Sheila Canning

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Sheila Canning
Neighbours character
Former; regular
Introduced byRichard Jasek and Susan Bower
Spin-off
appearances
  • Summer Stories
    (2016)
  • Neighbours vs Time Travel
    (2017)
  • SheilaTV
    (2018)
  • Sheila & Clive (2019)
In-universe information
Occupation
  • Barmaid
  • Legal secretary
  • Executive bar manager
HusbandFrank Canning[1]
SonsGary Canning
Frank Canning Jr.[1]
DaughtersNaomi Canning
Grandsons
GranddaughtersXanthe Canning
Kylie Canning[2]

Sheila Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Colette Mann. The character was teased by the show's executive producer Richard Jasek in January 2012. The following month Mann's casting was announced. She had previously appeared in the soap in 1995 and 1996, temporarily taking over the role of Cheryl Stark for eight weeks. Mann made her debut screen appearance as Sheila during the episode broadcast on 3 May 2012. After taking a brief break to appear in a play, Mann was promoted to the regular cast. Sheila was created as a "warmer" version of 1980s character Nell Mangel (Vivean Gray) and a resident stickybeak.

Sheila was introduced as the grandmother of established character

Russell Brennan (Russell Kiefel) and Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine). Further exploration of the character's background began with the introductions of her children Naomi Canning (Morgana O'Reilly) and Gary Canning (Damien Richardson
) in 2014. The character has been well-received by television critics. In February 2022, Mann confirmed that she had departed the show. Her final scenes aired on 16 February in Australia, with Sheila's exit taking place off-screen in subsequent episodes.

Casting

During a January 2012 interview with a TV Week writer, Neighbours executive producer Richard Jasek commented that viewers would see more of Kyle Canning's (Chris Milligan) family, starting with the introduction of his grandmother later in the year. Jasek said the character would be quite big in all senses.[3] On 8 February 2012, it was announced Colette Mann had rejoined the cast of Neighbours as Sheila Canning.[4] Mann previously appeared in the show in 1995 and 1996, when she temporarily took over the role of Cheryl Stark for eight weeks when Caroline Gillmer fell ill.[4] She was one of three actresses who auditioned for the part.[5] Mann stated that she was looking forward to working with Milligan, saying "Chris is a lovely boy, however like my sons, he'll wonder what has hit him after working with me for a few weeks."[6] Mann made her screen debut as Sheila on 3 May 2012.[7]

Sheila initially started out as a guest character, but eventually become a member of the regular cast.[6][8] Mann took a short break from Neighbours in July 2012 to appear in a play.[9] Mann said that plans for her to appear in the play had been made before she took on the role of Sheila.[8] Milligan confirmed that Mann had returned to filming in September 2012.[10] In March 2013, Mann commented that she was enjoying working on Neighbours and things had become more natural now that there was a familiarity with Sheila.[8] When asked if she had put her own stamp on Sheila, Mann explained that playing a regular character meant that she got to know them better than anyone and she had subconsciously added layers. She added that the producers and directors allowed her "great leeway" with her lines.[8] In October 2013, Susan Hill from the Daily Star reported that Mann had signed a new contract keeping her with Neighbours for another year.[11]

Development

Characterisation

Mann confirmed that the original idea for Sheila was to be "a warmer Mrs Mangel" and the show's resident "nosy stickybeak".[12] Before her introduction, Sheila was described by a Herald Sun reporter as being "opinionated" and someone who would ruffle feathers.[4] Susan Hill from the Daily Star commented that Sheila was "over-affectionate", but "lovable".[13] In her newspaper column, Mann called Sheila "a pushy, slightly controlling – and a little bit of a gossip – grandmother."[14] She wrote that she had to do "a great deal of research" as the character is so far removed from her own personality.[14] Mann later told TV Week's Andrew Mercado that Sheila's arrival would be like "a galleon in full sail" and that she loved injecting some humour into the show.[15] Mann later explained that she brought in for her comedic abilities, and that she had based some aspects of Sheila's personality on her own mother.[16] A writer for the show's official website revealed that Sheila was a widow who often meddled in her family's business.[17] They explained "If she knows what's best for her kids and grandkids – and she always does – she'll do whatever it takes to achieve it, even if that means being underhanded."[17]

Mann told an Inside Soap writer that Sheila was the matriarch of the Canning family, who loved her grandson Kyle "very much". The actress suspected that Kyle was actually Sheila's favourite.[18] Sheila likes to know what is happening to everyone else around her and is more than willing to offer her advice if it is asked for.[17] The writer stated that while Sheila is not intellectual, she does have good instincts and "a sharp sense of humour".[17] However, she is quick to make judgements about other people and has no time for political correctness.[17] In March 2013, Mann called Sheila "a tough old bird" and quipped that she has some endearing characteristics, but they can be harder to find.[8] The actress also branded the character "a first-class meddler" and stated that she often speaks her mind, which is one of the only things Mann has in common with her.[8]

Interfering in Kyle's love life

After deciding to visit her grandson Kyle, Sheila turns up unannounced on his doorstep and is "thrilled" to see him.[18] Mann thought that Sheila was getting sick of waiting for Kyle to visit her in Frankston, so she came to him instead. Sheila was also interested in meeting Kyle's girlfriend, Jade Mitchell (Gemma Pranita).[18] Mann said that Sheila had already heard a few things about Jade and had made her mind up about her already; she was the wrong girl for her grandson.[18] While looking around Kyle's handyman business, Sheila meets Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) and mistakes her for Jade.[15] Impressed by Kate's manners and politeness, Sheila is then left to wonder whether Kate should be "in her precious grandson's life" instead.[15][19] When Sheila finally meets Jade, she is underwhelmed by her brashness and does not hold back her opinion towards her.[15][19]

Jade becomes frustrated and her attitude convinces Sheila that the conservative Kate is really the one for Kyle.[15] A show spokesperson commented "Sheila adores Kyle and would do absolutely anything for him, which rubs Jade up the wrong way. Everyone can expect the sparks to fly between the two women in his life. It's going to be a very tricky time for Kyle as he tries to please them both."[13] Sheila informs Kyle that Jade is not marriage material and that Kate would be better for him.[19] Sheila decides to meddle in Kyle's love life, but Mann believed that it was out of love as Sheila just wanted Kyle to be happy.[18] Although Sheila does not get on with Jade, she decides to stay around to keep an eye on Kyle.[13]

When Kyle starts spending time with

Jana Noviac (Kyrie Capri).[20] Sheila also clashes with Georgia's aunt, Angie Rebecchi (Lesley Baker), who has noticed the sexual tension between Georgia and Kyle too. The two women end up defending their families.[20]

Relationships

Lou Carpenter

Sheila developed a rivalry with Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), but when questioned about a potential romance between the characters, Mann thought it would be best if they stayed "at each other's throats".[8] She said that the rivalry would provide the writers with more scope in terms of humorous storylines for the pair. Mann added that she and Oliver had already had a romance when she filled in as Cheryl Stark, who was Lou's partner.[8] Later episodes hinted at a spark between Sheila and Lou. Jasek was also asked if he would like them to embark on a romance and explained that it was an interesting idea and one that was still being discussed.[21] He continued "We have certainly thought of putting them together – it's an obvious direction to go in – however I think the best humour comes from their constant sparring with each other and some of their stories coming up are just hilarious."[21] In October 2013, Mann reiterated that Sheila and Lou should not be put together, believing that their relationship was better when they were fighting.[22]

Walter Mitchell
, a love interest for Sheila.

Walter Mitchell

In March 2013, Mann teased the arrival of a potential love interest for Sheila, saying "her attention is somewhat diverted by a visitor to Erinsborough."

Walter Mitchell (Chris Haywood) was introduced to the show and Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly reported that one of the local Ramsay Street residents would become "smitten" with him.[23] Shortly after meeting Sheila, Walter "flirts outrageously" with her, which she reciprocates.[24] Walter later embarks on a plan to steal Sheila's personal identification number (PIN), so he can access her bank account.[24] Sheila is unaware of his intentions as she is charmed by Walter's "romantic overtures" towards her. Walter later packs his bags and departs Erinsborough, leaving his niece Sonya Rebecchi (Eve Morey) and Sheila devastated.[24] Mann said she enjoyed having Walter in Sheila's life and called him "a bit of a rotter", commenting that no one can be happy for too long in Erinsborough. Mann also said that a woman does not need a man to be happy and she believed Sheila was happy on her own.[22]

Russell Brennan

Two years later, a new love interest for Sheila was introduced in the form of

Russell Brennan (Russell Kiefel), the father of the Brennan brothers.[25] As their romance progresses, Kyle worries that his grandmother will get hurt, while Tyler Brennan (Travis Burns) is not happy that his father is planning to stay around for longer.[25] Sheila later suggests that Russell buys the local garage Fitzgerald Motors and offers to lend him the money he needs, causing concern from her family and friends.[25] When Sheila sees Angie Rebecchi talking to Russell, she becomes jealous of their friendship.[26] Angie decides to deliberately flirt with Russell to wind Sheila up. Russell later walks in on the two women "scrapping like teenagers".[26] Baker said the scenes were "great fun" to film, and she and Mann decided to play them up a little as they knew each other well.[26] It soon emerges that Russell had physically abused Tyler when he was younger. Russell apologises, but his sons asks him to return to Port Lincoln.[27] Of Sheila's reaction, Mann explained, "Russell was the first man she'd been interested in since her husband died, so it was part of her way of starting again. But, she's not prepared to put up with that sort of behaviour."[27] Sheila tells Russell that he needs to work on his issues and watches on as his taxi leaves the street.[27]

Clive Gibbons

Sheila embarks on a romance with Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine) in 2017.[28] Mann told Johnathon Hughes of the Radio Times that she was "excited" upon learning that Sheila would date Clive.[12] Clive and Sheila initially clash when he wrongly accuses Xanthe of stealing hospital medication. Sheila later learns that he is attracted to her because she is "fiery" and "a bit barmy".[12] When they meet each other again, Clive asks if they can start over and she agrees to go out on a date with him.[12] Clive tells Sheila that he will take her to an art gallery, but she feels that she will be out of her depth and asks Paul Robinson for his help.[12] Mann told Hughes, "Sheila is already nervous about the date because she was married to the same man for 25 years, but it was a very comfortable relationship with not much spark. This is different. Clive is chief operating officer at the hospital, she thinks he's above her intellectually and is a bit intimidated."[12] Hughes thought Clive and Sheila were opposites, but Mann thought that this was the reason why their relationship could work.[12] Sheila relationship with Clive is short lived, ending when she receives a letter from Russell, who tells her he is ill and wants to reconcile with her.[12] The actress enjoyed working with Paine during the storyline, as she had known him for a number of years and they once acted in a play together.[28] Mann also confirmed that series producer Jason Herbison had promised to reintroduce Clive into Sheila's life "with a big bang".[28]

The pair ensue in a long-distance relationship from 2018 until 2020. Paine's position in the soap as a semi-regular cast member allowed producers to create a new webisode series, titled

pacemaker.[33] Sheila accepts Des' apology and then accepts that her and Clive's relationship is truly over.[33]

Speaking to What's on TV, Mann revealed that she was not happy with the producers' original intent of portraying the storyline humorously.[34] She told the publication, "As a woman who's been through it herself twice in life, I said I don't think it's a funny situation. Believing that you're in love with someone when they're in love with someone else. The producers were fantastic and we didn't change the storyline but we changed the way we played it."[34] Towards the end of the storyline, the opening titles were changed to move Clive from a shot with Sheila to a shot with Jane, which was called "a nice surprise" by Jess Lee of Digital Spy.[35] Mann also hinted that Sheila would continue to be a prominent character in another upcoming storyline, teasing, "Sheila is very busy with other things in her family and I love working with the young people, which I'm doing a lot of at the moment."[34]

Anxiety issues

During a story meeting, Mann asked why her character was not given a dramatic storyline and the writers agreed that she should have one.

solicit her, which she dislikes. Sheila initially dismisses the event, but a few days later when she thinks about it, she reacts badly.[22] Because of the restrictive time slot in Australia, Derek was not allowed to be shown approaching or touching Sheila.[22] Mann explained "I said, 'Look, this is all a bit silly. Sheila is a tough old nut so she'd probably just tell him to get lost and keep walking!' There wasn't much we could do about it because of the restrictions, so then we decided that it will come out further in a story, much later on, that this reminded her of a time when a much worse thing happened to her. Back when she was younger and managing the hotels in Frankston, she was attacked by two men in the back car park."[22] Mann said the next layer of the story would play out in a few months time and it would see Sheila suffer flashbacks, which become "really bad".[22] Sheila refuses to talk about it and Mann added that the point they are trying to make is that it is best to talk about things.[22]

Family introductions and heart attack

In October 2013, Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that Sheila's youngest daughter would be introduced, after producers decided to explore Sheila's background further.[36] Sheila's daughter had previously been mentioned on-screen several times before her arrival, with Sheila still restless about an argument that resulted in a large falling out between them.[36] Morgana O'Reilly was cast as Naomi Canning soon afterwards, and began appearing from March.[37] Naomi and Sheila were seen to clash regularly, as fives years prior Sheila had discovered Naomi's affair with a married man and told his wife.[38] Sheila was pleased to see Naomi, but she was suspicious of her sudden urge to see her. Mann said, "Sheila has learned the hard way that there is always an agenda with Naomi. Nothing is ever as it seems."[38] Sheila later believed Naomi was having another affair and accused her of repeating her past mistakes. However, after Naomi threatened to leave, Sheila promised not to interfere in her life anymore and allowed Naomi to move in.[39] Mann said the producers were "starting to bring in her family over the next six months", and added that "hopefully there'll also be... an older male (coming in)", but warned that Sheila does not get on with him either.[37]

The second of Sheila's children to be introduced was her son

heart attack on Christmas Day.[42] Naomi found her mother unconscious on the living room floor and immediately called Karl Kennedy for help. Sheila was rushed to the hospital, where her family waited by her bedside for news of her condition.[43] Naomi initially assumed that she was to blame for causing Sheila's heart attack as she had argued with her mother earlier in the day. However, when Gary turned up, he revealed that it was his fault.[43] A "furious" Naomi then told Kyle that the reason Gary walked out on the family was due to his involvement in a robbery.[43]

Departure

After fans noticed that the Canning family scene in the opening titles was not changed and Mann was not appearing in behind the scenes videos, it was announced on 7 February 2022 that Mann was not currently filming on the serial and would be making a "surprise" exit.[44] Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly reported that Sheila leaves for the Los Angeles after learning that Naomi's partner is ill. She later contacts the Cannings to let them know that Naomi's partner has died, so she is staying indefinitely to help her look after his three children.[44] Subsequent scenes see the Cannings talk about the situation, but Sheila's exit takes place off-screen.[44] On 9 February, Mann confirmed her departure from Neighbours by saying "Looks that way" on social media when asked by a fan if she had left permanently, after her final scenes aired in the UK the previous day.[45] Sheila's final on-screen appearance aired on 16 February 2022 in Australia. The character was later removed from the opening credits.[46] In an interview with New Idea, Mann revealed that she had quit the role and that the character had not been written out by producers, something that has not yet been clarified.[47] Of her departure storyline, Mann commented, "They didn't want to kill me off and I didn't want to leave Ramsay Street in the taxi … I just sort of disappeared! That was the best way for me to go."[47] Mann also expressed her sadness over the serial's cancellation, but explained that the news was not a surprise to her and she joked, "I like to think it couldn't go on without Sheila Canning, but I don't quite think that is the case."[47] Following Mann's departure, Digital Spy pointed out that Neighbours writers had seemingly distributed Sheila's planned role in subsequent scenes to other characters, including Roxy Willis (Zima Anderson), Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) and Ned Willis (Ben Hall).[48] Producers then introduced Wendy Rodwell (Candice Leask) as the new busybody neighbour.[49]

Storylines

Sheila comes to Erinsborough to meet her grandson Kyle's girlfriend, Jade Mitchell, after selling her bar in Frankston. While Kyle is showing Sheila around his business, Sheila meets Kate Ramsay and takes an instant liking towards her. When she finally meets Jade, Sheila is disappointed and tells Kyle that she is not right for him. Sheila believes Kate is a better fit for Kyle and encourages Kate to go after him. Sheila is instantly suspicious of Kyle's business partner, Lou Carpenter. After spotting Lou accepting money from

) and take him home to his mother. When she sees the state of Number 26, she tells Kyle and his housemates that she is moving in to sort it out. She also gets a job at the local bar.

Sheila and Lou continue to clash, as she does not trust him. Sheila notices that Georgia Brooks has developed feelings for Kyle and warns her off, as she has a boyfriend. They later begin dating. Sheila puts down a deposit for a new apartment at Lassiter's, but when she notices that the council have yet to approve the development, she demands her money back. Sheila finds a garden gnome in the hard rubbish and takes it for her collection. She later finds $10,000 inside it. When Sheila catches

Rhiannon Bates
(Teressa Liane) under her wing, when she briefly moves into Number 26, and help her change her image and get a job. Lou tries to kiss Sheila, which offends her. Sheila forgives him when Bailey and Mason confesses to winding Lou up about her. Sheila meets Walter Mitchell and is attracted to him. However, he cons her out of money at the bar and takes her bank card. Sheila is devastated when she learns that Walter lied about his identity and stole from her neighbours. Walter apologises, but Sheila makes it clear that she does not want to see him again.

Lou believes Sheila is interested in him, as she was leaving him flirty messages on his blog. However, Bailey admits that he left the messages using Sheila's name and she tells him to sort it out. When a sleep walking Chris leaves the house in the middle of the night, Sheila chases after him. She is accosted by Derek Blasko, who follows her in his car, until she tells him to leave her alone. The incident leaves her shaken. When a man takes her picture, Sheila's paranoia causes her to confront him and break his camera. She is informed by a police officer that man was a photography student and she got in the way of his shot. Sheila is initially charged with wilful damage, until she pays for a new camera and writes a letter of apology. Kate then convinces Sheila to enrol in a self-defence class. Sheila encourages Kyle to propose to Georgia and she throws them a surprise engagement party. Sheila's youngest daughter, Naomi arrives in town and it soon emerges that they have not seen each other in five years, due to Sheila interfering in Naomi's affair with a married man. Sheila offers Naomi a room at Number 26 and Naomi makes it clear that she will not stay if Sheila interferes in her life, and Sheila agrees to back off.

Naomi begins working for

Alan Haywood
(Paul Roberts). When Alan admits that he has dating profiles on websites looking for men, Sheila breaks up with him for lying to her. Sheila helps Naomi leave Erinsborough for a while to move on from her feelings for Toadie, and is overjoyed when Kyle and Georgia marry.

Sheila meets with her estranged son, Gary, to give him money, but Kyle sees them and seeks answers as he has not seen his father since he was 8. Sheila admits that Gary did not want contact, but Georgia convinces Gary to rejoin the family. Naomi returns and Sheila helps her with her new business venture, organising carols at the Lassiter's Complex. On Christmas Day, Sheila discovers Gary is responsible for an attack on

) makes them work together for the Erinsborough Festival. Sheila discovers that Georgia is still taking the pill after she and Kyle agreed to try for a baby, forcing Georgia to admit to Kyle that she is not ready.

Naomi asks Sheila and

Alistair Hall (Nick Cain), Sheila intervenes and sends Alistair away. Her rant is caught on camera and uploaded to the internet. Alistair attempts to sue Sheila for defamation
, but later backs down when the full clip, featuring his homophobic words towards Nate, is published.

Jimmy Williams (Darcy Tadich) blackmails Sheila into giving him treats after he finds a letter detailing her feelings for Paul. Under pressure, Sheila shakes Jimmy. She later apologises to him after revealing the blackmail. Sheila discovers Terese has been taking wine from The Waterhole and suspects she has a drinking problem. Sheila begins a relationship with Russell Brennan and offers to lend him money to buy the local garage. Sheila reveals that the money was given to her by Gary, and is the proceeds of crime. She decides to hand the money to the police. Sheila fights with Angie Rebecchi when she thinks that Angie is flirting with Russell. After learning that Russell abused his son Tyler, Sheila ends their relationship and tells Russell to seek professional help. Sheila is caught up in the Erinsborough High fire and leaves a paralysed Toadie trapped in the rubble to save herself. In a bid to ease her guilt, Sheila does Sonya and Toadie's laundry. Karl urges her not to push herself as her blood pressure is high, but she later faints after carrying furniture. Sheila explains to Karl how she left Toadie, but he assures her that she would not have been able to save Toadie on her own. Sheila suffers another anxiety attack and accidentally strikes Ben Kirk
(Felix Mallard) with her car. She then tells Toadie the truth about the night of the fire and he forgives her.

After learning Paul is selling Number 26, Sheila decides to buy it herself. She rents a room out via

) visits her daughter and Sheila doubts she is being honest with her. Brooke scams the Cannings' friends and neighbours by selling faux-jewellery, leading to a feud with the Kennedys.

Sheila feels threatened by Terese's influence over Gary and Xanthe, and makes a drunken phone call to Brooke, who returns to Erinsborough to make amends. However, Sheila costs Brooke a job at the hospital when she tells the new chief operations officer Clive Gibbons about Brooke's past. Sheila later asks Terese to give Brooke a job at Lassiters Day Spa. Clive asks Sheila on a date, but she cancels it when he and Karl accuse Xanthe of stealing medication from the hospital. Sheila meets Clive while she is looking for Xanthe and they agree to start again. Clive decides to take Sheila to an art gallery, and she asks Paul for help. Clive and Sheila admit that neither of them know much about art and their date goes well. Sheila receives a letter from Russell in which he asks for her forgiveness. Sheila competes with Karl to become the head of the Liveability Committee, and Sheila wins after blackmailing Karl. She meets Russell's former wife

) and she and the Brennans learn that Russell is ill. Sheila tells Clive that she needs to see Russell, as she needs closure. Before Sheila and Brennans leave for Port Lincoln, they learn Russell has died. Sheila asks Karl to take over the leadership of the Liveability Committee while she deals with her grief. Fay later admits to Sheila that Russell was not the father of one of her sons, and Sheila tells them when they return from Russell's funeral.

Sheila meets Tyler's biological father

Joanne Schwartz (Val Lehman). They fell out over a mistake with some Daddy Cool tickets. Xanthe contacts Joanne, who agrees to meet with Sheila. Their reunion does not go well and when Joanne reminds Sheila of the last time she performed on stage, in which she forgot her lines and vomited over an actor, Sheila briefly pulls out of the variety show. Joanne laughs when Sheila causes feedback from the microphone, causing Sheila to leave the stage. She is convinced to return and receives a round of applause for her performance. Joanne admits that she was jealous of Sheila and that she was supposed to buy the Daddy Cool tickets. Sheila suggests that they go and see Ross Wilson
in concert together.

Sheila asks Clive if he is willing to give their relationship another chance, while offering to help publicise his plan to expand the hospital. Sheila enrols in biology classes at night school, as does Shane Rebecchi (Nicholas Coghlan), which Clive is asked to teach. Sheila accuses Shane of cheating on a test and feels Clive is bullying her. She leaves the class, but later returns to apologise. Sheila and Clive sort out their differences and he invites her out to dinner. Sheila later hires Shane as a barman at The Waterhole. Shane and Gary notice Sheila is suffering some memory lapses, and she worries that she is developing Alzheimer's disease. Clive arranges for Ross Wilson to sing for Sheila, but when she is invited to sing with him on stage, she cannot remember the words to the song and she tells Clive about her fears. He books her in for some tests and discovers that her statin-based heart medication is causing the memory loss, so it is changed as a result. Sheila fails a compliance training course, and when Paul learns she has been selling Gary's deserts from The Flametree Retreat, he fires her. Sheila and Fay Brennan agree to look out for jobs for one another, but they fall out when Fay accepts the managerial position at The Waterhole. Toadie later hires Sheila as his legal secretary. After Fay leaves for Adelaide, Toadie persuades Terese and Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) to rehire Sheila, as she is not happy working for him.

After Gary is murdered by Finn Kelly (Rob Mills), who also previously tried to run Xanthe over in a car, Sheila begins struggling. Her behaviour becomes odd and she falls into a state of depression. A pigeon begins hanging around Sheila's backyard and Sheila believes it is her son, Gary, in a reincarnated form, as Gary used to be the owner of a flock of racing pigeons. Sheila develops an emotional connection to the bird, which leads her family and friends in concern of her. Gary the pigeon goes missing, causing Sheila to fall into a state of panic. She frantically searches around her house and town to find the pigeon, until she eventually finds him unresponsive in Susan and Karl's backyard. Sheila - who had been blaming Susan for the real Gary's death - begins expressing her pain and anger towards Susan again, accusing her of killing Gary the pigeon. Karl checks over the bird again and it flies into the air. Luckily, Gary the pigeon had just suffered a reaction from a plant it had eaten and had become unconscious due to it. Sheila is relieved and becomes more attached to the bird, worrying her family. Kyle finally contacts Naomi and tells her that Sheila is struggling, so Naomi returns to Erinsborough to help her mother out. She locks Sheila and Susan in a room together and tells them that she isn't going to let them out until they sort out their differences. Sheila finally gets some closure after she burns an inaccurate book about Finn that was written by Olivia Bell (Alyce Platt).

Sheila begins receiving odd packages in the mail that were apparently ordered by her. Confused, she begins giving the packages to her friends and neighbours, giving expensive earrings to Susan and hand lotion to

Bea Nilsson (Bonnie Anderson
). Bea confides in the second Sheila about her relationship doubts and the second Sheila tells her to break it off if she has concerns. Bea listens to her advice, which causes Sheila to get mad at the second Sheila. The two Sheilas later make amends, before the second Sheila leaves.

Sheila is opposed to Levi's new

Freya Wozniak (Phoebe Roberts) on a date. Later, Sheila leaves for Los Angeles
after Naomi's boyfriend falls ill. He subsequently dies, leaving Naomi to look after his three children, and Sheila remains to support her daughter. After a number of weeks away, Sheila informs Kyle that she is selling the house and remaining in LA.

Reception

At the 2016 and 2017 Digital Spy Reader Awards, Sheila received nominations for the Funniest Character accolade.[50][51]

An Inside Soap columnist stated "It's been a while since Ramsay Street was home to a good old stickybeak, but that changes when Sheila Canning arrives".[18] Geoff Shearer from The Courier-Mail commented "Former Prisoner Colette Mann is continuing to delight since joining the series as Kyle's grandmother Sheila late last month."[52] Claire Crick from All About Soap quipped "Sheila doesn't exactly strike us as someone who beats around the bush".[19] A reporter for the Belfast Telegraph called Sheila a "busybody".[53] Dianne Butler, writing for news.com.au, praised the character and actress, saying "That Sheila's a canny old biddy. She's outfoxing Tash, who's pretty wily herself. I'm loving Colette Mann."[54] In June 2013, Butler quipped "Sheila did time on Prisoner so I say what Sheila wants she should get."[55] Melissa Field from TV Week enjoyed Sheila ripping into Alan when she learned his secret, but quipped "unlucky-in-love Sheila can't get a break."[56] During his end-of-year review, Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy praised Mann as being one of the better additions to the cast and observed that Sheila "has lightened up the Street with wit, warmth and some memorable one-liners."[57]

When Sheila met Russell, Claire Crick of All About Soap commented "look out for Sheila in full flirtation mode when she gets to know the new arrival...these two are about to hit it off – big time."[58] Jonathan Hughes of the Radio Times branded Sheila "Ramsay Street's resident battleaxe" and a "gobby granny".[12] Adam Beresford of HuffPost placed Sheila at number twenty-three on the "35 greatest Neighbours characters of all time" feature as part of the serial's 35th anniversary.[59] Journalist Adam Beresford described her, stating "this Aussie battler takes no prisoners, is fiercely protective of her family and is also prone to being a bit of sticky beak. We would not mess with Sheila, but she has a good heart and brings a dose of earthy humour to Erinsborough."[59] When discussing Sheila's motherhood, Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap called the character a "bossy mum".[60] A critic for The Advertiser named Sheila a "veteran character". They said Gary's death led to Mann "delivering some of her best scenes in years. Tissues at the ready, people."[61] Ahead of Sheila's off-screen departure, Kilkelly named her the "Ramsay Street matriarch".[44]

References

  1. ^ a b Mann, Collette (23 June 2020). The Complicated Canning Family Tree. Neighbours via YouTube. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  2. ^ Mann, Collette; Richardson, Damien; Van Der Meer, Lily (28 December 2016). The Canning's // Neighbours Summer Stories #1 [FULL STORYLINE]. Neighbours via YouTube. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  3. ^ "What's ahead on Ramsay Street?". TV Week (1): 16–17. 7–13 January 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "Chris Milligan set to Mann up". Herald Sun. Melbourne. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  5. ^ "Getting married on screen is really weird!". Inside Soap (42): 52–53. 25–31 October 2014.
  6. ^
    Hearst Magazines UK
    . Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  7. Southern Cross Media
    . Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  8. ^
    Hearst Magazines UK
    . Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  9. Hearst Magazines UK
    . Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  10. Hearst Magazines UK
    . Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  11. ^ Hill, Susan (13 October 2013). "Soaper Star: Neighbours". Daily Star. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hughes, Johnathon (20 July 2017). "Neighbours: Colette Mann interview – "Sheila and Clive make a dream couple – even though he thinks she's barmy!"". Radio Times. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  13. ^ a b c Hill, Susan (12 February 2012). "Kyle Canning gets a visit from his Nan". Daily Star. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  14. ^ a b Mann, Colette (7 May 2012). "Colette Mann: Finding the perfect blend". Melbourne Weekly. Retrieved 11 May 2012.
  15. ^ a b c d e Mercado, Andrew (28 April – 4 May 2012). "Sheila stirs the pot". TV Week (17): 50.
  16. ^ "Stefan Dennis and I were once boyfriend and girlfriend!". Inside Soap (32): 52–53. 10–16 August 2013.
  17. ^
    Eleven
    . Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  18. ^ a b c d e f "G'Day Sheila!". Inside Soap (21): 26. 26 May – 1 June 2012.
  19. ^ a b c d Crick, Claire (31 May 2012). "Neighbours: Kyle & Jade v Kate & Sheila!". All About Soap. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  20. ^ a b Brown, David (17 March 2013). "Neighbours spoilers: the week ahead in Ramsay St". Radio Times. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  21. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (21 June 2013). "Exclusive: 'Neighbours' producer Richard Jasek shares show gossip, teasers". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kilkelly, Daniel (21 October 2013). "'Neighbours' Colette Mann: 'Things get really bad for Sheila'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  23. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (14 June 2013). "'Neighbours' newcomer Walter – new details and picture released". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  24. ^ a b c "Heading for a breakdown". Soap World (245): 18. July 2013.
  25. ^ a b c "True romance?". Inside Soap (34): 32. 29 August – 4 September 2015.
  26. ^ a b c "Hands off my man!". Inside Soap (35): 28. 5–11 September 2015.
  27. ^
    TV Week Soap Extra
    (19): 8–9.
  28. ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (17 July 2017). "Neighbours star Colette Mann reveals all on Sheila's new romance and the Canning family's future". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  29. ^ @neighbours (22 November 2019). "You won't believe what Clive gets up to when he's not in Erinsborough!" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ Lee, Jess (20 September 2020). "Neighbours lines up new setback for Levi Canning as his medical results are tampered with". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  31. ^ a b Lee, Jess (4 January 2021). "Neighbours' Jane Harris agrees to a secret romance in new scenes". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  32. ^ Lee, Jess (18 January 2021). "Neighbours' Sheila Canning suffers shock collapse in new row over Clive". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  33. ^ a b c d e f Lee, Jess (11 January 2021). "Neighbours' Sheila Canning makes an upsetting discovery over Jane and Clive". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  34. ^ a b c Anderton, Joe (6 February 2021). "Neighbours star Colette Mann reveals Sheila and Clive story was changed". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  35. ^ Lee, Jess (18 January 2021). "Neighbours makes a change to its opening titles after new Erinsborough romances". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  36. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (9 October 2013). "Neighbours to bring in Sheila's daughter". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  37. ^ a b Earp, Catherine (30 December 2013). "Morgana O'Reilly cast as Sheila's daughter Naomi". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  38. ^ a b "Meet Sheila's daughter!". Inside Soap (13): 26. 5–11 April 2014.
  39. ^ "Trouble comes calling". Soap World (253): 21. March 2014.
  40. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (15 October 2014). "Neighbours to bring in Kyle's estranged father". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  41. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (3 November 2014). "Neighbours reveals first picture of Gary Canning". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  42. ^ Dainty, Sophie (6 November 2014). "Neighbours character to suffer huge heart attack". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  43. ^ a b c "Will Sheila die?". Inside Soap (2): 30. 17–23 January 2015.
  44. ^ a b c d Kilkelly, Daniel (7 February 2022). "Neighbours' Sheila Canning to make surprise exit from Erinsborough". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  45. ^ West, Amy (9 February 2022). "Neighbours star Colette Mann confirms exit as Sheila Canning". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  46. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (18 February 2022). "Neighbours addresses Sheila Canning's permanent exit in new scenes". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  47. ^ a b c Joynes, Joshua (28 March 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: Colette Mann's new lease on life!". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  48. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (7 March 2022). "Neighbours addresses Sheila Canning replacement scenes after show exit". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  49. ^ Julians, Joe (22 June 2022). "Neighbours script producer Shane Isheev on show ending". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  50. ^ Eames, Tom (24 December 2016). "Your Digital Spy Reader Awards soap winners of 2016: Emmerdale wins six awards". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  51. ^ Sandwell, Ian (30 November 2017). "The Digital Spy Reader Awards 2017: Vote now for your Soaps favourites of the year!". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  52. ^ Shearer, Geoff (17 May 2012). "TV: What's on The Box". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  53. ^ "Best Soaps". Belfast Telegraph. 2 June 2012. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2013.(subscription required)
  54. ^ Butler, Dianne (22 January 2013). "TV with Dianne Butler". news.com.au. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  55. ^ Butler, Dianne (28 June 2013). "What to watch on TV, with Dianne Butler". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 28 June 2013.
  56. ^ Field, Melissa (19 September 2014). "Friday's pick: Neighbours". TV Week. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  57. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (5 December 2014). "Ramsay Street revitalised: 7 reasons why Neighbours is back on form". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  58. ^ Crick, Claire (12 August 2015). "We're all talking about...another Brennan in Neighbours!". All About Soap. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  59. ^ a b Beresford, Adam (16 March 2020). "The Definitive Ranking Of The 35 Greatest Neighbours Characters Of All Time: #35-21". HuffPost. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  60. ^ Ellis, Sarah (30 August – 5 September 2014). "Naomi's life is like a trashy novel!". Inside Soap (34): 38.
  61. ^ "Seven Days TV". The Advertiser. 22 March 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2024 – via Gale.

External links