Julie Martin (Neighbours)

Julie Martin
Other names	Julie Robinson
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Neighbours

Julie Martin (also known as Robinson) is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. Initially portrayed by Vikki Blanche, she first appeared in the premiere episode on 18 March 1985 and exited within the same year. When the character was reintroduced in 1992, the role was assumed by Julie Mullins. Julie's storyline included her marriage to Philip Martin, becoming the stepmother to his children, and giving birth to a daughter named Hannah. Significant plotlines involved her difficulties with her stepson, a troubled marriage, and uncovering that she was conceived through rape. Julie was depicted as a meddlesome gossip.

Casting

Julie was among the original twelve characters devised by Neighbours creator and executive producer Reg Watson. Casting director Jan Russ aimed to find actors with notable comedic talent. Vikki Blanche, who was 18 years old and recently graduated from the National Theatre drama school, was cast late in 1984. Blanche revealed that she approached her audition playfully, blending her own ideas about the character with the provided brief. Production commenced at HSV-7 studios in Melbourne on 2 January 1985. Although hesitant about a long-term commitment initially, Blanche hoped to extend her involvement due to her enjoyment of both the role and cast.

Blanche departed from Neighbours after seven months, becoming the second regular cast member to exit. She pursued wider career opportunities beyond the series to avoid being typecast. Blanche explained that staying in one role restricted her professional development and she desired varied experiences.

In 1992, Neighbours adopted a darker and more mature tone to broaden its audience appeal. Script editor Barbara Angell commented that the goal was to portray suburbia as "interesting and diverse". This shift resulted in introducing new characters while phasing out others, such as Todd Landers (Kristian Schmid), whose death triggered Julie’s return—now portrayed by Julie Mullins—alongside her family. Although Mullins had planned to base herself in London, she was cast despite being younger than the character’s intended mid-30s age; makeup and wardrobe techniques were employed to age her suitably.

Characterisation

Under Mullins’ portrayal, Julie is described as overbearing and meddlesome, exhibiting a "brusque and pompous manner" that distances those around her. As a mother, her conduct embarrasses her children. Her challenging personality obstructs employment opportunities; however, beneath this exterior lies a kind heart she chooses not to reveal, which leads to general unpopularity.

Departure

After two years on Neighbours, Mullins decided to exit in 1994. The producers opted to conclude Julie’s story with a dramatic death to generate a compelling narrative. Mullins acknowledged that dying was necessary for her to move beyond the character’s image. Julie’s demise occurred during a murder mystery weekend when she was discovered at the base of a staircase. Initially scripted as suicide, the plot was altered shortly before filming without informing Mullins, which influenced her portrayal of Julie as desperate before dying. Philip Martin became an early suspect due to an argument witnessed between them.

During her time on the show, Mullins appreciated engaging in on-screen disputes and valued her relationships with fellow cast members but disapproved of controversial storylines like the racist plot involving the Lim family. She was scheduled to reprise her role for the spin-off Neighbours vs Zombies, but scheduling conflicts prevented participation; nevertheless, she later appeared in Neighbours vs Time Travel, an experience she enjoyed.

Storylines

Julie’s inquisitive disposition drives her to interfere with her friend Lorraine Kingham’s engagement, convincing Lorraine to cancel the wedding. While employed at Pacific Bank, Julie is taken hostage during an armed robbery by Gordon Miller and later aids law enforcement by providing his description. She also has confrontations with Anna Rossi concerning Anna’s father.

Despite Philip Martin being married with children, Julie embarks on an affair with him while he manages the bank. When Philip's daughter Debbie attempts suicide amid family difficulties, Julie encourages Philip to reconcile with his wife. Following a car accident that kills Loretta, Philip's wife, and leaves him paralyzed, Julie assists in caring for his children and ultimately marries Philip; together they have a daughter named Hannah.

After seven years, the Martins return for Todd Landers’ funeral. Julie resumes her habit of gossiping and disapproves when Philip accepts a janitorial position after losing his bank job. When Julie’s brother Paul offers Philip the opportunity to manage Lassiter's complex, the family relocates nearby. Michael comes back from boarding school and sparks disputes with Julie, including false arson accusations that lead to his detention.

Upon Jim’s death from a heart attack, Julie discovers she will inherit his stake in Lou Carpenter’s car yard but not the family home. Additionally, she learns Jim is not her biological father; instead, Roger Bannon is, as she was conceived through rape. After meeting her half-brother Roger Jr., who attempts to assault her, Julie briefly distances herself from Philip before they reconcile.

Julie has conflicts with the Lim family renting Paul’s house after accusing them of killing her dog; Philip insists she apologize before they part on good terms. She makes a short-lived return to school but leaves after cheating on an exam.

When Michael is released on parole, Julie supports him despite initial family concerns about isolation; she and Philip invest in a newsagent business together. However, tensions in their marriage resurface as Julie becomes dissatisfied with Philip’s independent activities, causing strain within the family. Helen gives Julie an ultimatum: seek psychiatric help or leave home.

During a murder mystery weekend attended by Ramsay Street residents, Julie arrives late after agreeing to reconcile with Philip but they argue upon arrival. The following morning, Cheryl Stark discovers Julie dead from a fall at the hotel. Philip is arrested as the main suspect but is cleared when Debbie reveals Julie had been heavily intoxicated prior to her accidental death. The family begins to move forward following this tragedy.

Reception

Marie McNamara of The Age praised Blanche and David Clencie’s performances while describing Julie as a "bossy boots." Barbara Hooks also commended Blanche’s portrayal, referring to Julie as "one of the best in the show." A reporter from the Aberdeen Press and Journal highlighted that Blanche had turned Julie into one of Australian soap opera’s most beloved characters.

In his book Super Aussie Soaps, Andrew Mercado criticized Julie upon her return with a husband, stating she remained irritating and became unstable during her final year. He humorously remarked that her death was "almost a relief to viewers." Anthony Cowdy of The Independent described Julie as an "accomplished blamer" who would likely be bullied if she were still in school.

Kat Brown of The Daily Telegraph called Julie "one of the most appalling characters ever" featured on the show. Joanna Murray-Smith from The Age cautioned that Julie’s stubbornness toward Philip might lead to loneliness. In 1994, a scene where Julie wore a school uniform to seduce Philip was criticized by the Broadcasting Standards Council for being unsuitable for younger audiences.

Lisa Anthony of BIG! magazine referred to Julie’s accusation against the Lim family regarding her dog as "one of the most bizarre storylines ever." The BBC's Neighbours website spotlighted one of Julie's key moments as "falling from a roof and dying during a murder mystery weekend." After her death, Kate Langbroek of The Age noted there had been no comparable "resident bitch" on the series since. Julie was ranked twenty-fourth on the Huffpost list of "35 greatest Neighbours characters," described as "obnoxious and unbearable," yet unforgettable for irritating everyone around her. A Herald Sun journalist included her demise among "Neighbours' 30 most memorable moments."

In a Time Out feature covering top soap opera moments, British playwright Robin French cited Michael terrorizing Julie as especially memorable. He observed it was her "favourite storyline," praising Michael’s “frightening poise” and how targeting such a disliked character captivated viewers despite her apparent instability.

References

Bibliography

External links

• Julie Martin profile on BBC Online