- Charlene Robinson
-
Charlene Robinson 
Charlene, played by Kylie Minogue, on her wedding day Neighbours character Portrayed by Kylie Minogue Created by Reg Watson Introduced by Reg Watson Duration 1986–88 First appearance 17 April 1986 Last appearance 26 July 1988 Classification Former, regular Profile Date of birth 21 October 1969 Home Brisbane Occupation Student (1986)
MechanicFamily Husband Scott Robinson (1987—) Father Fred Mitchell Mother Madge Mitchell Stepfather Harold Bishop Brothers Henry Ramsay Half brothers Sam Cole Sons Daniel Robinson Daughters Madison Robinson Grandfathers Dan Ramsay Grandmothers Edna Ramsay Uncles Max Ramsay
Tom RamsayCousins Shane Ramsay
Danny Ramsay
Moira Ramsay
Gemma Ramsay
Jill RamsayCharlene Edna Robinson (née Mitchell) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours played by Kylie Minogue. She made her first on-screen appearance on 17 April 1986 when she came to join her mother Madge in Ramsay Street. Charlene was a tomboy and later worked as a Mechanic. Her storylines included her romance with Scott Robinson, trying to launch a singing career, bringing her half-brother home and her wedding, which was watched by 20 million viewers in the UK. Minogue decided to leave Neighbours in 1988 to pursue a music career. After accepting an apprenticeship in Brisbane, Charlene departed on 26 July 1988. During her time on the show, Minogue won four Logie Awards for her portrayal of Charlene. In May 2010, Minogue mentioned in an interview that she would like to make a brief return to Neighbours.
Contents
Character development
Casting
When Neighbours began airing on Network Ten in 1986, it initially attracted low ratings and Ten began working hard to publicise the series.[1][2] They revamped the show and added several new, younger cast members including Minogue who joined the show in April.[3] Minogue had starred in children's dramas Skyways, alongside Jason Donovan, and The Henderson Kids before she successfully auditioned for the role Charlene.[4][5] Minogue was signed for Neighbours for one week, she was then offered a 12 week contract and later a contract through to mid-1988.[6][7]
Minogue ventured into music during her time on the show, and in 1988 after filming the movie The Delinquents, Minogue decided to leave Neighbours to concentrate on her music career.[8] In 2005, Neighbours celebrated its 20th Anniversary and it was reported that Minogue had been invited to film a cameo in the special 20th anniversary episode.[9] It was further reported that while Minogue was willing to film an appearance as Charlene, the producers had rejected her offer.[9] However, in a statement from Grundy Television, the producers claimed that they had made "every effort to accommodate Minogue" and that their offer was declined.[9]
In May 2010, Minogue pondered a return to Neighbours during an interview with The Sun newspaper.[10] Minogue said "The other day I thought how much fun it would be to do it after years of saying never". She added "I've decided how it would work. Charlene would screech up the drive in her souped-up Mini which she's been working on all the time".[10] Following the interview, executive producer, Susan Bower announced that Minogue is welcome to make a return to the show.[11] In a statement, Bower said "Kylie can arrive in a Mini, in a hot-air balloon or even parachute, anyway she desires, we would welcome her with open arms".[11]
Characterisation
Charlene was described as being a "girl-next-door" and "every man's dream mechanic".[12] She was often known for wearing her trademark dungarees with her hair set in a perm. The Daily Mail said this look "launched her into the public eye".[13][14] The Independent said Minogue's "elfin prettiness" won Charlene a huge following in Australia and Britain.[5] In the book "Neighbours: The first 10 years", Charlene is described in detail, they say she has a feisty side, which was part of her popularity.[15] She is a self-described "tomboy" and prefers to be called "Lenny", she isn't afraid to confront people as she has a sharp tongue, she always is seen wearing her khaki overalls.[15] Minogue described her character as an "average teenager growing up, having difficulties with her mother". She added that Charlene is "a bit of a rebel" and an outspoken tomboy.[6]
Storylines
Background
Charlene Mitchell was born in Coffs Harbour to Fred (Nick Waters) and Madge Mitchell (Anne Charleston) in 1969 and she is the younger sister of Henry (Craig McLachlan). Charlene grew up into a rebellious tomboy who was the apple of her father's eye. Charlene often visited her uncle Max Ramsay (Francis Bell) and his family in Erinsborough and she became friends Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan). Charlene lost her virginity to her boyfriend Greg Davis (Alex Papps) and she fell pregnant, but Charlene made the decision to have an abortion. Her parents divorced after Fred had an affair with a younger woman, Susan Cole (Gloria Ajenstat), and Madge decided to move to Ramsay Street. Charlene stayed behind in Coff's Harbour, but when she and her father began to fight, she decided to move to Erinsborough.
1986–88
On her arrival in Ramsay Street, Charlene found no one at home and she decided to climb through a window. Scott Robinson mistook her for a robber and tried to stop her and Charlene punched him.[3] Once Scott realised his mistake, he and Charlene remembered their mutual attraction towards each other. Charlene then moved in with Madge at No.24 and she and Scott began dating. As their relationship continued, Scott put pressure on Charlene to have sex with him and when she agreed, they booked a room at Lassiter's hotel. Charlene then decided to tell Scott about her first sexual relationship with Greg back home. Scott was upset that it wasn't going to be Charlene's first time and left the hotel, leaving Charlene upset. After he talked through his problems with his older brother, Paul (Stefan Dennis), Scott apologised to Charlene.
When Charlene came home with a newborn baby, she claimed it was hers. Madge was shocked and hurt that Charlene had hid the pregnancy from her and so was Scott. Madge then got used to the idea of being a grandmother, however, Charlene revealed that the baby, Sam, was actually her half-brother. Charlene had agreed to care for the baby, after Fred walked out on Susan. Madge felt sorry for Susan and Sam and invited them to live with her and Charlene. Scott and Mike Young (Guy Pearce) decided to record a music demo to send to various record producers and Scott asked Charlene to do backing vocals. Scott wasn't happy when the record producer, Molly Meldrum arrived in Ramsay Street looking to sign Charlene. Charlene agreed to go and see if she liked the recording industry, but when she got to the studios she realised she wasn't interested and decided to complete Year 12 instead. Scott later came to realise that he had been jealous of Charlene's talent and apologized to her.
During a split from Scott, Charlene began dating Warren Murphy (Ben Mendelsohn). Charlene and Warren started to drink and stay out late at parties, Madge argued with Charlene and told her to pack her bags and leave. Charlene moved into a caravan by Lassiter's lake, but the caravan later went up in flames. Scott and Paul saved Charlene and she got back together with Scott and returned home to Madge. After completing her exams, Charlene chose to become a mechanic, but found it difficult to get an apprenticeship in Erinsborough. Max found her one in Brisbane and Madge tried to get Charlene to take the opportunity. However, Charlene knew that taking the job would mean leaving Scott behind, but she eventually chose to take the job. When it came for her to leave, Charlene realised she couldn't leave Scott and decided to stay. Soon after, Charlene's was offered an apprenticeship by Rob Lewis (Ernie Bourne) at his garage.
Charlene and Scott decided they wanted to move in together, but Madge and Scott's father, Jim (Alan Dale) were against the idea and tried to stop them. Scott's grandmother, Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy) and Charlene's brother, Henry supported the couple and tried to get Madge and Jim to change their minds. Scott then decided that the only way he and Charlene could be together was through marriage. One day at the garage, Scott interrupted Charlene and asked her to marry him. Charlene immediately said yes and they became engaged. Madge and Jim gave them their blessings and Jim gave Charlene his late wife's gold cross and chain. Charlene was happy when Henry and Madge gave her the wedding dress she had longed for, but couldn't afford. Charlene and Scott finally married in a fairytale ceremony surrounded by family and friends. The couple moved in with Madge and Henry, but found it hard to make ends meet and Charlene was forced to work at the Coffee Shop to help support them. The couple's marriage faced a problem when Scott kissed Charlene's best friend, Jane Harris (Annie Jones). Jane told Charlene about the kiss and Charlene angrily threw Scott out of the house. They separated for a month, during which various family members tried to get the couple reconciled. Finally, Charlene and Scott got back together and Charlene even forgave Jane.
Charlene then found herself attracted to her driving instructor, Steve Fisher (Michael Pope). After passing her test, Charlene kissed Steve and began to spend more time with him. However, Charlene confessed to Scott about the kiss and he moved out of their room. They eventually made up and decided to look for their own place. Charlene's grandfather Dan (Syd Conabere) visited the couple and told them he had bought a house for them in Brisbane. Charlene and Scott were happy and began making plans to move up north, but Scott was not able to get a transfer from his job and didn't want to risk losing out on his dream of being a journalist. The couple then decided that Charlene should go to Brisbane, while Scott waited for a transfer. Charlene said a sad goodbye to her family and friends and drove out of Ramsay Street for a new start in Brisbane with Scott joining her a year later. A few years later, it was announced that Charlene had given birth to a son, Daniel and a daughter, Madison.
Reception
Minogue won 'Most Popular Actress' at the 1987 Logie Awards for her role as Charlene and was also nominated for 'Most Popular New Talent'.[16] A year later, she became the youngest person, at nineteen, to be awarded a Gold Logie for 'Most Popular Personality'.[17][18] She also won Logies for 'Most Popular Personality On Victorian Television' and 'Most Popular Actress'.[19] In 1989, Minogue's final year on Neighbours, she was nominated again for 'Most Popular Personality'.
Scott and Charlene's wedding was seen by 20 million viewers in the United Kingdom and was voted the 'Most Romantic TV Nuptials of all Time'.[4][12] The wedding episode made the cover of TIME magazine Australia and Minogue and Donovan's promotional appearance at the Westfield Parramatta shopping centre caused a stampede among 4000 people.[20] In October 2006, the Australia Post brought out five stamps celebrating 50 years of television. Network Ten's stamp featured both Minogue and Donovan as Charlene and Scott.[21]
Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture gave Charlene a 5 out of 5 for her contribution to Neighbours, during a feature called "A guide to recognising your Ramsays and Robinsons".[22] Deller called Charlene "The first of many feisty female mechanics in the show".[22] She added "Charlene arrived as a teenager, and her opening scene was, memorably, being caught sneaking into the Ramsay house via the window. She'd been a bit of a tearaway teen, having a teen pregnancy and abortion before arriving on Ramsay Street, but a romance with Scott Robinson mellowed her somewhat".[22]
In 2010, British satellite broadcasting company, Sky, profiled twenty-five characters of which they believed were the most memorable in the series history to celebrate Neighbours' 25th anniversary.[23] Charlene is in the list and describing her they state: "Charlene was only in the show for two years, but she remains one of the iconic characters because (a) she's Kylie Blooming Minogue, and (b) she married Jason 'Scott Robinson' Donovan. Charlene's name has become the by-word for girl-next-door characters in Soapland, thanks to her tireless efforts to promote the cause of denim dungarees while working as a mechanic, and as a crucial member of the most successful set of teens that Ramsay Street has seen."[23] British tabloid The Daily Mirror branded Charlene a "tomboy grease monkey".[24]
In her book "Soap opera", Dorothy Hobson describes Charlene as breaking a the stereotype of what careers were suitable for females, stating: "The sight of one of the most attractive female characters, dressed in overalls, with her cascading blonde curls tied up on top of her head, was one of the most positive images for breaking the stereotypes of what jobs are suitable for girls"[25] She also praised her on-screen relationship with Scott branding the poistive images for young people as immense.[25] In 2011, Charlene's wedding to Scott was placed third in Channel 5's "Greatest TV Weddings" programme.[26]
See also
References
- ^ Mercado, Andrew (2004). Super Aussie soaps: behind the scenes of Australia's best loved TV shows. Pluto Press Australia. p. 208. ISBN 1-86403-191-3. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=i-U_OkpqpKMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=super+aussie+soaps&cd=1#v=onepage&q&f=false. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
- ^ Mercado, Andrew (2004). Super Aussie soaps: behind the scenes of Australia's best loved TV shows. Pluto Press Australia. p. 209. ISBN 1-86403-191-3. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=i-U_OkpqpKMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=super+aussie+soaps&cd=1#v=onepage&q&f=false. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
- ^ a b Idato, Michael (14 July 2005). "An institution turns 20". The Age (The Age Company). http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/an-institution-turns-20/2005/07/12/1120934248710.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ a b Hilton, Beth (15 October 2007). "Kylie and Jason: A History". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a77755/kylie-and-jason-a-history.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ a b Lister, David (23 February 2002). "Kylie Minogue: Goddess of the moment". The Independent (Independent News & Media). http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/kylie-minogue-goddess-of-the-moment-661725.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ a b Oram, James (1988). Neighbours: behind the scenes. Angus & Robertson. p. 68. ISBN 0-207-16075-9. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5k73NAAACAAJ&dq=neighbours+behind+the+scenes&cd=1. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ Mercado, Andrew (2004). Super Aussie soaps: behind the scenes of Australia's best loved TV shows. Pluto Press Australia. p. 207. ISBN 1-86403-191-3. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=i-U_OkpqpKMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=super+aussie+soaps&cd=1#v=onepage&q&f=false. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
- ^ "Pop star Kylie's route to success". BBC News (BBC). 17 May 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4554139.stm. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ a b c Green, Kris (11 May 2005). "'Neighbours' bosses hit back at Kylie". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds21145.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (21 May 2010). "Kylie: 'Neighbours return would be fun'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a221122/kylie-neighbours-return-would-be-fun.html. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (26 May 2010). "Kylie invited back to 'Neighbours'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a221880/kylie-invited-back-to-neighbours.html. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
- ^ a b "Is Kylie really so lucky, lucky, lucky?". Belfast Telegraph (Independent News and Media). 27 June 2008. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/is-kylie-really-so-lucky-lucky-lucky-13897158.html. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
- ^ "Kylie diagnosed with breast cancer". The Guardian (Guardian News and Media Limited). 17 May 2005. http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2005/may/17/arts.artsnews. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Kylie and Dannii recreate infamous Dynasty catfight for TV special". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). 9 November 2007. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-492545/Kylie-Dannii-recreate-infamous-Dynasty-catfight-TV-special.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ a b Monroe, Josephine (1996). Neighbours: the first 10 years. Michael Joseph LTD (Penguin Group). p. 122. ISBN 0718142128. http://isbndb.com/d/book/neighbours_a11.html.
- ^ "TV Week Logie Awards – 1987". TV Week. Ninemsn. http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=63353. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
- ^ "TV Week Logie Awards FAQs". TV Week. Ninemsn. http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=63537. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
- ^ "Neighbours' stars up for Logies". Metro (Associated Newspapers). 3 April 2007. http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/44033-neighbours-stars-up-for-logies. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
- ^ "TV Week Logie Awards – 1988". TV Week. Ninemsn. http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=63356. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
- ^ Dunn, Emily and Coleman, Kerry (21 November 2007). "REWIND Kylie and Jason". The Sydney Morning Herald (Fairfax Media). http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/11/20/1195321780711.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Look at us – on a stamp!". The Age (The Age Company). 12 September 2006. http://www.theage.com.au/news/carbone--money/look-at-us--on-a-stamp/2006/09/11/1157826873389.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ a b c Deller, Ruth (23 July 2009). "A guide to recognising your Ramsays and Robinsons". Lowculture. http://lowculture.co.uk/index.php/2009/07/23/a-guide-to-recognising-your-ramsays-and-robinsons/. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
- ^ a b "Neighbours: 25 Top Characters". Sky (BSkyB). 2010. http://tv.sky.com/neighbours. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
- ^ Jackson, Kate; Wallis, Sara (3 March 2007). "Whatever Happened To Alan's Neighbours?". Daily Mirror (Trinity Mirror). http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2007/03/03/whatever-happened-to-alan-s-neighbours-115875-18700194/. Retrieved 10 June 2010.
- ^ a b Hobson, Dorothy (2003). Soap opera. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. p. 16. ISBN 0-7456-2655-6. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=tzqK15wsWrIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=soap+opera+dorothy+hobson&hl=en&ei=x2MzTZmRCcGGhQer0bzsCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false.
- ^ Greatest TV Weddings. Channel 5. 2 March 2011.
External links
- Charlene at Internet Movie Database
- Charlene at Perfectblend
Neighbours Character lists Crew members Don Battye · Susan Bower · Alan Coleman · Tony Hatch · Pete McTighe · Peter Pinne · Jan Russ · Jackie Trent · Reg WatsonFamilies Locations Music Related articles The Ramsay family in Neighbours Max Ramsay | Shane Ramsay | Jill Ramsay | Kate Ramsay | Harry Ramsay | Sophie Ramsay | Danny Ramsay | Madge Ramsay | Henry Ramsay | Charlene Mitchell | Tom Ramsay | Gemma Ramsay
Spouses: Maria Rossi | Harold Bishop | Scott Robinson | Bronwyn Davies
The Robinson family in Neighbours Jim Robinson | Paul Robinson | Cameron Robinson | Elle Robinson | Robert Robinson | Andrew Robinson | Julie Robinson | Glen Donnelly | Scott Robinson | Lucy Robinson | Hilary Robinson | Matt Robinson
Spouses: Beverly Marshall | Terry Inglis | Gail Lewis | Christina Alessi | Lyn Scully | Rebecca Napier | Philip Martin | Charlene MitchellKylie Minogue Albums · Singles · Videos · Tours · Films · Awards · Products Studio albums Kylie · Enjoy Yourself · Rhythm of Love · Let's Get to It · Kylie Minogue · Impossible Princess · Light Years · Fever · Body Language · X · AphroditeCompilation albums Greatest Hits · Hits+ · Confide in Me · Greatest Hits 1987–1999 · Greatest Hits 87–97 · Kylie Minogue: Artist Collection · Ultimate Kylie · Confide in Me: The Irresistible Kylie · Hits · Kylie: The Albums 2000–2010Remix albums The Kylie Collection · Kylie's Remixes Volume 1 · Kylie's Remixes Volume 2 · Kylie's Non-Stop History 50+1 · Greatest Remix Hits 1 · Greatest Remix Hits 2 · Mixes · Impossible Remixes · Greatest Remix Hits 3 · Greatest Remix Hits 4 · Boombox · Essential MixesVideo albums The Videos · Kylie: The Videos · The Kylie Collection · The Videos 2 · Kylie On the Go - Live In Japan · Let's Get To...The Videos · Kylie - Live In Dublin · Greatest Hits · The Kylie Tapes 94–98 · Live in Sydney · Intimate and Live · KylieFever2002: Live in Manchester · Greatest Hits 1987–1992 · Greatest Hits 87–97 · Greatest Hits 1987–1999 · Body Language Live · Kylie Minogue: Artist Collection · Ultimate Kylie · Kylie Showgirl · White Diamond / Showgirl: Homecoming · Kylie Live: X2008 · Aphrodite Les Folies: Live In LondonLive albums Extended plays Concert tours Enjoy Yourself Tour · Rhythm of Love Tour · Let's Get to It Tour · Intimate and Live Tour · On a Night Like This Tour · KylieFever2002 · Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour · Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour · KylieX2008 · For You, For Me Tour · Aphrodite World TourTelevision and film specials Notable acting roles Books Perfumes Darling · Sweet Darling · Sexy Darling · Showtime · Couture · Inverse · Pink Sparkle · Dazzling DarlingRelated articles Dannii Minogue · Stock Aitken Waterman · Brothers in Rhythm · William Baker · Steve Anderson · "Voyage of the Damned"
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