User:JuneGloom07/Episode 8904

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Casting
On 5 May 2018, it was announced that singer Bonnie Anderson had joined the main cast of Neighbours as Beatrix "Bea" Nilsson, the estranged half-sister of Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta). Fiona Bryne of the Herald Sun reported that Anderson had been given a two year contract with the show, which marked her first major acting role. The serial's executive producer Jason Herbison said the character of Bea was created especially for Anderson, after she impressed producers when she met with them. He called her "a true talent and a perfect fit for Neighbours." Anderson later revealed that she had auditioned for the show a number of times, while April Rose Pengilly confirmed that Anderson originally auditioned for her character Chloe Brennan, before producers wrote the role of Bea for her. Of her casting, Anderson stated "I do pinch myself, this is an amazing job to have, even though I started filming in February, it still feels surreal being on set, seeing how it all happens and being a part of it." Anderson made her debut appearance as Bea on 18 May 2018.

Development
Upon her introduction, it emerges that Bea and Elly have been estranged for some time. Megan Davies of Digital Spy said the sisters have "a tempestuous history", and Elly worries that Bea will turn her life upside down, especially as she has "a dark past". Bea is also the niece of Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). Anderson was excited about being part of the Kennedy family, saying "to be playing Susan Kennedy's niece is pretty amazing."

Anderson thought the early positive response to Bea was interesting because her initial scenes had her acting "very guarded, and quite bitchy". Anderson thought Bea's behaviour was understandable because life had been tough for her, explaining: "She's been homeless for five years, and she's always felt like an outsider. She has so much envy towards her sister Elly." Anderson hoped that Bea would be able to rebuild her relationship with Elly, and pointed out that they were sisters and they did love each other. She told Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap that what happened between them would make more sense upon the introduction of their mother.

Producers decided to incorporate Anderson's singing career into the show, starting with Bea performing at a local Christmas carol concert in December 2018. Anderson confirmed that producers had not planned for her character to be singing in the show, and she herself wanted her music and acting careers separated at the beginning. She believed the development had been "quite organic", as Bea was shown to be a songwriter with a singing background, instead of emerging as a "superstar" overnight. Anderson admitted that she did not realise how big the Christmas episode would be until an editor allowed her to watch it back. She told Kilkelly: "This is Bea's big moment where she shows her voice after hiding it away for so long. It was really nice to see it come to life and how they put it all together. I'm forever grateful to be part of such a beautiful episode for Christmas Day."

Anderson later released a single "Sorry" via Bea's storyline. She received immediate comparisons to Delta Goodrem, who also launched her early singles during her time playing Nina Tucker in the serial. Of the single, Anderson stated "I wrote this song two years ago. It is probably my favourite song that I've written and I feel like I'm really putting myself out there in an authentic way. It takes time to understand yourself and to have the confidence to just be you."

Departure and returns
On 21 February 2021, Fiona Byrne of the Herald Sun confirmed Anderson's departure from Neighbours. Anderson chose to leave so she could concentrate on her music career. She stated "I was like a pig in mud at that place. Neighbours really changed my life for the better in so, so many ways. I feel like at the age I was, 23, when I joined the show it has really shaped me into the person that I am today. I have overcome a lot, I have grown and I am proud of the way I live my life. It was really good to have that structure and now after 3½ years on that show I have decided it is time for me to continue challenging myself and create space to focus on my music and songwriting and more acting." Anderson later explained that her decision to leave Neighbours was "a little bit difficult", but she felt that it was right, as she wanted to be able to challenge herself and she had "ticked off all the boxes" she could with the show. She reiterated her intention to focus on her music career, but she also wanted to pursue new acting roles.

Anderson did not get a say in how her character exits the serial, but she admitted that she had wanted something dramatic, like "a real big death". Anderson filmed her final scenes in early March 2021, and Bea departed in the episode broadcast on 24 May 2021. Scenes showed a newly single Bea decide to leave Erinsborough and go on a road trip. The episode also marked the departure of Sheila Canning (Shareena Clanton), who, having befriended Bea, joins her on the trip. Bea shares "heartfelt farewells" with Karl, Susan, Ned, and Yashvi before she and Sheila drive out of the street, while she leaves Levi "an emotional letter". A year later, Joe Anderton of Digital Spy reported that Anderson had agreed to reprise her role for the show's finale, following the news that Neighbours had been cancelled. Anderton confirmed that Bea was returning to reunite with Elly. Following the renewal of the show, Anderson returned as part of the show's flashback episodes in November 2023, which explores what happened in the two years after the then-finale.

Reception
For her portrayal of Bea, Anderson received a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2019.