Noel Creighton

Neighbours

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	March 18, 1985 (1985-03-18)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on 18 March 1985 and currently broadcasts on the digital channel Eleven. This section highlights characters introduced throughout 2016, all under the guidance of executive producer Jason Herbison. The show's 32nd season commenced airing on 4 January 2016. In January, new additions included Julie Quill and Xanthe Canning. March introduced Jacka Hills, followed by April’s arrivals: Jack Callahan, Ned Willis, and Madison Robinson. May saw the debut of Angus Beaumont-Hannay, Walter Mitchell, and Mandy Franze. In August, James Udagawa was added to the cast, while September brought in brothers David and Leo Tanaka, along with Xanthe’s mother, Brooke Butler.

Julie Quill

Julie Quill, played by Gail Easdale, first appeared on-screen on 12 January 2016. Easdale, who is married to Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), returned to acting through this role. Julie was introduced as the new proprietor of Lassiter's Hotel and positioned as a business adversary to Paul Robinson. Easdale characterized Julie as a formidable business leader with an underlying compassionate nature, navigating a predominantly male sector. It was later unveiled that Julie was behind the Lassiters Hotel explosion that resulted in fatalities, leading to her departure in June 2016. The actress reprised the role on 8 September 2021 when Julie appears incarcerated during Terese Willis’s visit, seeking resolution regarding her son’s death. This return followed the introduction of her son Jesse Porter earlier that year in March. Easdale mentioned that Julie had developed a sense of remorse since her previous storyline.

Julie arrives in Erinsborough to take charge of Lassiter's Hotel after its acquisition by the Quill Group. Bearing resentment towards former owner Paul Robinson due to a past romantic disappointment, she initially declines to employ Paul’s nephew Daniel Robinson but later hires him upon learning of his estrangement from Paul. She confides in Terese Willis about the difficulties she faces as a female executive and asserts her authority over hotel operations. Julie announces intentions to construct a second hotel tower as part of expanding the Lassiter's complex. She attempts to sabotage Paul’s efforts to secure the Erinsborough Citizen of the Year event by booking the launch party at The Waterhole; however, Paul’s interference results in catering complications causing food poisoning and ultimately losing the event.

Working alongside her stepson Tom Quill, Julie pushes him to manipulate environmental assessments to counter opposition to the tower project. When Tom’s deception comes to light, she disowns him. After an explosion devastates Lassiter's boiler room causing two deaths, Julie moves into Terese’s home and employs Sarah Beaumont as hotel manager during Terese’s absence. She accuses Paul of orchestrating the blast and dismisses Terese upon discovering she fabricated an alibi implicating Paul. At Lassiter’s grand reopening, Julie is arrested based on evidence linking her involvement in conspiring to cause the explosion and receives a ten-year prison sentence. Years later, her son Jesse Porter arrives at Lassiters aiming to clear the Quill Group’s name.

Xanthe Canning

Xanthe Canning, brought to life by Lilly Van der Meer, made her first appearance on 22 January 2016. Her introduction was announced in November 2015, identifying her as Sheila Canning's granddaughter, Kyle Canning's half-sister, and the daughter of Gary Canning. Colette Mann, who plays Sheila, emphasized Xanthe's involvement in a major new family narrative. Van der Meer described her character as someone who injects "mischief, excitement, and trouble" into Ramsay Street and predicted she would quickly become "a close friend" within the community.

Jacka Hills

Jackson Derek "Jacka" Hills, portrayed by Brad McMurray, debuted on 7 March 2016 as a former acquaintance of Stephanie Scully. Promoted as the series' "latest villain," Jacka played a pivotal role in numerous disruptive plots including theft, violence, and arson. McMurray relished playing the antagonist, highlighting the character’s penchant for chaos and unexpected twists.

Throughout his storyline, Jacka vandalized Robinsons Motel, stole Paul's prosthetic leg, and masterminded the explosion at Lassiter's Hotel as part of an insurance fraud scheme. He was linked to Ned Willis through gang connections and was eventually apprehended following the exposure of his bombing plan. After serving time, Jacka returned seeking vengeance against Ned for an affair with his wife Regan Davis. Operating under an alias in Erinsborough, he sabotaged Ned’s hot-air balloon which resulted in Regan’s death and received an eighteen-year prison sentence.

In 2022, script producer Shane Isheev disclosed intentions to bring back Jacka in a prison escape plot involving David Tanaka; however, these plans were scrapped after the show concluded. Isheev regarded Jacka as one of the show's "most memorable villains."

Jack Callahan

Jack Callahan (also known as John Doe), played by Andrew Morley, first appeared on 4 April 2016. Morley's casting was revealed on 30 January 2016 after he auditioned while undertaking charity work in Cambodia. Filming commenced in December 2015. Introduced with "an enigmatic history" and no known ties to Erinsborough, Jack forms a friendship with Paige Smith (Olympia Valance). It is later uncovered that his true identity is Jack Callahan and that he serves as a Catholic priest. Jack opts to remain in Erinsborough but faces challenges reconciling his faith with his relationship with Paige.

Ned Willis

Ned Willis, portrayed by Ben Hall, made his debut on 6 April 2016. His casting was announced on 11 March 2016, although the character had been mentioned off-screen for several years prior. Ned is the son of Brad Willis (Kip Gamblin) and Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia), marking the first time all of Brad’s children appeared together on screen. Prior to arriving in Erinsborough, Ned lived with his grandparents in Darwin. A tattoo artist by profession, he is characterized by a manipulative and complex personality that fuels various mischievous storylines. After initially appearing as a guest character, Ned returned as a regular from 20 June 2018.

Madison Robinson

Madison Robinson, enacted by Sarah Ellen, first appeared on 22 April 2016. Ellen’s casting was announced in February 2016 with producers open to extending her role permanently. Series producer Jason Herbison remarked, "we always intended for Madison to be part of the Neighbours world and I’m delighted Sarah is playing her." Madison returned on 24 June and stayed until 27 September; scenes were filmed on the Gold Coast. Ellen also featured in flashback sequences in 2019.

Madison is the younger daughter of beloved Neighbours couple Scott and Charlene Robinson. She arrives in Erinsborough to check up on her brother Daniel at their parents’ request. To prepare for the role, Ellen studied her on-screen parents’ performances and noted Madison inherited Charlene’s spirited and adventurous nature. Professionally ambitious, Madison is an aspiring journalist with a keen sense of style. Following her guest stint, Ellen pursued opportunities in Hollywood, describing Neighbours as an excellent training platform.

Upon arriving at Number 24 Ramsay Street to find it empty, Madison attempts entry through a window but is stopped by Daniel. She explains her visit concerns Daniel’s forthcoming marriage to Imogen Willis. Lending clothing to Daniel’s neighbor Xanthe Canning, Madison supports Xanthe during a discouraging photo shoot. She helps orchestrate Daniel and Imogen’s secret wedding which ultimately becomes a family celebration. Afterwards, Madison remains to support her uncle Paul Robinson, who faces allegations related to the Lassiter's Hotel explosion. She expresses confidence in Paul before departing for Brisbane after encouraging him to seek evidence.

Months later Paul is exonerated when another suspect is charged. Upon his release from custody, Paul manipulates a local newspaper editor into hiring Madison as a cadet reporter through blackmail tactics. Madison abandons her university plans and boyfriend to accept this position. Assigned to profile local residents, she discovers Paul alters her articles into personal attacks; upon realizing this manipulation she moves out and takes residence with Terese Willis. Later Paul reveals a story about a cleaning company employing women dressed provocatively; Madison withdraws from publishing it after learning her cousin Amy Williams was involved there. After being dismissed from the paper, Madison accepts a role as Terese’s assistant.

Madison encourages Terese to bid for control of Lassiter's; when her aunt Lucy Robinson agrees to take over, Madison accompanies her to New York to handle related paperwork. When singer Rhonda Riley misses her performance at The Waterhole, Madison fills in and later performs again with support from Aaron Brennan. Misunderstandings lead Xanthe’s grandmother to dismiss Madison over rumors about dating Ben Kirk; however it emerges they are collaborating musically.

With Lucy’s assistance, Madison lands an audition for a singing residency at Lassiter's Gold Coast. At SeaWorld she reunites with former boyfriend Logan Dunne who clarifies past misunderstandings and confesses his feelings for her. Despite arriving late for the audition, Madison impresses judges and receives an offer but decides to remain with Logan on the Gold Coast instead of relocating to California.

Angus Beaumont-Hannay

Angus Beaumont-Hannay, portrayed by Jai Waetford, made his debut on 2 May 2016. Waetford's involvement was revealed on 10 February 2016, with the character's identity initially kept confidential. Angus is introduced as the defiant son of Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles), beginning with a guest role that later expanded to scenes filmed on the Gold Coast. Series producer Jason Herbison highlighted that Waetford would enjoy playing a character who challenges limits.

After being expelled from boarding school, Angus arrives in Australia and stays with friends Karl and Susan Kennedy while his mother is working in Germany. He quickly finds himself at odds with Ben Kirk, stealing money Ben had hidden inside a guitar case, leading to escalating disputes marked by accusations and fights. Angus forms a connection with Xanthe Canning, purchasing concert tickets for her and sharing a kiss; however, their relationship dissolves when Angus decides they are not compatible following a disrupted birthday celebration.

Angus stirs trouble by spraying graffiti at school but avoids punishment, which further fuels tensions with Ben. He confronts Karl about his paternity, which Karl denies. Angus becomes entangled in a debt conflict involving Xanthe and Ben, prompting him to busk in order to repay the owed money. Upon discovering his mother’s cancer diagnosis, Angus uses his busking earnings to try and escape to Bali but is stopped by friends and family. After Sarah returns and apologizes for concealing her illness, Angus agrees to accompany her to Germany for treatment.

Several weeks later on the Gold Coast, Angus reconnects with Ben and Xanthe and assists Madison Robinson with a singing audition. Susan invites him back to Erinsborough, encouraging him to return to school with support from her niece Elly Conway. Angus develops feelings for Elly; after she rejects him, he loses his virginity to Piper Willis. He attempts to get a tattoo but is prevented due to health concerns. During a Halloween dance, he performs a song for Elly and kisses her while she is asleep; Elly reprimands him but initially keeps the incident private.

Following a warning from Leo Tanaka to cease pursuing Elly, Angus considers leaving school but opts instead for music school. After being drugged at a party, he drunkenly calls Elly; she helps him get home with assistance from Tyler Brennan. An independent record label expresses interest after watching his music video. When Elly reconnects with an ex-boyfriend, Angus enlists Piper’s help to intervene, but Elly asks him to keep his distance.

Taking advantage of an intoxicated Elly, Angus kisses her; Susan discovers them together and reports the matter to authorities. Despite receiving a record deal offer, Angus faces assault allegations after police question him. He apologizes to Elly, who chooses not to press charges. Subsequently, Angus’s father takes him to Sydney.

Walter Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, brought to life by Greg Stone, first appeared on 13 May 2016 as the estranged uncle of Sonya Rebecchi. It was later uncovered that Walter is actually Sonya’s father—a secret connected to the tragic car accident that claimed her parents’ lives. He also has a fourteen-year-old daughter named Zoe, who battles leukaemia and requires a bone marrow transplant, prompting Sonya to undergo testing.

Walter arrives in Erinsborough professing sobriety but initially misleads others about his recovery status. He resides at Stephanie Scully’s motel and begins dating Terese Willis. Sonya discovers Walter’s true identity after Toadie admits the deception. Although she initially rejects him, Sonya supports Walter’s efforts toward sobriety and invites him to move in. Walter discloses Zoe’s illness and asks Sonya for help as a potential donor. When Sonya proves incompatible, Walter suggests testing Nell, Sonya’s daughter, leading to tension with Toadie. Walter briefly takes Nell to hospital without permission but apologizes afterward.

Ultimately, Sonya’s son Callum is found to be a match for Zoe, and Walter and Sonya relocate to the United States for treatment. In 2018, Zoe’s cancer returns, causing Walter to relapse; Sonya supports him as he resumes attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described Walter as a "troubled relative," while All About Soap labeled him "cunning."

Mandy Franze

Mandy Franze, portrayed by Kristy Best, made her first appearance on 26 May 2016. Introduced as the enigmatic former partner of Andrew Morley's character John Doe, Mandy emerges as a romantic competitor to Paige Smith. She asserts that she is John's girlfriend, discloses his true identity as Jason Jones, and claims they cohabit. Although Paige harbors doubts, John initially interacts with Mandy until contradictions surface—such as Mandy offering him pineapple pizza despite his allergy—unveiling her dishonesty. Prior to departing, Mandy confesses that she met John on the day of the Lassiter's explosion but knew very little about him.

James Udagawa

James Udagawa, enacted by Samuel David Humphrey, was introduced on 3 August 2016 as a "corporate whizz kid" assigned to assist in rescuing Lassiter's Hotel from financial strain and oversee Terese Willis. Humphrey, who has acrodysostosis, originally appeared as an extra before securing this prominent role.

James arrives at Lassiter's under the guise of a guest but swiftly establishes his position representing his family's investment in the establishment. He scrutinizes financial statements, supplier agreements, and operational concerns including a media project featuring concealed cameras in hotel rooms. James highlights stagnant revenue at The Waterhole and demands Terese develop strategies for improvement.

He later reveals that his sister Jasmine intends to assume control of their family business following their grandfather's passing. Jasmine manipulates their grandfather to have James relocated, prompting James to advise Terese to remain vigilant around Jasmine.

David Tanaka

David Tanaka, brought to life by Takaya Honda, debuted on 21 September 2016. His casting was announced alongside Tim Kano, who portrays his twin brother Leo Tanaka, on 22 August 2016. Honda expressed honor at joining Neighbours, appreciating the chance to learn from experienced Australian actors. David is depicted as a socially aware doctor arriving in Erinsborough with the goal of uncovering a family secret.

Leo Tanaka

Leo Tanaka, played by Tim Kano, first appeared on 22 September 2016. Announced simultaneously with Honda’s casting, Kano described Leo as a playful, cheeky opportunist with a kind heart who holds respect for his brother David. The twins arrive in Erinsborough to investigate a family mystery, contrasting David’s medical career with Leo’s more superficial and opportunistic demeanor.

Brooke Butler

Brooke Butler, portrayed by Fifi Box, made her debut on 28 September 2016. Her casting was revealed on 18 July 2016; Box began filming immediately and described joining Neighbours as a dream realized. Executive producer Jason Herbison commended her audition for embodying "Gold Coast chic." Brooke is the estranged mother of Xanthe Canning and former partner of Gary Canning. She is characterized as flighty and opportunistic, relying heavily on her appearance, adding vibrancy to the storyline.

Brooke arrives in Erinsborough with the intention of reconnecting with Xanthe and rekindling relationships with Gary and his mother Sheila Canning. She presents herself as running a jewellery business but faces doubts regarding the authenticity of her products. After hosting a successful jewellery party, Brooke encounters debt owed to supplier Mack Sweetin and resorts to manipulating family members to manage her financial woes. Her actions include causing Sheila’s brief hospitalization and borrowing money from Gary under false pretenses.

Brooke plans to take Xanthe to Perth but is confronted by Trey Johnson over stolen funds, which she repays. Ultimately, Brooke admits the jewellery is counterfeit and leaves town after leaving Xanthe a farewell letter. She later returns seeking employment but encounters obstacles due to her prior scams.

Terese offers Brooke a trial managerial position at Lassiter’s Day Spa and arranges a date with Paul Robinson. Brooke and Gary plan for her to meet her daughter Jesse during a Melbourne stopover. However, when Gary becomes engaged to Terese, Brooke chooses to depart for Malaysia to meet Jesse, supported financially by Sheila’s offer to fund the trip.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
4 January	Dr Lee	Marty Rhone	Performs a complex spinal operation on Toadfish Rebecchi to extract a bullet; the procedure is disrupted by Toadie's spouse Sonya.
5–15 January	Warren Stacks	Michael Shanahan	Takes Paige Smith hostage by mistake, confusing her for Michelle Kim; subsequently hits Paige with his vehicle and faces confrontation from Dennis Dimato.
7 January	Rochelle Neve	Carmen Warrington	Wife of Stanley Neve who had an affair with Lou Carpenter; visits Erinsborough seeking to rekindle their relationship but is rejected by Lou.
15 January	Carla Watson	Gemma Bird Matheson	Council officer who issues fines to Kyle and Sheila Canning for their unleashed dog Bossy and seizes the animal despite Kyle's objections.
21 January–16 March, 30 May–6 June 2018	Philippa Hoyland	Wendy Bos	Max Hoyland’s third wife; initiates adoption proceedings for Steph Scully’s son Charlie, leading to mediation and custody disputes; later participates in family counseling and custody negotiations.
27 January	Amanda Tucker	Jennifer Rose	Beautician at Lassiter's Hotel who provides Karl Kennedy with a manicure during his visit.
2 February	Nigel Deme	Adam Dunning	Council employee responsible for removing love locks from Lassiter's Lake bridge; initially opposed by Sonya and Karl; returns to close the bridge citing safety hazards.
10 February	Lina Vella	Antonia Vekic	Campaign manager for Tim Collins’ mayoral bid who confronts rival Sonya Mitchell about her past, resulting in a tense exchange.
15 February	Amanda Fowke	Hannah Cliff	Conducts a survey for Quill Group, requesting entry to Rebecchi Law offices; also involved in managing valuable deliveries to Lassiter's Hotel.
	Delivery Guy	Russell Leonard	Responsible for delivering packages to Lassiter's Hotel connected with Quill Group activities.
17 February	Trevor Lucas	David Rock	Health inspector evaluating Erins Burrow motel for bedbug infestation during fumigation efforts.
18 February	Richard Pentecost	Akira Bradley	Journalist attending a public Q&A session featuring mayoral candidates Sonya Rebecchi and Tim Collins.
19 February–3 March, 28 February 2017	Noel Creighton	Kristian Beddow	Gender studies lecturer at Eden Hills University; interacts with students Paige Smith and Imogen Willis; involved in academic discussions and social engagements including arranging a date.
22–24 February	Ainsley Gilzan	Emma Lucy Haughey	Student suspended for cheating on exams; pressures fellow student Xanthe Canning to address the issue; participates in a party later broken up by Sheila Canning.
25 February–21 March	Aurora Green	Chloe Ng	Activist participating in Paige Smith’s protest against tree removal for drainage works; interacts with Sonya Rebecchi and flirts with Daniel Robinson.
26 February–11 March	Cameron McPhee	Alexander Adams	Caught damaging plants under Paul Robinson’s instruction to supply fresh flowers at Lassiter's Hotel; later joins Brad Willis’ outreach initiative.
1 March	Michael Arnold	Des Fleming	Mediator in the adoption dispute between Stephanie Scully and Philippa Hoyland; discusses shared professional connections before mediation session.
	Nursery Staff	Melissa Hill	Contacts Paul Robinson regarding the possible attendance of his grandson Jimmy Williams at the nursery.
3 March	Bernice Ashton	Rain Fuller	DHS representative evaluating Xanthe Canning’s care requirements; decides interim care is necessary while grandmother Sheila Canning is hospitalized.
4 March	Juliet Worth	Lana Schwarcz	DHS caseworker overseeing Xanthe Canning’s living arrangements; mediates guardianship concerns among Kyle Canning, Amy Williams, and Sheila Canning.
9 March–22 July 2016, 31 May–28 June 2017	Tom Quill	Kane Felsinger	Development manager at Quill Group involved in bribery and manipulation of environmental reports to secure approval for Lassiter’s tower; blackmails Aaron Brennan; later manages Lassiter’s following Julie Quill’s arrest; interacts with Paul Robinson’s family business matters.
11 March–25 May	Brodie Chaswick	Matt Testro	Former swimming student of Brad Willis; reconciles with Piper Willis amid family conflicts; attempts manipulation but is confronted and departs from town.
24 March–2 August	Archie Quill	Harrison Mark	Son of Julie Quill involved in bribery cover-ups and school bullying incidents; cared for by Tom Quill after arrest.
14 April	Alex Jones	Jana Wilkes	Clarifies her identity as the true Alex Jones to Paige Smith, resolving confusion related to John Doe.
5 May	Jackie Gore	Ana Mitsikas	Engages in mediation with Sheila Canning over daughter Alison Gore’s altercation but escalates conflict resulting in court proceedings.
6 May	Steven Aniston	Garikai Jani	Contacts Paige Smith about John Doe’s location before Lassiter’s explosion, sharing details from their initial meeting.
11 May	Sharn Hauser	Juliette Salmon	Challenges Ben Kirk regarding Jayden Warley’s legal troubles, dismissing Ben’s explanations.
11 May–2 November, 8 March 2017	Dustin Oliver	Kevin Clayette	Interacts with John Doe (Father Jack Callahan) and Paige Smith through outreach programs; experiences homelessness and boxing training; leaves after declining job offer at refuge center.
17 May	Detective Chris Santini	Joel Pierce	Investigates accusations against Paul Robinson concerning Lassiter’s Hotel explosion; informs Paul about witness statements but cannot verify testimony.
30 May	Shandi Bouchard	Krystal Lencova	Receptionist at Rush Street Clinic promoting breast augmentation procedures.
	Tess Land	Clare Pickering	Plastic surgeon preparing Xanthe Canning for surgery; threatened by Sheila Canning over forged consent email.
6–7 June	Karen Harding	Wallis Murphy Munn	Prosecutor managing witness testimonies during Paul Robinson’s trial related to Lassiter’s explosion.
6 June	Tipstave Alma Aboud	Arisha Bordbar	Oversees courtroom procedures throughout Paul Robinson's trial.
	Tipstave Roger Corr	Stanley Roach	Escorts witnesses Stephanie Scully and Terese Willis while they provide testimony during trial.
"7 June"
	"Foreman George Poulos"
	"9–13 June"
"Megan Cooper"
"Graeme Lewis"
"14 June"
"Squeak McCain"
"15 June"
"Stan Lewicki"
"17–27 June"
"Zoe Mitchell"
"20 June, 31 August"
"Father Peter McKinnon"

External links

• Cast and characters on the official Neighbours site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database