Narelle Smart
Narelle Smart | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Narelle Smart is a fictional persona featured in the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actress Amanda Newman-Phillips. The character made her first appearance on 25 March 1988 and departed after a tenure of just over six months.
Casting
Amanda Newman-Phillips, who honed her craft at Sydney's Ensemble Theatre Studios, had previously appeared in two other soap operas before joining the cast of Home and Away. In 1989, she was part of a quartet of cast members who toured the United Kingdom to promote the series following its launch there, also assisting in the establishment of the official UK fan club.
Development
Narelle is portrayed as an idealistic "dreamer," a 20-year-old blonde with ambitions to leave Yabbie Creek and achieve fame and fortune as a pop star.
Her initial on-screen kiss was shared with Steven Matheson (played by Adam Willits), who was three years her junior. The age difference made both actors uneasy, necessitating additional rehearsals to perfect the scene. Willits described the experience as "his greatest moment" on the show, while Newman-Phillips later remarked it was "great fun" despite early nerves.
Though signed on as a guest star, Newman-Phillips disclosed that Narelle’s departure was left open-ended, allowing for a potential return that ultimately did not occur. In December 1989, reports surfaced concerning a contractual pay disagreement between Newman-Phillips and the producers. Her mother alleged unfair treatment, highlighting low remuneration and lack of financial recognition despite the program’s success in the UK.
Storylines
Narelle arrives at Summer Bay House aiming to audition for Frank Morgan's (Alex Papps) band. As cousin to Lance Smart (Peter Vroom), she receives assistance from Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) in preparing for her audition. Narelle performs singing and dancing for Frank, but Bobby advises her to focus more on dancing than singing. In turn, Narelle suggests Bobby adopt a more feminine style to catch Frank's attention.
During a school dance, Narelle inquires if Bobby has approached Frank. Encouraged by Martin Dibble (Craig Thomson) and Lance, Narelle secretly visits the hospital to check on Frank and Roo Stewart (Justine Clarke) following their breakup. Subsequently, she invites Frank to live with her; he agrees and moves into the flat above the general store. This move displeases Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence), who disapproves of Narelle’s fashion sense. Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) then employs Narelle at the store, which heightens Celia’s animosity. Celia initially treats Narelle poorly at work but softens after Narelle supports her through family difficulties.
Narelle assists Steven with a science assignment, sparking a romantic relationship despite their four-year age difference, which surprises many locals. The relationship ends when Narelle develops feelings for Steven's uncle, Philip (John Morris), leading them to fabricate a breakup story to protect Steven’s reputation. Although Celia threatens eviction, she relents after receiving support from Narelle.
Later, Narelle pursues Gary Samuels (Darius Perkins) but withdraws after Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson) accuses him of rape. Opting to leave Summer Bay, she relocates to Queensland, where Bobby visits her for several weeks.
Reception
Portraying Narelle elevated Amanda Newman-Phillips to prominence as one of the UK's most recognized soap stars, seen as a potential successor to Kylie Minogue from Neighbours. Sue Corbett of Sunday Life predicted that Newman-Phillips and Benson would garner a cult following comparable to Minogue and Jason Donovan. Conversely, critics from Edinburgh Evening News and Daily Mirror dismissed the character as a "dizzy blonde." Another Daily Mirror columnist referred to her as "sex-pot Narelle," while Mike Brenard of The People labeled her "sexbomb Narelle." Journalist Murray Clifford described her as a "gorgeous blond" in South Wales Echo and Evening Times.