Izzy Hoyland
Izzy Hoyland | |
|---|---|
| Born | Isabelle Hoyland |
| Other names | Izzy |
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2003–2007, 2017–2018, 2022 |
| Known for | Neighbours |
| Notable work | Portrayal by Natalie Bassingthwaighte |
Isabelle "Izzy" Hoyland is a character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte. She made her first appearance on 1 September 2003, introduced as the younger sibling of Max Hoyland (Stephen Lovatt). Bassingthwaighte departed the series in 2006 to concentrate on her music career but made a brief return in 2007 for storylines set in London. The portrayal of Izzy was well-received, earning Bassingthwaighte three nominations at the Logie Awards. She returned once more in October 2017, again from February to March 2018, and featured in the final episodes aired in July 2022.
Casting
Natalie Bassingthwaighte joined the cast of Neighbours in 2003, marking her first regular television role. Having a background in musical theatre, she was initially reluctant to audition due to concerns about being stereotyped as a "soapie star-turned singer." Encouraged by her manager, she proceeded with the audition and secured the role of Izzy. To film the series, she relocated to Melbourne and made her debut on screen on 1 September 2003, coinciding with her birthday.
Characterisation and introduction
Prior to appearing on screen, Izzy was characterized as a "manipulative schemer," a "money-driven seductress," and a disruptor of relationships. Robert Fidgeon from the Herald Sun commented that Izzy would "make male hearts race," describing her as a "compulsive flirt with an effervescent personality." Her backstory reveals that she employs this allure to conceal feelings stemming from abandonment by her mother, who left in the late 1970s to pursue spiritual beliefs. Bassingthwaighte portrayed Izzy as "a charming exterior hiding a scheming, unscrupulous home-wrecker," likening her life story to that found in a low-budget Jackie Collins novel. She added that Izzy is "not particularly trustworthy" and tends to be more successful with men, who are more susceptible to her charms than women.
Network Ten labeled Izzy as a "bad girl" archetype—describing her as "quick-witted, alluring, and naturally flirtatious," with a "knack for manipulating others." They emphasized her "daddy issues," preference for older men regardless of their marital status, and acknowledged her morally dubious behavior. Essentially lazy, Izzy opts for easier, often dishonest methods to earn money. Network Ten also referred to her as a "scarlet lady" and "femme fatale." Bassingthwaighte valued the character’s depth, which combined both sharpness and vulnerability, noting that Izzy was at her most compelling when acting out.
Upon arriving at Lou's Place, Izzy immediately "stirs things up." Both Stuart Parker and Lou Carpenter approach her with their troubles, and she quickly impresses them by telling them what they want to hear. The arrival of Max Hoyland reveals Izzy as his younger sister—a fact Max was unaware of beforehand but welcomes warmly. Their close sibling bond is evident as they catch up. Izzy is taken aback when she discovers Max is involved with Stephanie Scully; initially upset he hadn’t mentioned it, she soon suspects difficulties within their relationship.
Departure
In June 2005, Bassingthwaighte revealed she was contemplating leaving the show once her contract ended the following year. She remarked, "Will I renew? I've had an incredible experience and while it’s great to have steady income and normality, staying in one place too long can make you complacent." She exited Neighbours in 2006 to devote herself fully to music, filming her final scenes on 2 June. The departure was emotionally taxing for her. Nonetheless, in October 2006 it was announced she would return for a special guest stint filmed in London between November and airing in March 2007.
Though invited back for Neighbours' 30th anniversary in 2015, Bassingthwaighte declined due to scheduling conflicts but did participate in the documentary special Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite, which aired both in Australia and the UK in March 2015.
Returns
On 28 October 2017, Jonathon Moran from The Daily Telegraph reported that Bassingthwaighte had resumed filming as Izzy that month.[1] She mentioned having been asked multiple times before but felt previous timing was unsuitable.[1] Speaking about returning, Bassingthwaighte said, "They wanted me for longer and I gave what I could. Recently I’ve rediscovered my passion for acting and playing characters, so I’m easing back into it through Izzy because she’s fun and very distinct."[1] Teasing Izzy’s storyline, she promised a dramatic entrance with a "full-on" comeback that would satisfy fans who previously loved to hate the character.[1] Izzy reappeared during an extended episode on 12 February 2018,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name concluding this stint on 20 March 2018.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
On 7 May 2022, Dan Seddon of Digital Spy announced that Bassingthwaighte was among twenty-three former cast members returning for the series’ final episodes following its cancellation.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The son of Susan (Jackie Woodburne) and Karl (Alan Fletcher), Malcolm (Benjamin McNair), returned to Erinsborough revealing he is dating Izzy and they have fallen in love.[2] Initially staying at Malcolm's hotel, Izzy later informed Susan and Karl about their relationship before Malcolm did. Her return occurred on 21 July 2022.[2]
Storylines
2003–2007
Izzy arrives at Ramsay Street intending to visit her brother Max Hoyland and subsequently moves into Karl Kennedy’s house following his separation from Susan. She falsely claims Karl is the father of her unborn child; however, it is actually Gus Cleary’s child. After suffering a miscarriage, she ends things with Karl and begins dating Paul Robinson. When Darcy Tyler uncovers inconsistencies regarding her pregnancy timeline and threatens exposure, a confrontation leaves him comatose. Upon regaining consciousness, Darcy coerces Izzy into providing favorable testimony before revealing the truth to Susan, who forces Izzy to confess everything to Karl. As a result, Karl evicts her; Izzy disappears briefly leading Paul to be suspected of murder until she is found alive. After overcoming drug addiction issues, Izzy moves in with Paul along with his daughter Elle, who mistrusts Izzy and attempts to frame her for relapse.
Izzy embarks on an affair with Ned Parker, aiming to get him out of Erinsborough; this is uncovered by Robert Robinson and Lou Carpenter. Robert later moves into the household impersonating his twin Cameron. Suspecting Robert’s involvement in accidents attributed initially to Izzy’s negligence, she tries warning Paul and Elle but is ignored until discovering Robert tampering with phone recordings. After Cameron is cleared of suspicion he also moves in. Paul’s infidelity causes strain between him and Izzy leading to their breakup.
Though still harboring feelings for Paul, Izzy pursues Karl who rejects her due to past grievances and efforts to reconcile with Susan. After giving Karl an excessive dose of sleeping pills during a car ride causing him confusion where he mistakes her for Susan and asks her to stay. Susan discovers Izzy’s pregnancy; when questioned about paternity Izzy denies Karl is involved.
Izzy moves to London where she begins an affair with married footballer Pete Gartside. Their relationship ends due to media scrutiny impacting Pete’s career. Homeless on a bench one day, Izzy encounters Karl and Susan visiting their son Malcolm; she enlists Susan’s help attempting reconciliation with Pete who later learns Karl fathered Izzy’s baby urging disclosure. Arriving at Karl and Susan’s wedding while in labor; Karl delivers their daughter Holly. Susan overhears Karl is Holly’s father agreeing at Izzy's request to be godmother.
2018, 2022
Izzy returns for Toadie’s ‘90s-themed 21st birthday party but suffers injuries after being hit by Susan’s car resulting in hospitalization where Holly (now Lucinda Armstrong Hall) joins her. She soon reveals inheritance totaling £41 million explaining marriage to an elderly man named Clint who died shortly after leaving his fortune. After meeting Paul at The Waterhole she discovers he holds naming rights over a new hospital wing causing tension with Karl. To secure naming rights for Karl plus committee membership she makes a significant donation.
Later confiding that her true motive for returning is requesting Karl father another child threatening withdrawal of donation if refused. Karl declines. Flirting with Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor) interrupted by Holly and Karl; Holly reveals recent fertility testing undergone by Karl for research purposes. Persuading Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine) to show lab facilities she steals Karl’s sperm sample intending self-impregnation. At Susan’s birthday party Clive exposes missing sample; Izzy admits theft possibly pregnant with Karl's child. Clint's daughter Rita Newland (Lisa Kay) contests will freezing assets leaving Izzy financially ruined. Karl urges pregnancy test which proves negative; Izzy admits desire for Karl stems from feeling happier around him deciding then to leave Erinsborough without Holly.
Four years later Izzy returns accompanied by secret boyfriend Malcolm—son of Karl and Susan—who hesitates revealing relationship status to parents. After Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) recognizes perfume belonging to Izzy at The Waterhole they discuss Holly. Confronting Susan and Karl at home Malcolm declares love leading Susan accusing Izzy of exploiting son; Izzy suggests possibility of calling Susan ‘mum’ if accepted but both parents reject relationship.
Izzy flirts with Shane Ramsay (Peter O'Brien) over new cars initially resisting advances before sharing lunch and kiss; Shane urges end of relationship with Malcolm which she refuses but later kisses Shane again out of guilt confessing truth to Malcolm. Informing Susan and Karl return motivated by desire for acceptance; Susan insists none was necessary. Attending Toadie’s wedding parties alongside Shane at reception on Ramsay Street; following year revealed Holly returned witnessing kiss between Izzy and Shane.
Reception
Accolades
In 2004, Izzy placed joint tenth in a BBC drama poll recognizing “Best Villain.” In 2006 Bassingthwaighte earned nominations for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television (Gold Logie) and Most Popular Actress at the Logie Awards due to portraying Izzy; another Most Popular Actress nomination followed in 2007. At the 2006 Dolly Teen Choice Awards she won Best Slashie category. In 2007 she received a nomination for Best Bitch at the Inside Soap Awards alongside co-stars Woodburne and Fletcher earning Storyline of the Year nomination at inaugural Digital Spy Soap Awards for London-set storyline involving Karl, Susan & Izzy. The storyline involving stealing Karl's sperm garnered nomination for “Most Bizarre Soap Storyline” at the Digital Spy Reader Awards (2018), ranking seventh with 7.6% votes.
Critical response
An Inside Soap columnist predicted that introducing Izzy would add disruption as a “bad girl” element despite “wholesome looks” potentially misleading viewers regarding true persona. The Advertiser (Adelaide) described her as “a marriage-wrecking self-centered siren,” taking over the show’s “soap bitch” mantle. Bassingthwaighte reported strong audience reactions including online hostility and being booed publicly.
Ruth Deller from Lowculture ranked Izzy second among top soap characters of decade praising relatability as “soap bitch” who garnered sympathy despite troubled family history; later describing her as an “archetypal soap bitch-with-a-soft-centre.” New Zealand site Throng noted development into fan favourite status while media outlets such as Daily Mirror, Metro, Digital Spy & Australian LGBT site Samesame dubbed her “super-bitch.” Bree Hoskin from Gaydar included her among “Top Ten Soap Bitches,” highlighting role as Erinsborough’s most notorious home wrecker plus intense rivalry with Paul.
The Herald Sun portrayed Izzy as “backstabbing blackmailer breaking many hearts,” largely unpopular locally yet ranking among most notable Neighbours characters behind icons like Harold & Madge Bishop. Bassingthwaighte noted surprise from fans seeing off-screen friendships given convincing antagonist portrayal onscreen. Huffpost ranked her twelfth among “35 greatest Neighbours characters,” journalist Adam Beresford crediting introduction of compelling “superbitch” narratives describing her as “untrustworthy manipulative definitely not girl’s girl,” calling character “massively entertaining tornado” within Erinsborough noting Harold only true friend.
Sam Strutt from The Guardian rated affair between Izzy & Karl sixth among top ten moments labeling character classic “homewrecker” embodying soap drama essence while Hiyah Zaidi from NationalWorld described her as “character everyone loved to hate.” In 2015 Herald Sun featured first kiss between Izzy & Karl among “Neighbours’ thirty most memorable moments.”