Charlene Robinson

Charlene Robinson
Neighbours character
Portrayed byKylie Minogue
Duration1986–1988, 2022
First appearance17 April 1986 (1986-04-17)
Last appearance28 July 2022 (2022-07-28)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byReg Watson (1986)
Jason Herbison (2022)
In-universe information
OccupationStudent
Mechanic
FamilyRamsay
Robinson
FatherFred Mitchell
MotherMadge Mitchell
StepfatherHarold Bishop
BrothersHenry Ramsay
Half-brothersSam Cole
HusbandScott Robinson (1987–present)
SonsDaniel Robinson
DaughtersMadison Robinson
GrandfathersDan Ramsay
GrandmothersEdna Ramsay
UnclesMax Ramsay
Tom Ramsay
First cousinsShane Ramsay
Danny Ramsay

Charlene Robinson (also Mitchell) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours played by Kylie Minogue. Charlene was introduced to the show along with several new characters, as part of a revamp by Network Ten to increase ratings. Minogue auditioned for the role in 1985, shortly after finishing her high school exams. She attended the audition dressed as the character and casting director Jan Russ cast her in the role. Minogue was initially contracted for a week, but this was later extended through to mid-1988. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 April 1986.

Charlene was portrayed as a feisty, quick-tempered and outspoken tomboy. She had a difficult relationship with her mother and did not like being patronised. Minogue thought viewers liked the character as she was an average Australian teenager. Reinforcing her tomboyish image, Charlene trained as a mechanic and she often wore khaki overalls and baggy sweatshirts. Her relationship with Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan) was central to many of her storylines. They became a popular couple with viewers and the relationship helped boost ratings for Neighbours. Despite breaking up several times during their first 12 months together, the couple stayed together and their relationship eventually culminated in a wedding during "Episode 523", which was first broadcast on 1 July 1987.

During her time as Charlene, Minogue also started singing and released two successful pop singles during 1987 followed by her debut album the following year. In mid-1988, Minogue decided to leave Neighbours to concentrate on her music career. She filmed her final scenes in June 1988 and Charlene made her final screen appearance on 26 July. Minogue won four Logie Awards for her portrayal of Charlene, including the Gold Logie, becoming the youngest person to do so. Critical reaction to the character has been positive. Soap Opera author Dorothy Hobson said Charlene broke stereotypes when it came to careers for women in the 1980s. In 2022, Minogue returned to the role, alongside Donovan, for what was believed (at the time) to be the show's final ever episode.[1][2] Subsequently, Amazon announced that they had picked up the series for their Freevee streaming service, and Amazon started filming the revived series in April 2023.[3][4]

  1. ^ Murray, Tom (29 July 2022). "Kylie Minogue says a 'heartfelt' email from Jason Donovan convinced her to return for the Neighbours finale". The Independent. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  2. ^ Spackman, Maisie (29 July 2022). "Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan reveal all on final Neighbours episode". Metro. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  3. ^ "Neighbours' next chapter begins filming next month: 'Feels real now'".
  4. ^ "'Neighbours' Begins Filming New Episodes For Amazon Freevee | TV News | Geektown".