Henry Ramsay (Neighbours)

Following the departure of Peter O'Brien (Shane Ramsay), producers began a search for a new "hunk" to keep the female viewers interested.^[1] McLachlan was 21 when he auditioned for Neighbours.^[2] McLachlan had a small role playing a student on the show Sons and Daughters.^[3] The director was impressed with his performance and recommended him to Sue Manger who worked in casting at Grundy. McLachlan had two auditions for the role and producers offered him the role and asked him to begin filming a week later.^[3] Recalling his auditions, McLachlan said "I just flirted with the producers like a madman. I thought, if I can make them fall in love with me and tell some funny stories, what I lack in technical, you know, ability they might think, "Oh, no, the kid's got something."^[2] Critics initially dismissed McLachlan as another "pretty boy" and he admitted that he had heard the comments. He said that while they might be right, there is some talent there too.^[1] McLachlan initially signed on to Neighbours for six weeks.^[4]

When McLachlan's contract came up for renewal a rival network made him an offer. McLachlan was no longer enjoying Neighbours and he signed the deal.^[5] However, the owner of the network had tried to make an offer for MGM studios and when it fell through he fled Australia and McLachlan's new contract was cancelled. McLachlan then joined rival soap Home and Away.^[6] Of his decision to leave Neighbours, McLachlan said that he had had his fill of the role and added "After being in Neighbours for three years Henry became...not easy to play."^[7] In 2005, it was rumoured that McLachlan was to be one of the many ex-cast members who would be returning for the show's 20th anniversary, however, he did not appear.^[8]

During an interview with TV Week McLachlan was asked if he would return to Neighbours and he said "If I had a dollar for every time fans of that era of the show ask if there's any chance that Henry will go back – even for the briefest cameo appearance! There is part of me that always thinks, "Oh, if I could somehow wrangle it and juggle it in with things, it would be so much fun!" But then part of me goes, "Nah". It would be terrible to go back and... none of the rest of the gang are there."^[9] In December 2014, McLachlan announced that he was unable to return as Henry for Neighbours' 30th anniversary due to scheduling conflicts and his involvement in The Doctor Blake Mysteries.^[10] However, McLachlan agreed to take part in the documentary special Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite, which aired in Australia and the UK in March 2015.^[11][12]

Characterisation

Upon his arrival in Ramsay Street, Henry was described as "living under a cloud of suspicion" from the other neighbours after they learnt about his criminal record.^[13] He was also described as being streetwise, irresistible and a ladies man.^[13] Henry counteracted his "beefy image" by being a bit mischievous and "good for a laugh".^[14] This led to him being called the "Punk who turned Hunk" by John Kercher in his 1989 Neighbours: facts, features, interviews with your favourite TV stars book.^[14] McLachlan described his character as being "fun-loving" and "wacky".^[15] He added "he always has a head full of plots and schemes which rarely pay off, but we are led to believe that beneath Henry's flirtatious banter there lies a guy who is genuinely lovable".^[15] McLachlan was able to identify with certain elements of Henry's personality.^[16] He said "He's a fairly zany guy who loves a practical joke and so do I. He has the same sense of humour as me".^[16]

Storylines

Henry is the eldest child and only son of

Henry proposes to Bronwyn and they plan to marry in a double ceremony with Joe and Kerry. Bronwyn's father Gordon (Tim Robertson) tries to talk her out of marrying Henry. Bronwyn then tries to convince her father that she loves Henry. Bronwyn postpones the wedding for a few months and Henry is heartbroken. However, he is comforted by the fact that she is not ending their relationship. Henry becomes a DJ on Erinsborough Community Radio and after a slow start, he gains many listeners and becomes very popular. Henry is offered a high paying job as a DJ in New Zealand and he and Bronwyn decide that he should take the job. Henry says a tearful goodbye to Madge and Bronwyn and leaves Erinsborough. Bronwyn joins him a few months later when she lands a job as a vet in New Zealand and they eventually marry.

Reception

In 1989, McLachlan's portrayal of Henry saw him win the

Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture gave Henry a four out of five for his contribution to Neighbours, during a feature called "A guide to recognising your Ramsays and Robinsons".^[23] Deller said "Long before Toadie, Ramsay Street's favourite DJ, prankster and most frequently caught in the nude resident was poodle-permed Henry (although, arguably before him it was Clive Gibbons). Madge's eldest son was often used as a comic foil rather than someone at the centre of dramatic plot lines".^[23] Sky Showbiz branded Henry as "uber curly-haired" and joked that fans would be overjoyed to see his return if they were some of the ones who spent "many an afternoon of their youth fancying Henry Ramsey in his dungarees."^[24]

References