Rhys Lawson
Rhys Lawson | |
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Neighbours character | |
Elaine Lawson |
Rhys Lawson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ben Barber. The actor's casting was announced on 18 May 2011 and he began filming his first scenes the week before opposite established cast members Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy) and Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy). Barber said he loved his character and was looking forward to what was ahead. He made his debut screen appearance on 13 July 2011. In November 2012, it was announced that Barber would be leaving Neighbours and Rhys made his last screen appearance on 20 March 2013.
Before his arrival on screen, Barber described Rhys as being determined and focused, while Daniel Kilkelly of
One of the character's earliest storylines saw him becoming caught up in Karl and Susan Kennedy's marital problems, while treating their friend,
Casting
On 18 May 2011, it was announced Barber had joined the cast of Neighbours as Rhys Lawson.
Development
Characterisation
"Rhys is a real city guy, and thinks Erinsborough is a bit of a backwater. He is career focused, driven and determined to be a surgeon — and he doesn't care who he has to tread on to get there."
Elevenon Rhys
Shortly after his casting was announced, Barber told a reporter for the Herald Sun that he loved his character and said his determination and focus would get him into trouble.[6] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said Rhys's arrival would cause a stir in Erinsborough and may not go down well with some of the local residents.[1] Barber also called Rhys ambitious and said that while he is not a villain, he is not an entirely good guy either.[4] The actor explained "He rides that line and that's a lot of fun to play. There are a lot of different dynamics. He can be very persuasive, bordering on manipulative, but he has a sensitive side as well, which is coming out gradually."[4] Barber told a writer for Inside Soap that Rhys is good at separating his work life from his home life, and can easily switch from one to the other. Barber quipped that Rhys knows how to have a good time, while the official Neighbours website said he considers himself "a bit of a ladies' man".[5][7] A Herald Sun reporter said Rhys would "rile" his colleague, Karl Kennedy.[6] Alan Fletcher, who plays Karl, revealed that his character and Rhys would share many scenes. Fletcher explained that it can be "somewhat galling" for Karl to be faced with Rhys, who is an enthusiastic young doctor.[8] The actor added "So expect some fun confrontation but also cleverly the writers have explored what Rhys and Karl might have in common."[8]
When asked what advice he would give to his character, Barber said "Unfortunately, I don't think he would listen to me in the first place, but if he could give me the time of day, I would say lighten up on the control because you’re never going to have it."
Family
Rhys' mother,
Rhys tries to make things up to Elaine by taking her to the hospital to meet his colleagues, but when she questions his motives for "going public" and admitting who she is, Rhys has to look at himself and his attitude towards her.[14] In a May 2012 interview with Inside Soap's Jason Herbison, Barber said he liked the fact that Rhys' mother had been introduced and that he had the chance to learn more about his character's background.[3] He expressed his wish of having Rhys' father introduced in the future, saying "Rhys doesn't have a good relationship with him, as his dad abandoned the family when he was younger. It would certainly create a lot of interesting dilemmas".[3]
Early storylines
One of Rhys' first storylines saw him caught up in Karl and Susan Kennedy's marital problems. Rhys is the attending physician to
Rhys has a one-night stand with Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) not long after his introduction.[15] Rhys meets Kate in the local bar and they have a "big night out"; the following morning Kate wakes up in Rhys' apartment.[15][16] Brewer told a writer for Inside Soap "You don't actually see the lead-up – one minute she meets Rhys in a bar, the next minute we see that they've already slept together!"[16] Kate feels awkward about the situation, but it is made worse when she is unable to remember Rhys' name.[16] When Kate and Rhys meet again, they have different attitudes to their one-night stand. Brewer said Rhys is "a bit of a player", so it is not a big deal to him.[16] He does not have any expectations of Kate, but she is uncomfortable with it and tries to cover her tracks.[16] In November 2011, Brewer said it would be interesting to revisit the relationship between Rhys and Kate.[17] Barber also thought it would be interesting to see where the characters could go together. The actor added that "sparks fly" when Rhys is around Kate, as he knows how to "press her buttons".[11]
Surgical program
Rhys becomes determined to join the hospital surgical program led by the head of surgery,
Shortly after missing out on the program, Rhys finds himself performing surgery on Chris Pappas (James Mason).[20] Rhys initially treats Chris at the hospital after he is attacked at work by an unknown assailant. Chris refuses to stay for any further medical treatment and later collapses with a punctured lung.[20] Barber said that as soon as Rhys sees Chris's X-rays, he "goes beyond the call of duty" to find him.[20] The actor explained "When he finds him on the floor, he knows exactly what's happened, but he isn't sure how long he's been unconscious for. For all he knows, Chris could be dead within the minute — so he goes straight into emergency mode."[20] In a bid to save Chris's life, Rhys performs an emergency procedure to get him breathing again using a screwdriver and a piece of piping.[20] Rhys should not be conducting any type of surgery as he is not a qualified surgeon, but he does not think of the consequences.[20] All About Soap's Laura Morgan said Rhys' "quick thinking" pays off and Chris starts breathing again, but at the hospital Karl warns him he will be held accountable if Chris does not pull through.[21]
Rhys tries unsuccessfully to get
Rhys forces Erin to miss a class and Barber revealed that Rhys feels no guilt about what he has done. He quipped "His plan is falling into place perfectly. You'll see that Kate later tries to tell Erin what Rhys is up to. But the guy is a charmer and is able to make Erin believe that Kate is the one with the problem."[11] Rhys manages to convince Erin that Kate is a jealous ex-girlfriend and that he does not want her place on the program.[22] Rhys charms Erin "into his bed", but he is put out when she calls time on their relationship to focus on her studies.[22] Rhys later learns Erin has turned up late for surgery and during dinner together, he spills wine on Erin's top. When she turns up at the hospital, she smells of alcohol. Rhys then implies to Karl that she has a drinking problem.[11][22] Barber explained "Rhys just has to plant the seed of doubt, fake some concern for his colleague, and rumour and innuendo does the rest..."[11] Erin quits the program, giving Rhys the chance to successfully apply for her place.[22]
Vanessa Villante
When Vanessa Villante (Alin Sumarwata) moves into Ramsay Street, she immediately catches Rhys' eye.[24] He later treats her when she is admitted to hospital with severe morning sickness.[25] Rhys believes the father of her child, Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major), is not "pulling his weight" and he starts looking out for her.[26] Rhys helps Vanessa lift some heavy boxes and she offers to show him how to bake a cake to say thank you.[26] A columnist for All About Soap observed "While Vanessa sees it as mates having fun, it's clear Rhys has got it bad!"[26] Rhys later returns to spend more time with Vanessa, which unnerves Lucas.[26] Herbison commented that Rhys may have met his match in Vanessa, while Barber said her feistiness appeals to him.[3] He stated "He finds her attractive, and she takes the mickey out of him - that's good for Rhys. He needs to be knocked off his pedestal! Vanessa also exposes a rare vulnerability in Rhys, so there's a risk he could get hurt and lash out in other ways."[3]
The actor further explained that Rhys is not put off by the fact she is carrying another man's child, he is attracted to her because of her "fire and passion".[24] Barber added "She also doesn't play games and she says what she thinks. Rhys loves that about Vanessa and sees her as someone he can trust, which is rare for him."[24] Vanessa and Rhys eventually give into their attraction for one another and share a kiss in Harold's Store.[24] Barber commented that his character enjoys making the first move, so he is the one who goes in for the kiss.[24] The actor also thought it would be interesting to see his character in a relationship.[3] TV Week's Andrew Mercado observed that Rhys should prepare for a bumpy road ahead, with Vanessa living under the same roof as Lucas.[24] Rhys and Vanessa take their relationship to the next level in a consultation room at Erinsborough Hospital. However, they are shocked when Karl walks in on them.[27]
When Rhys is offered the chance to apply for a three-month work placement in Japan, he decides to apply and then convince Vanessa to go with him.[28] Barber revealed "He puts himself and his heart on the line like he's never done before. At first, Vanessa says no - and he's devastated. He's in a really vulnerable place and he doesn't take her knockback well. Rhys has been a bit of a ladies man all his life and he's never really committed to someone before Vanessa. She's a pretty special girl as far as Rhys is concerned."[28] Rhys becomes determined not to give up and he is "thrilled" when Vanessa changes her mind. Barber teased that it is possible viewers could see the last of Rhys and Vanessa for a while, adding "There are definitely interesting times ahead!"[28]
Departure
On 26 November 2012, Erin Miller from TV Week announced that Barber would be leaving Neighbours, along with two other cast members.
Storylines
Rhys meets with Jim Dolan for his first round of chemotherapy and assures him it is a simple procedure. He learns Karl and Susan Kennedy have been giving Jim advice about his treatment and he asks them to stop. A few days later, Jim informs Rhys that he wants to stop the chemotherapy. Rhys meets Kate Ramsay at the local bar and they have a one-night stand. During his rounds, Rhys checks on Jim and stays with him as he dies. Affected by Jim's death, Rhys goes to the gym looking for distraction and he befriends
In a bid to impress Martin and his colleagues, Rhys purchases a barbecue and invites them over for dinner. He is granted an interview with the surgical board to join their training program at the hospital. Following a night out with
Kate tells Erin about Rhys' plan, but he convinces Erin that Kate is a jealous ex-girlfriend who is lying. Erin believes him and they have dinner together. Rhys pours wine on her shirt sleeve and at the hospital, he implies to Karl that Erin has a drinking problem. She quits the surgical program and Rhys asks Jessica if he can take her place. Karl realises he has been used and Rhys takes him to visit Elaine, to try to make him understand what getting on the program means to him. Elaine reveals she has spinal degeneration and Karl remarks that Rhys cannot help her. Rhys explains that he wants to help the next person to develop the condition. Rhys sits an exam on the material he has missed and Jessica allows him join the surgical program. Rhys makes a bet with Kate that he can seduce Jade, but when he goes to kiss her, Jade rejects him. Rhys' mother asks if she can visit him and Rhys tells her he is working over Easter. When they run into Jade and Kyle, Rhys does not introduce them to Elaine and she accuses him of being ashamed of her. Rhys then takes Elaine to meet Martin, who reveals he failed his surgical program interview. Elaine accuses him of lying to her and being like his father. Rhys denies this and Elaine tells him to fix things with the people he has hurt.
Rhys treats Susan when she has an MS relapse and he tries to make sure she is prepared in case her condition becomes worse. He later looks after Vanessa Villante (Alin Sumarwata) when she is brought in with severe morning sickness. Vanessa learns Rhys has been talking about her with his friends and she tells him to stay out of her business. Rhys later helps Vanessa carry some boxes and he spends the day baking a cake with her. He buys her a new mixer and Vanessa invites him to dinner. Rhys gives the cake to Elaine and when he tells her about Vanessa, she warns him to think about what he is doing before letting it go any further. Rhys thinks about cancelling on Vanessa, but he later arrives with dessert. Rhys asks Vanessa to bid on him at a charity bachelor auction, so he can raise more money than Karl. Vanessa wins and she chooses a couples massage for them to enjoy together. Rhys learns Susan has befriended Elaine and he angrily tells her to stay away from his mother. Vanessa witnesses the scene and becomes cold towards him. Rhys apologises to Susan and opens up to Vanessa about why he did it.
Rhys goes along to a cookery class that Vanessa is teaching and flirts with Tiffany Giles (Shaye Hopkins) to make Vanessa jealous. She invites him to dinner and he suffers an allergic reaction to the food. Vanessa and Rhys almost kiss, but are interrupted by Lucas. The following day, Rhys goes to Harold's Store and kisses Vanessa. Rhys opens up to her about his father and they arrange a date. When Troy Miller (Dieter Brummer) is brought into the hospital, he tells Rhys that Jade attacked him. Rhys reports this to the police and when Jade finds out, she asks him to leave the house. Rhys applies for a three-month study tour in Japan and asks Vanessa to come with him. Rhys' mother later gives him a ring so that he can propose to Vanessa. Shortly before leaving for Japan, Rhys comes across a car accident involving the street's teenagers. He rings the emergency services, before assessing their injuries. Rhys cuts his hand on a piece of wreckage, which forces him to cancel the trip to Japan. He later learns that he has only a five per cent chance of making a full recovery. Following an EMG, Rhys learns that there has been no improvement to his hand. After altering the report to say that his nerves are healing, Rhys is invited to assist Jessica in surgery.
Vanessa learns that Rhys altered his test results and he begs her to keep his secret. Jessica later asks Rhys to retake the EMG and informs him that his nerves will never improve to the standard required for a surgeon. Realising Vanessa spoke to Jessica, Rhys breaks up with her. When Rhys learns that Vanessa is marrying Lucas, he urges her not to go through with it. Rhys attends the wedding and Vanessa struggles with her vows and leaves the church. Rhys then visits Vanessa and she berates him for ignoring her, before telling him she does not want his love. Both Elaine and Kate encourage Rhys to fight for Vanessa and he tries apologising to her. When Vanessa goes into labour, Rhys takes her to the hospital and stays by her side while her son is born. He tells her that he has never stopped loving her and when he proposes, Vanessa accepts. However, when Rhys discovers that her son,
Rhys gives his mother her ring back and she realises that he still loves Vanessa. Rhys receives a letter from his father,
Reception
For his portrayal of Rhys, Barber was included on the long list for the 2012 Most Popular New Talent
Adams later wrote "dodgy doctor" Rhys was threatening Paul Robinson's (Stefan Dennis) status as the Erinsborough bad boy.[39] Laura Morgan of All About Soap said that Rhys sank "to an all-time low" when he tried to sabotage Erin's career and that he thoroughly deserved a slap from her. Morgan branded the character "ruthless Rhys" and stated that he was "a creep" and "a devious doc".[22] A columnist for TV Choice also thought the character was ruthless and sneaky. They added that Rhys played dirty when he spread rumours about Erin having a drink problem. But thought they had seen a "twinge of conscience" in him after Erin quit.[40]
In February 2012, Channel 5 ran a poll asking viewers "Who's Ramsay Street's biggest Mr Nasty?" out of Rhys and Paul Robinson. Rhys received 33.51% of the vote.[41] A writer for the channel branded the characters the "show's two resident villains."[41] The following month, Cameron Adams (Herald Sun) observed "And if Dr Evil-in-training Rhys isn't enough of a scumbag, he does the old "red shirt in a washing machine of white shirts" to create a pink fit among the owner."[42] Jason Herbison of Inside Soap commented "Since taking up his position at Erinsborough Hospital last year, Rhys has proven to be both a career-driven doctor and a shameless womaniser!"[3] A Daily Record soap opera columnist observed that Rhys had gone "ga-ga" for Vanessa.[43] A Huddersfield Daily Examiner reporter decided that Rhys was just a "grumpy medic".[44]
References
- ^ a b c d Kilkelly, Daniel (18 May 2011). "'Neighbours' casts new Erinsborough doctor". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
- ^ Channel 5. 18 May 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Herbison, Jason (19–25 May 2012). "Hidden depths". Inside Soap (20): 41.
- ^ a b c Neal, Matt (10 September 2011). "Next stop Ramsay Street for Warrnambool actor". The Warrnambool Standard. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
- ^ Eleven. Retrieved 24 February 2012.
- ^ a b "Good medicine for Neighbours". Herald Sun. 27 May 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Doctor in Trouble!". Inside Soap (31): 21. 6–12 August 2011.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (5 August 2011). "'Neighbours' Alan Fletcher on Karl, Susan, new doctors and more". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- Channel 5. 11 December 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- Channel 5. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Kilkelly, Daniel (11 February 2012). "'Neighbours' Ben Barber interview: 'Romance on the way for Rhys'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
- ^ a b Myers, Matthew (April 2012). "Move over Hugh!". DNA (147): 34–35.
- Eleven. November 2011. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Family secrets!". Inside Soap (17): 24. 28 April – 4 May 2012.
- ^ Ninemsn. 10 July 2011. Archived from the originalon 24 July 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ a b c d e "Kate sleeps with Rhys". Inside Soap (32): 22. 13–19 August 2011.
- ^ "Ashleigh Brewer: 'I'd like Kate to revisit Rhys!'". What's on TV. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
- ^ a b c d "A birdie in the hand?". Inside Soap (38): 25. 24–30 September 2011.
- Eleven. Retrieved 2 March 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f "Shock surgery". TV Week (1): 14–15. 7–13 January 2012.
- ^ Morgan, Laura (4–17 February 2012). "Rhys rescues Chris!". All About Soap (263): 24.
- ^ a b c d e f Morgan, Laura (18 February – 2 March 2012). "Rhys plays dirty!". All About Soap (264): 26.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (9 January 2012). "'Neighbours' Rhys to launch nasty career scheme". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Mercado, Andrew (9–15 June 2012). "Sweet temptation". TV Week (23): 44.
- ^ "Vanessa struggles with morning sickness". What's on TV. May 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Recipe for love!". All About Soap (271): 49. 26 May – 8 June 2012.
- ^ Brygel, Jackie; Mercado, Andrew (7–13 July 2012). "Playing doctor". TV Week (27): 46.
- ^ a b c Brygel, Jackie; Walker, Lucy (21–27 July 2012). "Shock exit?". TV Week (29): 48.
- ^ a b c Miller, Erin (1–7 December 2012). "Moving out". TV Week (48): 19.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (26 November 2012). "'Neighbours': Rhys, Andrew and Sophie to leave show". Digital Spy. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (26 November 2012). "'Neighbours' boss Richard Jasek promises "rollercoaster 2013"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Mitchell, Thomas (16–22 March 2013). "Death do us part?". TV Week (11): 18–21.
- ^ Knox, David (5 December 2011). "Logie 2012 voting opens". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 December 2011.
- Ninemsn. 20 January 2012. Archived from the originalon 16 March 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- ^ a b "Soap stories". Daily Record. 24 September 2011. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- News.com.au. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- ^ Dubecki, Larissa (23 January 2012). "Neighbours, Monday, January 23". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
- ^ Adams, Cameron (20 January 2012). "TV: Joan's rangers, a nude neighbour". Herald Sun. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- ^ Adams, Cameron (10 February 2012). "TV: Glee gets all Christmassy". Herald Sun. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
- ^ "Neighbours Ruthless Rhys". TV Choice (8): 18. 18–24 February 2012.
- ^ Channel 5. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
- ^ Adams, Cameron (9 March 2012). "Switched On TV". Herald Sun. Retrieved 14 April 2024 – via Gale.
- ^ "Soap stories". Daily Record. 2 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
- ^ "Soapwatch". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
External links
- Rhys Lawson at the Official AU Neighbours website
- Rhys Lawson at the Official UK Neighbours website