Connor O'Neill
Connor O'Neill | |
---|---|
Neighbours character | |
Madeleine Lee |
Connor O'Neill is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera
Casting
Harvey was still in school when he secured the role.[1] He had always wanted to act and hired an agent while he was living in Australia. It was then that the part in Neighbours "came along".[2] When Harvey auditioned for the role of Connor, he did so with an Australian accent. He came back and re-read the part again in his Northern Irish accent and he was given the role.[3] Casting director Jan Russ told a reporter from the BBC that Harvey did the best Australian accent she had ever heard, but she and the producers decided to give the character Harvey's natural accent.[4]
Development
Characterisation
Connor was introduced to Neighbours as a friend of
Relationships
Michelle Scully
Connor arrives in Australia on working visa which permits him to only work for the same employer for three months. He starts a relationship with Michelle Scully (Kate Keltie) and works for her father Joe Scully (Shane Connor).[11] They later realise that the conditions of his visa have been broken as he carried on working for Joe outside the time limit. Keltie told Herbison that Michelle "panics" when immigration contact the Scully household. Upon receiving legal advice, Connor is told that deportation is likely.[11] Michelle tells Connor "We've got to get out of here" and the pair go on the run where she comes up with a plan to marry Connor. Keltie explained that "it would be a solution to their problem, and even though neither of them are really ready for it, she's prepared to do it for Connor." He does not like the idea because he is scared of Joe's reaction. He does decide to see a priest and plays with the idea.[11] The actress branded their actions as "completely ridiculous and irrational" because they are only sixteen. Keltie would have felt differently "if they really loved each other, but they haven't been together long enough to know."[11] Michelle later left Connor to go to New York.[9]
In March 2004, Connor became caught in the middle of a "passion-fuelled" love triangle when
Lori Lee
Connor forms a close friendship
Carmella Cammeniti
Connor and Carmella's relationship is tested when
After Connor is rescued Carmella decides to leave Erinsborough to overcome her ordeal. Connor begins a relationship with
The story arc culminates with both Connor and Carmella resorting to lies and deception.[18] Connor fakes a robbery at Bounce to repay Carmella, who is a concocting a new scheme. Harvey told a writer from Inside Soap that Carmella pretends that she loaned the money from a member of the local mafia. She "makes up this elaborate story so it looks as though she's really stuck her neck out for Connor. It's all part of her new plan to steal him away [from Serena]."[18] When Stuart investigates the robbery, Carmella realises that Connor is the perpetrator and returns the money to Bounce. However, the act makes "Connor is completely confused" and left looking "even more suspicious" to the police.[18] Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) convinces Carmella to maintain her lies and deceive Connor further. Carmella asks Connor to accompany her to a meeting with the mafia, but tells him to wait outside as they do not exist. Harvey explained that "Connor's really worried [about Carmella], and insists on confronting the bad guys himself"; and in doing so he exposes Carmella's plot.[18]
Departure
In January 2006, it was announced that Harvey had decided to leave Neighbours.[19] He filmed his final scenes in February,[19] and his exit scenes aired in May 2006.[20] He told Jackie Brygel of TV Week that he knew it was time to move on from the series, saying "You have to get out into the big bad world and see if you can make a go of it. Acting is still my priority."[20] When asked if there was a chance he could return to the soap in the future, Harvey replied "Who knows? Never say never!"[20]
Return
In July 2012, the executive producer of Neighbours, Richard Jasek, was asked about an upcoming "mystery male returnee" during an interview with Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly.[21] Jasek commented "I can't say too much at the moment, but Neighbours does have a rich history of wonderful past characters and yes, we do have a familiar face visiting – all will be revealed shortly…"[21] On 17 August 2012, it was confirmed that Harvey had reprised his role and he would be seen on-screen from October.[22] The actor was initially contracted for a four-week guest stint.[22] Harvey began filming his scenes in the same week and he stated "As soon as the wardrobe department pulled out the boxers and Hawaiian shirt, I was back in character. However, it wasn't until Ryan dropped his dacks in a scene that I knew I was home!"[22]
Connor's exit storyline in 2006 saw him disappear in mysterious circumstances, so Toadie is "over the moon" to see his friend alive and well.[10] Harvey revealed that Connor turns up at Toadie's house in the middle of Sonya Mitchell's (Eve Morey) baby shower, which does not please her.[10] He continued "But Toadie is delighted that Connor is back. Things are very grown-up in his life now, and this is a sort of release for him."[10] Harvey explained further that Connor manages to cause an argument during the baby shower, which causes Sonya to ask Toadie to "send him packing".[10]
Storylines
Connor meets Jack, who tells him that he can stay with his parents if he ever visits Australia. Connor later shares a flight to the country with Malcolm Kennedy. He accidentally takes Malcolm's bag, which is identical to his own, instantly making the Erinsborough residents suspicious of him. Connor arrives at the Scully's house in Ramsay Street, explaining about Jack and he is asked to stay by Joe and
Nina Tucker moves to Erinsborough and befriend Connor and Michelle. Connor discovers that she is a good singer and encourages her to reveal her secret by appointing himself her manager. He later enters her song "
Connor moves into Number 30 with Toadie and Stuart. He becomes closer to Lori and they set up a business selling T-shirts. Connor and Lori have a one-night stand and Lori later informs him that she is pregnant. Connor agrees to support her, but Lori reveals that she is going to have an abortion. Connor takes her to the clinic and Lori then leaves to spend time with her family. Max Hoyland (Stephen Lovatt) employs Connor as a barman at Lou's Place. Nina uses Connor when she wants to get back at Jack. They kiss and Connor falls for her, but Jack blackmails him by threatening to reveal all about Lori and the pregnancy. Connor tells Nina the truth and they grow closer, but she leaves suddenly for Bombay. Connor then falls for his co-worker Carmella, but her father sends her away to Italy when he discovers their relationship. Carmella later returns and she and Connor rekindle their relationship, just as Michelle arrives back from New York. Connor reveals that Michelle is the only girl he wants and they get back together. While they are spending the night at Lassiter's Hotel, Connor and Michelle run into Lori who is checking in. She then tells Connor that she did not got through with the abortion and introduces him to his daughter, Madeleine. Michelle leaves for New York again and Connor starts bonding with Madeleine, before Lori returns to Lorne.
Carmella manipulates Connor into being her limousine driver and they get back together. Connor fails to get along with Lori's partner
Connor joins Serena and several neighbours on a joy flight to Tasmania. The plane crashes into the
Six years later, Connor returns to Ramsay Street to see Toadie. However, he interrupts
Reception
For his portrayal of Connor, Harvey won "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2003 Logie Awards.[23] A BBC website writer said Connor's most notable moments were "When it was revealed that he couldn't read. Finding out Lori was pregnant. Meeting his daughter Maddy for the first time."[24] Speaking of Harvey and Connor, a writer for Virgin Media said that they thought the character did not have any serious storylines. They stated "Patrick found fame as Toadie's best friend, and Irish funny-man Connor O'Neill. But with storylines like being illiterate and being threatened with deportation, is it any wonder he didn't last long?"[25] Beverley Johanson of The Age stated Harvey "stirs many a teenage heart as Connor".[26] A columnist from Inside Soap said that when Connor moved into the Scully household, he got an "added bonus" in the form of Michelle; adding that their "dangerous liaison" was "Ramsay Street's hottest secret" until Joe found out.[27]
References
- ^ "Actor: Patrick Harvey". BBC Online. (BBC). Archived from the original on 15 April 2005. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
- ^ "Ask the Actors". BBC Online. (BBC). Archived from the original on 15 April 2005. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
- ^ Johnston 2005, p.212.
- ^ "Interviews: Jan Russ – Casting Director". BBC Online. (BBC). 8 August 2003. Archived from the original on 15 May 2004. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
- ^ a b Mercado 2004, p.226.
- ^ "Neighbours". Inside Soap (57). Attic Futura (UK) Ltd. 11–24 May 2002.
- ^ Channel 5. Northern & Shell. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ a b Herbison, Jason (21 June – 4 July 2003). "Inside Oz". Inside Soap (234): 8–9.
- ^ a b "Character: Connor O' Neill". BBC. Archived from the original on 15 April 2005. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Look who's back!". Inside Soap (47): 25. 24–30 November 2012.
- ^ a b c d Herbison, Jason (29 March – 11 April 2003). "A marriage of convenience". Inside Soap (228): 18.
- ^ a b c d e f g Brygel, Jackie (6–12 March 2004). "Connor's choice". TV Week (10): 11.
- ^ a b "About last night". Inside Soap (237): 33. 2–15 August 2003.
- ^ a b c d e f Brygel, Jackie (10–16 April 2004). "Baby, I'm back!". TV Week (15): 16–17.
- ^ a b c d "Killer countdown". Inside Soap (18): 34. 7–13 May 2005.
- ^ a b "Look who's stalking". Inside Soap (17): 40. 30 April – 6 May 2005.
- ^ a b c d "Three's a crowd!". Inside Soap (50): 38. 17–30 December 2005.
- ^ a b c d "In too deep". Inside Soap (1): 34. 7–13 January 2006.
- ^ a b "Patrick's off". Inside Soap (2): 13. 14–20 January 2006.
- ^ a b c Brygel, Jackie (27 May – 2 June 2006). "Spreading his wings". TV Week (21): 10.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (1 July 2012). "'Neighbours' producer Richard Jasek talks show future – interview". Digital Spy. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (17 August 2012). "'Neighbours': Patrick Harvey returns as Connor O'Neill". Digital Spy. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ "Logie Award Winners 2003". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Character: Connor O'Neill". BBC. Archived from the original on 15 April 2005. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
- ^ "Neighbours ruined my life – Patrick Harvey – Connor O'Neill". 2009. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
- ^ Johanson, Beverley (9 April 2005). "Private property". The Age. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
- ^ "Room mate or hot date?". Inside Soap (42): 43. 18–24 October 2003.
- Johnston, Tony (2005). Neighbours: 20 years of Ramsay Street. News Custom Publishing. ISBN 978-1-876176-78-5.
- Mercado, Andrew (2004). Super Aussie Soaps. Pluto Press Australia. ISBN 978-1-86403-191-1.
External links
- Character profile at the BBC
- Character profile at the Internet Movie Database