Joanna Hartman

Joanna Evans
Other names	Joanna Hartman
Occupation	Fictional character in a soap opera
Known for	Character on Neighbours

Joanna Evans (also known as Hartman) is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap Neighbours, brought to life by actress Emma Harrison. She was introduced as the younger half-sister to the established character Annalise Hartman (Kimberley Davies), making her first appearance on 26 May 1995. Following Davies' departure in 1996, speculation arose that Harrison’s character might be removed; however, she secured a new extended contract. In February 1997, producers chose to write Joanna out of the series amid reports of disagreements concerning Harrison’s performance. Joanna’s final episode aired on 15 April 1997. Although invited back for the show's 20th anniversary in 2005, Harrison ultimately did not reprise the role.

Joanna arrives in Erinsborough with the intention of meeting Annalise and introducing her to their father, Tony (Michael Carman). The sisters display contrasting traits—Annalise is portrayed as demanding and high-maintenance, whereas Joanna is grounded and straightforward. Critics have characterized Joanna as both glamorous and somewhat superficial. Together, Joanna and Annalise establish a public relations agency, though their initial client turns out to be a fraudster. Joanna later takes on work as an aerobics teacher and becomes co-owner of the Chez Chez bar. She has a brief romantic involvement with her sister's former fiancé, Mark Gottlieb (Bruce Samazan), before marrying Rob Evans (Graham Harvey). After a brief separation upon realizing their marriage lacks genuine affection, she departs Erinsborough to reunite with Rob.

Creation and casting

During her audition for Neighbours, Harrison was unaware that she was trying out for the role of Joanna, the long-lost half-sister of Annalise Hartman. She expressed enthusiasm about joining the cast, particularly regarding a storyline where her character steals Annalise’s television boyfriend. Neighbours represented Harrison’s first significant television role following a successful modeling career, which led to her relocating from Queensland to Melbourne. Introduced as a successor to Davies’ character, Harrison was determined not to be seen as a mere "Kimberley clone." It took approximately ten months before she felt at ease in the part, noting that the fast-paced nature of production required actors to make an immediate impression. Despite being surprised by receiving fan mail from the UK after only one month on screen, she admitted that public recognition was initially intimidating. When Davies exited the show, rumors circulated about Harrison’s possible departure; nevertheless, she secured a new long-term contract with Neighbours.

Characterisation

Joanna Hartman is portrayed as the daughter of Caitlin and Tony "Tarquin" Hartman. Raised in Yallingup, Western Australia, she was introduced to her half-sister Annalise through Fiona Hartman, which led to her move to Erinsborough. The BBC described Joanna as straightforward and unpretentious, serving as a foil to the more demanding and high-maintenance Annalise. Unlike Annalise—who was embarrassed by their father’s occupation as a female impersonator—Joanna accepted it without issue. Actress Emma Harrison remarked that early in her tenure, Joanna often felt like a secondary character who frequently encountered trouble, while her sister appeared more heroic.

Critic Josephine Monroe labeled Joanna as forgetful and somewhat superficial, whereas Simon Yeaman described her as naive but kind-hearted. Harrison herself saw Joanna as an underdog prone to making relatable mistakes, highlighting her clumsiness and eccentricity. Media commentators emphasized Joanna’s glamour and often compared her favorably against Annalise. Tony Johnston pointed out that Joanna’s tendency to be overly helpful could sometimes annoy those around her.

By 1996, Harrison noticed considerable development in Joanna’s character—from an insecure and immature young woman into someone more self-assured. She doubted that Joanna would ever become as vamp-like as Annalise, emphasizing their distinct personalities. Harrison characterized Joanna as "quite immature" and focused on romantic interests, underscoring the character’s gradual evolution in complexity.

Career

With financial backing from Tony, Joanna and Annalise establish a public relations company named Anna-Jo Promotions, operating initially from their home. The firm's name is a combination of their own, and they secure a client, Roger Reynolds, who desires promotion for his magazine enterprise. Unknown to the sisters, Roger is a fraudster who deceives them and drains their resources. After law enforcement notifies them of the scam, the sisters go undercover to apprehend him. Following the shutdown of Anna-Jo Promotions, Joanna takes up a position as an aerobics instructor at a neighborhood fitness center, hired by owner Bruce Styles. Later, she becomes co-owner of the café Chez Chez alongside Cheryl Stark, a role marked by her active participation.

Relationships

Joanna begins dating Mark Gottlieb, which displeases Annalise due to her previous engagement to him. The relationship ends when Joanna realizes it lacks long-term potential. Subsequently, she meets affluent businessman Rob Evans during an aerobics class; their relationship progresses rapidly, and Joanna believes she has found true love. Although she considers relocating to Asia for a job opportunity with her father, she opts to remain in Australia for Rob. Hesitant to reveal her emotions quickly because of her past experience with Mark, Joanna eventually confesses her feelings. Rob responds by proposing marriage, which she accepts despite the brief duration of their courtship.

Their wedding on 21 June 1996 is an elaborate affair but faces challenges such as an incomplete gazebo and disagreements over Joanna’s dress design. Rob discloses he has had a vasectomy and cannot father children, which conflicts with Joanna’s hopes for starting a family. Despite this revelation, she stays with him but eventually leaves due to their loveless marriage before deciding to reconcile.

Departure

In February 1997, producers informed Harrison that her character would be written out of Neighbours. Reports suggested this decision stemmed from conflicts with producers who criticized her acting abilities. An insider revealed she was advised to undertake acting training but ultimately ceased doing so, causing tension on set. Although invited back for the show’s 20th anniversary episode in 2005, Harrison did not return.

Storylines

Joanna arrives in Erinsborough claiming to be the half-sister of Annalise Hartman. After initial skepticism, Annalise accepts this and cancels an overseas trip to develop their relationship. Joanna arranges a meeting with their father Tony, who performs as a female impersonator known as "Tarquin Sequin," initially shocking Annalise. Despite doubts, Joanna convinces Annalise to reconcile with Tony before departing with him.

Joanna returns to strengthen her connection with Annalise, and together they launch Anna-Jo Promotions. Their first client turns out to be a criminal, leading police to recruit them for undercover work. Joanna dates Annalise’s ex-fiancé Mark Gottlieb but becomes obsessive when he clarifies their relationship is casual, resulting in personal difficulties.

Following Annalise’s departure from Erinsborough, Joanna supports local talent and works as an aerobics instructor. She enters into a relationship with Rob Evans, who proposes marriage. Wedding preparations cause tension over dress design and planning stress; however, the ceremony proceeds with Tony in attendance. After marrying Rob, Joanna grows unhappy due to his frequent business trips and invests silently in Chez Chez café. When Rob’s career requires relocation to Europe, Joanna leaves with him.

Several months later, Joanna returns announcing their separation and moves into Number 30. She briefly dates Malcolm Kennedy but ends the relationship due to incompatibility. Lou Carpenter purchases her shares in Chez Chez; Joanna then invests in Debbie Martin’s coffee shop and Lou’s used car dealership. After private correspondence between Joanna and Rob is made public, she contacts him and departs Erinsborough to reunite with Rob.

Reception

During the 1996 Inside Soap Awards, Harrison received a nomination for Best Newcomer, while Joanna was recognized as a contender for the title of Biggest Bitch in Soap. The BBC singled out Joanna's most memorable event as "Her marriage to Rob Evans." Matthew Clifton from the entertainment website Heckler Spray ranked Joanna among "The Best Ever Mid-90s Neighbours Characters," highlighting her unique traits and unforgettable eccentricities. Sue Malins of the Daily Mirror commented on how Annalise and her lively sister Joanna created tension by being involved with the same man. Andrew Mercado characterized Joanna as "a blonde-bombshell-in-training." A reporter from Soap World described the relationship between Joanna and Rob as one defined by a rushed wedding and numerous challenges.

External links

• Joanna Hartman at the BBC
• Joanna Hartman at Neighbours.com