Ned Willis
Ned Willis | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Neighbours character | |||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by | Ben Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2016–2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | 6 April 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Last appearance | 28 July 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Jason Herbison | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Ned Willis is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera
His early storylines focused on the strained relationship he had with his father
Creation and casting
The character of Ned Willis was created in the early 90s shortly after his parents
In June 2016, Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy confirmed that Hall had returned to filming, after the actor posted various photos of himself on the set to his social media accounts.[6] When asked if he always knew that the character was going to return, Hall replied, "It wasn't decided at that point, actually. It just came up and when I found out the opportunity was there to come back, I took it gladly. It's been a really fun period of shooting now that I know the ropes a little bit more."[7] Hall thought that the character might have been brought back as he had proved popular with viewers on social media.[7] Ned returned on 10 August.[8]
Herbison later revealed that they had plans to promote Hall to the regular cast, but the actor was unsure about making a long-term commitment to the show.[9] Hall admitted that he was initially had doubts about joining the cast full time, as he had been offered some other acting jobs, but he found himself enjoying the role and considered committing to a longer stint.[7]
Development
Characterisation
Hall explained that in Ned's fictional backstory, he was left with Beth after her marriage to Brad ended and they moved to Sydney. Some time later, Beth sent Ned to live with his grandparents Pam (Sue Jones) and Doug Willis (Terence Donovan) in Darwin. Hall also said that Ned has "a bit of history" with Doug due to a recent event.[10] Hall liked that Ned is a tattoo artist, deeming the job "cool". He also believed that there had been very few tattoo artists in the show's history. Hall commented that Ned's occupation would lead to some "mischief".[10]
Ahead of his arrival on-screen, Hall described Ned as being a "very complex" and "quite manipulative" character because "he has had a bit to deal with".[2] Hall said his favourite aspect of Ned's personality was that he "prefers actions over words". Ned would rather go and do something about the issue instead of just talking about it. Hall continued, "He shows his feelings through actions rather than just saying meaningless words."[10] Hall also liked that Ned tries to "better himself", but remains conflicted on the inside.[10] Ned often finds that his anger gets the better of him, especially when it comes to Brad.[11]
In an interview with Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap, Hall thought Ned had the potential to be a bad boy character, and he enjoyed playing him when he flirted with that line.[12] But he also called Ned "quite a good person at heart", as he does not act out of spite and is not deliberately malicious.[12] He continued, "He genuinely tries to do things for the right reasons – although he goes about it in the wrong way. But let's just say I wouldn't want him to become too much of a goody two-shoes!"[12]
Introduction
Hall admitted to being "a bit nervous" ahead of Ned's arrival. He described Ned's entrance as "a massive moment" and he hoped that it would live up to fans' expectations of the character.[10] He also said, "I really wanted to make an entrance as a fully developed, interesting character."[10] The character made his debut during the Hotel Death Trap storyline, in which the boiler room at Lassiters Hotel explodes. Ned is invited to Erinsborough by his grandfather Doug, but they are forced to evacuate the hotel following the explosion .[13] Later that day, Ned comes face-to-face with his father, Brad. Doug witnesses their reunion, before collapsing and dying. Doug's death came shortly after Ned's half-brother Josh Willis (Harley Bonner) was also killed off.[13]
Hall believed that Ned was willing to try and get along with his father. He said that Ned comes to Erinsborough with the "right intentions", although he is unsure what he will achieve.[10] The actor continued, "It's a lot of pain to get over, it's a lot of hurt to be left by your father. To suddenly try and reconcile after twenty years is not going to be easy!"[10] Rebekah Elmaloglou who plays Brad's second wife Terese Willis told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Terese feels a lot of guilt for Brad and Ned's fractured relationship, as she is partly responsible for taking Brad away from Beth.[14] Hall also said that Ned would enjoy getting to know his sisters and becoming part of the family again. He added that Ned would have to learn how to be both a brother and a son, which he would get right and wrong at times.[10]
Brad and Ned's relationship is further strained when Brad reports his son to the police. The storyline begins as Ned's half-sister
Crush on Lauren Turner
During an interview published on the show's official website, Hall commented that Ned would develop a "risqué" crush on someone who lives on Ramsay Street.[10] In an interview for the Neighbuzz podcast, Hall said that producers originally planned for Ned to have a crush on Terese.[4] Ned forms an immediate bond with Brad's partner Lauren Turner, as she is caring and gentle towards him, which is something he has not had since he left home.[16] An Inside Soap columnist noted that Ned's loyalties clearly lay with Lauren instead of his father, and they wondered if Ned was potentially "blurring the lines of her motherly concern".[16] Hall commented that Ned was raised by a single mother, so Lauren's kind nature helps to settle him in and make Erinsborough feel like home. He is aware that she is Brad's partner and "a big no-go zone" when it comes to any romantic feelings.[16] Ned grows even closer to Lauren when she asks him pose for her art project.[17]
Ned soon becomes suspicious that Brad is cheating on Lauren with his former wife Terese, after he sees them talking and sharing a hug.[16] Hall said Ned is "hypersensitive" to anything that Brad does that reminds him of what he did to his mother Beth, so when he sees Brad spending time with Terese and not Lauren, he concludes that something is going on between them.[16] Ned shares his suspicions with his sister Piper, but she tells him that he is mistaken, and that Brad and Terese are mostly likely spending time together because of what happened to Josh.[16] Of the situation, Hall commented, "Ned thinks Brad is just falling into his old ways of cheating – he wants to tell Lauren what he saw, but he's waiting for the right moment."[16] Ned later raises his concerns with Brad, but he is left "frustrated" when his father refuses to discuss his actions.[17]
Lauren tries to help Ned and Brad bond, but Ned finds it easier to talk with her.[18] Kendall said that her character is aware of Ned's flirting and innuendo, which leaves her feeling a little nervous around him.[18] Kendall also explained that when Ned insists that something is going on between Brad and Terese, Lauren is quick to dismiss his concerns, but she soon becomes suspicious too. She confronts Brad, but when he refuses to give her a straight answer, she is left feeling confused.[18] When Lauren is alone with Ned, she vents to him about Brad and Terese and tells him that she cares about him. Ned then kisses Lauren, but she pushes him away and he quickly runs off.[11] Kendall said Lauren is "really shocked, and feels incredibly uncomfortable about the whole situation."[18] Ellis (Inside Soap) pointed out that Lauren had been seen looking at Ned's muscles and wondered if she actually enjoyed the kiss, but Kendall insisted that there was a big difference between noticing Ned's attractiveness and acting on it. Lauren had no intention of doing anything.[18]
Brad eventually admits to Ned that he and Terese are involved in organising a false testimony for the upcoming trial surrounding the explosion. The confession brings Brad and Ned together, as he also wants to see justice for Josh's death.[11] However, when Lauren says she is going to tell Brad about the kiss, Ned persuades her not to, saying it would ruin the relationship that he has built with his father. Kendall thought that Ned was being "quite manipulative" in that moment.[18] Lauren agree to keep quiet, but warns Ned that she will speak to Brad if he crosses the line with her again.[11] The truth about the kiss is later revealed when Piper overhears Ned and Lauren arguing. She insists that they tell Brad, and as Lauren is uncomfortable about keeping it from him any longer, they confess what happened, leaving Brad "stunned."[19] The actress praised the direction of the storyline, calling it "a gutsy move, and very left-field". She also enjoyed working with Hall on the story.[18]
Returning to Erinsborough is "awkward" for Ned, especially when Brad thinks that he still has feelings for Lauren. Hall believed that Ned was remorseful about the kiss, and he wanted to show Brad and Lauren that he had moved on by entering into a new relationship.[7] Hall also explained that Ned still cares for Lauren and he turns to her for advice, but he has put any romantic feelings aside, so they can form a friendship instead. Hall also admitted that he thought it was "a bit weird" of Ned to feel that way about Lauren in the first place.[12] Ned is surprised by Brad and Lauren's engagement, as he knows how "fragile" their relationship has been since the kiss. Hall added, "But Ned wants to be happy for them and he wants them to be happy too. Ned is not malicious, so once he understands it, he's okay with it and wants it to work."[7]
Relationship with Elly Conway
Following Hall's return to filming, the actor confirmed that Ned would be receiving a new love interest and producers paired his character with the newly introduced
Hall described Ned and Elly's coupling as "a very passionate, fiery, 'up and down' sort of relationship."[7] He went on to say that the pair's romance was initially based on lust and was quite "unstable", but it had potential to develop into love and become a long-term relationship, which would play out over a number of months.[7] Hall thought that the characters were a good match, as they both had passionate personas. He added that arguing was their way of showing they care about one another.[12]
Producers later threw an obstacle in the couple's way by introducing
The reason for Regan's appearance is revealed when she tells Ned that her husband has found out about her affair. She warns Ned that her husband will be out for revenge.[23] Anasta commented that Elly notices them talking and realising that she had been lied to, she feels "uneasy and threatened".[23] Elly then embarrasses Regan by calling her out during a quiz night at the pub, but Ned is equally humiliated and cannot believe Elly acted that way, leaving their relationship in doubt.[23]
Writers soon devised a break up story for Elly and Ned, beginning with the revelation that Regan's husband was recurring villain
Second return
Hall returned for a second time in November 2016. Ned returns to Erinsborough for Brad and Lauren's wedding. His last storyline is revisited when Jacka's mother
The character departed the show on 17 February 2017, after being written out for a third time.[27] Writers decided to end Ned's relationship with Elly before his departure. On-screen, Elly explains to Ned that she needs to be single and independent for a while. Ned accepts her decision, having realised that they just have "bad timing."[27] After saying goodbye to his family, Ned leaves Erinsborough for Gold Coast, where he plans to set up a new tattoo parlour.[27] Hall later thanked viewers for their support on his social media accounts, and added "it was an absolute honour to be a part of the crazy world of Erinsborough and work with such kind and talented people."[27] The actor did not rule out a potential return to the show in the future.[28]
Reintroduction (2018)
On 18 May 2018, the show's UK broadcaster Channel 5 announced through its official Neighbours
Kilkelly reported that Ned would be hiding a secret upon his return, as he is seen calling an unknown person and telling them no one knows why is he back in Erinsborough.[33] Shortly after, Kendall reprised her role as Lauren Turner, as she returns to Erinsborough for "a final showdown" with Ned.[34] It emerges that he still has feelings for Lauren and Terese asks her to come and sort things out between them. In scenes between the pair, Lauren admits that she is attracted to Ned, but wants to make her marriage to Brad work, which is hard with Ned there too.[34] Terese then invites Ned to stay with her permanently and offers him a job at Lassiters Hotel, which he accepts.[34] Hall thought that with Kendall working on the show as a director, it would be easier to write Lauren back in if the writers ever wanted to explore the relationship between her and Ned further.[35] He told Johnathon Hughes of the Radio Times: "Ned still has a bit of heartache there as his feelings for her were strong and he was confused. I think our producer would love to get Lauren, Brad or even Ned's mum Beth in the show at some point, there's certainly scope for that."[35]
Ned soon becomes involved in Piper's relationship with
Relationship with Bea Nilsson
Writers later paired Ned with Elly's younger sister
Departure
On 14 March 2022, Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy confirmed that Hall would be exiting the show, after reaching the end of his contract. Ned's departure was already planned and written before it was announced Neighbours would be ending later in the year.[37] Further details about the character's exit were released on 1 May. Kilkelly reported that Ned's exit would air on 10 May in the UK and on 9 June in Australia.[38] Ned decides to leave Erinsborough following the end of his relationship with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton). Ned feels "caught" between her and Harlow Robinson (Jemma Donovan), with whom he had an affair with.[38] Zima Anderson reprises her role as Ned's cousin, Roxy Willis, for a cameo appearance, as she gives him some advice, which results in Ned deciding to move to Sydney for a fresh start. He leaves after saying goodbye to his friends and family, including Amy.[38] Hall explained of his departure, "That was just the end of my contract. For the show, once they knew that Channel 5 wasn't picking up the [Neighbours] contract, they needed to get some storylines sorted out. There was definitely a bunch of cast leaving in order to open up some new storylines, ways for people to come back and all that sort of stuff. I think it made sense for Ned to go at the time."[39] Hall told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that he believed Ned's exit storyline was suitable, saying, "You know what? He came in as a bit of a bad boy, and he leaves as a bit of a bad boy. I didn't mind that ending, really. I thought it was quite fitting for Ned."[39] It was later announced that Hall will be reprising his role for the serial's upcoming finale.[40] Speaking of his lack of scenes with his on screen mother, Hall told Digital Spy, "I would love to do a scene with Natalie Imbruglia. I'm open to that. It's up to the powers that be."[39]
Storylines
Ned is invited to
Piper invites Ned to Brad and Terese's divorce party. He forms a relationship with
Just over a year later, Ned returns to Erinsborough. He tries to break up a fight involving
Ned walks Elly's sister
Ned warns Finn's brother
Ned contemplates leaving Erinsborough, but decides to stay and face the consequences of his actions. He later receives 240 hours of community service. Terese confides in Ned that Roxy's older boyfriend
Shane demands that he explains his behaviour to Yashvi and Ned confronts her about the tours, but she feels that he is more concerned about Bea. Ned realises that he needs to commit to Yashvi properly and tells her about Bea and Finn, before re-booking their hotel room. Bea turns to Ned when she and Finn are harassed by
During a romantic getaway, the pair dress up for Halloween and Scarlett appears in a wedding dress. Over dinner, Scarlett starts talking about their future and says that they are meant to be together. Uncomfortable, Ned tries to leave, but Scarlett stabs him with a cheese knife. She then chases him through a maze, as Bea and Yashvi enter to rescue him. Bea manages to help Ned escape and he collapses by a tree, where Scarlett finds him and attempts to kill him. Yashvi tackles her to the ground and Scarlett is arrested. Ned struggles with PTSD in the wake of his stabbing. While dreaming about the attack, he accidentally punches Yashvi when she comes to see him. While working out at The Shed, Ned meets Kane Jones (Barry Conrad), who offers him an alternative way to work out his anger. Ned shows up at the address and finds a fight club. Ned wins his first fight and continues to go back. Aaron discovers what Ned is doing and urges him to stop and go to therapy. Ned begins counselling for his anger issues, but Kane pressures him to return to fighting. When Ned turns up at the warehouse, he sees Bea in a fight and manages to pull her out before she is seriously injured. He tells Yashvi about the fights and decides not to go back, but he soon receives threats. Yashvi gets the fight ring shut down by the police and she is later injured when Kane spikes her drink with broken glass. Kane is soon arrested. Ned and Yashvi reconcile at New Years, but Shane strongly opposes their relationship. Ned rediscovers his passion for art when he is asked to paint a mural of Sonya Rebecchi (Eve Morey) over the Erinsborough History Wall.
Yashvi begins training to join the police force.
Reception
The character received positive attention from critics. Inside Soap's Sarah Ellis wrote, "There are certainly a lot of attractive men on Ramsay Street right now, but none of them have caught our attention in quite the same way as man of mystery Ned."[12] Comparing the character to the show's Brennan brothers, Ellis said you knew what you were getting with them, whereas with Ned "we're not quite sure what's lurking beneath the surface".[12] Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly dubbed the kiss between Ned and Lauren as a "scandalous moment".[41]
Kilkelly later quipped, "Neighbours fans went Ned Willis crazy when he was first introduced to the show earlier this year, so it's not too much of a surprise that the producers have decided to quickly bring him back for another guest stint."[42] Kilkelly also thought that there was plenty of storylines for the writers to explore.[42] The Daily Express's Rebecca Miller had a similar observation, saying "Neighbours fans have been going wild ever since Ned Willis reappeared on screens in several episodes as a guest".[43]
Carena Crawford of All About Soap thought Ned was "a troubled young man",[11] while her colleague Claire Crick branded him "Ramsay Street Romeo Ned".[24] Of the Ned and Elly pairing, TV Week columnist Erin Miller noted, "Looks like bold Elly has met her match in mysterious Ned."[20] Kate Maccarthy of Radio Times wondered if they were "set to be the cutest new couple in Ramsay Street?"[22] Simon Timblick from What's on TV found the character's looks aesthetically pleasing, dubbing him "hunky" and commenting "it was nice to see Ned regularly walking about, showing off his chest tattoo. But sadly all good things come to an end."[28]
References
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (10 April 2016). "Welcome to the Willis clan! Neighbours casts Ben Hall as Brad's son Ned". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
- ^ Channel 5. 10 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (29 September 2015). "Neighbours producer plans to bring in Brad's son Ned one day: 'We are keeping him in reserve'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b Pashos, Vaya (19 March 2017). "Interview with Ben Hall (Ned!)". Neighbuzz. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (29 April 2016). "Neighbours star Ben Hall confirms that Ned Willis will only be in the show temporarily". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (23 June 2016). "Who wore it better? Neighbours' Ben Hall shares fun picture after returning to filming as Ned Willis". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Kilkelly, Daniel (5 August 2016). "Neighbours star Ben Hall reveals a surprising new love interest for Ned Willis". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
- ^ Crick, Claire (30 July – 12 August 2016). "The next 2 weeks – Neighbours". All About Soap (380): 54.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (15 December 2016). "New Neighbours spoilers! Producer Jason Herbison reveals 2017 gossip for Dee, Toadie, Typer and more". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
- ^ Tenplay. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Crawford, Carena (21 May – 3 June 2016). "Lauren makes Ned feel at home!". All About Soap (375): 40–41.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Ellis, Sarah (20–26 August 2016). "I don't want to be a goody two-shoes!". Inside Soap (33): 44–45.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (6 April 2016). "We can't cope! Neighbours loses a SECOND character in Hotel Death Trap heartbreak". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
- ^ Ellis, Sarah (2–8 April 2016). "Lassiters explodes!". Inside Soap (13): 10–11.
- ^ a b c Morgan, Laura (7–20 May 2016). "Foul play!". All About Soap (374): 23.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Is Brad cheating again?". Inside Soap (19): 28. 14–20 May 2016.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (9 May 2016). "Neighbours spoilers: Ned Willis will accuse Brad of cheating on Lauren in a tense showdown". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ellis, Sarah (28 May – 3 June 2016). "Ned snogs Lauren!". Inside Soap (21): 26–27.
- ^ Downie, Stephen (11–17 June 2016). "Kiss of death". TV Week (24): 15.
- ^ a b Miller, Erin (13–19 August 2016). "It's a date!". TV Week (33): 21.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (15 September 2016). "Neighbours lines up even more drama for Ned Willis as his married ex-lover Regan arrives". Digital Spy. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
- ^ a b MacCarthy, Kate (16 August 2016). "Neighbours: Ned and Elly hit it off during hot date". Radio Times. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
- ^ a b c Downie, Stephen; Miller, Erin (17–23 September 2016). "The other woman". TV Week (38): 18–19.
- ^ a b c d e f Crick, Claire (24 September – 7 October 2016). "Payback time!". All About Soap (38): 26–27.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (21 November 2016). "Neighbours double wedding joy! First look as two Ramsay Street couples tie the knot". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
- ^ Hall, Ben; McGregor, Scott; Gubana, Amy (8 December 2016). Neighbours Backstage - Ned's Arrest. NeighboursTVShow and YouTube. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ^ a b c d Kilkelly, Daniel (17 February 2017). "Neighbours writes out Ned Willis yet again... but fans already want him back". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
- ^ a b Timblick, Simon (4 March 2017). "Life after Ramsay Street: What's next for Neighbours' Ned Willis?". What's on TV. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
- Channel 5 [@NeighboursTV] (18 May 2018). "Cast Announcement: Here come the boys! From a new arrival to a familiar face, no doubt these guys will be bringing plenty of drama to Ramsay St!" (Tweet). Retrieved 18 May 2018 – via Twitter.)
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link - ^ a b Lee, Ben (18 May 2018). "Neighbours confirms return for Ned Willis and new character Cassius". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
- ^ Lowe, Mark James (20 May 2018). "Neighbours star Ben Hall has big news about Ned Willis's return". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
- ^ a b c d Ellis, Sarah (11–17 August 2018). "Ned good!". Inside Soap. No. 32. p. 41.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (11 June 2018). "Neighbours' Ned Willis interrupts a fight as he makes a dramatic return to Erinsborough". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
- ^ a b c Dainty, Sophie (28 June 2018). "Neighbours welcomes back Lauren Turner today – and she's got a shock confession to make". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Hughes, Johnathon (24 August 2018). "Neighbours: Ned keeps killer Cassius's secret – but for how long?". Radio Times. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
- ^ a b c Penwill, Alice (29 September – 5 October 2018). "Romance for Bea?". Inside Soap. No. 39. p. 49.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (14 March 2022). "Neighbours lines up cast exits ahead of show's final months". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (1 May 2022). "Neighbours confirms Ned Willis's exit details as Ben Hall bows out". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (10 May 2022). "Neighbours - has Ned Willis left for good?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ Seddon, Dan (7 May 2022). "Neighbours officially announces 23 returnees for final ever episodes". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (23 May 2016). "Neighbours spoilers: Ned Willis crosses the line by kissing Lauren Turner in shock scene". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (8 August 2016). "Soap spoilers: Grant's EastEnders romance and 10 big moments that you have to see this week". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ^ Miller, Rebecca (22 May 2018). "Neighbours spoilers: Ned Willis to return as star Ben Hall confirms comeback". Daily Express. Retrieved 29 May 2018.