List of Neighbours characters (2007)

Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera that was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared on the show in 2007, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's executive producer Ric Pellizzeri. The 23rd season of Neighbours began airing from 8 January 2007. That month saw both Ringo Brown and Oliver Barnes introduced as brothers of established characters. March saw the year's first baby, Holly Hoyland, born. Con artists Terrence Chesterton and Charlotte Stone arrived the following month, along with Mary Casey. June saw the debuts of Prue Brown, Adam Rhodes, Kirsten Gannon and Mickey Gannon. Oliver's mother and brother, Rebecca and Declan Napier, were introduced in July, as were Bridget Parker, Miranda Parker, Steve Parker and Peggy Newton. Justin Hunter, Richard Aaronow and Riley Parker began appearing from August. September saw Brad Jordan arrive, while October saw the introductions of Marco Silvani, Josh Taylor, Taylah Jordan and Jessica Wallace. Both Angus Henderson and Mia Silvani arrived in November.

Ringo Brown

Ringo Brown, played by Sam Clark, made his first screen appearance on 24 January 2007. Clark was cast in the role after he won a competition hosted by teen magazine Dolly.^[1] Clark was signed to a three-month contract to play the part of Ringo.^[1] Clark auditioned four times in total before being cast.^[1] His contract was later extended from the initial three months to nine months.^[1] The actor described Ringo as being "a good-hearted kid", who does the normal things that a 16-year-old does.^[1] Clark explained that Ringo left home to come and live the life his brother, Frazer (Ben Lawson) is living.^[2] A writer for the official Neighbours website described Ringo as someone who had "often drawn the short straw in life". They pointed out that he was not an academic, but cheeky and good-humoured.^[3] Ringo had previously suffered with anorexia in the past and one of his first major storylines saw him suffer a relapse.^[4]

Oliver Barnes

Oliver Barnes, played by

Holly Hoyland made her first screen appearance on 29 March 2007. She was originally played by Chaya Broadmore and then Lucinda Armstrong Hall when the character was recast and reintroduced in 2013.^[8][9] Holly is Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) and Izzy Hoyland's (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) daughter, who was born on a boat on the River Thames.^[10] Karl did not know he was Holly's father, until his wife, Susan (Jackie Woodburne), told him. Izzy initially did not want Karl to have a part in Holly's life and Susan agreed with her.^[10] Woodburne commented "A child is such a strong connection, and Susan's thinking Karl might decide to try and win Izzy back and make a family with this new child. Susan's quite relieved when Izzy doesn't want Karl involved. She thinks, 'I've told him about the situation and Izzy will look after the child in a happy, loving relationship with her boyfriend, Pete (Daniel Schutzmann), so everyone comes out a winner."^[10]

In May 2013, Fletcher revealed that someone from Karl's past would be coming back into his life in the coming months.^[11] Fletcher also explained that the new storyline would enable him to make more trips to London, after Karl vows to visit the city at least twice a year.^[11] Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy said that this supported the theory that Holly would be returning to the show, following the release of a picture showing a new addition to the portrait at the Kennedy family's house.^[11] In June, it was confirmed that Holly would be returning with Lucinda Armstrong Hall in the role.^[8] When Holly arrives in Erinsborough, she is now "a precocious eight-year-old", who can do no wrong by Karl.^[9] However, Susan's resolve is tested by Holly's behaviour towards her.^[9] Claire Crick from All About Soap branded the character "Horrid Holly" and commented "Blimey – we've only seen about five minutes of Holly in Ramsay Street and we hate her already! Could she be any more annoying? We don't think so!"^[12] Crick went on to call Holly a "mini-diva", adding that "Horrid Holly better do something to make us like her – and fast!"^[12] On 11 March 2014, it was announced that Holly would be returning to Neighbours and she returned on 30 May.^[13][14] Holly made a brief appearance in 2017,^[15] and returned alongside Izzy in early 2018.^[16] In May 2023, it was announced that the character would return again when Neighbours resumed.^[17] The character demonstrates soap opera rapid aging syndrome: six years after her on-screen birth, Hall's casting saw Holly's age increased to eight,^[9] and nine years after this her age had advanced again to nineteen.^[18]

Izzy Hoyland becomes pregnant after she has a one-night stand with her ex-partner, Karl Kennedy. When she discovers her pregnancy, Izzy leaves Erinsborough. Eight months later in London, Izzy runs into Karl and his wife, Susan. Susan helps Izzy reunite with her boyfriend, Pete, and he urges her to tell Karl the truth about the baby. The following day, Izzy watches as Karl and Susan are remarried on a boat on the Thames and she goes into labour. Karl delivers their daughter and Izzy names her Holly. Deciding not to ruin Karl and Susan's day, Izzy keeps quiet about Holly's paternity. However, Susan overhears Izzy and Pete talking and she tells Karl once they return home. Izzy initially asks Karl to stay out of Holly's life, but he flies back to London to spend time with her. Susan later agrees to become Holly's godmother and Karl tries to visit her as often as he can.

When Izzy goes on a cruise with her new partner, she puts Holly on a plane to send her to stay with Karl and Susan. Holly is happy to see her father again and spend time with him. However, she makes her dislike of Susan clear by glaring at her and calling her old. Holly later admits to Karl that she is missing Izzy. Susan rebukes Holly when she spills nail polish on the couch. Holly believes Susan hates her because of who her mother is, but Karl tells her that is not true and asks her to make an effort with Susan. Holly draws a picture of her mother and crosses her out, causing Karl to realise that she is angry at Izzy. When Holly tries to add a picture of herself to the Kennedy portrait, she falls from the stool she is standing on, hurting her knee. Karl tends to the injury and learns that Holly wants to be part of the family. Holly later tells Karl that she is worried that Susan does not like her, but Karl assures her that is not the case. Susan sits her down and explains to her that despite their rocky start, she does care about her. They both admit to being scared of each other at first and decide to give each other a chance. Holly then admits that she wants to stay with Karl and Susan. When Karl tells Holly that Izzy is letting her stay for longer, Holly believes that she does not want her. Holly tells Karl and Susan that she wants to go back home and Karl flies to London with her.

Holly returns the following year, after Susan organises a surprise visit for Karl. After Holly sings with Karl, he realises she has a good singing voice and he enters her into a junior talent competition. After she witnesses the judges criticising another contestant, Holly becomes nervous and runs off stage. Karl assures her that she does not have to sing in public if she does not want to. Holly recognises a man from a CCTV still as

Holly gets drunk again and passes out. After losing her money, Izzy returns to London, leaving Holly with Karl and Susan. Holly starts work experience at the hospital, but after learning that Karl has lost his job, she steals research papers to help him out and is fired. Holly is selected to go on a six-month exchange trip to China after applying in secret. But Karl refuses to let her go until Susan tells him that Holly has never felt validated and will resent him if he makes her stay. Karl changes his mind and makes Holly promise to visit Izzy first and to stay in regular contact with him while she is in China. When Izzy returns to Erinsborough four years later, she tells Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) that Holly is now studying medicine. Karl later calls Holly to confirm that she will move to Erinsborough if Izzy and Malcolm Kennedy (Benjamin McNair), who are now a couple, also do.

Holly returns to Erinsborough five years later and moves into number 28

Terrence Chesterton, played by Scott Johnson, made his first on-screen appearance on 6 April 2007. Terrence and his partner Charlotte Stone, arrived in Erinsborough to con the residents.^[19] Terrence posed as a spiritual advisor and Charlotte as a doctor. Terrence was later killed by Charlotte.

Following the death of her boyfriend,

For his portrayal of Terrence, Johnson received a nomination for Best Bad Boy at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.^[20]

Mary Casey

Mary Casey, played by Rowena Wallace, made her first appearance on 10 April 2007. Marcus Casey of The Daily Telegraph reported that Wallace was contracted for three months.^[21] He also reported that Wallace's character would "cause havoc among the residents of Ramsay Street" and dubbed her "Scary Mary".^[21] Casey was pleased to see Wallace back on screen, as there are few roles for older women in television.^[21]

When

Mary bails Kevin out of jail and locks him in the nursery with Pepper. Kevin is shocked to find Pepper there and he pretends to be as mad as Mary to get Pepper out of the house. They eventually escape by setting the room on fire and getting Mary to open the door. Mary is then sent to jail. While she is there, Sky Mangel (Stephanie McIntosh) becomes Mary's new cellmate. Mary befriends Sky and after learning that Sky has a baby daughter, she convinces Sky to bring Kerry into the prison. Sky lets Mary look after her daughter for a moment and a riot started by Krystal McCoy (Freya Neilson) breaks out. Mary and the baby go missing, but Sky eventually finds them. Mary tells her that she had put the baby somewhere safe. Mary tells Sky about kidnapping Pepper and admits she needs help. Mary is then transferred out of the prison.

Charlotte Stone

Charlotte Stone, played by Rachel Gordon, made her first on-screen appearance on 12 April 2007. She, along with Terrence Chesterton (Scott Johnson), arrived in Erinsborough to con the residents. Charlotte was called a "villain" by The Advertiser.^[19]

Charlotte arrives in Erinsborough as the town's new doctor, shortly after "spiritualist" Terrence Chesterton arrived. Charlotte sets up a practice in the Lassiter's complex and uses her position to give Terrence information on his clients. Medical student Boyd Hoyland (Kyal Marsh) becomes Charlotte's receptionist. Charlotte's first patient is Carmella Cammeniti (Natalie Blair), who is depressed following her split with her boyfriend. Charlotte prescribes anti-depressants and Carmella later finds herself addicted to them. Charlotte treats Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who is suffering from dizzy spells and headaches. Charlotte is unsure how to treat him and she tells him that it is due to stress. She then gives him a massage and takes his credit card details. Her plans to take his money fail when she finds out that his money and business has been taken by his daughter. Charlotte later agrees to refer him to a neurologist. Charlotte sees her old boyfriend, Frazer Yeats (Ben Lawson), and she manages to convince him that she had undergone medical training. Charlotte decides that she wants Frazer back, but her plan fails when Frazer turns her down.

Charlotte learns that Terrence slept with Sky Mangel (Stephanie McIntosh) and she worries that he is going to ruin their plans. Sky discovers that Terrence is a con man and she hits him with a sugar dispenser, which knocks him out. Charlotte finds him and when he starts to come to, he tells her that he is going to the police. Charlotte hits Terrence again and kills him. She later learns that Sky has been arrested for his murder. Rosetta Cammeniti (Natalie Saleeba) is worried about Carmella and threatens to report Charlotte to the medical board. Charlotte kisses Boyd and he invites her to a dinner party. Charlotte struggles to answer Karl Kennedy's (Alan Fletcher) questions and Karl begins to think she is a fake. Karl notices Charlotte's medical certificates and a paperweight, which reminds him of a friend. Karl finds out that his friend's paperweight was stolen and everyone realises that Charlotte is a fake. Boyd also discovers the truth and decides to run away with Charlotte, so he can get the truth about Terrence's death out of her. Charlotte confesses all to Boyd, who records it on his MP3 player. Charlotte crashes the car and they are taken to the hospital, where Boyd tells the police about her confession. Charlotte is then sent to prison.

Adam Rhodes

Prue Brown

Prue Brown, played by Penny Cook, made her first appearance on 19 June 2007. That year saw Neighbours suffer a decline in ratings and in an attempt to lure back viewers, several key changes took place, including introducing a new family and casting Cook as Prue Brown.^[22] Prue is the mother of established characters, Ringo Brown (Sam Clark) and Frazer Yeats (Ben Lawson).^[23] Cook described her character as a "nice mum who's had a past. There have been issues with the kids. They're from a farming background".^[24] She also added that Prue is a little similar to herself.^[24] In June 2010, it was announced that Cook was to reprise her role of Prue for Ringo's wedding in August, which coincided with the show's 6000th episode celebrations.^[23] Neighbours bosses also said that Prue was going to fall for another of the show's guest stars.^[23]

Prue and her husband

Ringo develops an eating disorder and Frazer realises that he cannot deal with it alone, so he calls Prue. She tells Ringo that she is not going to let his problem continue and gives him the choice to either stay in Erinsborough or come back to Muttatang. Ringo agrees to make an appointment with the school counsellor. Ringo starts to grow distant and Prue worries that she might lose another son. Ringo hears Prue telling Graham that they have to cancel their cruise as she could not leave Ringo. Ringo gets Rosie to draw up a legal document, promising that he would eat. Prue then leaves for her cruise. Rosie and Frazer discover that they are expecting a baby and decide to go to Italy. Prue demands that Ringo come home with her. Ringo's eating disorder comes back and he almost drowns in an accident. Prue tells Frazer that he is not doing a good job of looking after Ringo. She then admits that she still blames him for Paul's death. Prue admits to Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) that she feels like she constantly drives her children away. Frazer confronts his mother again and she tells him that she would always blame him for what happened to Paul. Frazer tells her that she is no longer a part of his life. Frazer and Prue eventually make up and Rosie and Frazer drive Prue home.

Prue comes back to town for Ringo's wedding to Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie). She arrives at Charlie's during the middle of Ringo's bucks night and sees Ringo tied to a chair by some dancers. Prue and Donna get off to a bad start, when Prue walks through the door just as Donna throws a garter at it. Donna tries to impress Prue with a posh tea service, but she eventually decides to be herself. Prue, Donna and Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) go out for cocktails and bond. Prue does not get along with Donna's father Nick and they insult and argue with each other. Donna goes to Prue's hotel room and finds her father there. Prue explains that they are now friends. On the morning of the wedding, Donna tells Ringo that his mother and her father had sex. Ringo confronts Prue and she tells him that she and Graham split up months ago.

Kirsten Gannon

Mickey Gannon

Michael "Mickey" Gannon, played by Fletcher O'Leary, made his first on-screen appearance on 19 June 2007. Mickey is Ned Parker's son and he arrives in Ramsay Street when his mother decides she needs some time alone.

Fletcher O'Leary and his brother Blake both auditioned for the role of Mickey, with the elder brother winning the role. Blake was later cast in the role of Ben Fitzgerald.^[25] In May 2009, it was announced that O'Leary would be leaving Neighbours after two years, his final scenes were aired in Australia in July.^[26]

Mickey born as the result of a brief relationship between

Janae and Ned split up and she leaves, which upsets Mickey. However, he becomes closer to his father and mother. Kirsten is badly injured in a bushfire and she, Ned and Mickey leave for a Perth hospital. Mickey struggles to settle in Perth and he runs away to Ramsay Street. His friend, Callum Jones (Morgan Baker), helps hide him, but they are found. Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver) takes Mickey back to Perth to see if he wants to stay there, but they return home. Mickey feels isolated when Bridget gives birth to a daughter. Steve arranges for Mickey to go back to Ned and Kirsten and Lou accompanies him on the trip.

For his role as Mickey, O'Leary was nominated for "Best Child Actor (Under 16)" at the 2008

Bridget Parker

Miranda Parker

Steve Parker

Peggy Newton

Peggy Newton, played by Carolyn Bock, made her first screen appearance on 24 July 2007.^[31] Peggy is a doctor at Erinsborough Hospital.

When a minibus carrying several Ramsay Street residents crashes in the street,

Justin Hunter

Justin Hunter, played by Chris Toohey, made his first on-screen appearance on 7 August 2007. Justin attended Erinsborough High, where he bullied several students. He became friends with Kyle Canning and Zeke Kinski.

Chris Toohey previously appeared in Neighbours in 2005 as Jake Rinter.^[32] Toohey later auditioned for the part of Erinsborough High student, Justin Hunter and he was cast in the role.^[32] He said he was unaware of how long he would last on the show and was surprised that it had been two years.^[32] Toohey said that his most enjoyable storylines to shoot were the car racing and the Dingoes football team scenes.^[32]

Justin is unhappy when Bridget Parker (Eloise Mignon) is invited to train with the Eastside Dingoes football team. Justin tries to make her look weak and warns Zeke Kinski (Matthew Werkmeister) not to invite her back. When Justin finds out that the coach has asked her back, he tells Zeke to inform Bridget that she is not welcome. The coach invites Bridget to join the team for a practice game and Justin takes the opportunity to push her around. At school, Justin suggests that she would be better off playing netball and he pushes her. When Bridget is out with Declan Napier (James Sorensen) in his car they come across Justin and his two brothers Dale (Leon Stripp) and Wayne Hunter (Karl Van Moorsel). Justin and Declan challenge each other to a race. Bridget throws a drink through Justin's window, ruining the interior of his car. Declan races off, but the Hunter brothers catch up with them. Declan and Bridget make a run for it, they later find the car has been vandalised. Justin turns up in Ramsay Street and asks Declan for another drag race. The police turn up during that race and go after the Hunter brothers.

Justin attends swimming trials and he mocks Ringo Brown's (Sam Clark) fear of water. Justin is told off by Daniel Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker), but when Ringo almost passes out and has to be rescued, Justin laughs at him in the changing rooms. Justin then bullies Zeke and a fight breaks out. Justin also teases Zeke's sister, Rachel (Caitlin Stasey) about her affair with their English teacher. Rachel throws a book at him and a fight breaks out, with Declan also getting into it. Another fight breaks out the following week and Rachel asks Justin why he hates her. He tells her that she does nothing but moan when she has a good life, with parents who care about her. Daniel then tells Justin that his parents were not coming to collect him, and he would have to spend the rest of the day outside the principal's office. Justin starts mocking Rachel again and she begins to receive strange text messages. Rachel realises that Justin sent the messages and she confronts him, she lies that the police would be able to trace the messages and he confesses.

Justin gets a job at the Gym and he offers Zeke money to write his essays. Justin starts bullying Bridget again, after he finds out she is pregnant. Justin becomes a bad influence on Zeke, who begins hanging out with him, Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan) and Shane Gregory (Ryan Bate). The boys go to a factory instead of going to school and Justin falls down a gap in the flooring. Zeke helps him up, earning his respect. The following week, the students go on a rafting trip and a raft race is organised. Zeke, Kyle, Justin and Bridget's raft is capsized after they try to cheat. Justin and Kyle make it to the riverbank, but Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine), Zeke and Bridget are missing. Libby and Bridget are later found, but Zeke remains missing for several weeks. Months later, Justin taunts Bridget and Declan about their baby.

Richard Aaronow

Richard Aaronow, played by Blair Venn, made his first on-screen appearance on 9 August 2007. He is Oliver Barnes and Declan Napier's father.

Richard had a relationship with Rebecca Napier (Jane Hall), which resulted in Rebecca falling pregnant. Rebecca gave the baby up for adoption and later went back to Richard. Things ended badly when Richard raped her. Rebecca fell pregnant again and she ran away from him. When Oliver Barnes (David Hoflin) wants to know more about his father, Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) finds Richard's name on Declan Napier's (James Sorensen) birth certificate and looks him up. She goes to Alkrington Grammar School and discovers that Richard is the Principal. Richard meets with Elle, who lies about why she is there. Richard later finds her purse and goes to Erinsborough, where he sees Rebecca. Richard rings Rebecca and tells her that she cannot run from him again. Oliver meets Richard, who reveals that he did not know Oliver existed until much later. Rebecca's father dies and Declan contacts Richard asking if he could get to know him, as he had missed out on knowing his grandfather. They go on a fishing trip and Declan tries to hit Richard. Richard falls into the river and disappears. Richard makes it back to land and he begins to threaten Declan, when Rebecca, Oliver and Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) arrive. Rebecca tells the police about Richard raping her and she launches a civil case against him.

Richard follows Rebecca, Declan and Paul out to the countryside and he confronts Rebecca. Rebecca tells him to stay away, but Richard refuses and tries to grab her. Rebecca pushes him away and hits his head. He is taken to the hospital and the group are told that Richard is seriously ill with renal failure. Declan offers to donate his kidney to Richard, so Richard would confess to raping Rebecca. However, Rebecca refuses to give her permission and Oliver offers his kidney instead. After the operation, Richard takes a turn for the worse. He is re-admitted to the hospital and Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) treats him. Karl discovers that Oliver donated his kidney to Richard and he tries to convince Richard to let him contact Oliver and Declan. Paul follows Karl to Richard's room and Karl tells him that he has a few hours left. Oliver, Declan and Rebecca visit him and Richard apologizes to Rebecca. Oliver and Declan then wait until they hear that Richard has died.^[33]

Riley Parker

Brad Jordan

Brad Jordan, played by Brendan O'Connor, is the father of Taylah Jordan and he was the Editor of the Erinsborough News.^[34] He made his first on-screen appearance on 17 September 2007.

When

Brad receives a visit from Elle's father because he wants her to quit her job. Paul threatens Brad into sacking her and Brad gives in. He cannot sack Elle, so he tells her that she is going on sick leave. Brad prints a story about the council knowing that the warehouse was unsafe. Brad hears that Taylah and Zeke have been caught drinking and trying to sleep together and he drags Taylah home. He warns Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) to keep Zeke away from his daughter. When Zeke goes to Taylah's room, he ends up falling asleep on the bed with her and Brad and the Kennedys find them. Brad announces that Taylah is going to a girls' boarding school. Brad calms down, but when he discovers that Taylah had gone on the pill, he tells everyone that she is going to boarding school in Sydney next week. A few weeks later, Brad is giving Elle a lot of work to do and Paul jumps to her defence. Brad does not listen and is shocked when he discovers that Paul is the new owner of the paper, and he is unemployed.

Marco Silvani

Marco Silvani, played by

Josh Taylor is played by Liam Hemsworth who made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. The character and Hemsworth's casting details were announced on 13 July 2007. Hemsworth started filming his guest role in the same week.^[37] Josh was introduced as a love interest for Bridget Parker (Eloise Mignon).^[37] Josh uses a wheelchair and Hemsworth said he has "obviously been through a lot", but he is ready to help Bridget through her own difficult time.^[38] When Jackie Brygel from TV Week pointed out that Josh seems to have really fallen for Bridget, Hemsworth replied "Yes, it's love at first sight for him."^[38] However, he added that Bridget's former boyfriend was still "in the picture" as far as she is concerned.^[38]

Josh became a paraplegic after a surfing accident. His family moved to Melbourne from Brisbane and Josh began attending physiotherapy sessions at the Erinsborough pool. During one session, he meets Bridget Parker, who is feeling sad because she is making slow progress with her recovery. Josh flirts with her and makes her feel better. He also tells her that he would do anything to walk again and that she should stick with her therapy. The pair grow closer and begin seeing each other. Josh becomes worried about Bridget when she stops attending her sessions and she tells him that she has given up. Josh is disgusted by her attitude and Bridget later decides to return. She also agrees to go on a date with him, where they share their first kiss. Bridget introduces Josh to her family and she asks him to go to an illegal rave with her. The roof of the warehouse collapses and many people are left trapped, including Josh and Bridget. Declan Napier (James Sorensen) pushes Josh to safety and Josh makes his way outside. Bridget becomes confused about her feelings after almost kissing Declan whilst they are trapped. Josh comes over to her house for dinner and Bridget realises that he is a great guy. Josh runs into Declan at the General Store and he tells him to back off from Bridget. Josh starts to realise that Bridget is not interested in spending time with him and when she backs out of meeting up, Josh confronts her. He tells her to sort things out with Declan as she clearly wants to be with him.

A few months later, Bridget is invited to give a talk at the hospital and she meets Josh again. They go for a drink at the General Store. Bridget meets up with Josh again and he thinks that she is still interested in him. Declan sees Josh touching Bridget and demands to know what is going on. Josh agrees to go on a date with Bridget's friend, Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie), to get an invite to Declan's birthday party. Josh gets in a bidding war over Bridget at a charity slave auction and Donna realises that she is being used. She then bids and wins Bridget, leaving Josh on his own. A few days later, Josh runs into Donna at the General Store and she warns him off Bridget. She accidentally lets slip that Bridget and Declan had not slept together yet and Josh winds Declan up. Declan lies and says he has slept with Bridget and Josh tells her. Josh challenges Declan to a game of wheelchair basketball with the winner getting Bridget. Josh calls him a chicken and Declan takes up the challenge. Bridget sees the whole thing and storms off. She later asks Josh why he was being so nasty and he explains that he is tired of losing out. He tells her that Declan got the girl while he was just a nice guy in a wheelchair. Bridget then tells him that it had nothing to do with the wheelchair and that she just likes Declan more.

Taylah Jordan

Taylah Jordan, played by

The ongoing role of Taylah was Horvat's first acting job.[39] Her agent called her with an audition for the character of Taylah, which was supposed to be a six-week guest role.^[40] Horvat auditioned in front of Neighbours casting director Jan Russ.^[40] A week later she received a call telling her that she had been successful.^[40] Horvat described Taylah as a "typical youthful school girl, who enjoys the company of her friends and loves to have fun". She believed that young girls could relate to her character.^[40]

When Taylah and her best friend, Jessica Wallace (Heidi Valkenburg), are at the local swimming pool, they see Bridget Parker (Eloise Mignon) undergoing physiotherapy for her paralysis. They notice Josh Taylor (Liam Hemsworth) and start talking about how good looking he was and how it was a shame he was in a wheelchair. Josh comes over to them and tells Taylah and Jessica how brave they are living their lives, despite their condition. This leaves Taylah and Jessica confused and they leave. Taylah helps Jessica out when she develops a crush on Ringo Brown (Sam Clark), whose girlfriend Rachel Kinski (Caitlin Stasey) is away. Jessica makes friends with him and she meets him at the General Store, where she kisses him and Taylah takes a photo. Jessica is not happy to see Ringo and Rachel together and sends the photo to Rachel. Taylah is happy to lie for Jessica when Ringo confronts them. Taylah runs into Zeke Kinski (Matthew Werkmeister) at a party and after spending the night outside chatting and looking at the stars, Zeke and Taylah kiss. She tells him that their new relationship would be their secret. However, the teens attend an illegal rave and they decide to go public. The roof of the warehouse collapses and Zeke and Taylah are separated. After Taylah is rescued, she tells Zeke's family that she does not know what happened to him. Jessica dies in the accident and Taylah gets together with Ringo, Rachel, Zeke and others to say goodbye to her at a memorial service.

Just before she had died, Jessica had told Taylah that their new teacher, Angus Henderson (Jonathan Wood), was seeing a student. Taylah thinks it is Bridget and when she passes her a note in class, it is taken by Daniel Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker). Taylah is upset over the trouble she causes Bridget, not knowing that Rachel was the one involved with Angus. When she runs away, Taylah asks her to come to her house. Taylah tells Rachel about her mother leaving the family and how her father buries himself in work. Taylah contacts Zeke and he, Bridget, Ringo and Declan arrive at the house. Rachel is furious with Taylah, until Zeke points out the situation is Rachel's fault. Taylah invites everyone to see her cousin Ty Harper's (Dean Geyer) band. Taylah is determined to set Rachel up with Ty and she gives Ty Rachel's phone number, but he tells her that he does not want to date one of Taylah's friends.

Zeke discovers that Taylah used to date

Jessica Wallace, played by Heidi Valkenburg, made her first on-screen appearance on 30 October 2007. The character was called a "manipulative schoolgirl" by The West Australian newspaper and a "mean girl" by TV Tonight.^[41][42]

Valkenburg auditioned for Neighbours during a break from performing in a play.^[43] She initially auditioned for the role of Taylah Jordan, but her agent told her that Neighbours wanted her for the role of Jessica.^[43] Valkenburg described Jessica as a "complex little being".^[43] She added that the character was "awesome" and she wished she had stuck around longer.^[43]

When Jessica and her best friend,

Jessica calls Ringo and ask him to meet her at the General Store. She tells him that she had had a bad date and she wanted someone to talk to. As they go to leave, Jessica kisses Ringo and Taylah takes a picture of the kiss. Jessica is happy to hear that Ringo and Rachel had split up, but is angry when get back together. Jessica sends the picture of her kiss with Ringo to Rachel and when Ringo confronts Jessica, Taylah lies that she sent it. Jessica and Rachel have a fight at the swimming pool and Jessica jumps into the pool, in order to accuse Rachel of pushing her. Ringo is not sure whom to believe, which contributes to Rachel later ending their relationship. At an illegal rave party being held in a warehouse, Jessica tries to get close to Ringo. While she is outside, Jessica sees Rachel getting out of their teacher, Angus Henderson's (Jonathan Wood), car. Jessica realises that she has witnessed a big scandal and she starts dropping hints that she has something huge to tell everyone. She tells Taylah that Angus is having an affair with a student, but refuses to say who with. Jessica and Ringo then get together, which makes her happy. The roof collapses and Jessica and Ringo are trapped. They hold hands and talk and Jessica asks Ringo to tell her mother that she loves her and she’s sorry for being a disappointment. Jessica then dies from her injuries.

Angus Henderson

Angus Henderson, played by Jonathan Wood, made his first screen appearance on 19 November 2007. His relationship with Rachel proved controversial with other characters.^[44] (Caitlin Stasey) spoke to TV Week, describing their dynamic within their relationship: "She's so taken with him. I don't know if she's really in love with him – it's more that she's totally besotted by him. But she hasn't been thinking straight. At the same time, Angus would have known that he shouldn't have got involved with rachel. He's the adult in the relationship, not Rachel. [...] And Rachel's heart will get broken, too."^[44]

The character proved to be popular with viewers and following his departure, a campaign on the social networking site, Facebook, was set up calling for his return.^[45] Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture called Angus Rachel's "inappropriate-but-cute-teacher-shag".^[46] She later deemed the relationship between Rachel and Angus as "scandalous".^[47] A reporter for the Daily Record stated "We always knew that, like a bad penny, Angus Henderson would return to Rachel's life."^[48] Another reporter for the same paper later wrote "He may be one of the most handsome men ever to set foot in Erinsborough but it's clear his good looks aren't impressing those who feel that, as a teacher, he should never have got involved with Rachel."^[49]

Rachel Kinski bumps into Angus at the local pool and again at Charlie's bar. Angus gives her his number and tells her to call him. Rachel runs in him again and they arrange a date to go see a band. Rachel tells Angus that she is at university and they share a kiss at the end of the night. The next day, Rachel is shocked to find Angus standing at the front of her classroom, as her new teacher. Angus lashes out at Rachel and he points out that she lied to him. Angus struggles with his feelings when he sees Rachel in his class. Angus offers Rachel a lift home and Jessica Wallace (Heidi Valkenburg) sees them together. That same night, a group of Erinsborough High teens go to a rave and Rachel realises that Jessica knows about her and Angus. Rachel goes to his apartment and Angus apologises for allowing their relationship to go too far. Angus tells her to leave, but Rachel returns and kisses him. Angus tells her that as he is not returning to Erinsborough High for the new school year, their only problem was her age. Angus thinks about ending things, but Rachel convinces him that they should be together.

Angus accepts a permanent position at Erinsborough High and when Rachel hears, she leaves a party to go to his apartment. Bridget Parker (Eloise Mignon) realises that Daniel Fitzgerald is also heading to the apartment and she goes there to warn Rachel and Angus. Daniel catches her with Angus and Bridget covers for Rachel by pretending that she has a crush on Angus. Declan guesses the truth about Rachel and Angus and blurts it out at school. Daniel questions Rachel about the allegations, but she and Angus deny everything. Daniel then lies to Rachel that Angus had called her immature. Rachel runs into the corridor and confronts Angus, who tells her that she had been tricked. Angus is questioned by the police and later released, pending trial. Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) visits him and begs him to end things with Rachel, which he does before going to live with his parents. Angus returns a few months later and he runs into Rachel and admits that he missed her. At the trial, Rachel says that she had entered the relationship willingly. Angus is given a six-month prison sentence and as he is taken away, he manages to give Rachel a ring and a note.

Rachel is sad when her letters to Angus are returned, but shortly after a letter from Angus arrives. Angus tells her that he had been scared, but he wants her to visit him. Rachel and Susan go to the prison and Angus tells her that he loves her, but Rachel runs out of the room. She returns the next day and Angus tells her that he is being released early. Rachel finds Angus a flat and invites him to dinner. Angus' flat is graffitied by Ringo Brown (Sam Clark) and a brick is thrown through the window. Rachel moves in, but when her brother tells her that everyone is fighting, Angus sends Rachel home. Angus tries to leave town, but a message from Rachel makes him return. Angus asks her to move in with him properly and Rachel agrees. Newspaper editor, Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) offers to pay Angus for his story, but Rachel is interviewed instead. Paul changes Rachel's words and Rachel is horrified. Daniel accuses Angus of writing one of Rachel's essays and Angus realises that he will never be able to live a normal life in Erinsborough. Angus finds a job in Adelaide and he and Rachel make plans to leave. Rachel has second thoughts when they are driving out of town and she asks him to return her to Ramsay Street. She gives Angus one final kiss and he drives away.

Mia Silvani

Mia Silvani, played by Petra Yared, is Marco Silvani's sister. She made her first on-screen appearance on 30 November 2007. Yared previously played the role of George Brown in 1996 before returning as Mia. She said that returning to Neighbours was "so much fun" and she added that things had not changed much at all.^[50]

When Mia meets Oliver Barnes (David Hoflin), they are attracted to each other and after weeks of flirting, they share a kiss.^[51] Hoflin said that Oliver finds Mia attractive and the thought of annoying Marco, by starting a relationship with her, makes it "even more tantalising."^[51] Mia's brother walks in on them and he is not happy with the situation. He believes that Oliver is just using Mia to get back at him.^[51] Oliver and Mia then decide to continue their relationship in secret.^[51]

Mia's brother, Marco Silvani (Jesse Rosenfeld), and his business partner Carmella Cammeniti (Natalie Blair) hold a cocktail party at his apartment and Mia is one of the guests. She is happy to meet Carmella, but she makes it clear that Carmella needs to back off from Marco. The next morning, Mia is shocked to see Carmella walk into the kitchen, dressed only in Marco's shirt. Mia warns her that Marco is not ready to move on from his ex-wife, Marisa, who was also Mia's best friend. Mia tells Marco that she was warning Carmella not to take advantage of him, but Marco tells Mia not to worry. He later tells her that he would not be getting back with Marisa. A few weeks later, Carmella gives birth to a daughter, Chloe (Sarah May) and ends her relationship with Marco. Mia helps Carmella run her business as well as taking care of the fruit and veg deliveries for the Silvani business. Mia calls by Carmella's apartment to collect the accounts and she meets Chloe's father, Oliver Barnes. Mia admits that she is surprised to meet him and they flirt with each other. Mia tells Oliver about Marco's marriage to Marisa and her belief that they are still in love with each other.

Mia continues to talk to Marco about his break up with Marisa and he finally admits that he is infertile, which is why he left his wife who wanted a family. Mia backs off and tells Oliver that Marco and Carmella are good together. Oliver finds Marisa's number on Mia's phone, but he is caught and Mia almost walks out as she believes that Oliver is using her to get to Marco. Oliver talks her round and they end up having sex in a hotel room, but they decide to keep their relationship a secret. Mia takes an invoice to the hotel and she runs into Oliver. He flirts with a guest in front of her and she accuses him of being shallow. She later apologises to him at Carmella's apartment and they are kissing when Carmella and Marco walk in. Marco tells her that she should stop seeing Oliver as he believes that he is using her. Mia leaves, but she later asks Oliver if he was using her. Oliver admits that it had been his intention, but he had developed feelings for her. Mia meets with Marco, who apologises to her, but points out that they were now even. Mia and Oliver's relationship continues and they arrive at Chloe's Christening together. Oliver works out that Marco is infertile and attacks him. Mia is disgusted by Oliver and storms off, but Oliver follows her. Mia refuses to listen to him and later ends their relationship. She then apologises to Marco and Carmella, before leaving town for a while.

Others

References