User:JuneGloom07/1996

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Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1996, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's executive producer Stanley Walsh. The 12th season of Neighbours began airing from 22 January 1996. Catherine O'Brien was introduced during the following month. Tom Kennedy and Rob Evans arrived in April. Steve George made his debut in August, followed by Sarah Beaumont in September. Ruth Wilkinson made her first appearance in October, and her daughter Anne Wilkinson was introduced during November.

Catherine O'Brien
Catherine O'Brien, played by Radha Mitchell, made her first appearance on 5 February 1996. Mitchell had previously made a guest appearance in Neighbours as Cassandra Rushmore in 1994. The role bought her to the attention of the casting department, who decided to offer her the "much meatier" part of Catherine. She returned to the show in early 1996 and she was initially contracted for six months. Mitchell later admitted that she accepted the role as she needed to make money to go to the United States, however, she ended up taking the job seriously. Mitchell explained "It teaches you a lot about discipline. It's like a nine-to-five job. I ended up getting passionate about the job and thought I should make it the best soap I possibly can." Catherine is the daughter of Bess O'Brien (Diana McLean) and half-sister of Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles). Katherine Tulich of The Advertiser branded her "a greenie living in a house full of models." A writer for the BBC's official Neighbours website described Catherine as "a passionate young woman, particularly when it came to the environment and vegetarianism". They added that she and Malcolm Kennedy (Benjamin McNair) seemed to share "a genuine love". In November 1996, Jason Herbison of Inside Soap reported Mitchell had decided to quit Neighbours to pursue her film career following her appearance in Love and Other Catastrophes. Mitchell was asked to return to Neighbours for the 20th anniversary, but declined the invitation. The actress later praised the show for being "a training ground for young actors."

Of Mitchell's two stints in the soap, a writer for Virgin Media commented "Despite her pretty face, Neighbours producers thought her so unmemorable they had her play two separate roles in four years." Michael Idato of The Sydney Morning Herald branded Catherine "an idealistic student". While Dave Lanning of The People called her a "supergreenie". The BBC writer said Catherine's most notable moment was "being caught kissing Darren Stark." Tony Johnston, author of Neighbours: 20 years of Ramsay Street, agreed, saying it was "an infamous moment".

While attending Eden Hills University, Catherine befriends Stonefish Rebecchi (Anthony Engelman). Stonie develops feelings for Catherine. When he learns she is a vegetarian and has strong views about the environment, he pretends to share the same views. Catherine wins a competition to go on a date with model Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve). He later invites her on another date, but she declines, admitting that she only entered the competition on a dare. Catherine soon clashes with Sam when she discovers that the mining company he is working for drills in wildlife locations. Sam tries to tell Catherine that he is simply posing for an advertisement, but she urges him to turn down the job. When he refuses, Catherine handcuffs herself to him, forcing him to call Stonie for help. Catherine is forced to apologise to Sam when she learns that she had been misinformed about the company.

Stonie gets Catherine a job at the Coffee Shop, and Catherine develops feelings for him too. She asks him to take part in an abseiling protest, but when it comes to his turn, Stonie admits that he is scared of heights and only wanted to impress Catherine. She kisses him and they begin dating. Catherine ends their relationship when she learns that Stonie has been pretending to be a vegetarian. He persuades her to give him a second chance. Catherine leaves for a few months to care for her sick mother. On her return, she is reunited with her half-sister Sarah, who moves to Ramsay Street. Catherine breaks up with Stonie and she is fired from the café, but is later re-hired as the manager when the Rebecchis leave town. Catherine begins a relationship with Malcolm Kennedy and finds a new job with the Wilderness Foundation. She asks Sarah to teach her how to drive, but they fall out and Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald) teaches her instead. Darren and Catherine share a kiss. When Mal finds out, he breaks up with Catherine and decides to leave the country to go travelling. Catherine chases after Mal and they reunite at the airport. They move to England, where they marry and Catherine gives birth to their daughter, Susannah. Mal and Catherine later separate when Mal admits that he wants to move back to Australia.

Tom Kennedy
Tom Kennedy, played by Bob Hornery, made his first appearance on 5 April 1996. Tom was a farmer and also a "staunch socialist". When he came to visit his son Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) in Erinsborough, Tom told him "in true soap style" that he was not his biological father. Anthony Hayward of The Guardian observed that the revelation "strained the father and son's already difficult relationship". When Neighbours returned to more family focused drama in 2007, Hornery reprised his role as Tom. Melinda Houston of The Age dubbed him a "dotty dad". In his final storyline, Tom was diagnosed with dementia and he moved into a care home.

When Tom's son, Karl and his wife Susan (Jackie Woodburne) spend some time in the country, they ask Tom to come to Erinsborough and keep an eye on their children; Malcolm (Benjamin McNair), Libby (Kym Valentine) and Billy (Jesse Spencer). Tom allows his grandchildren to throw a party they had been planning. When Karl and Susan return home, Tom stays for a few days to talk to Karl. He explains that he is not Karl's biological father, as he was infertile. His wife, Molly, had an affair with Ron Davies-Smythe (Tony Hawkins) to conceive Karl. Although angry that he was lied to, Karl makes up with Tom and tells him he will always be his father. Following a bad relationship break-up, Libby comes to Tom's farm to get away. Her friend, Drew Kirk (Dan Paris) follows her and Tom immediately likes him, as he is good with the animals. Tom suggests that Drew would make a better boyfriend for Libby. When Libby decides to return home, Tom comes with her. Tom and Billy are escorted home by the police after they sing "The Red Flag" at the pub. Tom tells Libby to go to the Oakey Rodeo with Drew, before going back to his farm. Months later a newly engaged Libby and Drew visit Tom.

Years later, Tom starts making phone calls to Karl at odd hours of the day and talking about events and people from the past. Tom's neighbours also contact Karl out of concern for him. Karl goes to the farm and realises it is in a state of disrepair and Tom appears to be suffering from dementia. Susan joins Karl to help out and Tom berates Karl for getting divorced. Tom's condition deteriorates and when he tries to start a fire in the living room, Karl realises he needs help. Tom moves into a nursing home. He later comes to stay with Karl and Susan, who have since remarried. He bonds with their step–son Zeke Kinski (Matthew Werkmeister), as he thinks Zeke is Karl. Tom nearly sets fire to the house when he leaves an electric kettle on the hob. Karl realises Tom needs full-time care and he applies for a place at a nursing home in Eden Hills. While they are waiting for a place to become available, Karl hires nurse Ian Phillips (Christopher Brown) to help out. Ian mistreats Tom, so Zeke installs a camera to catch him in the act. Ian is caught taking Susan's rings and he is fired and arrested. Tom organises a birthday party for Karl and shares some memories of how he and Molly organised a surprise 16th birthday party for Karl. Tom catches Karl recording his voice and tells him that he will always love him no matter what. Shortly after, Tom moves into the new nursing home and is visited by his family.

Rob Evans
Rob Evans, played by Graham Harvey, made his first appearance on 30 April 1996. The character was introduced as a new love interest for Joanna Hartman (Emma Harrison). Rob is a former member of the gym Joanna teaches in, and he offers her a job as his personal trainer when she loses her job. An Inside Soap writer noted that Rob was "one of Jo's keenest pupils" and described him as "handsome", "suave" and "wealthy and successful". Jo's friend Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve) is initally suspicious of Rob and thinks he is "an old sleaze", who wants more than a working relationship with Jo. However, Jo realises that Rob is lonely and the character's fictional backstory explains that he lost his family in a boating accident. Jo and Rob begin a relationship and soon get engaged. Harrison said, "It all happens very quickly, but Joanna is really drawn to Rob's energy and she thinks he's gorgeous. I think it's true love. She really does fall head over heels." Rachel Browne of The Sydney Morning Herald called it "a whirlwind romance". The couple marry in the episode broadcast on 21 June 1996.

Rob attends Joanna Hartman's aerobics classes until the gym decides to go women only. Jo protests the change and loses her job, but accepts Rob's offer to become his personal trainer. Over a meal, Rob tells Jo that his wife, Emily, and daughter, Lucy, died in a boating accident three years ago, so it is just him and his son, Conrad, at home now. After a training session, Rob invites Jo to lunch at his home and they get on well, until Jo sees a photo of Emily and leaves suddenly. Rob comes to see Jo, after she cancels their upcoming sessions, and she tells him that she think he only hired her because she resembles his late wife. Rob is initially offended, but they soon apologise to one another and agree to communicate better. Rob admits that he was unaware of the resemblance until she pointed it out. Jo invites her friends Sam Kratz and Marlene Kratz (Moya O'Sullivan) to meet Rob, but they are suspicious of him and what he does for a living.

Rob shows Jo around the Evans Foundation, a charity he set up after he sold his computer software company. Jo later tells Rob that she is in love with him, prompting him to propose and Jo accepts. When Jo raises the subject of having children together, Rob admits that he had a vasectomy. He visits Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) to ask about having it reversed, however, Karl informs him that there is only a slim chance of a reversal working and Rob gives Jo a chance to walk away from their engagement, but she tells him they have other options. Rob arranges for Jo's father Tarquin Hartman (Michael Carman) to be at the wedding and they marry in the grounds of Rob's house. Rob spends a lot of his time away on business, so Jo become a partner in local bar Chez Chez. Rob later invites her to accompany him overseas. At their farewell party, Rob turns down a business proposal from Steve George (Alex Dimitriades), realising that Steve only cares about money. He also warns him not to hurt Jo's friend Danni Stark (Eliza Szonert). A few months later, Jo returns to Erinsborough alone, having broken up with Rob while they were in Europe. Jo eventually contacts Rob, who sends her a first class ticket to London and she leaves to reconcile with him.

Steve George
Steve George, played by Alex Dimitriades, made his first appearance on 13 August 1996. Following several cast departures in early 1996, producers wanted to "pep up the show" and bring in "a big star" to increase ratings. Dimitriades had received good publicity for his roles in The Heartbreak Kid and Heartbreak High, and was popular in both Australia and the UK when he was cast. Malcolm Knox from The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the actor had signed on for six episodes as "an oleaginous house-seller" for Cheryl Stark (Caroline Gillmer). Knox said it was clear Steve was not meant to be liked, saying he had "a big head and a mouth full of sales bumf". He also reported that Steve would become a love interest for Cheryl's daughter, Danni Stark (Eliza Szonert). Knox did not think Dimitriades' appearance would "freshen" the serial up for long. Similarly, Andrea Jones from the same newspaper thought Dimitriades was cast "as part of Neighbours' continuing bid to recapture its golden era of teen popularity." She branded his character "a cocky, hot-shot real estate agent". Jones's colleague Rachel Browne called Steve "sleazy" for seducing Danni despite being married. Steve calls on Cheryl Stark to explain that he is from Erinsborough Commercial & Residential and will be selling Number 22 for her. Cheryl notices how young Steve is, but he assures her he is experienced and is the current Agent of the Year. Steve meets with Cheryl the following day to show her some photos of the house. He also meets her son Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald) and offers to mention Darren to the property manager at his office, who has been complaining about the handyman he uses. At the coffee shop, Steve greets Joanna Hartman (Emma Harrison) and reminds her they have met before. Jo introduces him to Hannah Martin (Rebecca Ritters), who explains that the council will not build a skate ramp because they have spent all the recreation budget money. Steve tells Hannah he will speak to his boss, who likes to invest in promotional ideas. Steve is immediately attracted to Cheryl's daughter Danni and he tries to persuade her to come out to dinner with him. She turns him down as she is dating Luke Handley (Bernard Curry).

Steve helps Danni with her shop renovations and he continues to flirt with her. Steve asks Danni to make him some clothes and organises a nightclub event for her to showcase her designs, which turns into a Masquerade Ball at Luke's suggestion. Cheryl complains to Steve that several items have gone missing from her house and he convinces her to let Danni stay there to keep an eye on prospective buyers. Steve lets himself into Number 22 and when he sees Danni sleeping on the sofa, he kisses her. She angrily tells him not to come in uninvited again and he apologises. Steve's presence causes Luke and Danni's relationship to suffer, and they later break-up due to Luke's jealousy. Steve sells Cheryl's house at auction, but for less than the asking price. Steve comes to Rob Evans (Graham Harvey) with a business proposition, but Rob refuses to have anything to do with him. Steve tells Danni he loves her and she responds when he kisses her. At the Masquerade Ball, Steve is confronted by his wife Tessa (Louise Miller). She tells Steve that their marriage is over and she and Danni walk off together, leaving him alone.

Sarah Beaumont
Sarah Beaumont, played by Nicola Charles, made her first appearance on 25 September 1996. Charles was cast in Neighbours shortly after she moved to Australia. The former model turned actress was excited to join the cast. The writers decided to incorporate Charles's English and Brazilian heritage into Sarah's background and personality. Sarah came to Erinsborough to "escape a tortured past." She had been engaged to Lord Steven Harrow (Stewart Morritt), but she jilted him and fled. Sarah is the daughter of Bess O'Brien (Diana McLean), and the half-sister of Catherine O'Brien (Radha Mitchell). One of the most notable storylines for the character saw her and Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) have a brief affair.

Ruth Wilkinson
Ruth Wilkinson, played by Ailsa Piper, made her first appearance on 3 October 1996. Piper was an established theatre actress, before she was cast in Neighbours. She was initially considered for the role of Susan Kennedy, before the part was given to Jackie Woodburne. Piper was later cast as Philip Martin's (Ian Rawlings) new love interest Ruth, a physiotherapist who is hired to care for his mother-in-law Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy). Philip initially finds her "tough and strict". Ruth is a single mother of twins Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby) and Anne Wilkinson (Brooke Satchwell), and the role allowed Piper to "portray the non-traditional family unit in a positive light." Of the similarities to her character, Piper commented that she and Ruth "share the same legs and the same quick temper."

Anne Wilkinson
Anne Wilkinson, played by Brooke Satchwell, made her first appearance on 19 November 1996. Satchwell received an audition for the role of Anne twelve months after signing on with an agent. Satchwell was fifteen when she was cast, and the role marked her first acting job, following appearances in commercials. Emily Milburn also auditioned for the role of Anne, before being cast as Caitlin Atkins. Anne is the teenage daughter of Ruth Wilkinson (Ailsa Piper), and twin sister of Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby). An Inside Soap writer described her as "headstrong with a unique sense of style". She quickly forms an on-off relationship with Billy Kennedy (Jesse Spencer), which was called a "rollercoaster romance" by Soaplife's Ellie Genower. The couple soon became popular with viewers. Satchwell won the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 1998 for her portrayal of Anne.