Jesse Porter (Neighbours)

Neighbours

Company type	Television soap opera
Industry	Television
Founded	1985
Founder	Reg Watson
Headquarters	Melbourne , Australia
Area served	Australia, international syndication
Parent	Network 10 (current broadcaster)
Website	10play.com.au/neighbours

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera broadcast on the digital channel 10 Peach. The following section outlines the characters introduced throughout 2021, presented in order of their first appearance. All new additions were brought in under the supervision of executive producer Jason Herbison. The year began with the arrival of Curtis Perkins in January, followed by Jesse Porter in March, Sheila Canning in April. August saw the introductions of Abigail Tanaka and Evelyn Farlow, with Britney Barnes joining in September, Felicity Higgins in October, and finally Wendy Rodwell making her debut in December.

Curtis Perkins

Curtis Perkins, played by Nathan Borg, made his first appearance on 28 January 2021. Borg’s casting was publicized on 3 December 2020, marking a significant milestone as he became the first actor with a cochlear implant to feature on Australian television. Borg highlighted the importance of visibility for individuals with disabilities. Curtis is introduced as a freshly qualified educator joining the staff at Erinsborough High under the leadership of principals Susan Kennedy and Jane Harris. His character is portrayed as laid-back yet determined, independent, and not defined solely by his hearing impairment. Initially signed for an eight-week stint, positive audience response led to an extension of his role.

A romantic storyline develops between Curtis and Jesse Porter (Cameron Robbie), who initially appears undercover. This narrative explores Curtis's emotional complexity as he confronts feelings of betrayal and anger, enriching his character's depth.

Within Erinsborough High, Curtis instructs students in mathematics, physics, and Auslan. He mentors pupils Hendrix Greyson and Brent Colefax through practical vocational projects designed to boost engagement and develop skills. Though Curtis initially clashes with Jane over project oversight, he secures Susan Kennedy’s approval to continue initiatives aimed at enhancing student participation.

Curtis’s backstory includes being Vera Punt’s nephew. His cochlear implant faces challenges due to external incidents, including an assault by Holden Brice that temporarily affects his hearing ability. Curtis demonstrates resilience through his recovery and ongoing dedication to his teaching role.

Beyond academics, Curtis supports student welfare by assisting Brent Colefax in exploring rehabilitation alternatives to incarceration, such as enlisting in the Australian Defence Force. His personal life features a short-lived relationship with Jesse Porter that ends amid trust issues stemming from Jesse’s other involvements.

Subsequent storylines see Curtis addressing behavioral issues with students like Zara Selwyn and facilitating transitions such as Aubrey Laing’s shift to homeschooling. He also takes part in community events alongside family members including Vera Punt.

Curtis Perkins embodies a progressive representation of diverse abilities within mainstream Australian television, reflecting evolving social values while contributing meaningfully to the show’s educational and interpersonal story arcs.

Jesse Porter

Jesse Porter, portrayed by Cameron Robbie, first appeared on 19 March 2021. His casting was announced on 16 January 2021 after a successful audition process; filming began late 2020. Jesse is introduced as a lifeguard taking on summer work at Lassiter's Hotel while contemplating his future career direction. Originating from an affluent family background, he seeks to distance himself from familial expectations. Robbie described Jesse as "fun-loving" with storylines featuring unexpected developments.

Several months post-introduction, it is revealed that Jesse has ties to the Quill family—business rivals managing a competing hotel chain—and has been secretly assisting their efforts against Lassiters. Robbie referred to this gradual reveal as adding layers to Jesse’s character by highlighting internal conflict and a sense of duty.

Jesse’s employment includes bartending and ceremonial lifeguard duties at The Flamingo Bar near Lassiter's Lake. He supports colleagues such as Roxy Willis and Sheila Canning in promotional efforts and champions Roxy’s bid for bar manager. Jesse helps establish a volleyball court at the venue and participates in events like the Longest Workout competition, interacting with staff and guests alike. He forms a friendship with Harlow Robinson, encouraging her acceptance of an executive assistant role to influence management positively.

A discreet romantic relationship develops between Jesse and Curtis Perkins, balancing their professional and personal lives carefully. Concurrently, Jesse collaborates with Shay Quill from the rival Quill Group by providing intelligence on Lassiters’ operations under pressure to deliver results. Despite moral dilemmas, he continues espionage activities out of familial obligation but expresses remorse over his actions.

After Terese Willis uncovers Jesse’s true loyalties, she terminates his employment but later offers mentorship during his personal struggles. Terese guides Jesse through workplace conflicts and career decisions; their bond deepens amid revelations about Terese’s late son Josh Willis, which connects their family histories.

Jesse makes attempts to reconcile with his incarcerated mother Julie Quill, accompanied by Terese during prison visits. Financial complications involving the Quill Group cause a failed hotel acquisition deal. Paul Robinson warns Jesse against entangling Terese in family disputes.

Under pressure due to concerns about his relationship with Terese, Jesse resigns from Lassiters and departs for Sydney but returns briefly for closure before leaving again.

Sheila Canning

Sheila Canning, brought to life by Shareena Clanton, made her first appearance on 7 April 2021. Clanton's casting was revealed on 29 March 2021, with filming spanning from October 2020 through March 2021. Her character shares a name with the long-standing Sheila Canning (portrayed by Colette Mann), which sparked a storyline centered around misdirected mail. Notably, Clanton had previously featured in Wentworth. Shortly prior to the broadcast, Clanton publicly accused the Neighbours production environment of racism and misogyny, declaring she would not return to the show. Critics acknowledged her brief stint as impactful and memorable.

Within Erinsborough, Sheila visits The Hive, a shared arts workspace, where Paul Robinson informs her she is a prospective buyer. After realizing that her mail had been mistakenly delivered to Mann’s Sheila, the two characters meet and clear up the confusion. Paul reveals his intention to sell The Hive as he exits real estate, and Sheila learns about Ned Willis’s artistic success at the venue. Upon discovering a USB containing The Hive’s actual financial status, Sheila initially withdraws from the purchase but later agrees to buy it at a reduced price after encouragement from Ned.

Sheila considers transforming The Hive into an open art hub managed by Ned and instructs her assistant to collect information on him. She participates in a lunch event aimed at teaching Indigenous language, highlighting her cultural involvement. When a file concerning Ned is found at a garage where Bea Nilsson works, tensions arise but are soon resolved as Ned trusts Sheila’s motives.

Sheila faces emotional challenges linked to her grandmother’s passing and border restrictions preventing her from visiting home. After learning of Ned's role in leaking The Hive’s financial details, Sheila chooses to acquire the business at full price to safeguard Paul. A developing bond between Sheila and Ned includes collaborative creative efforts and intimate moments, although Ned eventually resigns from the gallery.

Prior to departing Erinsborough to reunite with family in Perth, Sheila offers support to Bea during her breakup with Levi Canning and advocates for honesty in relationships. She abandons plans for The Hive gallery and apologizes for earlier misunderstandings related to Bea and Levi’s separation. Sheila says goodbye to friends and leaves town accompanied by Bea, concluding her narrative arc.

Abigail Tanaka

Abigail Tanaka, played by Nikita Kato since 2023, is the daughter of Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) and Britney Barnes (Montana Cox), making her debut on 10 August 2021. The role was previously portrayed by infant actresses Mary Finn, Axelle Austin, and Juliet Basaraba. Abigail was central to a baby swap plot involving surrogate Nicolette Stone (Charlotte Chimes), who absconded with the unborn child of David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson). Initially introduced as David and Aaron’s daughter Isla Tanaka-Brennan, Abigail is in fact Britney and Leo’s biological child. This storyline was created to maintain Leo’s ongoing presence in Erinsborough. During her first month on-screen, Abigail was credited as "Isla Tanaka-Brennan" before being correctly identified as "Abigail Tanaka". Upon leaving Erinsborough, the character Isla remained with Austin continuing as Abigail until Basaraba took over in 2022.

Nicolette entrusted Abigail to Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), claiming she was his granddaughter named Isla. Paul subsequently handed her over to David and Aaron, who believed she was their daughter. After an anemia diagnosis at the hospital, Abigail met key figures including Leo Tanaka, Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly), and Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou). Britney later abducted Abigail during a film festival and disclosed that Abigail was actually her and Leo's child. Britney explained that she had suffered post-natal depression and had allowed Nicolette to give Abigail to Paul. Following this revelation, custody was returned to Britney and Leo, who later moved to Wollongong, taking Abigail along to bid farewell to David, Aaron, Paul, and Harlow.

Abigail and Britney came back to Erinsborough for Christmas; during this visit, Britney died shielding Abigail from a falling telegraph pole, leaving Leo as a single parent. After Abigail was hospitalized due to an accident, Leo initially asked David and Aaron to care for her but ultimately retained custody after encouragement from Chloe. Leo continued raising 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. Her casting was announced on 12 August 2021, with a brief two-week stint as the mother of established character Levi Canning (Richie Morris). Due to Evelyn's traditional values, Levi feels compelled to keep his polyamorous relationship with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton), who is also involved with Ned Willis (Ben Hall), hidden during Evelyn’s visit.

Evelyn arrives in Erinsborough unexpectedly to surprise Levi, staying only for a short period between her work engagements. Levi's grandmother, Sheila Canning (Colette Mann), comforts Evelyn regarding plans for Levi’s birthday celebration. Evelyn’s history includes being raised by strict parents who disapproved of her because Levi was born from an extramarital affair. During their reunion, Evelyn and Levi discuss his career and personal lifestyle choices, including a keto diet that Sheila supports.

Strain develops when Evelyn feels left out of family gatherings, attributing her exclusion to Levi’s stepmother Jackie. Sheila offers an apology for unintentionally making Evelyn feel unwelcome. Evelyn expresses feelings of embarrassment about her past and reluctance to fully integrate with the Canning family.

At The Waterhole, Evelyn notices Amy and Ned’s relationship and questions its sustainability due to their age gap. After observing them together again, she shares her doubts with Sheila, who defends Levi's decisions.

Upon discovering Levi’s involvement with Amy, Evelyn confronts him; however, he reassures her about his commitment. Amy encourages Evelyn to accept Levi’s choices despite her unease over their shared romantic connection with Ned. Ultimately, Evelyn acknowledges Levi’s independence but remains somewhat uncomfortable.

After accepting an invitation to dinner from Levi and Amy, Evelyn announces she will leave the following day, admitting that although she feels uneasy about the relationship dynamics, she trusts Levi to make his own decisions.

Britney Barnes

Britney Barnes, portrayed by Montana Cox, was introduced on 9 September 2021. Her casting was revealed via the show's Instagram and confirmed by Digital Spy, marking Cox’s first acting role. She expressed enthusiasm for joining Neighbours and highlighted how the supportive cast helped ease her transition into acting. Britney's storyline revolves around her connection to David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) through their niece Abigail Tanaka (Mary Finn), who is actually Britney’s biological daughter.

Britney enters the narrative emotionally linked to Abigail, leading to a baby kidnapping storyline in which she takes Isla—whom David and Aaron believe is their child. It is later disclosed that Britney is Isla's birth mother and Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano), David’s brother, is the father. After departing in September, Britney and Abigail returned for the Christmas episodes before Britney’s character was fatally injured during a storm, significantly affecting Leo’s arc as a single parent.

Her initial scenes show Britney watching David, Aaron, and Harlow Robinson care for Isla. She stalks them before abducting Isla during a distraction at a film festival. Britney is later found at the community centre where she reveals the baby is hers. The confusion resolves when Nicolette Stone (Charlotte Chimes) returns with David and Aaron’s actual baby. Britney had conceived Leo's child during their time in New York City but left after seeing him with Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly). She experienced postnatal depression and allowed Nicolette to give her baby to Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who mistakenly believed the child was Nicolette’s.

In hospital scenes, Britney meets David, Aaron, and Leo; she names her daughter Abigail and expresses remorse over surrendering her. Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) invites Britney and Abigail to reside on Ramsay Street. Attempts by Britney and Leo to co-parent face difficulties balancing work and childcare responsibilities until Terese intervenes to mediate tensions. Britney admits struggling to bond with Abigail in Erinsborough; Leo suggests moving closer to her family in New South Wales. They say goodbye to friends before relocating to Wollongong.

Britney and Abigail return for Christmas episodes where Britney apologizes for past actions and extends her stay—possibly influenced by Leo. She proposes organizing a ladies' lunch at Leo's winery aimed at attracting investors; however, the event faces challenges due to Vera Punt (Sally-Anne Upton). Nicolette encourages Britney to rekindle her relationship with Leo, who grows closer to her during this time. At Roxy and Kyle Canning's wedding (Chris Milligan), Leo kisses Britney after Nicolette inadvertently reveals Britney’s feelings. Later, during a storm when a pylon falls on The Flamingo Bar, Britney protects Abigail but suffers fatal injuries, concluding her storyline.

Felicity Higgins

Felicity Higgins, played by Isabella Giovinazzo, made her first appearance on 6 October 2021. Announced on 8 July 2021, Giovinazzo joined the series in a guest capacity, introducing "edgy and intense drama" to Ramsay Street. Felicity works as a firefighter and becomes romantically linked with regular character Levi Canning (Richie Morris), who is involved in a polyamorous relationship with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton) and also dates Ned Willis (Ben Hall). To develop the on-screen romance, Giovinazzo collaborated with intimacy coach Eve Morey. She described Felicity as "community-oriented," "kind," and "brave," reflecting her profession. Felicity prefers monogamous relationships, contrasting with Levi’s polyamorous lifestyle.

Their initial encounter occurs at The Waterhole, where they connect over their shared dedication to public service. They schedule a date, but Felicity soon learns about Levi’s relationships with Amy and Ned. After Amy unintentionally exposes the polyamory during a conversation at Harold's Café, Felicity ends things with Levi. Ned tries to mediate by arranging another date for Felicity and Levi and facilitating discussions between Felicity and Amy, who seeks to build rapport with her. When Ned books a hotel room for the couple, Amy discovers it, creating friction. In the end, Levi ends the relationship due to trust concerns, and Felicity offers an apology.

Wendy Rodwell

Wendy Rodwell, portrayed by Candice Leask, first appeared on 2 December 2021. She was introduced as the spouse of Andrew Rodwell during the Erinsborough Police Ball. Later, Wendy and Andrew purchase 26 Ramsay Street and become part of the main ensemble alongside their daughter Sadie Rodwell. Script producer Shane Isheev referred to the Rodwells as the show's "major new family," with plans for additional children that were cut short because of the show's cancellation. Wendy’s character is known as the local gossip, a trait inspired by Leask’s portrayal. She remained on screen until the originally planned 2022 finale and returned for the Neighbours reboot.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
4–11 January	Tally Rennick	Karrin Kose	Participates in illicit blackjack games on Ramsay Street, encouraging high-risk bets; carries a hidden firearm.
5 January	Mary Barnett	Emily Goddard	Brief Tinder date of Toadfish Rebecchi who subsequently unmatches him.
6 January	Hugh Davis	Adam Waycott	Council member and judge for Erinsborough's Best Dish contest; interacts with local café proprietor.
8–26 January	Jacinta Hay	Maurian Spearim	Councillor and food competition judge; later discusses Indigenous representation with hotel management.
1–5 February	Mira Dhaliwal	Ashleyrose Gilham	Council food safety inspector responsible for shutting down The 82 due to toxic mushrooms; misreads Roxy Willis’s intentions.
12 February	Rai Yan	Kevin Duong	Student at Erinsborough High who informs Hendrix Greyson about leaked personal information.
11 March	Khari Breen	Kulan Farah	University student attempting to assist Roxy Willis regarding a ring found near her assault location; flirts but lacks useful details.
17 March	Linda Donaldson	Amelia Best	Aunt of Emmett Donaldson planning to relocate him to New Zealand, causing custody disputes with foster carers.
17 March–7 May 2021, 13 July 2022	Holden Brice	Toby Derrick	Gang member involved in criminal acts impacting Brent Colefax and others; manipulated by Paul Robinson for hidden agendas; later betrays Paul.
17 March–29 June	Prue	Uncredited (voice)	Pigeon adopted by Sheila Canning that causes minor disruptions on Ramsay Street.
29 March	Rudy Johnson	Isaac Crawley	Entertainer mistakenly hired for a Bollywood-themed party event.
4 June, 30 August	Prafulla Sahu	Ravi Chand	HR manager at Lassiter's Hotel involved in employee disputes and nepotism concerns related to Harlow Robinson’s promotion.
16–30 June	Mitch Foster Nelson Ryker	Kevin Hofbauer Rhys Mitchell	Gang members connected to Levi Canning’s past assault; engaged in criminal activities and confrontations leading to arrests.
18 June–19 July	Maya Velasco	Christina O'Neill	Pregnant single mother attending antenatal classes; interacts with key characters including Nicolette Stone and Aaron Brennan.
18 June	Dara Kay	Alexander Capper	Host of antenatal classes engaging expectant mothers including main characters.
28 June	Fifi Devenue	Carly Daniels	Brief date arranged for Ned Willis by Amy Greenwood; highlights character dynamics.
30 June 2021, 16 March 2022, 27 March–14 November 2024	Travis Kellog	Liam McCarthy	Paramedic attending multiple emergencies involving main characters over several years.
29 July–3 August	Dr. Anna Buke	Fiona Macleod	Doctor involved in personal conflicts connected to Melanie Pearson’s history with her husband Justin Buke.
4 August	Nora Ahmadi	Jessica Lu	University student expressing concerns about workplace misconduct indirectly related to main characters.
From 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 storyline and family issues.
25 August	Lorant Mathieson	Ronn Kurtz	Head of Shorts and Briefs Film Festival; congratulates Amy Greenwood on event organization.
6 September	Justin Buke	Mick O'Malley	Husband of Anna Buke with history involving Melanie Pearson; participates in reconciliation efforts affecting others.
9 September 2021, 5 January & 30 May 2022	Rebecca Wright	Wallis Murphy-Munn	Lassiter's Hotel employee leading strike against Harlow Robinson’s promotion; influences workplace tensions.
13 September	Kevin Irving	Wally Elnour	Bartender serving Harlow Robinson at The Flamingo Bar.
			Medical practitioner diagnosing and treating testicular cancer cases involving Hendrix Greyson and Kyle Canning.
			Security bouncer at Lassiter's party confronting Hendrix Greyson over disruptive behavior.
			Restaurant owner offering Hendrix Greyson potential culinary work experience.
			Lawyers representing David Tanaka and Aaron Brennan in custody dispute over Isla Tanaka-Brennan; advise on legal strategy.
			Photographer hired for family photoshoot involving key characters amid interpersonal conflicts.
			Patron at The Flamingo Bar disputing drink contents leading to formal complaints.
			Facilitator of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings attended by Glen Donnelly and Terese Willis.
	Natalie Lynch | Lassiter's staff member reporting missing wedding ring status to Terese Willis via phone.
	Steven Oktaras | Delivery driver handling packages for Ramsay Street residents including Terese Willis and Hendrix Greyson; inconsistently credited as Corey Triffett.
	Brett Pearce | Police officer making lighthearted comments about Levi Canning’s polyamorous relationship status.
	Lee Jankowski | Policeman attending Erinsborough Police Ball; causes tension over polyamory remarks before Sergeant Andrew Rodwell asks him to leave.

External links

• Complete character and cast information on the official Neighbours site
• Full cast and characters listed at the Internet Movie Database