic priest. Jack decides to stay in Erinsborough but faces internal conflict between his devotion to Paige and his religious obligations.

Ned Willis

Ned Willis, portrayed by Ben Hall, made his debut on 6 April 2016. His casting announcement came on 11 March 2016, with the character having been mentioned since birth. After initially appearing as a guest character, Ned returned on 10 August. He is the son of Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia), marking the first time all of Brad's children have been shown together on screen. A tattoo artist who lived with his grandparents in Darwin, Ned is described as "manipulative" and "complex," featuring in storylines centered around mischief. He was reintroduced as a regular cast member on 20 June 2018.

Madison Robinson

Madison Robinson, played by Sarah Ellen, made her debut on 22 April 2016. Ellen's casting was revealed in February 2016, with producers leaving open the possibility of a permanent role. Series producer Jason Herbison commented, "the character of Madison was always intended to be part of the Neighbours world, and I’m delighted Sarah was chosen for the role." Madison returned on 24 June and stayed until 27 September, with scenes shot on the Gold Coast. Ellen also appeared in flashback sequences in 2019.

Madison is the younger offspring of the well-known Neighbours couple Scott and Charlene Robinson. She arrives in Erinsborough to check on her brother Daniel, acting on behalf of their parents. To prepare for the role, Ellen reviewed footage of her on-screen parents and noted that Madison inherited Charlene’s spirited and adventurous nature. As an aspiring journalist, Madison is characterized as a "fashionable teenager." After completing her guest appearance, Ellen pursued opportunities in Hollywood, praising Neighbours as an excellent foundation for her career.

Upon arriving at Number 24 Ramsay Street, Madison reconnects with Daniel and discloses that she is visiting from Brisbane after hearing about his plans to marry Imogen Willis. She supports Daniel and Imogen’s secret wedding arrangements, which eventually receive family endorsement. Opting to stay in Erinsborough, Madison encourages her uncle Paul Robinson, who faces accusations related to the Lassiter's Hotel explosion, showing confidence in him and urging him to seek out evidence.

Following Paul's arrest and subsequent release when another individual is charged, he orchestrates events to secure Madison a cadet reporter position at the West Waratah Star. She abandons university ambitions and a boyfriend to accept this opportunity. Under Paul's influence, Madison writes local stories that he then modifies into personal attacks. After this manipulation is uncovered, Madison moves out and later uncovers a scandal involving a cleaning company employing women in lingerie. Upon learning her cousin Amy Williams worked there, she refuses to publish the story and is subsequently dismissed. Terese Willis then hires Madison as her assistant.

Madison motivates Terese to bid for ownership of Lassiter’s and travels to New York with her aunt Lucy Robinson to finalize paperwork. When singer Rhonda Riley is delayed for a performance at The Waterhole, Madison steps in and later performs again through arrangements made by Aaron Brennan. Misunderstandings arise when Xanthe assumes Madison is romantically involved with Ben Kirk due to their musical collaboration; this leads Sheila Canning to terminate Madison’s employment at The Waterhole.

Through Lucy, Madison receives an audition opportunity for a singing residency at Lassiter’s Gold Coast. At SeaWorld, she unexpectedly reunites with her ex-boyfriend Logan Dunne, resolving previous issues surrounding their breakup. Although she arrives late for the audition, Madison impresses the judges and is offered the position but contemplates giving it up to accompany Logan to California. Ultimately, Logan chooses to remain on the Gold Coast with her.

Angus Beaumont-Hannay

Angus Beaumont-Hannay, portrayed by Jai Waetford, made his debut on 2 May 2016. Waetford's involvement was disclosed on 10 February 2016, though details about his character were initially withheld. Angus was introduced as the "defiant" offspring of a contentious figure in Erinsborough, later identified as Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles). Series producer Jason Herbison remarked that Waetford would relish playing a character who challenges limits. Initially contracted for a guest role, Waetford subsequently returned to shoot scenes on the Gold Coast.

Following his expulsion from boarding school, Angus arrives in Australia anticipating a holiday with his mother Sarah; however, she leaves him in the care of friends Karl and Susan Kennedy in Erinsborough. He quickly engages in conflict with Ben Kirk, including stealing money from Ben’s guitar case and clashing over allegations of arson and vandalism. Angus forms a romantic connection with Xanthe Canning, which ends after intervention by Xanthe’s grandmother. He confesses to Susan that he triggered the fire alarm, leading to the relationship's end.

Angus’s rebellious streak continues as he sprays graffiti at school, intensifying tensions with Ben. Upon overhearing Karl deny being his father, Angus begins to question his own identity. He becomes embroiled in a financial dispute involving Tom Quill and helps establish a band to busk for money. After discovering his mother’s cancer diagnosis, Angus takes the busking earnings and attempts to flee to Bali but is stopped by friends and family. Sarah returns, apologizing for concealing her illness, and invites Angus to accompany her to Germany for treatment; he agrees after they reconcile.

While visiting the Gold Coast with his father, Angus reconnects with Ben and Xanthe. After assisting Madison Robinson with a singing audition, Susan invites him back to Erinsborough. Motivated by Susan’s niece Elly Conway, Angus resumes schooling and develops feelings for Elly. Following rejection, he loses his virginity to Piper Willis. Attempting to get a tattoo using stolen ink, he is prevented due to contamination risks. At a Halloween dance, he serenades Elly and kisses her while she is asleep; she scolds him but initially keeps the incident private.

After being cautioned by Leo Tanaka to cease pursuing Elly, Angus contemplates leaving school but opts instead for music school. Following an episode where his drink is spiked, he drunkenly calls Elly, who assists him home. An independent record label expresses interest in his music video. When Elly’s former boyfriend returns, Angus enlists Piper’s help to keep them apart but fails; Elly then asks him to stay away. Later, taking advantage of an intoxicated Elly, Angus kisses her again; Susan discovers them together and reports the matter. The education board refers the case to the police while Angus receives an offer from a record label.

Initially denying any wrongdoing, both deny misconduct; however, Elly later recalls the event and files a report. Angus faces assault charges but apologizes and admits fault. Elly chooses not to press charges, and Angus’s father takes him to Sydney.

Walter Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, played by Greg Stone, made his debut on 13 May 2016. Initially introduced as the estranged uncle of Sonya Rebecchi, it was later uncovered that Walter is actually her biological father. He also has a fourteen-year-old daughter named Zoe Mitchell, who is battling leukaemia, which leads Walter to ask Sonya to consider donating bone marrow.

Walter arrives in Erinsborough claiming to have overcome his addiction, but he misappropriates funds intended for rehabilitation. Stephanie Scully offers him a room at her motel. Sonya first encounters Walter when he uses the pseudonym "Mitch," and after attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting together, Walter begins a relationship with Terese Willis. Eventually, Sonya discovers Walter’s real identity and his involvement in the car accident that claimed her parents’ lives, as he confesses to having had an affair with her mother.

Although initially rejected, Sonya supports Walter's journey to sobriety and invites him to live with her. Walter ends things with Terese and forms a close bond with Sonya's daughter, Nell Rebecchi. However, a message from Walter’s ex-wife Roxanne reveals Zoe’s illness. Sonya undergoes testing to be a donor but is not compatible; Nell is secretly tested and matches, causing tension when Walter takes her to hospital without informing Sonya. After apologizing for this, Walter remains an important part of the family.

When Sonya's son Callum is identified as a donor match, Walter and Zoe leave for treatment in the United States. In 2018, Zoe’s cancer returns requiring chemotherapy, and Walter relapses into drinking, with Sonya providing support as he recommits to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Mandy Franze

Mandy Franze, portrayed by Kristy Best, appeared first on 26 May 2016. Introduced as the enigmatic former girlfriend of Andrew Morley’s character John Doe, Mandy acts as a romantic competitor to Paige Smith. She claims to be John's partner, insisting his real name is Jason Jones and that they cohabit. Despite Paige’s doubts, John interacts with Mandy and they share a kiss. Mandy’s deception becomes apparent when she offers John a Hawaiian pizza—he is allergic to pineapple—contradicting her stated knowledge of his tastes. Before departing, Mandy reveals she met John on the day of the Lassiter's explosion but admits she knows little else about him.

James Udagawa

James Udagawa, portrayed by Samuel David Humphrey, first appeared on 3 August 2016. Humphrey, who has acrodysostosis, was initially cast as an extra but was given an expanded role due to his impressive performance. James is introduced as a savvy "corporate whizz kid" tasked with rescuing Lassiter's Hotel from financial troubles and overseeing Terese Willis’s management.

Upon arrival, Terese mistakes James for a child because of his stature but quickly learns that he represents his family’s investment in the hotel. He conducts thorough reviews of financial records, supplier agreements, and forecasts, demonstrating sharp intellect and business expertise. James manages quarterly performance assessments and addresses concerns such as hidden cameras at The Waterhole, which are explained as part of a school project. He reports stagnant revenue figures and urges Terese to develop improvement strategies.

James confides in Terese about internal family tensions: his sister Jasmine plans to assume control of their family business following their grandfather's passing. Jasmine manipulates their grandfather into transferring James away, prompting James to caution Terese about trusting Jasmine.

David Tanaka

David Tanaka, brought to life by Takaya Honda, made his first appearance on 21 September 2016. His casting was revealed alongside that of his twin brother Leo (portrayed by Tim Kano) on 22 August 2016, introducing the Tanaka siblings to Erinsborough. David is depicted as a socially conscious medical professional who arrives with Leo to investigate a family mystery.

Leo Tanaka

Leo Tanaka, enacted by Tim Kano, debuted on 22 September 2016. Introduced concurrently with his twin brother David, Leo is portrayed as a charming opportunist—playful, somewhat superficial, yet possessing a kind heart and deep loyalty to David. Their narrative focuses on unraveling a hidden family secret.

Brooke Butler

Brooke Butler, played by Fifi Box, first appeared on 28 September 2016. Announced in July 2016, Box's addition brought fresh energy to the series with Brooke characterized as "a scheming, flighty, and questionable woman" who relies heavily on her appearance. She is the estranged mother of Xanthe Canning and former partner of Gary Canning. Executive producer Jason Herbison emphasized her "Gold Coast chic" style, while Network Ten’s Claire Tonkin described her as a "vibrant personality". Brooke made a return in 2017, continuing her complicated interactions in Erinsborough.

Brooke comes to Erinsborough aiming to reconnect with Xanthe and rekindles relationships with Gary and his mother Sheila Canning. She runs a jewellery business but faces doubts about the authenticity of her merchandise. Hosting jewellery parties that generate sales, Brooke struggles financially, leading to conflicts with creditor Mack Sweetin. She manipulates family relationships, creating tension between Xanthe and Ben Kirk, and exploits Gary’s sympathy to obtain loans.

Under pressure from debts and threats by former associates, Brooke confesses to selling counterfeit jewellery and departs after leaving a farewell letter for Xanthe. Upon her return, she seeks to repair trust by apologizing for the scam and secures a position as manager of Lassiter's Day Spa. Brooke also plans to meet her daughter Jesse during a trip to Malaysia but ultimately leaves following Gary’s engagement to Terese.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Details
4 January	Dr Lee	Marty Rhone	Dr Lee conducts spinal surgery on Toadfish Rebecchi to remove a bullet lodged in his spine; the procedure is disrupted by Toadie’s wife Sonya, resulting in complications.
5–15 January	Warren Stacks	Michael Shanahan	Warren mistakenly takes Paige Smith hostage believing she is Michelle Kim; Paige escapes but is accidentally struck by his vehicle. Warren later meets Michelle and Dennis Dimato to justify his actions; Dimato promises to handle the situation.
7 January	Rochelle Neve	Carmen Warrington	Rochelle, wife of Stanley Neve, had an affair with Lou Carpenter. She visits Erinsborough hoping to continue their relationship but Lou tricks her into thinking he is involved with Sheila Canning. Rochelle leaves after realizing the deception.
15 January	Carla Watson	Gemma Bird Matheson	Carla interviews Kyle and Sheila Canning following an incident where their dog Bossy bit a child; she fines them for allowing Bossy off-leash and impounds the dog despite Kyle’s claims of illness.
21 January–16 March, 30 May–6 June 2018	Philippa Hoyland	Wendy Bos	Philippa, Max Hoyland’s third spouse, attempts to adopt Steph Scully’s son Charlie. After mediation and concerns regarding Steph’s judgment due to past conflicts with Paul Robinson, Philippa initially halts adoption plans but later permits visitation. Years later, following revelations about Philippa’s affair and custody disputes, counseling leads to Charlie remaining with Steph before relocating to Sydney with Philippa.
27 January	Amanda Tucker	Jennifer Rose	Amanda works as a beautician at Lassiter's and provides Karl Kennedy with a manicure during his visit.
2 February	Nigel Deme	Adam Dunning	Nigel is dispatched by the council to remove love locks from the bridge over Lassiter’s Lake; Sonya Rebecchi and Karl Kennedy protest his actions. Nigel returns later to close the unsafe bridge.
10 February	Lina Vella	Antonia Vekic	Lina manages Tim Collins’ campaign for mayor and confronts rival Sonya Mitchell about her troubled past involving abandonment and addiction; Sonya warns Lina against interfering with her family.
15 February	Amanda Fowke	Hannah Cliff	Amanda performs survey work for the Quill Group and requests access to Rebecchi Law offices; after delivering boxes to Lassiter's Hotel, she informs Daniel Robinson that Julie Quill restricts access to the storeroom.
	Delivery Guy	Russell Leonard	Responsible for delivering boxes to Lassiter's Hotel.
17 February	Trevor Lucas	David Rock	Trevor inspects Erins Burrow motel for bedbug infestation; co-owner Paul Robinson guides him during fumigation.
18 February	Richard Pentecost	Akira Bradley	Richard is a journalist attending a public question-and-answer session between mayoral candidates Sonya Rebecchi and Tim Collins.
19 February–3 March, 28 February 2017	Noel Creighton	Kristian Beddow	Noel lectures university gender studies courses; supports student Paige Smith academically and later discusses her potential transfer.
22–24 February	Ainsley Gilzan	Emma Lucy Haughey	Ainsley purchases an exam paper from Xanthe Canning leading to cheating allegations; she pressures Xanthe into resolving the issue. Xanthe organizes a party that Sheila Canning breaks up.
25 February–21 March	Aurora Green	Chloe Ng	Aurora participates in Paige Smith's protest against tree removal for drainage projects; warns Sonya Rebecchi about consequences if unaddressed; flirts with Daniel Robinson; suggests Imogen Willis might be polyamorous.
26 February–11 March	Cameron McPhee	Alexander Adams	Cameron steals flowers from Lassiter's Hotel on Paul Robinson's behalf; caught by Mark Brennan and arrested. Paul reassures Cameron of his value but urges caution. Cameron later joins Brad Willis' outreach initiative.
1 March	Michael Arnold	Des Fleming	Michael acts as mediator between Stephanie Scully and Philippa Hoyland regarding adoption of Steph’s son Charlie; discusses mutual connections prior to sessions.
	Nursery Staff	Melissa Hill	Nursery employee contacted by Paul Robinson concerning his grandson Jimmy Williams.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Details

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Details

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Details

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Details } External links Cast and characters on the official Neighbours site Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database