Aaron Brennan
Aaron Brennan | |||||||
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Neighbours character | |||||||
Portrayed by | Matt Wilson | ||||||
Duration | 2015–present | ||||||
First appearance | 16 June 2015 | ||||||
Classification | Present; regular | ||||||
Introduced by | Jason Herbison | ||||||
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Aaron Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera
Aaron is portrayed as a confident, happy, occasionally naive, optimist. He was initially shown to be closer to Tyler than Mark, but the brothers were bonded when their estranged father was introduced. The character had a unique entrance to the show as an exotic dancer performing at The Waterhole. Wilson took dance lessons ahead of his first scenes. Aaron has embarked on various careers throughout his duration, including bodyguard and social media manager. Aaron is openly gay, and he has formed relationships with established regular
Casting
On 17 May 2015, it was announced actor and model Matt Wilson had joined the cast as Aaron Brennan, the middle brother of established characters
Development
Characterisation
In his fictional backstory, Aaron left his hometown of Port Lincoln shortly after Mark's departure. Aaron had not seen his brothers in six years, as he was living on the other side of the country, but they had kept in contact and stayed close.[7] Aaron gets bored doing the same job every day and he eventually realised that working down the mines was not something he wanted to do anymore.[7] Wilson told Claire Crick of All About Soap that after Aaron saw a male dance show in Perth, he made "a snap decision" to become an exotic dancer. Wilson said Aaron's career choice was similar to the characters featured in the 2012 film Magic Mike.[7]
At the time of his arrival, Aaron was much closer to his younger brother Tyler as they both liked to live in the moment, whereas Mark was a bit more sensible and
Wilson described Aaron as "a very confident young guy", who loves life and is not easily fazed. He also likes to make others happy.[3] The actor also told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy: "Aaron's an infectious person. He's really happy, he's an optimist, he's got a lot of energy and there's a really good vibe which comes off him. He's received well by absolutely everyone."[2] A writer for the official Neighbours website described the character as having "a big heart, and a cheeky streak."[9] They also said Aaron's family was important to him and he would do anything for his siblings.[9] Speaking to Hazel Bradley of The West Australian, Wilson admitted that he shared some similarities with his character, such as optimism and selflessness. However, Wilson thought Aaron was also naïve and occasionally vulnerable.[10]
Aaron is openly gay, and Wilson told Peter Gray of
Introduction
"I knew this could not be a better way to enter a show. Some people arrive on Neighbours in a taxi on the Street, but Aaron comes in with an absolute bang so I was quite honoured to be playing him."[2]
—Wilson on Aaron's unique entrance to the show. (2015)
Mark contacted Aaron after fearing that Tyler had "gone off the rails", following his arrest. Mark knew Aaron and Tyler had a close relationship and he needed Aaron's help.[8] Both Mark and Tyler assumed Aaron still worked down the mines in Western Australia, but he had secretly switched careers to become an exotic dancer. At the same time Mark contacted Aaron, he was booked to appear at a charity bingo night hosted by Sheila Canning (Colette Mann) at The Waterhole.[13] Aaron was set to perform his routine in the bar when bingo was called. Sheila encouraged Mark and Tyler to attend the event and they were "stunned" to see their brother half-naked on the stage.[13]
Wilson explained that he had no dance experience coming into the show and took private lessons ahead of filming. He commented, "I hit the stage with 100 per cent confidence, so all of my efforts paid off!"[8] Mark was unimpressed with his younger brother's new career choice and berated him for it, while Tyler was amused. He was further cheered up when Aaron helped him out at the garage. Mark made an effort to bond with his brothers, after seeing how close Aaron and Tyler were.[13]
Relationship with Nate Kinski
As Aaron settled onto Ramsay Street, Tyler learned he was single and he decided to try and set Aaron up on a date with his friend Nate Kinski (Meyne Wyatt). Tyler's motive for the matchmaking scheme was his need to repair his broken friendship with Nate, who had not forgiven him for stealing a prescription pad from Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher).[13] Aaron and Nate's first meeting did not go well, as they disagreed about everything and realised that they had nothing in common. Despite Tyler's efforts to get them to agree on something, Aaron and Nate realised what he was trying to do and told him that nothing was going to happen between them.[13] Tyler's scheme did manage to get Nate to reconcile with him.[13] Of the scenes, Wilson told Kilkelly: "Although Aaron is quite an infectious person and everyone receives him really well, for some unbeknown reason Nate just gives him the cold shoulder. Aaron doesn't really know how to handle that. The scene where Tyler tries to set us up is hilarious - it's an absolute car crash of a scene!"[2]
Nate initially did not want anything to do with Aaron, but then Aaron got involved with his feud with
Aaron and Nate were forced to spend more time together when Naomi Canning (Morgana O'Reilly) locked them in an outdoor hotel room with a glass front as part of a promotion for Lassiter's Hotel.[15] The storyline started with Naomi hiring Aaron and a female model to pose as a happy couple. However, when the female model failed to turn up, Naomi grabbed Nate and locked him inside the room with Aaron.[15] Nate decided to make the most of the situation and he hoped he could annoy Aaron in the process. Wyatt said, "after a while Nate doesn't even notice the audience and starts to lighten up, which surprises Aaron."[15] Naomi's plan was a success, as Lassiter's received positive press about its support for same-sex relationships. She then asked the men to do something special for a photograph and Nate spontaneously kissed Aaron.[15] Nate enjoyed the kiss and it became clear that he had strong feelings for Aaron. Wyatt thought the characters were "a good balance", but a future relationship depended on whether they could be themselves around each other.[15]
When Aaron attempted to cheer up his friend
Aaron and Nate eventually developed a relationship. After Nate got involved in a fight, he decided to leave town to clear his head. Aaron was "angry and upset" when he learnt that Nate had returned to Australia and had not been in contact with him.[18] Wilson said Aaron and Nate had "a lot of stuff to sort out",[19] while adding that the characters wanted to be together, but were unsure if they could make it work.[20] He continued, "Ever since they first met they've always argued about the small suff and they're still doing it now."[20] Wilson later commented that as much as they loved each other, they could not live with each other because they were opposites.[21] He also said that the couple complemented one another well, as "Nate is really closed off, whereas Aaron is a lot more free and happy."[21] When Nate eventually returned, he struggled to reconnect with Aaron and was "gutted" to learn that Aaron had moved on with someone else while he was away.[22] Wilson added that Aaron resists a reconciliation as he has been hurt.[20]
Career changes and Tom Quill
After giving up exotic dancing, Aaron briefly sold coffee and then worked as a bodyguard for "resident baddie"
Tom then used Aaron's laptop to doctor an environmental impact report, leading the council to approve the development. Aaron then realised Tom had taken advantage of him and told Sonya, who fired him.[18] Shortly after, an explosion at the Lassiter's Hotel dominated the show's storylines and Aaron was shown to have "a guilty conscience" over something.[19] Aaron was later "anxious" to know if Tom was okay, as he had not been since that day. After hearing that Tom's ID had been found in the wreckage, Aaron feared that he was dead and tried to push Nate away. But when Nate pressed him, Aaron admitted that if Tom was dead, then it was down to him.[22] In an interview with Carena Crawford of All About Soap, Wilson detailed the events in the lead up to the explosion, saying "Aaron knew Tom was dodgy and went on a hunt to find out exactly what was going on. The last time Aaron saw Tom they had a bit of an altercation and got into a fight in the hotel boiler room."[20] Wilson went on to explain that Aaron hit Tom and then walked away, leaving Tom in a semi-conscious state. When the boiler room exploded shortly afterwards, Aaron believed that Tom had been killed.[20]
In what was billed as "a tense storyline", Aaron began receiving threatening text message from an unknown sender who knew what he did to Tom.
David Tanaka
"I think they're perfect because they're not the same person, they're the complete opposite. Aaron is everything David wants to be and David is everything Aaron wants to be. So they kind of look up to each other in a way, which is really cute."[25]
—Wilson on Aaron and David.
In 2016, producers introduced the Tanaka twins
After realising that he should embrace his sexuality, David goes to Number 24 late at night to see Aaron and potentially confess his feelings for him. But in a storyline twist, Aaron admits that he is not alone and actually has another man in his room, causing David to leave quickly.
Wilson admitted that he and Honda wanted the writers to hurry up and get the couple together, but knew they were having "some fun" and building the relationship up first.[31] A few months later, Aaron and David begin a relationship.[32] Wilson said it was getting increasingly harder for Aaron to be without David, as he explores his sexuality, as Aaron was in love with him. Wilson also pointed out that it was obvious to everyone else that the pair should be a couple.[32] David's brother Leo "becomes sick of the guys misreading each other’s signals" and forces Aaron to tell David about his feelings for him during a karaoke event at The Waterhole.[32] Wilson said the couple's relationship would have "great potential" for future storylines.[32] He did not think they would be boring if they got together, and pointed out that there was mileage in their opposite personality traits, saying "David is quite the introvert, so he wouldn't like Aaron dancing and hanging out in nightclubs. Whereas Aaron wouldn't want to just sit at home with David every night."[31]
Family introductions
A month after Aaron's arrival, the Brennan brothers' father
Producers planned to bring Russell back, but the storyline had to be rewritten due to Kiefel's unexpected death. In 2017, it was announced the Brennan brothers' mother
The following year, Aaron, Mark and Tyler's younger sister
Other storylines
When Josh learns Aaron is looking for someone else to join his dance act, he auditions for the place, as he needs to raise money for an operation for his sick daughter.[40] Aaron and Josh then form an exotic dance duo called The Heat. Josh is "terrified" when The Heat receive their first booking, a 50th birthday party at the community centre.[40] Aaron and Josh put together a routine on the day and while the performance starts off "a bit rough", the female audience enjoy it. Aaron also enjoys the attention, while Josh receives an indecent proposal from a member of the audience.[40] Bonner said that he and Wilson had dance lessons at the Ministry of Dance for the scenes.[40]
Needing another job, Aaron decides to reinvent himself as a social media manager in mid-2016.
In 2017, Aaron explores another new career when he teams up with Mishti Sharma (Scarlet Vas) to purchase and run a gym.[42] Aaron and Mishti bond over their respective interests in fitness, and when they learn that a local gym, The Shed, is for sale, they decide to purchase it together.[43] The pair are "left disappointed" when the gym is sold to someone else, however, when that sale falls through, Mishti puts in an offer, which is accepted.[42] When Mishti goes to tell Aaron what she has done, she learns that he does not want to buy the business anymore. But Aaron changes his mind when Sonya gives him a "confidence boost" by pointing out how his friendly persona and love of fitness would make him a great gym owner.[42] Of Mishti's bond with Aaron, Vas commented, "I think her friendship with Aaron is really cute. They're different, but fitness brings them together. Plus it's so much fun working with Matt Wilson [Aaron]. He's the kindest person."[43] Wilson thought the career change was a "pivotal moment" for his character, and he was happy that he did not have to do any more dancing scenes. He also liked working on the new set and thought Aaron being a personal trainer was a good fit.[31]
Finale and return
Following Neighbours' cancellation in March 2023, a happy ending was planned for the characters of Aaron and David. This required the redevelopment of a storyline that was originally planned to end with David's departure, following Honda's decision to leave his role.[44] Aaron was not among the characters announced to be returning to Neighbours upon its return to production in 2023. However, in September 2023 Wilson appeared in the background of a 10 News First behind the scenes feature on the show's imminent return, with Aaron's apparent return subsequently reported on in the press.[45][46] Aaron and David will made a permanent return on 13 November 2023, though David was killed three months later.[47]
Reception
"I have been waiting for people to be mean but they just haven't. It could be something to do with the character. Aaron is not a bad guy at all, he is very generous and considerate of others. I have hit the jackpot with this guy."[10]
—Wilson's on how well Aaron has been received by viewers. (2016)
For his portrayal of Aaron, Wilson received a nomination for Best Daytime Star at the 2018 Inside Soap Awards.[48] Aaron and David's partnership was nominated for Best Soap Couple at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards; they came in seventh place with 5.3% of the total votes.[49]
Shannon Molloy of news.com.au observed that Aaron made a "colourful and abrupt entrance".[3] While an Inside Soap writer stated "Let's just say that the hunky new Brennan brother, Aaron, makes quite an entrance…"[50] Another contributor to the publication wrote that the character "made quite the impression".[51] Anthony D. Langford from TheBacklot.com admitted to being surprised that the producers had made one of the Brennan brothers gay.[52] He also questioned whether Aaron's love life would be "as messy and complicated as his brothers' tend to be" and hoped Wilson had been cast for more than his body and appearance.[52]
Claire Crick from All About Soap was pleased to meet the latest Brennan brother, commenting "We've been waiting for weeks in the All About Soap office, and as of today Aaron Brennan is finally on our screens. Hurrah! And he certainly arrived with a bang, didn't he?"[53] Crick went on to say that Aaron was a mix of his two brothers' personalities and a good dancer. She also branded him "lovely Aaron".[53] Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly dubbed the character "Erinsborough's nice guy".[54] While Will Stroude of Attitude labelled him "Ramsay Street's ravishing new resident" and "Mark and Tyler's mischievous middle brother".[55] Aaron's arrival was named one of "the best bits of July" by a writer for the Inside Soap Yearbook 2016.[56]
Langford, now writing for
Ben Fenlon of the Daily Express thought that Aaron stripping for an investor, while accompanied by a solar powered lawnmower, was "one of most bizarre moments in Neighbours' history, maybe even in soap."[59] In 2019, Digital Spy's Conor McMullan included Aaron's various career changes in his feature about repetitive Neighbours storylines. He wrote, "Not everyone can walk into the perfect job the first time around. Or indeed, second or third. For Aaron Brennan, it took five or six attempts. Since his arrival in 2015, Aaron has racked up an impressive number of careers – most quickly discarded as quickly as he started them."[60] McMullan said Aaron's job as personal trainer and gym owner was "the best and most believable route" for him, so everything worked out eventually.[60] In 2022, Sam Strutt of The Guardian listed Aaron and David's wedding as the eighth most memorable moment from the entire history of Neighbours. Strutt also branded it the show's most memorable wedding since the ceremony of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell.[61]
References
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- ^ a b c d e Kilkelly, Daniel (25 June 2015). "Neighbours newcomer Matt Wilson interview: 'More Brennans will arrive'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d Molloy, Shannon (17 June 2016). "Hunky underwear model and actor Matt Wilson arrives on Ramsay Street, playing a gay male stripper". news.com.au. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Ellis, Sarah (23–29 July 2022). "'A happy ending was guaranteed'". Inside Soap. No. 30. pp. 54–55.
- ^ a b Bamford, Matt (1 June 2015). "Matt Wilson: Welcome to our newest Neighbour". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Ellis, Sarah (3–9 October 2015). "I'm proud of how hard we worked on the 30th anniversary episodes!". Inside Soap. No. 39. pp. 44–46.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Crick, Claire (20 June – 3 July 2015). "I'm prepared for lots of topless scenes!". All About Soap (351): 28–29.
- ^ a b c Ellis, Sarah (27 June – 3 July 2015). "We joke that the Brennans must be allergic to t-shirts!". Inside Soap (25): 32–34.
- ^ Tenplay. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Bradley, Hazel (10 March 2016). "Developing role suits Matt". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
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- ^ a b c d e f Crawford, Carena (20 June – 3 July 2015). "In the flesh!". All About Soap (351): 22–23.
- ^ a b c d "Can't fight the feeling". TV Soap: 45. 2–16 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Public passion!". Inside Soap (29): 24. 25–31 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Nate races to the rescue!". Inside Soap (35): 25. 5–11 September 2015.
- ^ a b c "Trick or treat". TV Soap: 41. 27 August – 10 September 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Ethical dilemmas". Soap World (280): 16. April 2016.
- ^ a b Falconer, Daniel (5 April 2016). "Matt Wilson exclusive Neighbours interview - Aaron's role in Hotel Death Trap Week". FemaleFirst. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Crawford, Carena (23 April – 6 May 2016). "Aaron really thought he'd killed someone!". All About Soap (373): 32–33.
- ^ a b "My friends send me pictures of me in my pants!". Inside Soap (17): 52–53. 30 April – 6 May 2016.
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- ^ Tenplay. 2 December 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (25 April 2016). "Neighbours spoilers: First look as Aaron Brennan is horrified by a threatening text message". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Kilkelly, Daniel (29 June 2017). "Neighbours star Matt Wilson reveals gossip on Aaron, David and the Brennans' mum in our big interview". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
- ^ a b c "Hooked on a feeling". TV Soap: 45. 3–17 October 2016.
- ^ a b "David in turmoil". Soap World (289): 18. December 2016.
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- ^ a b c Ellis, Sarah (22–28 July 2017). "I want to have the first gay wedding in Neighbours!". Inside Soap (29): 52–53.
- ^ a b c d Gardner, Alison (11 July 2017). "'The time is right for Aaron to tell David how he feels,' says Neighbours' Matt Wilson". What's on TV. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ a b Dainty, Sophie (29 June 2015). "Neighbours to introduce Russell Brennan for domestic violence plot". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ "Meet Russell Brennan". Inside Soap (31): 26. 8–14 August 2015.
- ^ a b Dainty, Sophie (12 September 2015). "Soap spoilers: Russell Brennan leaves in Neighbours and Phoebe discovers she's pregnant in Home and Away". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ Kilkelly, David (22 July 2017). "Neighbours spoiler: Aaron declares his love for David". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
- ^ Stephenson, Alison (1 March 2018). "INXS legend Kirk Pengilly's daughter April Rose joins long-running soap Neighbours". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
- ^ a b Hughes, Johnathon (27 March 2018). "Neighbours: 'Chloe Brennan has a big heart – and a big mouth!' April Rose Pengilly interview". Radio Times. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
- ^ a b c d Ellis, Sarah (15–21 August 2015). "Private dancer!". Inside Soap (32): 25.
- ^ a b c d "The client list". TV Soap: 41. 16–30 May 2016.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (3 July 2017). "Neighbours' Aaron Brennan makes a huge decision and it's good news for Mishti Sharma". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
- ^ a b "Mishti means business!". Inside Soap (27): 34. 8–14 July 2017.
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- ^ Mensah, Katelyn (13 September 2023). "Neighbours fans uncover another returning cast member". Radio Times. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (18 September 2023). "Neighbours - have David, Aaron and Nicolette left for good?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ Daly, Helen (1 February 2024). "Neighbours airs devastating death twist for David Tanaka". Radio Times. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Davies, Megan (24 July 2018). "Inside Soap Awards 2018 full longlist revealed: Which Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks stars are up?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
- ^ "Five top treats from Tuesday night's soaps!". Inside Soap. 30 June 2015. Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
- ^ "Phwoarsday: It's a Neighbours Brennan brother bonanza!". Inside Soap. 2 July 2015. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
- ^ a b Langford, Anthony D. (3 June 2015). "Langford On Soaps: "Neighbours" Gets A Sexy New Gay". TheBacklot.com. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ a b Crick, Claire (1 July 2015). "We're all talking about...Neighbours' new Brennan brother!". All About Soap. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (10 March 2016). "Neighbours star Matt Wilson promises a darker storyline for Aaron: 'It's really challenging'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Stroude, Will (6 August 2015). "Meet 'Neighbours' new gay male stripper star, Matt Wilson". Attitude. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
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- TVSource Magazine. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
- ^ a b "2015 highs & lows". Soap World (277): 16. January 2016.
- ^ Fenlon, Ben (27 June 2017). "Neighbours Weekly Recap: Murder confession, striptease shocker death for two heroes?". Daily Express. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ a b McMullan, Conor (26 June 2019). "8 storylines that Neighbours keeps repeating, from Mark's misery to family affairs". Digital Spy. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
- ^ Strutt, Sam (3 March 2022). "Neighbours: the 10 best memories, from Scott and Charlene to Madge's ghost". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
External links
- Aaron Brennan at the Official Neighbours website