Neighbours: A Guide to the Recasts

A look back at all the major Neighbours recasts over the years from Scott through to Ben.
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[@sycomac]

Love the iconic neighbours score in the background

[@actualbennett2245]

I loved Vikki Blanche as Julie Robinson. It was so good to have a young sticky beak in the show. I remember her commenting to Daphne, having been disturbed by Daphne's grandfather's parrot in the back yard: 'Some of us need our beauty sleep,' and Daphne's "sweet' reply: 'I'm sure you do!' Classic! Julie Mullins was a great progression for the character. Both excellent. When the second Julie piped up; 'Oh, Des Clarke's old place!' on meeting some newcomers when she returned, I totally bought her Julie. Great continuity there.

[@fruitopia6798]

Back in the 70s they went to such lengths to replace characters, they auditioned hundreds of actors to find somebody with identical looks and hair and voice, like as if nobody would notice that its a different actor. By the time Neighbours came along they only required an actor to human. If they were older, taller or completely different looking nobody cared. Same thing happens in Home and Away.

[@katec9893]

Neighbours was funny how it kept recasting the same characters with actors who looked, spoke and behaved nothing like the previous actor. It's almost like they did it deliberately to mess with the audience. I had no idea that the two Cody actresses were playing the same person, you're right they were like completely different characters.

[@Spider-ll5tr]

Loved Julie Mullins as Julie! Criminal that she was killed off 😔 she was the only reason I watched it back then. Where can we hear these old incidental themes uninterrupted? These tunes have always been memorable and just great. As always a good job! 😀

[@scottlucas8498]

One I didn't see here was Julie's husband, Philip Martin. In 1985 he was played by Chris Milne and then when they came back in 1992 he was played by Ian Rawlings (Wayne in Sons and Daughters) and was much better.

[@redd605]

I wonder , what going to happen to some of the cast ,we know about the ones having success in USA. I hope some appear in UK drama series, I know Emily Symons home and away was a success in Emmerdale for a lot of years, and Stefan Dennis was in Scotland river city.

[@Mitchcraft.]

Julie Martin what a character lol

[@shaunblake2215]

I also heard Leo Hancock was a recast although I had no idea the two were even the same character at the time

[@preachercaine]

It was the breathing, that was the problem with the original Toby

[@darrenmiles-morland8038]

There's one character on Neighbours who was re-cast that no-one has made mention of. What about Skye Bishop? She was originally played by Miranda Fryer around about 1990 when Fryer would have been about 3 years old. Skye came back on the show as a teenager, played by Stephanie MacIntosh. Miranda Fryer died in January 2022, aged 34.

[@monsieurmitosis]

I’ve been friends with Ben Guerens my whole life, and it was actually him that told me that the character of Jim Robinson was played by someone else before Alan Dale. I mean, I’m 99% sure that’s what he said. It was a long time ago, I don’t know why I even remember that conversation.

[@scottlucas8498]

Ben is right. Robin Harrison was originally cast in the role but negotiations fell through so they recast Alan Dale and he re-filmed all the scenes Robin was in so we never actually saw him. He actually did come back and play Bob Landers in 1989, Todd and Katie's Dad.

[@annemariestones3984]

@@scottlucas8498 Very interesting...🙂

[@SkeeterUK]

great vid it brings back alot of memories.

[@Bigdeano75]

Bouncer was the best actor on the show.

[@darryllharden9141]

Kylie Flinker what a cool name!.And I also remember Sasha Close as well.

[@Hulk2k6]

Lucy was ridiculous. She goes to France 11 for 10wks and comes home 13 and 2ft taller!

[@NeilbHartley]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSbZn6OlN-ffsU

[@annach7914]

😂😂

[@CadyCTSlover]

Great to see these Neighbours Tube-style videos again!

[@VixaFix]

Really enjoyed this, thank you!

[@NeighboursTube]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@matthewsmith1547]

Libby was probably the reason I watched neighbours, Kim valentine was so watchable and likeable. I’m glad Michaela wasn’t a permanent replacement. Recasting really does interrupt the flow.

[@louisestirton]

Hi Joe it`s great you`re back no surprise who my favourite recast is it`s obviously Jason Donovan as Scott Robinson it was a genius recast Jason made the roll of Scott one of the most iconic Neighbours characters Ever i`ve been a DonoFan ever since

[@NeighboursTube]

Ha yeah I did think of you when I was talking about Scott!

[@hannahs399]

Great video thanks 😊

[@pricey6177]

Can’t believe the guy from Beauty and the Beast was the kid from Neighbours! Wtf.

[@misssiddle5023]

I remember when Sarah, the first Lauren, got wound up in a cult, the children of Babarus.

[@paulamurphy3175]

I like the original pierce

[@oliverstrahle]

I never understood why Summer 2.0 *was* Summer. She could very easily have been a niece or nephew of Lyn - her being a Hoyland served no storyline purpose, it meant changing her age (meaning she went from being older than Zeke to being younger than Zeke), and it meant she was living in #26 on a very flimsy link. It also would have made Lyn's references to 'us Scully women' less non-sensical.

[@hannahs399]

Very good point at times it looked like Lyn had more of a bond with summer than her own daughters 😀

[@seanadamson280]

Dude you really love neighbours ❤️

[@teleaddict23]

Where do you get that background music from? 80s/early 90s definitely had the best music. Those tunes were actual masterpieces, I think they were all made by the same composer.

[@tjfSIM]

I'd forgotten about most of these! I completely agree with the Cody recast, I remember at the time thinking it was ludicrous and clearly a completely different person in every possible way. The second Cody was quite tomboyish if I remember, with a raspy voice, and she looked completely different. I never really understand why they bother with recasts to be honest, it seems much better just to write the character out, or just avoid having them in scenes for a bit until you can work something out. Having a different actor playing the role just throws people off completely.

[@MarkWhich]

Worse and most unnecessary recast ever.

[@antmann9123]

She came back younger than she should have been As well

[@ell_5.456]

Hi! good video there was a recast you had forgotten which was Elly Conway she appeared in the late 90s or early 2000s? I can’t remember who played her originally I think it was Kendell Nunn but Jodi Gordon/Anasta will always be Elly for me 🤣 being called Elly myself too hah

[@scottlucas8498]

I wasn't watching when Kendell Nunn played her but I hated Elly when she came back. I like Jodi as an actress, but the character was terrible - sleeping around, lying and cheating, you name it. And I hear she's coming back for the finale - what a pity. Again, great actress, awful character with next to no morals.

[@BenRai2k]

Cody 2 was WAY better than the original Cody. Amelia was a young kid with quite stifled acting, Peta bought Cody to life and did a lot of improvised actng.

[@Kraftymark]

this is bloody amazing

[@CJPDeQueen]

So that's Philip Martin and Elly Conway that I can remember as being recasts said in previous comments. I like both Scott but yeah I prefer Jason's one more. Also the same with all 3 Lucy but again lean towards Melissa's because she's been in the role the longest. For the two Beverly, I preferred Lisa's version but was fine with both. Like the second Toby. Obviously it's Scott's Brad I like the best but I had no issue with Kit's version. I do blame the writers as Kit's was more memorable in H&A I agree with the Julie recast and thought they were both good but obviously Julie's is the best because again she was on there the longest Like both of the Cody and don't really have a preference. Obviously there's only one Cheryl but Colette did fine. I only got to like Darren when Todd took over the role. Didn't realise that there were two Jacks so clearly prefer Jay's version. I thought both of the Lollies were fine. And I agree about the situation with the recasting of Libby and enough how she portrayed Libby in Kim's absent. Clearly I must have wipe out of my memory that there was two Declans because it came to me how I didn't like the character when Eric took over from James. Obviously for me Felix did a great job as Ben although the second version was kind of cute and adorable. While I do think in terms of the acting and making the character of Julie feel like natural and organic from the first to the second, the impact of the first Scott to the second is much greater and more memorable.

[@TF80s]

I thought the original Robinson family from the network 7 days were the best.

[@NeilbHartley]

Noticed how they changed personalities. Helen was posh and Jim was everyone's dad and best mate. The come TEN Jim had turned in to a sanctimonious arse

[@TF80s]

where did you get the background music?

[@paulmason6474]

There seems to be problems with the mic- were you too close?

[@missperezr]

Could you please let me know where I can get the background music you have used for this video please?

[@TF80s]

a few comments asking about that but he hasn't answered any of them :(

[@TrottersPad]

There were two Philip Martins.

[@NeilbHartley]

and 3 debbie Martins - Katrina McEwan Mandy Storvich and Marnie Reece Wilmore. Also 2 Michael's Samuel Hammington and Troy Beckwith. And Two Loretta Martins (Michael and Debbie's mum) Lyn Semlar and Jane Bayley

[@TheJmusic1]

Was Shane Rebecchi in briefly in the 90s?

[@rick182z]

yes

[@Texy88]

I was also not keen on Erin Mullaly’s portrayal of Declan Napier. Erin had this sort of evil glare-type look on his face that I felt did not sit well with the character, and had no chemistry with Ashleigh Brewer (who played Kate Ramsay, whom I believe was Declan’s love interest at the time of James Sorensen’s departure and Erin taking over from him).

[@kieraingeaney6437]

Shaunna O’Grady is my Bev

[@startracker5895]

Annoying thing about Cody 2 was that she never mentioned her dead ex boyfriend Todd. Who she was crazy about when she was played by Cody 1. So that pissed me off! I agree about Julie being the best recast. Though the first one was good the second one was more likeable and humorous at times.

[@TF80s]

there was one scene that she mentioned him in but very briefly. I think it was to Michael Martin.

[@barihope]

I liked Cody no.1 best

[@jamesmurphy1632]

Where can you find all the old Neighbours background music?

[@NeilbHartley]

kzbin.infovideos

[@d.lhudson3875]

Cody 2.0 was good! Sad when she died

[@barihope]

I liiked brad no2. Him n beth were a good couple..

[@tobermory88]

Where are you watching the old episodes?

[@peteiswriteingnow]

A very good summery of parts played by different people, iv watched it from the start shows my age, agree the last Brad was boring compared to the 1st, and the 1st Julie Robinson was best like her brother she was a nasty so and so. My favorite characters in the show were the great Helen and Beth, and who can forget Lou Carpenter.

[@iwantagoodnameplease]

I definitely think it was Kip Gamblin's fault. ps: You need a pop-shield :) Or possibly less gain to avoid the clipping on the pop.

[@NeighboursTube]

Already on the way but thanks for the tip!

[@scottlucas8498]

I think it was the writing because I've seen Kip in other roles and he is a great actor. They made him whiny and boring whereas Scott Michaelson's Brad was just dumb and stupid. Liked Kip best. And I hadn't realised that Benjamin Mitchell played him first. I know when he played Cameron he'd just been on the woman cop show Skirts where he was great with Tracy Mann.

[@Hulk2k6]

Jack Scully 2 and Declan 2 were tragic. I'm just glad Declan completed High School before the recast because Erin Mullaly just wouldn't look right in the school uniform. While Jack 1 was a plot device, he was marginally less wooden/annoying than his replacement plus he looked more a fit for the Scully family.

[@SimsMoyal]

They should have just recast Daphne instead of killing her

[@annach7914]

Nope, it wouldn’t have been the same. Though, yes, i wish Elaine Smith didn’t wish to leave neighbours:)

[@jamesmurphy1632]

What was the goss on Julie Mullins leaving??

[@stephenduggins6767]

Apparently she wanted to leave but said she would be up for returning at a later date but the producers thought it wouldn't make sense that she'd up and leave her family so they killed her off 😥

[@NeilbHartley]

@@stephenduggins6767 She has stated herself that she only wanted to do 3 years max and not be seduced by the security and pay

[@SkeeterUK]

wonder if ull do a home and away recast vid, i remember a few like irean was played by a different actress at first then a 2nd one that most know now, pippa has had 2 or 3 recasts i think.

[@Highlands73]

Cheryl 2 is Doreen from prisoner cell block h haha

[@rculver9056]

The original was also in Prisoner

[@jamesbeech1291]

All the Martians were recast apart from Hannah as she wasn’t born in 85. I’m not sure but I think Helen Daniel’s sister was recast from a posh blond to the red heard ex prisoner cell block H villainess prisoner. And of course Bob landers Todd’s Dad was recast from a a white bearded man to a younger villain who ended up holding Tods girlfriend hostage. That’s all I recall

[@Ronald_Custard]

The Martians???

[@jamesbeech1291]

@@Ronald_Custard yes Philip, Michael and Debbie Martian were in the original Network 7 Neighbours episodes in the last month with the original Julie dating him. They were all off our screens when Network 10 brought back Neighbours, but the recasting didn’t happen until 1992/93

[@Ronald_Custard]

@@jamesbeech1291 I think you mean the Martins not the Martians as they are not from Mars

[@jamesbeech1291]

@@Ronald_Custard a bad habit I have for all the people who are called Martin my opportunity to publicly apologise

[@Ronald_Custard]

@@jamesbeech1291 Good on you sir bravo for publicly owning up to your misdeeds 👍👍👍

[@Craigy2818]

James Sorensen is Declan Napier. The replacement was terrible. He's now a Dr. of Science and a tutor but doesn't have social media.

[@chellybabi1]

Tom Mcdonald as Darren was my crush.....

[@jonathansmith546]

Blank robotic void🤣🤣🤣

[@musefan12345]

great summary but dude, get yourself a pop filter for your mic

[@eshubbard1]

Elly Conway?

[@NeighboursTube]

Ah damn it! I was wondering how long it would take for someone to point this out in the comments- well spotted! In short, Kendell Nunn was awful and Jodi was much better even if I didn't like Elly that much. Do feel bad for forgetting her though!

[@Jenzzyuk]

If I remember correctly Steph was played by someone else before Carla played her

[@NeilbHartley]

Yeah it was Emma Roche and she is seen driving the car up ramsay street when the scullys first arrive

[@Jenzzyuk]

@@NeilbHartley I wonder what happened, for the recast?

[@NeilbHartley]

@@Jenzzyuk She filmed for just over a fortnight and apparently she couldn't keep up with the pace of filming

[@Jenzzyuk]

@@NeilbHartley that is very strange

[@hey_its_emz6711]

Declan #2 was so bad. I loved Declan #1. An absolute tragedy of a recast.

[@NeighboursTube]

AGREED!

[@blairchristie910]

Sasha close was the best version of Lucy

[@NeilbHartley]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSbZn6OlN-ffsU

[@GetRekt-bw6pu]

I disagree

[@blairchristie910]

@@GetRekt-bw6pu why because she didn't flaunt her chest like the dog Melissa bell? Sasha was the longest running lucy and it should have stayed that way

[@blairchristie910]

@@GetRekt-bw6pu Sasha has been in acting all her life from primary school to university she's had stage and tv experience even on movies she could act whereas Melissa bell was terrible at doing her lines on neighbours it was so like watching grange hill it was that bad. Even on the last episode she was shameful

[@stitchgroover]

Oh my god, I hated Fake-lan so much! He had no personality other than being a foil for Paul Robinson.

[@NeighboursTube]

Agreed!

[@richallenxbox1976]

I actually preferred the original Cody Willis, she was better looking than the second one IMO. I also felt sorry for Phil Martin, fancy being married to the annoying Julie woman, nag nag nag that's all she ever did.

[@hyper2high]

Such a pity they never recast Jason Donovans hair🤡

[@em6933]

I was so annoyed by Declan’s recast I stopped watching for 10 years Lol

[@stephenedwards1278]

Jesus Christ !! SLOW IT DOWN !! Narrator is way too quiet and speaking too quickly. Get rid of the music too as it's drowning out what he's saying. I got a Headache now trying to follow what he said !! 🤪

[@emmadeal1105]

Does the narrator ever take a breath...terrible to listen to!!

[@annemariestones3984]

It's a bit like watching someone commentating on a horse race isn't it? Very fast!

[@SimsMoyal]

Why are you talking so fast? Its so hard to understand

[@helpstopanimalabuse8153]

I have watched neighbours on & off since it's inception. For a long, long time & it centered around family values with endless bar-b-q's, dinners, street lunches etc (Quite boring to watch). Since a couple years ago the story lines changed incredily with gay marriages,three persons relationships, trans gender people etc. Did these changers eventually kill neighbours for good ?

[@scottlucas8498]

I think all these changes which were really preachy are what has killed it off. Having said that, if not for the UK it probably would have been axed back in the late 90s. I stopped watching when they brought in the Scully and stupid Timmins families. Saw bits on and off in between, but couldn't get interested and then came back when the Turner and Willis families came. Have nearly stopped watching again late last year but the axe was announced and I knew they'd finish well so have stayed to the end. Can't wait for this final week.