Sienna Cammeniti
Sienna Cammeniti | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2008 |
| Known for | Neighbours |
Sienna Cammeniti is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by model Erin McNaught. McNaught was recruited as part of an effort to counteract falling viewership in Australia. The character made her first appearance on 2 May 2008, introduced as the cousin of the established character Carmella Cammeniti (Natalie Blair). McNaught’s tenure on the series was brief, concluding with Sienna’s final scene on 3 October 2008. The casting choice and McNaught’s portrayal attracted predominantly unfavorable reactions from critics, agencies, and the audience.
Creation and casting
In November 2007, Erin McNaught, a model and former Australian Miss Universe delegate, joined the cast of Neighbours aiming to aid in boosting its ratings. Alongside her, producers enlisted model Imogen Bailey (as Nicola West) and ex-Australian Idol contestant Dean Geyer (playing Ty Harper) to enhance the show's appeal. Prior to filming commencing on 17 December, McNaught undertook acting lessons, acknowledging the challenge involved in shifting from modeling to acting.
By March 2008, McNaught’s contract was extended by an additional three months after she impressed the production team; however, she remained a guest cast member without a permanent contract. In July 2008, she opted to depart from the role to prioritize her relationship with Braith Anasta and due to feelings of homesickness. Reflecting on her exit, McNaught described the experience as rewarding and expressed pride in her development as an actress.
Development
McNaught highlighted that Sienna’s earlier rivalry with her cousin Carmella (Natalie Blair) was central to her storyline, emphasizing Sienna’s relocation from rural areas to the city as part of her journey toward new opportunities and personal growth. She also suggested that romantic storylines might emerge, potentially involving complex entanglements.
According to Network Ten, Sienna is one among several Cammeniti cousins—characterized by attractiveness and passion but occasionally prone to misjudgments. The cousins competed for family recognition during their youth, and this rivalry may endure despite their maturity.
Storylines
Sienna quits her nursing position in the countryside and relocates to Erinsborough amid familial difficulties. At Harold's Store, she encounters Carmella’s partner Marco Silvani (Jesse Rosenfeld) and Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), who offers her employment after sampling her muffins. Carmella returns unexpectedly to find Sienna working there; Sienna seeks to mend their fractured relationship and quickly establishes friendships within the community.
Following Carmella’s theft from the cash register, Sienna is mistakenly blamed and dismissed but later reinstated when Carmella admits guilt. Sienna supports Carmella as she confronts a shopping addiction and moves in with Carmella and Marco. During Marco’s birthday bush party, he proposes; however, a bushfire severely injures him. With limited time, Marco and Carmella marry, with Sienna serving as bridesmaid.
Sienna auditions for the lead singer role in Ty Harper’s (Dean Geyer) band despite Ty initially preferring Rachel Kinski (Caitlin Stasey). After overhearing Sienna sing, Ty selects her, which attracts attention from bandmate Logan Ellis (Nick Cain). Struggling with song performance, Sienna receives assistance from Rachel. Nervous during her debut performance, she invites Rachel onstage; when Logan attempts to kiss her, Sienna resigns, feeling she was chosen for her appearance rather than talent.
When cousin Rosetta (Natalie Saleeba) has a baby in Italy, she sends tickets for Carmella’s visit; however, Sienna uses them instead due to Carmella’s obligations. Lou encourages reconciliation between Sienna and Logan to convince her to stay in Australia. After making amends, Sienna reveals that Logan will accompany her abroad and assures Lou of her eventual return.
Reception
Throughout her time on Neighbours, McNaught encountered criticism regarding her acting abilities, and the introduction of McNaught, Bailey, and Geyer generated debate within the acting community. Industry representatives accused the program of valuing audience numbers over artistic merit. Mark Eaton, who leads Brisbane's Ego Management agency, commented that the producers were "seeking attractive faces" by casting McNaught and Bailey, prioritizing increased ratings rather than the show's quality. Some audience members described McNaught's acting as uneasy to watch. Fiona Byrne from the Herald Sun observed that despite receiving considerable media coverage, McNaught's role had little influence on the storyline and appeared detached as her contract approached its conclusion.
External links
- Sienna Cammeniti on the Official AU Neighbours website
- Sienna Cammeniti at the Internet Movie Database