List of Neighbours characters (2023)

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).[1] 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".[1] 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".[1] 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."[2]

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, 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).[1] 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.[1] 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."[1] 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.[1]

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, 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).[1] 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".[1] 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.[1] In an introductory video posted via the official Neighbours Instagram page, Rukavina revealed that Remi works as a doctor.[3]

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.

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.[1] 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).[1] West was empowered by the Varga-Murphys representing the "beautiful LGBTQIA+ community" and Rukavina added that the family had formed a "special bond".[1] Neighbours executive producer, Jason Herbison expressed his delight about the Varga-Murphy's arrivals, which would create "many new stories to tell".[1]

Reece Sinclair, played by Mischa Barton, made her first appearance on 18 September 2023.[5] 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.[6] Reece is American and her arrival in town is "far from what it appears to be".[6] 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."[6] 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.[6] 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".[5]

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.

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.[7] Haz was introduced as the new manager of Harold's Café,[7] and has a dog called Trevor (Bodie).[8]

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.

• Characters and cast at the Official Neighbours website