Terry Inglis

Terry Inglis
Other names	Robinson
Occupation	Apprentice plumber
Known for	Character on the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Terry Inglis (also known as Robinson) is a fictional figure from the Australian soap Neighbours, played by Maxine Klibingaitis. She first appeared on 11 June 1985 as the apprentice plumber for Max Ramsay (Francis Bell). Terry becomes romantically involved with Shane Ramsay (Peter O'Brien) and subsequently with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), whom she eventually marries. She kills Charles Durham (Ross Thompson) and wounds Paul when he attempts to expose her. Terry's character exits on 5 November 1985, is arrested off-screen for Charles’ murder, and later takes her own life, making her the only character in the series to do so.

Development

In June 1985, it was announced that Klibingaitis would join the cast as Terry. Having previously portrayed Bobbie Mitchell in Prisoner, she appreciated playing a role closer to her own age and contrasting with Bobbie’s rebellious punk image. Terry—short for Theresa—becomes Max Ramsay’s apprentice after he loses his plumbing licence and requires someone to drive. Klibingaitis mentioned learning plumbing skills for the part and described Terry as a mix of tomboyish traits and femininity.

Initially, Terry conceals her marriage to bank robber Gordon Miller (Red Symons) while managing complicated romantic relationships. Her involvement with Shane Ramsay causes friction with Max, who attempts to fire her but later makes peace. Subsequently, Terry dates Paul Robinson despite unresolved feelings for Shane, leading to an engagement filled with emotional tension. Their wedding was portrayed as less extravagant than typical soap ceremonies, featuring Paul’s late arrival and Terry’s distracted demeanor due to thoughts of Shane.

Their relationship ends in turmoil when Terry tries to defraud Paul and shoots him. Their storyline culminates in "heartbreak, attempted murder, and an inevitable divorce." After being imprisoned, Terry's off-screen suicide in 1986 represented a distinctive moment in the show's narrative.

Storylines

Maria Ramsay (Dasha Blahova) employs Terry as a plumber’s assistant for her husband Max. Determined to prove her worth, Terry impresses despite Max’s initial reluctance and challenging tasks. She ultimately gains Max’s respect as the most capable worker.

Terry dates Max's son Shane and reveals she was previously married to Gordon Miller, who caused a car crash involving Shane. After Gordon escapes prison and takes Terry and Max hostage, Shane rescues them both. Later, Terry becomes involved with Shane's friend Paul Robinson, who quickly proposes and marries her. Paul's father, Jim (Alan Dale), rents out Number 30 to the newlyweds.

Terry’s criminal history resurfaces when Charles Durham (Ross Thompson) appears seeking a tape she recorded of his illegal activities. Following a confrontation, Terry kills Charles and flees the scene. Daphne Lawrence discovers the body but is reported to authorities by Charles’ accomplice Barbara Hill (Louise Le Nay).

Feeling threatened, Terry suggests relocating with Paul. At a party hosted by Sarah Richards (Julia MacDougall), police arrive after Barbara tips them off. When the murder weapon falls from Terry's bag, Paul confronts her; she then shoots him in the shoulder before escaping. Eventually apprehended and imprisoned for murder, Terry sends Paul a letter he ignores before taking her own life behind bars.

Reception

Ruth Deller from the television site Lowculture described Terry's off-screen suicide as "one of Neighbours most debated storylines ever." When Neighbours first aired in 1985, Grundy Television was determined to steer clear of overly dramatic plots. However, as ratings began to fall, the writers decided to increase viewer interest by scripting Terry to shoot both Charles and Paul. Andrew Mercado, author of Super Aussie Soaps, observed that introducing gun violence during periods of low ratings is a familiar tactic in soap operas. Reflecting on Paul Robinson's many romantic entanglements, The Sydney Morning Herald recalled the intense reaction audiences had when Paul's relationship with plumber’s assistant Terry culminated in her shooting him and then escaping. The BBC identified Terry's defining moment as "Attempting to shoot Paul Robinson."

External links

• Character profile at the BBC