Nicolette Stone

Nicolette Stone
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	2020–present
Known for	Neighbours

Nicolette Stone is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. She has been portrayed by Charlotte Chimes from 2020 to 2022, and by Hannah Monson from 2023 onwards. Her first appearance was on 15 July 2020. Chimes obtained the role through virtual auditions conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The character was introduced as the daughter of established figure Jane Harris (Annie Jones). From her debut, Nicolette was depicted as forthright and outspoken, unafraid to offend others. She is openly lesbian, with narratives frequently focusing on her sexual orientation and a strained relationship with Jane, which originated from Jane’s insistence that Nicolette conceal her sexuality from her grandmother. Initial storylines concentrated on their efforts to reconcile and brought in Nicolette’s friend Audrey Hamilton (Zahra Newman), who assisted her in committing fraud.

Nicolette swiftly formed a friendship with Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly), acting as a live-in caregiver for Chloe’s ailing mother, Fay Brennan (Zoe Bertram). She developed unreciprocated romantic feelings for Chloe, igniting a rivalry with Chloe’s spouse Pierce Greyson (Tim Robards) that underscored Nicolette’s manipulative tendencies. After creating turmoil in their marriage, Nicolette relocated to live with Chloe’s brother Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) and his husband David Tanaka (Takaya Honda), sparking Neighbours' inaugural surrogacy storyline involving three gay characters. This plotline enabled Nicolette to pursue the family life she desired but introduced complications such as accidents, romantic friction with Chloe, and disputes involving David’s father Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).

Following acts of betrayal concerning David and Aaron, Nicolette fled and subsequently gave birth to Isla. To increase suspense, producers temporarily removed her from the opening credits during this timeframe. Upon her return, a significant storyline unveiled that she had exchanged Isla for another baby as an act of revenge, resulting in legal battles over custody before reaching an agreement with David and Aaron. Later plots explored a relationship with Kiri Durant (Gemma Bird Matheson), which concluded prematurely due to Channel 5's cancellation of the show. Nicolette remained a central figure through to the series finale, resolving various family and romantic conflicts. When Neighbours resumed airing in September 2023, Nicolette was reintroduced two months later with Monson taking over from Chimes.

Nicolette’s manipulative conduct cemented her reputation as a "troublemaker" and "villain" among critics, who commended both Chimes’ performance and the character’s swift evolution. Monson's portrayal has also been met with favorable reviews.

Casting

Charlotte Chimes approached her audition for Nicolette feeling somewhat indifferent due to creative fulfillment from producing the Build Series Sydney. She did not want to place all hopes on one audition but later credited her career contentment for landing the role effortlessly. Although invited for a subsequent audition, Chimes—located in Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic—submitted a video audition recorded in her mother's kitchen, with her mother reading other characters' lines.

Despite securing the part, Chimes battled "imposter syndrome" up until two days before filming commenced. Supportive discussions with her acting coach, who shares Nicolette's LGBTQ identity, aided her in preparing to portray the character authentically. She expressed eagerness on her first day of shooting: "finally I'm here, now let's get to work."

The character and casting announcement occurred on 27 June 2020. Producers contracted Chimes for three years. This marked Chimes' first continuous television role following two mini-series projects. She conveyed "immense gratitude" for joining an "iconic" series and securing steady employment amid the pandemic.

Nicolette was introduced as Jane Harris’ estranged daughter, coinciding with Jane's permanent return after prior guest appearances. Writers crafted a backstory emphasizing their fractured relationship following Nicolette's decision to come out as lesbian. Jones remarked that viewers would gain deeper insight into Jane's family through Nicolette's arrival. Chimes made her debut as Nicolette on 15 July 2020. Actress Majella Davis—later cast as Krista Sinclair—also auditioned for this role.

Development

Characterisation

According to the show's official website, Nicolette is described as highly practical and excellent under pressure, possessing an adventurous nature. She chose nursing for its diversity and excitement and is portrayed as bluntly honest, sometimes unaware of how her frankness impacts others. Chimes’ initial scene involved Nicolette revealing her strained relationship with Jane while confidently declaring her lesbian identity.

In an early interview with Inside Soap, Chimes depicted Nicolette as optimistic, cheerful, adventurous, and fun-loving but not adept at managing emotions. Nicolette often appeared brash and literal, speaking plainly. Chimes valued that writers depicted Nicolette confidently embracing her sexuality. Though frequently cast in antagonistic roles, Nicolette’s vulnerable side was also explored. Chimes enjoyed portraying her mischievous moments and relished intense confrontations. She felt protective of Nicolette during remorseful scenes, believing the character was not always at fault or deserving of apology. Directors encouraged Chimes to inject humor into routine scenes, enhancing Nicolette’s quirky personality. She also praised the character's distinctive fashion sense.

In an interview with Metro, Chimes described playing Nicolette as both challenging and enjoyable, embracing the character’s human flaws and less flattering traits. She likened Nicolette's story arcs to "Cha Cha's," progressing two steps forward then one step back. The character frequently clashed with Paul Robinson, Pierce Greyson, and Jane Harris—moments when she appeared most conflicted—which Chimes found most rewarding to portray.

Later storylines examined whether Nicolette mirrored villain Paul through their joint schemes; although she softened somewhat over time, core traits remained intact. Motherhood grounded Nicolette further; she became more mindful about parenting while retaining her fiery disposition within a more stable home environment.

Mother-daughter conflict

Chimes valued portraying Jane's daughter due to their rich narrative history. A central plotline focused on their fractured bond arising from Nicolette coming out as lesbian while residing with her grandmother Nell. Jane’s refusal to disclose this information left Nicolette feeling rejected. Chimes observed that both struggled to express their desire for familial closeness, resulting in lingering tension.

Jones attributed their discord to clashing personalities and physical distance after Nicolette relocated to Australia for nursing training while Jane cared for Nell in the UK. Jane regarded herself as having failed completely due to their estrangement. This dynamic persisted when Jane disapproved of Nicolette becoming a surrogate mother, fearing she was rushing into it prematurely. Chimes saw the baby potentially serving as healing for Nicolette given her upbringing; she emphasized Jane’s disapproval stemmed from profound love. The strong working relationship between Chimes and Jones contributed authenticity to their turbulent scenes.

Chloe Brennan

One of Nicolette’s early arcs involved unrequited love for friend Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly). Chimes described their chemistry as natural and believed that Nicolette had harbored feelings since their first meeting. Unlike usual behavior, Nicolette hesitated to pursue Chloe due to Chloe's relationship with Pierce Greyson (Tim Robards), triggering rivalry.

Nicolette resented Pierce’s possessiveness over Chloe and retaliated through pranks that escalated their feud. Pierce grew increasingly insecure upon learning of Nicolette’s sexuality, fearing exclusivity over Chloe's affections. When discovering Pierce's affair with Dipi Rebecchi (Sharon Johal), Nicolette plotted exposing them using a diamond necklace despite risking Chloe’s feelings. Chimes explained that Nicolette acted out of concern for Chloe’s welfare hoping to help start anew.

Following revelation of the affair, though remaining friends, Chloe and Nicolette did not pursue romance due to trust issues arising from deception. Later Chloe struggled accepting Nicolette caring for terminally ill Fay Brennan (Zoe Bertram), who secretly updated her will including Nicolette—hoping this would encourage reconciliation and envisioning a complete family unit including Chloe’s brother Aaron.

After Fay’s passing, Chloe made advances toward Nicolette but was rejected; Pengilly noted Chloe felt embarrassed yet still cared deeply for her friend. Eventually they entered into a relationship complicated by Nicolette serving as surrogate for Aaron and his husband David Tanaka (Takaya Honda). Tensions mounted when David’s brother Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) returned suspicious of Nicolette’s motives forming alliances against her.

Hendrix Greyson attempted to undermine Leo by arranging a romantic picnic for Chloe and Nicolette; however an accident endangered Nicolette’s unborn child leading to hospitalization. Despite engagement plans, Chloe felt overwhelmed by personal turmoil including divorce and grief prompting a break at Leo’s vineyard where she awoke uncertain about fidelity after an unclear night. Upon learning of Chloe’s deception suggesting infidelity, Nicolette ended their relationship abruptly leaving Erinsborough.

Their romance also faced challenges due to Chloe's previous popular relationship with Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta) known as "Chelly." Pengilly expressed support for both couples while acknowledging divided fan loyalties. Chimes noted some embraced "Chlic" (Chloe-Nicolette) pairing though it developed faster compared to gradual build-up of "Chelly."

Lottery scam

To explore more of Nicolette's past, producers introduced Zahra Newman as Audrey Hamilton—an old acquaintance sharing criminal history with her. Audrey arrives in Erinsborough burdened by guilt wishing to confess while Nicolette insists on silence. Newman described Audrey as intimidated by Nicolette yet desperate for redemption; meanwhile Nicole plans ways to rectify past wrongs quietly coercing Audrey into compliance despite suspicion from Pierce who questions Audrey closely. Others like Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) accuse Audrey of workplace bullying under pressure from Nicole.

Surrogacy

In 2020 Neighbours tackled surrogacy within same-sex relationships via plot involving gay couple David and Aaron seeking surrogate assistance from Nicoletta who volunteers hoping for family fulfillment herself. Chimes commended David and Aaron as positive role models influencing Nicoletta positively despite initial doubts about Nicoletta during pregnancy progression portrayed using prosthetic stomachs causing some discomfort on set.

The storyline began humorously when Nicoletta drunkenly offered surrogacy without full consideration leading to conflict through secrecy exhaustion hospitalisation causing tension especially between David skeptical of Nicoletta versus forgiving Aaron prompted by ultrasound focusing attention on unborn child.

Nicoletta intended involvement beyond surrogacy acting as supportive aunt shifting narrative toward family dynamics complicated by foster children Emmett Donaldson (Ezra Justin) and Brent Colefax (Texas Watterson) whose suspected criminal activity led Emmett investigating robbery implicating Brent causing injury risking Nicoletta's pregnancy hospitalization after cabinet collapse incident.

This led Nicoletta choosing self-preservation over foster children causing Emmett departure blame placed upon Nicoletta by David and Aaron whom she defended citing maternal instincts rather than malice.

Further tensions arose after vineyard picnic accident endangering pregnancy combined with betrayal suspicions involving Chloe Leo Aaron prompting Nicoletta fleeing Erinsborough angered; David blamed Leo responding aggressively while Leo criticized surrogacy choice reflecting distrust rooted in past behaviors according to Honda intensifying familial conflict ultimately showing Nicoletta outwitting them both per Wilson.

Baby swap plot

One notably contentious plot saw Nicoletta selling another woman’s baby under pretense it was hers leading producers removing her from opening credits during disappearance creating suspense before reappearance in Canberra scenes then returning fully reinstated later filmed amid COVID-19 border closures.

Paul discovers Nicoletta post-birth scheming purchase baby Isla for David and Aaron motivated partly by frustration at verbal abuse yet needing cover-up per Dennis who defended Paul viewing actions necessary financially resolving family problems resulting in shock yet happiness upon receiving Isla though storyline complexity challenged viewers per Wilson.

Subsequent episodes reveal Nicoletta sold someone else’s child after Britney Barnes arrives kidnapping Isla revealing true identity Abigail fathered by Leo Cox calling twist confusing unexpected contrasting Wilson Honda critiquing Nicoletta victimizing herself shifting blame arguing Paul was true villain bribing Nicoletta; Nicoletta planned return needing time post-betrayal per Chimes focusing on Isla seeking parenting agreement leaving David Aaron devastated angry leading Paul custody battle straining friendship with Jane.

Fans responded positively upon Nicoletta return hoping sympathy shifted away from Paul though opinions divided over behavior; Chimes enjoyed controversy preferring attention over neglect feeling fortunate leading major long-term storyline initially difficult due to character conflicts ultimately satisfied seeing friendships form among trio.

Kiri Durant and conclusion

In 2022 writers introduced new romance between Nicoletta and regular Kiri Durant (Gemma Bird Matheson) developing at country retreat River Bend culminating in kiss amid violent events involving Gareth Bateman (Jack Pearson). Nicoletta kept daughter Isla hidden along with past lies causing Kiri—described as guarded avoiding emotional drama—to sever ties upon discovery.

When Kiri’s parents sell River Bend she works at vineyard alongside neighbor Glen Donnelly (Richard Huggett)—secretly Kiri's father—who disparages Nicoletta pushing Kiri away until revelation causes Kiri blaming Nicoletta growing closer romantically again toward Chloe.

Storyline evolves showing Chloe encouraging Kiri reconsideration leading renewed friendship introduction of first non-binary character Asher Nesmith (Kathleen Ebbs) sparks love triangle involving Asher dating Nicoletta while jealous Kiri sleeps with Chloe before choosing Nicoletta reconciling at River Bend date.

Following Channel 5 cancellation in 2022 Chimes made final appearance July 28 alongside Joe Klocek joining as brother Byron Stone investigating Jane Harris’ love interest Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine) suspected infidelity; actress revealed rushed storylines planned introduction father explored further expressing disappointment missing nursing career continuation yet cherishing role memories fondly.

Return and recast

In 2023 Neighbours returned via Amazon Freevee revival showing Nicoletta departing Erinsborough with Isla followed by Aaron David; Chimes declined reprise confirming role recast announced November 2023 debuting November 14 played by Hannah Monson featured alongside flashback episodes covering two-year gap revealing involvement in Paul's cover-up of Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis) apparent death; Monson described character juicy anarchic queer excited portraying queer role collaborating positively engaging fans despite replacing beloved predecessor per promotional material.

Stalking storyline, David's death and reunion with Kiri

Early 2024 plot reveals Nicoletta stalked linked breakup Kiri Herbison noting moral ambiguity creating unique situations unveiling Veronica McLain blaming Nicoletta disrupting marriage Sasha McLain; January holiday storyline teased death among group including David whose fatal altercation leads Nicoletta struggling single parenthood tension escalating gathering evidence against Aaron custody dispute culminating Kiri returning investing vineyard renewing relationship broken upon discovering secret recordings ending romance leaving town; ensuing conflicts lead Jane evicting Nicoletta forcing move with Byron Krista later forgiving inviting back Christmas reunion.

Relationship with Yasmine Shields

Late 2024 introduces potential romance between Nicoletta and American guest Yasmine Shields (Chrishell Stause) shown connecting at Harold's café progressing picnic lake date piano bar moment Yasmine leaves upset pursued learning grief brother Heath Royce linked unknowingly via neighbor Holly Hoyland who killed Heath defending self; Yasmine initially uses Nicoletta bonding but revenge focus causes cancellations ending relationship; upon discovering Yasmine's vengeful plans Nicoletta reverts villainous behavior following Yasmine airport encounter blackmailed by Leo leading firing Sebastian Metcalfe Krista overhearing confession community backlash Holly overhearing perceived betrayal explained later reconciliation attempts strained relationships continuing drama.

Reception

Charlie Milward of the Daily Express labelled Nicoletta a "Neighbours troublemaker" initially enigmatic suspect villain noting mellowing via relationships but warning potential resurgence during feud with Glen observing consistent central drama presence though life improved near series end. Simon Timblick from Whattowatch.com commented that scheming against Glen harmed romance prospects despite endearing qualities describing Pierce treatment humiliating calling Nicoletta volatile fiery redhead.

Stephen Patterson at Metro praised development noting significant growth from schemer balancing portrayal avoiding irredeemability highlighting Chimes’ stunning performances within well-paced redemption arc deeming character popular iconic fan favorite by series conclusion. Director Lee Salisbury described her fiery nature speaking before thinking unapologetic. Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap called baby-selling plot quintessentially soapy. Alice Penwill sympathized describing unpredictable actions affecting poor David Aaron.

In 2022 Susannah Alexander at Digital Spy expressed optimism about romance future citing promising traits. In 2024 Chloe Timms from Inside Soap praised Monson praising perfect casting star quality.

External links

• Nicolette Stone featured on 10Play