List of Neighbours characters (2023)

Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and will be airing on streaming service Amazon Freevee. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show in 2023, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's executive producer Jason Herbison.

JJ Varga-Murphy

JJ Varga-Murphy
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Riley Bryant
First appearance	18 September 2023 (2023-09-18)
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Jason Herbison
In-universe information Occupation Student Mother Cara Varga-Murphy Remi Varga-Murphy Brothers Dex Varga-Murphy

JJ Varga-Murphy, played by Riley Bryant, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. JJ is part of a new family being introduced called the Varga-Murphys. Joining him are his parents Cara (Sara West) and Remi (Naomi Rukavina), with the addition of his brother, Dex (Marley Williams). Rukavina revealed that the Varga-Murphys had formed a "special bond" both on and off screen, while West was happy the family would represent the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community". The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison, expressed his delight about the introduction of the Varga-Murphy's, which would generate "many new stories to tell". It was later revealed in an interview to Digital Spy that JJ would be searching for his biological father. West explained, "JJ has found out some information. They've all come to Ramsay Street for a holiday, but JJ wants to know more about his biological dad. That leads the family to Ramsay Street, because JJ thinks he lives there."

JJ drives into Ramsay Street with his family after recommending renting 24 Ramsay Street. He meets Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) and Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan), as well as the latter's father, Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will). JJ later reveals to Dex that he recommended Ramsay Street as he believes that Andrew is his biological father, rather than an American donor as his mum, Cara, claims.

Cara Varga-Murphy

Cara Varga-Murphy
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Sara West
First appearance	18 September 2023 (2023-09-18)
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Jason Herbison
In-universe information Occupation Carpenter Wife Remi Varga-Murphy Sons JJ Varga-Murphy Dex Varga-Murphy

Cara Varga-Murphy, played by Sara West, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. West's character and casting details were announced on 22 June 2023. Cara is part of a new family being introduced called the Varga-Murphy's. Joining Cara is her wife Remi (Naomi Rukavina) and their children JJ (Riley Bryant) and Dex (Marley Williams). West stated that she was "honoured" to join the cast and "looking forward" to introducing the Varga-Murphy family. She also hoped the inclusion of the family, fronted by a lesbian couple would "help better reflect the beautiful LGBTQIA+ community" that she proudly comes from. Describing her character, West revealed "Cara has a bold, impassioned love for her family and I love that her intentions have, so far, always been good." The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison revealed that he thought it was appropriate that a new chapter of Neighbours included the arrival of a new family.

Cara and her family drive into Ramsay Street. She and Remi Varga-Murphy discuss plans to build a new house, however she remains unemployed until Remi convinces Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to give her a job at Lassiter's Hotel.

Remi Varga-Murphy

Remi Varga-Murphy
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Naomi Rukavina
First appearance	18 September 2023 (2023-09-18)
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Jason Herbison
In-universe information Occupation Doctor Wife Cara Varga-Murphy Sons JJ Varga-Murphy Dex Varga-Murphy

Remi Varga-Murphy, played by Naomi Rukavina, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. Rukavina's character and casting details were announced on 22 June 2023. Remi is part of a new family being introduced called the Varga-Murphy's. Joining Remi is her wife Cara (Sara West) and their children JJ (Riley Bryant) and Dex (Marley Williams). Rukavina stated that she was "thrilled" to join the cast and praised Neighbours for being willing to portray diverse families without a "tokenistic" approach. She added that her prior filming in the role had "been a great adventure" and the Varga-Murphy's have a "special bond". The show's executive producer, Jason Herbison revealed that he thought it was appropriate that a new chapter of Neighbours included the arrival of a new family. In an introductory video posted via the official Neighbours Instagram page, Rukavina revealed that Remi works as a doctor.

Remi and her family drive into Ramsay Street. She meets the neighbours and then helps Mary Ryan (Carissa McPherson) when she chokes, which allows Remi to introduce herself to Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) as a nurse. When Remi realises that Cara Varga-Murphy is struggling to find employment, she approaches Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) and convinces him to give Cara a job at Lassiter's Hotel.

Dex Varga-Murphy

Dex Varga-Murphy
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Marley Williams
First appearance	18 September 2023 (2023-09-18)
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Jason Herbison
In-universe information Occupation Student Mother Cara Varga-Murphy Remi Varga-Murphy Brothers JJ Varga-Murphy

Dexter "Dex" Varga-Murphy, played by Marley Williams, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. Williams' character and casting details were announced alongside the other Varga-Murphys on 22 June 2023. Dex is Williams' first television role. Dex is part of a new family being introduced called the Varga-Murphys. Joining him are his parents Cara (Sara West) and Remi (Naomi Rukavina), with the addition of his brother JJ (Riley Bryant). West was empowered by the Varga-Murphys representing the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community" and Rukavina added that the family had formed a "special bond". Neighbours executive producer, Jason Herbison expressed his delight about the Varga-Murphy's arrivals, which would create "many new stories to tell".

Reece Sinclair

Reece Sinclair
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Mischa Barton
First appearance	18 September 2023 (2023-09-18)
Classification	Present; recurring
Introduced by	Jason Herbison
In-universe information Occupation Investor in Lassiters Hotel Father Conrad Sinclair Half-sisters Christa Sinclair

Reece Sinclair, played by Mischa Barton, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023. The character and Barton's casting details were announced on 17 April 2023. Reece is the first new character to be announced following the revival of the serial. Reece is American and her arrival in town is "far from what it appears to be". Of her casting, Barton stated: "I'm excited to be part of this iconic show's next chapter, and I'm really looking forward to being back in Australia, a place I know and love! I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with." Executive producer Jason Herbison described Reece as "dynamic and unpredictable" and believed the show's viewers in Australia and around the world would love her. Barton later admitted that she had never watched the show, but she was familiar with it thanks to Kylie Minogue (who played Charlene Robinson). She also revealed that producers approached her about the role of Reece, and she thought the character was "a very good fit".

Reece stands at the reception of Lassiters Hotel and is ignored by employee Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong Hall). Owner Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) apologises to Reece and warns Holly, before asking Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux) to help take bags to Reece's room. In the lift, Reece seduces Byron and they later have sex in her room. Holly later goes into Reece's room and uses her perfume. In the lobby, Reece recognises her perfume on her and accuses her of stealing her belongings. Byron later discovers that Reece's actual last name is Sinclair and says that their affair must discontinue. Lucy Robinson (Melissa Bell) recognises that Reece is a Sinclair and explains to Paul that her family is the new silent American investor in the hotel. They take Reece on a tour of Lassiters, but when Reece sees Holly, she expresses her anger at her, before firing her. When Reece discovers that Paul has used Holly to help set up drinks despite her being unemployed, she yells at Paul. Holly apologises to Reece, who then gives Holly her job back.

Reece and Byron's relationship is reignited. Reece begins snooping through the Lassiters lost property and finds a Sun necklace that matches her moon necklace. She then pretends to be doing some marketing research and asks for information on a list of guests. Tess Carimichael (Anica Calida) visits Reece and tells her that she is working too slowly, before Reece reveals to Byron that she has come to Erinsborough to find her sister, Christa.

Haz Devkar

Haz Devkar
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Shiv Palekar
First appearance	18 September 2023 (2023-09-18)
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Jason Herbison
In-universe information Occupation Manager of Harold's Café

Hari "Haz" Devkar, played by Shiv Palekar, made his first appearance on 18 September 2023. Palekar's character and casting details were announced on 7 June 2023 via the serial's social media accounts. Haz was introduced as the new manager of Harold's Café, and has a dog called Trevor (Bodie).

Before his first on-screen appearance, Haz moved to Erinsborough to take over the lease of Harold's, and answered a housemate wanted ad placed by Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) for 32 Ramsay Street. Haz attends Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) and Terese Willis' (Rebekah Elmaloglou) wedding as Mackenzie's date. Although he likes her, Haz tells Sadie Rodwell (Emerald Chan) that it would be too complicated to date her, so he joins an online dating app. Haz hides his dog, Trevor, in the Harold's kitchen, before meeting Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) and discussing the history of the café.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
20 September–	Trevor	Bodie	Haz Devkar's rescue dog, who he brings into work at Harold's Café, despite health and safety regulations. Trevor chews on and destroys Mackenzie Hargreaves' pillows, which were bought for her by Sadie Rodwell.
21 September	Mary Ryan	Carissa McPherson	A lady who is helped by Remi Varga-Murphy and Karl Kennedy when she begins to choke on her food whilst having dinner in The Waterhole.
2–31 October	Billie Alessio	Georgia Walters	A lady who Haz Devkar takes home after meeting her through an online dating app. They begin dating and go to the beach together. Billie's jumper is chewed by Haz's dog, Trevor, and when Billie asks Haz who he would save in the event of a fire, Haz reveals that he would rescue Trevor before Billie. After Billie locks Trevor out of the house, she breaks up with Haz.
12 October	Noah Dawes	Zane Ciarma	A school boy who bullies Dex Varga-Murphy for his family orientation. He is later caught by principal Jane Harris and receives a three-day suspension.
	Pete Dawes	Gabriel Egan	Noah Dawes' father, who apologises to school principal Jane Harris on his son's behalf. He explains that he thinks his punishment is too harsh and later sends an email threatening to reduce the school's attendance.
	Monique Fallon	Lily Mooney	A woman who Reece Sinclair recognises from a distance..
16 October–	Eden Shaw	Costa D'Angelo	Holly Hoyland's ex-boyfriend, who meets Mackenzie Hargreaves in The Waterhole and flirts with her. Eden then receives a job at Yorokobi Winery. Eden meets Mackenzie's friends, but when he sees Holly, he flees and runs back into the winery, where he steals Mackenzie's rings and her friends' bags. Holly and Haz Devkar go to an address they believe Eden is staying at and they find all the stolen belongings except the rings, before Eden locks Holly in the shed, punches Haz in the eye and escapes before the police arrive.
18 October	Sandy Phillips	Juliana Begue	A Lassiter's Hotel housekeeper, who sorts through the lost property with Katrina Marshall.
23 October	Garrett Wilkins	Scott Reid	A man who attends a tour of Erinsborough High School.
	Antonia Hammond	Katie Weston	A woman who attends a tour of Erinsborough High School.
	James Douglas	Andy Steuart	Terese Willis' architect, who tours Erinsborough High School, a proposed development location.
23 October–	Tess Carmichael	Anica Calida	The manager of the Sinclair group, the main investors in Lassiter's, who knocks on Reece Sinclair's hotel room. She tells Reece that she has been completing her task of finding her sister too slowly and that she will be keeping an eye on her. Tess later has dinner with the Lassiter's owner, Paul Robinson, who tells Tess that Reece is remaining in Erinsborough because she is dating Byron Stone, who is an ex-escort. Tess then tells Reece that her father, Conrad, has ordered her to return home.
25 October	Tina Marin	Paris Valentino	A worker at the Lassiter's Hotel Dayspa, who gives Reece Sinclair information about some guests who booked massages. Tina later tells Byron Stone that Reece paid her a visit.
	Penny Shrewster	Jessica Husband	A Lassiter's Hotel worker, who gives Reece Sinclair information on some guests.
1 November	Hudson Greene	Nikita Chronis	A mechanic who tells Reece Sinclair and Byron Stone that he sold a car to Theo Kaloudis .
	Theo Kaloudis	Lawrence Hawkins	An Erinsborough High School student, who sees Reece Sinclair and Byron Stone leaning against his car. Reece explains that her missing sister, Christa, used to own the car. She then buys it off him for $5000.

External links

• Characters and cast at the Official Neighbours website