Sharon Davies
Sharon Davies | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Known for | Neighbours |
Sharon Davies is a fictional figure from the Australian soap Neighbours, brought to life by actress Jessica Muschamp. She first appeared on 29 July 1988 as the younger sibling of Bronwyn Davies (Rachel Friend). Significant plotlines featured Sharon setting fire to the café, becoming entangled in a love triangle with Lucy Robinson and Nick Page, pushing Lucy into a swimming pool, and confronting an eating disorder. The character was written out during a cast reduction in 1990, with her final episode broadcast on 7 June 1990. Muschamp later returned briefly for a cameo in the show's then-finale on 28 July 2022 and made a guest appearance from 3 to 8 November 2023.
Casting
While completing her HSC at Toorak College in 1988, Muschamp auditioned for the role of Sharon, the younger sister of Bronwyn. Although her primary focus was on her studies, she regarded the audition as valuable experience and did not anticipate landing the part. Initially signed for a 13-week guest role, Muschamp managed to juggle filming alongside her academic commitments. Due to her character's popularity, she was promoted to a regular cast member. Muschamp described her experience on Neighbours as highly enjoyable and valued the opportunity to work closely with the ensemble cast.
Characterisation
Sharon is depicted as an impulsive and easygoing individual—cheerful yet often tactless, unintentionally offending others through thoughtlessness. Muschamp noted that although she differs personally from Sharon, she relished portraying the character, who was frequently involved in romantic relationships and yearned to leave behind a dusty, isolated town for city life. A Woman magazine journalist characterized Sharon as a "mischievous teenager." During her initial six months on the series, Muschamp balanced acting with completing her HSC exams, mirroring Sharon’s own school-related story arcs.
After running away from home, Sharon reunites with her sister Bronwyn in Erinsborough. Both sisters develop feelings for the recently single Mike Young (Guy Pearce), but Bronwyn ultimately captures his heart first. Muschamp described Sharon as more "easy-come, easy-go" compared to Bronwyn, quickly moving forward if situations don’t favor her. Sharon’s impulsiveness frequently causes friction with others but also leads her into trouble while trying to help. For instance, when attempting to fix Nell Mangel’s (Vivean Gray) damaged organ without skill, complications arise. Additionally, she busks for money during financial difficulties, maintaining a carefree and unpredictable attitude.
One prominent storyline centered on Sharon dieting to lose weight, inspired by Muschamp’s personal choice to slim down after joining the cast. Although producers were initially cautious about addressing such a sensitive topic, they commended Muschamp’s handling of it. Producer Mark Callan described the narrative as "harsh" yet truthful, highlighting a genuine issue reflected through Sharon’s experiences.
Departure
In March 1990, Chrissie Camp of TV Week announced that Muschamp would be leaving the show, with her final episode airing in late June. Muschamp had contemplated exiting earlier and considered it "a blessing in disguise," expressing enthusiasm for pursuing new opportunities. Her departure coincided with a larger cast exodus. Writers scripted Sharon’s exit by sending her character to New Zealand following the conclusion of significant relationships on-screen, providing a natural closing point for her storyline. While acknowledging that some fans might feel disappointed, Muschamp hoped that Sharon had made a memorable impression. After leaving Neighbours, she found it challenging to secure roles; although the show opened doors for her, it also led to typecasting.
Returns
On 28 July 2022, Muschamp reprised her role as Sharon Davies in a brief appearance during what was then the final episode of the series, delivering a congratulatory message to her longtime friend Melanie Pearson. Laura Denby from the Radio Times emphasized the importance of former cast members making appearances for the finale. Following the show's revival, it was announced on 3 October 2023 that Muschamp would return for a guest role. In a video shared on social media, she conveyed her excitement about reprising the character and expressed gratitude to fans for their ongoing support. Sharon made her comeback on 3 November, engaging with Nell Rebecchi, who seeks details about Melanie.
Storylines
Sharon departs from home in search of her sister Bronwyn Davies, leaving no note behind, which leaves Bronwyn startled by her sudden absence. Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) catches Sharon leaving the Coffee Shop without paying and requires her to work in the kitchen as compensation. Upon arriving in Ramsay Street to reunite with Bronwyn, Mrs Mangel permits her to stay with herself, Bronwyn, and Jane Harris (Annie Jones). Sharon’s behavior irritates Mrs Mangel and nearly results in eviction after she damages Mrs Mangel's organ. Sharon forms a friendship with Todd Landers (Kristian Schmid) and begins dating Nick Page (Mark Stevens). Her aunt, Edith Chubb (Irene Inescort), initially attempts to bring her back home but eventually consents to her staying.
While closing up the Coffee Shop one evening, Sharon is offered a cigarette by schoolmates Vanessa Bailey (Gretchen Zoland) and Pam Muir (Pia Podporin). She throws the lit cigarette into a bin, which causes a fire. Des Clarke (Paul Keane), with Harold’s assistance, manages to save the shop after it explodes. Nick initially assumes responsibility for the incident, but Sharon admits the truth to Harold and retains her job.
When Lucy Robinson (Sasha Close) returns from boarding school harboring a crush on Nick, Sharon pushes Lucy into a pond after witnessing Lucy flirt with him. Their conflict ends when their guardians intervene. Edith leases her house to Hilary Robinson (Anne Scott-Pendlebury) and her son, Matt Robinson (Ashley Paske). Subsequently, Sharon develops an eating disorder that leads to a near-drowning episode in the pool; Matt and Hilary come to her rescue. After reassurance about her weight, she returns to normal eating habits.
Spending much of her time at the beach, Sharon suffers heat stroke due to inadequate sun protection. In an effort to get a tan, she applies lotion, styles her hair carefully, and wears Bronwyn’s finest dress to attract surfers’ attention. She dates various men weekly but ceases after being mocked at school. When Bronwyn moves to New Zealand with Henry Ramsay (Craig McLachlan), Sharon is heartbroken. She moves in with the Bishops before ultimately deciding to join Bronwyn overseas.
More than three decades later, Sharon sends a congratulatory video message to Melanie Pearson on her wedding day to Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). Two years later, Toadie’s daughter Nell reaches out to Sharon concerning Melanie’s disappearance one year following the wedding. Sharon reassures Nell and provides Jane with Melanie’s address. While exiting The 82, Sharon encounters Eden Shaw (Costa D'Angelo), who has been concealing Melanie’s involvement in a manslaughter case related to Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis), prompting Sharon to warn Melanie about Eden’s presence in town.
Reception
Sharon gained considerable popularity among teenage viewers, with her exit marking a memorable event for the audience. The BBC emphasized her most memorable moment as the incident that led to the Coffee Shop explosion. In Neighbours: The Official Annual 1991, writers John McCready and Nicola Furlong acknowledged Muschamp's influence on the series, highlighting the narratives involving Sharon and Nick Page as central to the show's international appeal among young people. Jane Noone of TV Guide characterized Sharon as an energetic personality who was often caught up in mischief alongside Nick. After her brief comeback in 2022, Laura Denby from Radio Times commended the program for successfully reintroducing former cast members as part of its tributes. Furthermore, the Carmarthen Journal spotlighted an episode featuring Sharon, Matt, and Melissa Jarrett concealing damage to Hilary's piano in its episode highlights.