Georgia Brooks
Georgia Brooks | |
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Neighbours character | |
Nell Rebecchi Callum Jones |
Georgia Brooks is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Saskia Hampele. The actress was travelling through Kakadu with her boyfriend when she received a call from her agent about a regular role on Neighbours. Hampele was then asked to film an audition for the show and she said that she could not turn down the opportunity to play Georgia. She also believed that she was meant to get the part because the character was originally called Daisy, a nickname her boyfriend and friends call her. Hampele made her first screen appearance as Georgia during the episode broadcast on 5 October 2012. Hampele decided to leave the show in 2015 to pursue new acting opportunities, and Georgia made her departure in May of that year. She later returned for guest appearances in August 2015 and April 2016.
Georgia was introduced to Neighbours as the cousin of established character
Casting
On 1 August 2012, it was announced that Hampele had joined the cast of Neighbours as Georgia Brooks, the cousin of established character,
The actress thought that she was meant to get the part because the character was originally named Daisy, a nickname Tremills and her friends have given her.[2] Hampele later told Erin McWhirter from TV Week that after a few weeks of filming, she felt part of the Neighbours family and she took an instant liking to Moloney.[3] She explained "Ryan is absolutely lovely and I think because I came into the show as family. I took an instant liking to him and see him as an older brother. He's been able to show me the ropes a little bit."[3] A day before she appeared on-screen, a video featuring Hampele receiving a tour of Erinsborough from cast members Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne (Karl and Susan Kennedy) was released.[4] Hampele made her first appearance as Georgia during the episode broadcast on 5 October 2012.[5]
Development
Characterisation
Moloney told a writer from
Hampele later commented that she enjoyed playing Georgia, explaining "life keeps throwing some pretty heavy stuff her way, but she always maintains her integrity and optimism, even if it gets challenged along the way. She's a great role model - she's caring, loving, naive - but can also be strong, independent and fearless when she needs to be."[10] The actress added that Georgia is the type of person she would befriend.[10]
Love triangle
Georgia's childhood sweetheart,
Kyle believes that Georgia's feelings for Rhys will lead her to have her heart broken and he urges her to mend her relationship with Scotty, which leaves Georgia "gutted".
Georgia and Scotty later get back together and Scotty comes to stay with her on Ramsay Street. Georgia is grateful when Scotty appears unaware of her attraction to Kyle.[14] When Scotty suddenly proposes to Georgia, she accepts. She also scolds Kyle for being jealous when Scotty informs her that Kyle has been "mistreating" him.[14] Scotty and Georgia plan to elope in secret, but before they can leave, Kyle reveals that Scotty made sexual advances towards Chris Pappas (James Mason). Georgia is initially unwilling to believe the story, until Scotty confirms he is gay.[14] A Soap World columnist noted "Georgia is shattered to think that she missed all the signs throughout their eight-year relationship".[14] Georgia is hurt further when Scotty abruptly leaves town without saying goodbye.[14] Hampele revealed that Georgia cannot believe her first serious relationship has ended this way and she is frustrated that she did not get a chance to confront Scotty because his letter did not provide the answers that she needs.[9] Georgia has also been left feeling like she was not good enough for Scotty and she becomes angry about that.[9] Hampele added that moving forward, Georgia and Kyle would be a good match as they share similar outlooks on life and are both "a little kooky."[9]
Downward spiral
In April 2013, it was announced that Georgia would become involved in a drugs scandal storyline.
When asked how she felt about the storyline, Hampele replied that she enjoyed it, especially as it meant that she got to explore another layer of her character's personality.[9] When some drugs go missing from the hospital, Georgia is wrongly accused of taking them as she is responsible for the drug store. She realises that she left Pete alone with the keys to the store when he came into the hospital again, but struggles to admit that to anyone.[9] During a search of Georgia's bag, sleeping pill prescriptions are found and she suspects Pete had something to do with them. When Georgia is forced to reveal the truth about her own drug use, she is shocked and devastated when she is fired from the hospital.[9] Hampele told Kilkelly "It's going to be extremely difficult for her to get her job back, because it appears initially that she has broken every rule in the book. However, I think she has only touched the surface as a nurse and hospital settings provide some of the most interesting storylines, so I would definitely like to see her remain as a nurse."[9] Kyle helps Georgia to clear her name when he finds the person behind the drugs theft. Georgia's reputation is restored and she is allowed to return to work.[15]
Relationship with Kyle Canning
"I think that they're a really good match. I think they've done a really good job at just finding two characters who just work together. They share very similar values… They fall in love and I'd like to see a happily ever after for the couple."[16]
—Hampele on Georgia and Kyle (2013)
Once Georgia's life settles down, she and Kyle start spending "quality time" with each other. When they believe their relationship is in a good place, Georgia and Kyle have sex for the first time.[15] However, their happiness does not last for long when Georgia is offered an opportunity to work overseas. Milligan commented "Just when Kyle thinks they're making progress, Georgia springs this on him. He tried the long-distance thing with his ex, Jade, and it didn't work."[15] As Georgia begins to struggle in the relationship, she breaks up with Kyle.[17] He then realises that she needs to work through her issues with Scotty before she can truly move on and invites Scotty back to town.[17] Georgia is shocked when Scotty turns up on her doorstep and Kyle leaves them alone to talk. The talk with Scotty helps Georgia to overcome her insecurities and she and Kyle make up.[17]
Not long after Scotty's visit, Georgia and Kyle face their next challenge when Kyle is temporarily blinded during an eclipse.[18] Hampele stated "Georgia has self-esteem issues because of her break-up with Scotty. Even though Kyle always tries to be there for her, she just keeps pushing him away. And then Kyle has this terrible accident and that puts a massive strain on both of them."[18] Hampele said the scenes between Georgia and Kyle were challenging to film as she and Milligan could not make eye contact. She also found it difficult to have an "emotional response" with Milligan.[18] Georgia and Kyle's relationship becomes so strained that they decide to take a break. Kyle then has a one-night stand with Georgia's best friend Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer).[18] Hampele admitted that she would have preferred Georgia and Kyle to have been happy and stable in their relationship for a bit longer, before it is tested again.[18] Georgia and Kyle become engaged when they both propose. Hampele told an Inside Soap reporter that as Georgia is an impulsive character, she thought it was perfect that she made the snap decision to propose to Kyle.[19] However, instead of accepting straight away, Kyle leaves Georgia to go and get his grandmother's ring, so he can propose to her.[19]
Georgia's cousin Gemma Reeves (Kathryn Beck) discovers Kate and Kyle's affair after hacking into Kate's email account and finding an unsent email from Kate to Kyle detailing their one-night stand.[20] She places the email in a pile of congratulatory email messages at an engagement party thrown for Georgia and Kyle.[20] Georgia then reads out the email from Kate.[19] Realising that her best friend and boyfriend have betrayed her, a heartbroken Georgia flees the party.[19] Hampele admitted that she was "a bit devastated" that the affair was revealed as she realised that she would not get to work with Brewer and Milligan as much in the future.[20] Hampele also thought about how Georgia does not see Gemma's manipulation of her and put it down to Beck, who convinced her that nothing bad was happening in the background.[20] Hampele explained that Georgia is devastated and shocked by Kate and Kyle's betrayal. She does not give them a chance to explain and is unsure whether they are even still continuing the affair.[21] Georgia is "equally angry at them both" and decides to cut them out of her life.[21] Georgia flees Erinsborough with Gem in the wake of her discovery. Their departure formed the 2013 cliffhanger as Gem leaves an unconscious Georgia in room filled with gas.[22] Hampele called the storyline "the biggest" she had been part of since her arrival, adding "When the affair between Kate and Kyle was revealed, Georgia was devastated. They are two people she trusted – that were on her side and had her back."[22]
Singing career
During an appearance on
Pregnancy
In December 2013, a reporter for the
While suffering from severe morning sickness, Georgia collapsed during a gig at Charlie's, leading to Kyle discovering that she was pregnant.[27] After keeping her distance from Kyle, Georgia began to "thaw" towards him and Hampele commented that it was because of her "hopeless romantic" side.[28] However, when Georgia experienced some unusual pain and cramps, Kyle took her to the hospital and they learned that Georgia had suffered a miscarriage.[28] Georgia and Kyle were "shattered" by the news and Hampele pointed out, "It's such a devastating loss. This baby was something they were really looking forward to."[28]
Cancer scare
In August 2014, Georgia experienced a cancer scare. After she developed a sore throat, she got it checked out by Karl, who found a large lump.[29] Georgia became concerned as there is a history of lung and throat cancer in her family.[29] Georgia struggled to acknowledge the possibility of cancer and Hampele said, "It's very devastating for her. One of her biggest concerns is the thought of leaving Kyle behind. Also, she knows how much her mum's cancer diagnosis rocked her family."[29] Kyle assured Georgia that she would be fine and persuaded her to have the surgery to remove the lump.[29] Ahead of her surgery, Georgia began to feel nervous and wondered whether she was doing the right thing by having the lump removed.[30] Hampele told an Inside Soap columnist that Georgia was nervous and worried about permanently losing her voice.[31]
Georgia's surgery appeared to go well, but while she was in recovery, her health took a turn for the worse.
Departure
On 18 May 2015, it was confirmed that Hampele had left Neighbours and had filmed her final scenes earlier in the year.[32] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that the actress had moved to Los Angeles to pursue new career opportunities.[32] Hampele later said that Georgia had been "a pleasure to play" and she was thankful for all the messages from fans expressing their love and support for her.[33] Georgia's exit storyline saw her move to Germany with her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Georgia found a research centre in the country that offered an effective treatment for the disease.[32] Georgia departed Erinsborough after "an impromptu farewell" with Kyle and her friends on 27 May.[32]
Two months later, it was revealed that Hampele had filmed some extra scenes which had yet to air.[34] Georgia appeared via an online video call to Kyle.[34] She later returned home, shortly after a man called Greg Keys (Ryan Faucett) revealed to Kyle that he was in love with her.[35] A show spokesperson stated, "Kyle is on tenterhooks when Georgia finally arrives. She reassures him nothing physical happened between Greg and herself but admits there was a connection and asks to be set free."[35]
Hampele later reprised her role to facilitate Milligan's exit from Neighbours.[36] Speaking to a writer for the show's official website, Hampele said it was "a bit surreal" coming back to the set, but she enjoyed see the cast and crew again.[36] When asked if Georgia and Kyle should be together, she said "They are so compatible and even after all of the struggles they have been through they always seemed to make sense together. It's been an amazing journey seeing them grow and mature as a couple, and it feels like the right outcome to have them live happily ever after...but who knows?"[36] Georgia returned on 4 April 2016.[37]
In 2019, ahead of the news that Milligan would be reintroduced to the serial, Hempele explained that returning to the serial on a permanent basis was not in her interests.[38] She said, "One of the reasons I decided to leave Neighbours is because once you are at Neighbours, you are very much locked into that role for as long as you are on the show. It doesn't give you flexibility to play other characters, and for me, after three years of playing one character, I didn't feel challenged anymore. Unless they have a character with multiple personalities to keep jumping between different roles... going back permanently isn't in my plans."[38] Hempele also thanked the serial for giving her Georgia, which she called a "dream role" for her.[38]
Storylines
Georgia comes to Erinsborough after getting a nursing job at the local hospital. She moves in with her cousin Toadie and his family on
Georgia later accepts Scotty's marriage proposal. But before they can elope, Kyle informs Georgia that Scotty made sexual advances towards Chris Pappas. Scotty does not deny Kyle's accusations and he flees Erinsborough, leaving a brief written apology behind. Georgia works extra shifts at the hospital and tries to avoid Chris. She is also prescribed some sleeping pills by Karl. Georgia goes for a drink with her patient Pete Clark. Pete later gives Georgia drugs and she spends the night partying with him. Georgia realises that her new lifestyle does not suit her and tells Pete that they can no longer be friends. When Georgia leaves the keys to the drugs store unattended, some medication goes missing and Georgia is fired. At the same time, Georgia and Kyle enjoy a romantic date and he helps her to clear her name, after he finds a student selling the drugs. Georgia's job is reinstated when it emerges that the student's mother, another nurse at the hospital, stole the drugs. Kyle brings Scotty back to Erinsborough, so Georgia can get some closure. Georgia tries to take care of Kyle when his eyesight is damaged during an eclipse, but Kyle becomes frustrated and he briefly breaks up with her. Georgia joins Karl and Ajay Kapoor's (Sachin Joab) band The Right Prescription.
After seeing a video of Georgia singing,
Gem uses Georgia's grief to isolate her from everyone, and they decide to go to the country for a while. While there, Georgia gets a text explaining that Gem hacked Kate's laptop and printed out the email. Georgia confronts Gem, who turns nasty and pushes Georgia backwards into the cooker, starting the gas. Gem pushes Georgia again and she is knocked unconscious. Gem leaves Georgia alone in the cabin as it fills up with gas. Kate finds Georgia in time and she only suffers from mild gas inhalation and a minor head injury. Georgia discovers she is pregnant and decides to keep the news from Kyle, as she discovers he is in a relationship with Kate. Kyle eventually finds out about the pregnancy, after Georgia faints and is taken to hospital. When she decides to move back home, Kyle proves to her that he can provide for their baby and she agrees to stay in Erinsborough. Georgia has a miscarriage and she tries to move on without Kyle. However, after Kate dies, Georgia realises life is too short and they reconcile.
Kyle spends several weeks in Thailand and when he returns, Georgia fears he has lost interest in her, but Kyle assures her he loves her and he and Georgia get engaged for a second time. Georgia tries to help out Kyle's business by getting him a job making beds for the hospital. Kyle is unhappy with Georgia when he learns that she has been secretly paying him, but they make up and set a day for the wedding. Sheila takes over the planning for their wedding, leading them to fall out with her when she organises a lavish engagement party. They also try to reconcile Sheila with her daughter,
During their joint bucks and hens nights, Georgia and Kyle find Chris with serious head injuries outside The Waterhole. Georgia questions whether Chris's boyfriend
Karl later informs Georgia that she has been fired from the hospital. Georgia discovers that Paul's medical records match those of another patient, and thereby deduces that Paul never had leukaemia. She tells
Months later, Georgia returns to Erinsborough and asks Kyle to meet her at Lassiter's Hotel. Georgia explains that she has got a job at the German clinic her mother was treated at. She tells Kyle that she still loves him and wants him back. They kiss and Georgia gives Kyle a ticket to Germany. They kiss again, but are interrupted by Kyle's new girlfriend Amy Williams (Zoe Cramond). Kyle chases after Amy, and shortly after the boiler room explodes. Kyle and Amy get out of the hotel, and Kyle leaves Erinsborough to be with Georgia in Germany. A few years later, Kyle returns to Erinsborough and tells his family that he and Georgia have separated.
Reception
Thomas Mitchell from TV Week called Georgia an "Erinsborough hottie".[13] Peter Munro from The Sydney Morning Herald branded the character "goofy" and noted that she was not even sure what month it was.[39] Melinda Houston from The Sun-Herald said that Georgia was "understandably upset" when she learned the truth about Scotty.[40] Of the character's reaction to Scotty's secret, Anthony D. Langford from TheBacklot.com commented "I find Georgia unraveling about what happened with Scotty to be a bit much since she wasn't in love with Scotty and would have dumped him for Kyle if given half the chance."[41] He added that Georgia's "coolness" towards Chris was logical though, given the state of mind she was in.[41]
A Newcastle Herald reporter thought Georgia was "carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders" when she was worrying about getting fired.[42] In June 2013, The Daily Telegraph's Dianne Butler stated "Georgia's a gorgeous crowd-pulling blonde, but she's as dumb as furniture."[43] Langford disliked Georgia's exit storyline, commenting "I know the actress has left the show, but that’s a weird way to write her out."[44]
References
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
- ^ Channel 5. Northern & Shell. 1 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
- ^ ACP Magazines: 35.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
- ACP Magazines: 52.
- ^ a b c "Toadie's cousin to stir things up". MSN Entertainment. Microsoft. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g "A drugged distraction". Soap World (242). nextmedia: 18–19. May 2013.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK: 26. 23 February – 1 March 2013.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ a b Hunter, Brooke. "Saskia Hampele Interview". girl.com.au. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
- ^ a b Knox, David (25 September 2013). "Reality TV winner headed to Ramsay Street". TV Tonight. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
- ^ a b Brygel, Jackie (12–18 January 2013). "Rocky Romances". TV Week (2). Bauer Media Group: 44.
- ^ a b c d e Mitchell, Thomas (16–22 February 2013). "The green-eyed monster". TV Week (11). Bauer Media Group: 39.
- ^ a b c d e "The truth comes out". Soap World (241). nextmedia: 21. April 2013.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK: 28. 1–7 June 2013.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK: 27. 8–14 June 2013.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK: 32. 7–20 December 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Hampele will miss good Neighbours". MSN TV. 21 November 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ a b Vickery, Colin (1 January 2014). "Saskia analyses state of Georgia". Herald Sun. Retrieved 20 April 2024 – via Gale.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- Network Ten. September 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- Press Association. 18 December 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
- ^ a b c "A baby in the hood". TV Week (3). 18–24 January 2014.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (8 February 2014). "Kyle discovers that Georgia is pregnant". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
- ^ a b c Lake, Rebecca (1–7 March 2014). "Baby heartache". TV Week (9): 21.
- ^ a b c d "Georgia's health crisis!". TV Week. 14 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ^ a b Downie, Stephen (23–29 August 2014). "Cut-throat surgery". TV Week (34): 52.
- ^ a b c d "Hospital hell for Georgia". Inside Soap (35): 24. 6–12 September 2014.
- ^ a b c d Kilkelly, Daniel (18 May 2015). "Neighbours: Georgia Brooks to move away to Germany". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
- ^ Harp, Justin (25 May 2015). "Neighbours star Saskia Hampele explains exit: 'Time to explore this beautiful world'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (27 July 2015). "Neighbours spoilers: Kyle Canning's love life turns messy in new trailer". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
- ^ a b Hill, Susan (26 July 2015). "Neighbours: Someone's got a crush on Kyle's wife Georgia". Daily Star. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
- ^ Tenplay. 30 March 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
- ^ "Neighbours – 2 weeks revealed". Soaplife (377): 57. 26 March – 8 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Lee, Jess (15 February 2019). "Former Neighbours star Saskia Hampele rules out a permanent return as Georgia Brooks". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ Munro, Peter (7 December 2012). "Free-to-air TV: Friday, December 7". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
- ^ Houston, Melinda (24 March 2013). "This week's TV picks". The Sun-Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
- ^ a b Langford, Anthony D. (17 April 2013). "Langford on Soaps: Brian and Will Fight Over Sonny on 'Days'". TheBacklot.com. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
- ^ "Our view". Newcastle Herald. Fairfax Media. 26 April 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
- News Limited. Retrieved 28 June 2013.
- ^ Langford, Anthony D. (3 June 2015). "Langford On Soaps: "Neighbours" Gets A Sexy New Gay". TheBacklot.com. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
External links
- Georgia Brooks at the Official AU Neighbours website
- Georgia Brooks at the Official UK Neighbours website