Chelsea Murphy
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Chelsea Murphy is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''
Neighbours ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera that has aired since 18 March 1985. It was created by television executive Reg Watson. The Seven Network commissioned the show following the success of Watson's earlier soap '' Sons and ...
'', played by Viva Bianca. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 January 2024. Chelsea is introduced as the sister of Cara Varga-Murphy ( Sara West). Chelsea is characterised as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. Bianca described her as "a really effective manipulator" and who has ulterior motives behind her actions. Chelsea is portrayed as scheming against other characters in the show throughout her duration. She arrives in
Erinsborough Erinsborough is a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Australia, where the soap opera ''Neighbours'' is set, focusing on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work there. ''Neighbours'' primarily centers on the residents of ...
with the intention of romantically pursuing Paul Robinson (
Stefan Dennis Stefan Dennis (born 30 October 1958) is an Australian actor and singer best known for playing the role of cold-hearted and ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from its first episode on 18 March 1985. He departed ...
). Chelsea seduces Paul and installs herself as manager of
Lassiters Hotel Erinsborough is a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Australia, where the soap opera ''Neighbours'' is set, focusing on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work there. ''Neighbours'' primarily centers on the residents of ...
, taking advantage of Paul's grief over the death of his son. As her storyline progressed, Bianca believed that Chelsea had genuine feelings for Paul. Writers developed a feud with Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis). This escalates when Chelsea locks her in a sauna room causing the death of Krista's unborn baby. Chelsea attempts to hide her involvement but leaves Erinsborough when her secrets are exposed. Chelsea departed during the episode broadcast on 8 May 2024 and returned on 19 December 2024, in scenes revealing she is pregnant. Chelsea then plots to win back Paul after a DNA test reveals he is the father of her baby Thomas Murphy (Charlie Lyon). A paternity sage then evolves after the man whom Chelsea cheated on Paul with, Jeffrey Swan (Tim Potter), reveals he altered the DNA results and that he is Thomas' father. Chelsea continues to keep Paul close to Thomas, but leaves Erinsborough again when the truth comes out. She departed again during the episode broadcast on 10 June 2025. Television critics have assessed that Chelsea is "evil", "scheming", "dastardly" and a "devious character". Despite her short tenure, Chelsea's characterisation made her a "divisive character" with viewers generating many differing reactions. This resulted in her becoming a "love-to-hate" figure within the series.


Development


Introduction

Bianca's casting in an unnamed guest role was announced via a press release issued by
Amazon MGM Studios Amazon MGM Studios is an American film and television production and distribution company owned by Amazon, and headquartered at the Culver Studios complex in Culver City, California. Launched on November 16, 2010, it took its current name on O ...
in the United States. The character was announced in advance spoilers and it was revealed she would be introduced as the sister of established character Cara Varga-Murphy ( Sara West) who gives her "an unexpected visit". The show officially announced the casting and character details on 14 January 2024. Chelsea is named after the ''Neighbours'' crew member Chelsea Chua. Bianca revealed that the part of Chelsea is an extended guest role. In a backstage video, she stated "Chelsea sticks around for a while and has quite a bit of business to tend to, and is determined to do so." Bianca described Chelsea as "a really effective manipulator" and has ulterior motives behind her actions. Bianca added that Chelsea has "always got something else kind of ticking." One of Chelsea's introductory stories involve her romantic pursuit of businessman Paul Robinson (
Stefan Dennis Stefan Dennis (born 30 October 1958) is an Australian actor and singer best known for playing the role of cold-hearted and ruthless businessman Paul Robinson in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from its first episode on 18 March 1985. He departed ...
). Bianca described Chelsea as "a woman who has a serious agenda and very, very ambitious hopes for her life and sees them through Paul." Dennis added that "it's very blatant that Chelsea is seen as a gold-digger" during her introduction scenes. Bianca revealed that Chelsea would create "major trouble for other people but then in turn herself and she then needs to cover her tracks. And we see lies upon lies and she's burying herself in a hole. And in doing so she becomes quite vulnerable I think and it all becomes very messy for Chelsea." Susannah Alexander from
Digital Spy Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
reported that Chelsea claims to be in Erinsborough to retail her new perfume in Melbourne. She also detailed Chelsea's secret interest in Paul, which is revealed in her introductory scenes. Writers portrayed Cara as delighted to have Chelsea around, but Cara's wife
Remi Varga-Murphy ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on streaming service Amazon Freevee, and Network 10 in Australia. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show in 2023 ...
(
Naomi Rukavina Naomi Rukavina is an Australian television and theatre actress. Her career began playing various stage roles whilst studying at the Victorian College of the Arts. She took roles in various short films and her film debut was in the 2012 comedy '' ...
) is annoyed by Chelsea's presence but Cara is defensive over her behaviour. Remi becomes concerned that Chelsea offers relationship advice to her teenage son, JJ Varga-Murphy (Riley Bryant), after he shows interest in the older
Sadie Rodwell ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show in 2022, by order of first appearance. All ch ...
(Emerald Chan). Chelsea also befriends Cara and Remi's new friends
David Tanaka David Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Takaya Honda. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside ...
(
Takaya Honda Takaya Honda (born 6 September 1987) is an Australian actor and television presenter. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Josh in the children's television series ''A gURLs wURLd'', Klaus Thomson in the comedy series ''The Family Law'' and ...
) and
Aaron Brennan Aaron Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Matt Wilson. The actor originally auditioned for the role of Tyler Brennan and participated in a long casting process, during which he sent the prod ...
(Matt Wilson).


Relationships and scheming

Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly revealed Chelsea would begin scheming to get closer to Paul. She becomes annoyed when Paul is distracted by his ex-wife,
Terese Willis Terese Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rebekah Elmaloglou. The actress was cast in the role after attending an audition in late 2012. Before she began filming her first scenes in early F ...
(
Rebekah Elmaloglou Rebekah Sophie Elmaloglou (born 23 January 1974) is an Australian actress, known for her roles as teenage tearaway Sophie Simpson on ''Home and Away'' and Terese Willis on ''Neighbours''. She also made guest appearances in '' E Street'', '' A ...
). Chelsea decides to give herself a make-over inspired by Terese's style to gain Paul's attention. Her plan begins to work as Paul takes notice of her. Bianca enjoyed working on the storyline with Dennis because she had watched the character's stories when she was young. She added "now I'm on set, going head to head with Paul Robinson and working with Stefan almost every day." Advance episode spoilers revealed that Chelsea would continue to be central the show's dramas. This included taking advantage of a grieving Paul after the death of his son David, installing herself as the manager of
Lassiters Hotel Erinsborough is a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Australia, where the soap opera ''Neighbours'' is set, focusing on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work there. ''Neighbours'' primarily centers on the residents of ...
and feuding with Krista Sinclair (Majella Davis). Writers developed the rivalry between Chelsea and Paul's ex-wife, Terese, which ends in a confrontation. Chelsea takes revenge by sabotaging a memorial plaque dedicated to Terese's dead son,
Josh Willis Joshua K. Willis is an oceanographer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His area of expertise is current sea level rise, as well as measuring ocean temperatures. When sea level fell from 2010 to 2011, Willis stated that this was due to an unusu ...
(
Harley Bonner Harley Bonner (born 27 April 1991) is an Australian actor known for his roles as Josh Willis on ''Neighbours'' (2013–2016) and Logan Bennett on ''Home and Away'' (2021–2022). Early life Bonner was born in Melbourne and lived in Belgrave, ...
). Chelsea conceals the plaque in rubbish and ensures it is disposed of. Bianca told a ''
TV Week ''TV Week'' is a weekly Australian magazine that provides television program listings information and highlights, as well as television-related news. Content ranges from previews for upcoming storylines of popular television programs, particu ...
'' reporter that Chelsea is "triggered" by Paul and Terese's bond. Chelsea realises that Paul and Terese's common experience of losing a child threatens her schemes. Bianca explained that Chelsea is "worried" that she will lose Paul to Terese. She also views Terese as "a successful older woman who has built a robust business for herself – exactly what Chelsea aspires to." Bianca added that Chelsea wants the "financial security" Paul offers, but Chelsea is "falling for Paul" and wants a "genuine and romantic" future with him. She concluded that the confrontation with Terese is a "sucker punch" for Chelsea to overcome. Dennis revealed that "there is this genuine affection underneath" and questioned whether the feelings were "strong enough to create longevity." Elmaloglou and Dennis told a
Virgin Radio UK Virgin Radio UK is a national Hot Adult Contemporary radio station in the United Kingdom that launched on 30 March 2016, owned by News Broadcasting, which is itself a subsidiary of News Corp. It is the second incarnation of Virgin Radio in the U ...
interviewer of their shock at how quickly the show's producer
Jason Herbison Jason Herbison (born 1972) is an Australian television producer, screenwriter and novelist, most recently serving as the executive producer of the soap opera ''Neighbours''. He has written scripts for numerous television serials, and has publis ...
developed two separate "love triangle" stories which merge into one complicated love entanglement. One features Terese, her husband
Toadie Rebecchi Jarrod Vincenzo Rebecchi, commonly known as "Toadfish" or "Toadie", is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Ryan Moloney. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 23 January 199 ...
(
Ryan Moloney Ryan Moloney (born 24 November 1979) is an Australian actor, known for his portrayal of the fictional character Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1995 until his departure in 2025. Career Moloney's first ...
) and his ex-wife
Melanie Pearson Melanie Pearson (also Mangel) is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Lucinda Cowden. She made her first appearance as Melanie during the episode broadcast on 30 July 1987. Cowden originally a ...
(
Lucinda Cowden Lucinda Cowden (born 24 April 1965) is an Australian actress, known for her role as Melanie Pearson in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1987 until 1991. She also appeared in '' The Power, The Passion'', presented children's television series ...
) and the other features Terese, Paul and Chelsea. Elmaloglou told the radio host that "Paul's got Chelsea and yeah, I think you know, we all love a bit of drama, and we expect it when we work on a show like Neighbours." When Toadie betrays Terese by having sex with Melanie, Paul sees this as an opportunity to grow closer to Terese. Dennis told Ellis (''Inside Soap'') that Paul's relationship with Chelsea is "the only problem" stopping him from pursuing Terese. He is doing a "juggling act" trying to figure out how to be with both Chelsea and Terese. Elmaloglou added that Terese initially lets Paul spend time with Chelsea instead of being overly reliant on him. Writers continued displaying Chelsea's scheming when she concocts a plan to become pregnant with Paul's child. Chelsea decides to enact her plan after realising that Paul values family in his will. She faces difficulties in her attempts to become pregnant after Paul dismisses the seriousness of their relationship. Dennis commented that if Chelsea did become pregnant, then Paul "would be really happy." Chelsea becomes enraged when Paul's sister, Lucy Robinson ( Melissa Bell) chooses Krista to present an important business meeting. A ''Neighbours'' publicist revealed that "Chelsea sees red" and wants to take over the presentation. They added that Chelsea "goes to great lengths to make that happen." Chelsea also continues to manage Lassiters, and repeatedly tries to undermine her rival, Krista. A ''TV Week'' reporter revealed that Chelsea's jealousy over Paul heaping praise on Krista leads her to make a drastic move, which leaves both Krista and her unborn baby in danger. Chelsea locks Krista in a sauna so she can take her place in a work presentation, leading Krista to collapse and lose her unborn baby. Writers explored Chelsea and Krista's rivalry over the following episodes. Bianca told Sarah Ellis from ''
Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' that "Chelsea feels threatened by Krista's power." Chelsea envisions herself and Paul as a "power couple" and wants to "shine at Lassiters" to achieve her this. Bianca noted that "Krista already possesses what Chelsea so desperately wants" and she is "envious" of her. She defended her character's behaviour, noting "Chelsea is riddled with guilt" about Krista's miscarriage and it was unintentional that the situation becomes so "awry". Chelsea is also "terrified" about her actions being exposed, likening Chelsea's predicament to a "domino game she's lost total control of." Bianca assessed that it showcased how "extreme" Chelsea is but ultimately she really needs her relationship with Paul to work or "she will land back on her ass". A co-dependent dynamic was written for the characters, as they become reliant on each other to hide their secrets. Bianca described that "they become strangely co-dependent" and "they hold the key to one another's Achilles heel." Chelsea later takes advantage of Krista's grief and tempts Krista into taking drugs. ''Inside Soap's'' Ellis reported that Krista would be unaware that Chelsea purposely caused her drugs relapse. Bianca worried that her character's schemes were out of control in this plot and hoped for a redemption story arc. She hoped that Chelsea would achieve her goals of snaring Paul's livelihood and become the "power couple". Additional spoilers revealed Chelsea's ruthlessness to keep her secrets from being revealed to Paul. The arrival of IT technician Jeffrey Swan (Tim Potter) panics Chelsea, as he has a report on the events leading to Krista's collapse. Jeffrey's report directly implicates Chelsea in the incident. Chelsea becomes determined to convince Jeffrey to doctor his report and makes him an "indecent proposal" in exchange. Jeffrey then pursues a romance with Chelsea, behind Paul's back. Michael Adams from ''
Metro Metro may refer to: Geography * Metro City (Indonesia), a city in Indonesia * A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center Public transport * Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urban area with high ...
'' reported that Chelsea is "left embarrassed" because it is "evident" that Jeffrey has "fallen for her".


Departure

Chelsea's lies unravelled amidst her engagement to Paul. Kilkelly (Digital Spy) reported that "their relationship finally takes a more serious turn", as Paul asks Chelsea to propose to him and he accepts. Paul's son
Leo Tanaka Leo Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Tim Kano. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 22 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside his t ...
(
Tim Kano Tim Kano is a New Zealand actor, known for playing Leo Tanaka in the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 2016. He also stars in the 2021 horror film ''Great White''. Early life Kano's mother Sue is from New Zealand with Irish ...
) suspects that Paul is using Chelsea to get over Terese. A ''Neighbours'' publicist told ''Inside Soap's'' Chloe Timms that Chelsea feels accomplished and has got everything she "worked so hard for - and she's relishing every second". The publicist added that "Krista now knows every horrifying thing Chelsea has done in Erinsborough." They added that "Chelsea's house of card is set to fall" at the exact same time. Kilkelly reported that Chelsea would have a "nasty shock" as "her luck finally runs out". He added that Chelsea and Paul's engagement party would be ruined by Jeffrey and Krista, after the latter realises "her rival's terrible secret". In a backstage video, Bianca revealed that Chelsea and Paul's engagement party took one day to film. She added that it began "on a high" but ends "tragically, especially for Chelsea." In the aftermath of the reveal, Paul is "thrown into turmoil as he finally realises what Chelsea is capable of." The revelations also affect Cara, who was shaken by all Chelsea had done. Chelsea "abruptly vanished" from Erinsborough and evaded the pursuit of the police. Chelsea departed during the episode broadcast on 8 May 2024. Bianca wrote a post on her
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account revealing that her guest stint on the show had ended, stating "thank you for welcoming me into the ''Neighbours'' family. I'm so grateful for the opportunity." Bianca added that working on Chelsea's final episode created "a melting pot of feels". She added that "It's been emotional especially because Paul actually was ready to love Chelsea and Chelsea's dream had come true." She described Chelsea's journey and storyline as a "brisk and giddy rise and then thundering fall". Bianca left her departure open to return, stating "so that's a wrap for Chelsea. For now."


Return and baby

On 5 December 2024, a writer from ''
Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' revealed that Chelsea would return in scenes featuring her and Cara at an airport. Digital Spy's Kilkelly revealed that Cara briefly notices Chelsea but dismisses what she has seen. He confirmed that Chelsea is back in Melbourne and is pregnant. Her return occurred during the episode broadcast on 18 December 2024, which was the show's 2024 finale episode and served as a cliffhanger storyline. Kilkelly later added that in 2025, Chelsea's return would cause concern for Paul and Terese, who had recently reconciled their relationship. ''Neighbours'' social media accounts also confirmed that Chelsea would return to the show for an "extended stay" in 2025. On 1 January 2025, ''Neighbours'' executive producer
Jason Herbison Jason Herbison (born 1972) is an Australian television producer, screenwriter and novelist, most recently serving as the executive producer of the soap opera ''Neighbours''. He has written scripts for numerous television serials, and has publis ...
revealed more details about Chelsea's return in an interview with Johnathon Hughes from ''
Radio Times ''Radio Times'' is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in September 1923 by John Reith, then general manage ...
''. He stated "she's been at large for almost nine months and there are reasons why she hasn't come forward with her pregnancy sooner. All I can say is – expect the unexpected!" The airport scenes are due to be revisited through flashback on 6 February, revealing that Cara spoke to Chelsea and refused to support her.Writers continued to explore Chelsea's return storyline with the introduction of her cousin, Maddy Murphy (Emma Horn). Cara decides to track Chelsea down but struggles to find her. She decides to ask Maddy for help, who initially claims to be unaware of Chelsea's whereabouts. It is later revealed that Maddy helped Chelsea give birth but she moved on soon after. The character returns Erinsborough with her newborn baby Thomas Murphy (Charlie Lyon), after Remi tracks her down, which occurred during the show's 40th anniversary week episodes. The story explores Chelsea's arrival and meeting with Paul and Terese on Ramsay Street, where she introduces him to Thomas. A paternity mystery story ensues as Paul and Jeffrey participate in a DNA test to determine Thomas' paternity. Digital Spy's Kilkelly detailed that Cara and Remi move Chelsea and Thomas into their home. Chelsea also claims to have "changed her ways". Jeffrey agrees to be supportive if proven as the father, but is less involved in the story than Paul. Paul is portrayed as being more attentive to Thomas and hopes to be his father. It was also revealed ahead of transmission that Paul is Thomas' biological father. Of Chelsea's return, Bianca acknowledged that Chelsea left the series as a "disgraced" character. She revealed that "has gone through a lot" during her absence and returns "very humbled and with child". Bianca hoped that it was a chance for Chelsea to "redeem herself". She described filming with Lyons on-set as a "really special" experience. Bianca was unsure if Chelsea still loves Paul, explaining that "I can't say with total conviction that the flame is entirely out in regards to her feelings for Paul." Bianca revealed that playing a villain can be difficult because viewers perceive actors to behave like their characters. She added "I was really grateful to the fans that acknowledged that and the people who hated Chelsea meant we were succeeding at what we were doing."


Storylines

Chelsea arrives to visit the Varga-Murphys and soon offers relationship advice to JJ. Remi becomes concerned with her advice and is annoyed when Chelsea has breakfast with her friends Aaron and David. Remi tells Cara about her concerns but she asks Remi to be more accepting. Chelsea pitches her perfume brand to Paul to become his hotel's, Lassiters, signature fragrance. He allows her to run a pop-up store on the hotel complex. She hires Sadie to help her with the promise of payment. Lassiters Hotel co-manager Krista informs Chelsea she will need to close the store down abruptly because the hotel does not have a permit or insurance. Paul then informs Chelsea that the hotel are concentrating on other business aspects and they will not be able to go into business together. Chelsea continues to pursue Paul and is annoyed when he appears distracted by Terese. Chelsea purchases a business suit and perfume inspired by Terese to impress Paul. Chelsea visits Paul but they are interrupted by Sadie, who asks when she will receive payment for working on her perfume stall. Chelsea berates Sadie for embarrassing her in front of Paul and promises to pay her within thirty days. Chelsea tells Cara she has no money to pay Sadie. Cara lends her money on the condition she does not tell Remi. Remi finds a napkin with the name Chelsea Robinson written on it. Remi confronts Chelsea, who admits she is interested in Paul. She tells Remi that Cara has given her money which causes an argument. Cara asks Chelsea to move out and she goes to stay at Lassiters. Chelsea contacts Paul and they have sex in the hotel room. Chelsea becomes jealous of Terese supporting Paul following the death of his son, David. Chelsea breaks into Toadie's law firm office to retrieve files regarding Paul and Terese's divorce. Chelsea helps to plan David's funeral to support Paul, but this angers
Leo Tanaka Leo Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Tim Kano. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 22 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside his t ...
(
Tim Kano Tim Kano is a New Zealand actor, known for playing Leo Tanaka in the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 2016. He also stars in the 2021 horror film ''Great White''. Early life Kano's mother Sue is from New Zealand with Irish ...
), who accuses her of being a gold-digger. Paul's sister Lucy is suspicious of Chelsea but she manages to get her on side. Chelsea promises Lucy that she will look after Paul and moves into the penthouse. She quickly convinces Paul to allow her to become the acting manager of Lassisters. Chelsea clashes with Krista and tries to deride her plans to host a promotional event. Chelsea makes an order of her perfume brand and bills Lassiters. Krista is annoyed and tells Terese about Chelsea's business transaction. Chelsea becomes annoyed when Terese consoles a grieving Paul. Terese later confronts Chelsea for her perfume deal and accuses her of taking advantage of Paul, which causes an argument. Chelsea enacts revenge by ensuring a memorial plaque dedicated to Terese's dead son,
Josh Willis Joshua K. Willis is an oceanographer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His area of expertise is current sea level rise, as well as measuring ocean temperatures. When sea level fell from 2010 to 2011, Willis stated that this was due to an unusu ...
(
Harley Bonner Harley Bonner (born 27 April 1991) is an Australian actor known for his roles as Josh Willis on ''Neighbours'' (2013–2016) and Logan Bennett on ''Home and Away'' (2021–2022). Early life Bonner was born in Melbourne and lived in Belgrave, ...
), is disposed of. Chelsea gets paranoid when she starts losing control of the hotel, and tries to sabotage Krista's Lassiters Longest Lie-In event by changing the staff rosters. The event is successful and Paul is impressed by Krista, which annoys Chelsea. She accesses Paul's will and tries to convince him to update it to exclude Terese but Paul is reluctant. Chelsea realises that Paul prioritises his family in his will and concocts a new scheme to become pregnant. Chelsea throws away her contraceptive pills and seduces Paul. Chelsea is annoyed when Lucy selects Krista to pitch her event ideas to Lassiters globally. Chelsea takes over the presentation by locking Krista in a sauna room. Krista subsequently loses her unborn child. Chelsea tries to blame ex-employee Penny Shrewster (Jessica Husband). Paul asks her to move out of the penthouse after Leo and his daughter
Abigail Tanaka ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on digital channel 10 Peach. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show in 2021, by order of first appearance. All ch ...
(Nikita Kato) move back in. She meets IT technician Jeffrey, whose investigation into the sauna incident reveals that Chelsea locked the sauna doors. Chelsea seduces him and gets him to doctor the report findings as non-conclusive and Krista becomes suspicious of them. Chelsea causes Krista to relapse on her drug addiction by placing prescription medication in her presence. Chelsea agrees to keep Krista's secret and begins lying about her whereabouts when she gets intoxicated. Jeffrey returns wanting a relationship with Chelsea and she pretends to reciprocate to prevent her secret from being discovered. Chelsea continues to manipulate Jeffrey and entertains him in her hotel room. Krista delivers alcohol to Chelsea's room and discovers her with Jeffrey. Chelsea threatens Krista to remain silent about their affair or she will reveal Krista's drug relapse to Leo and Paul. Krista gets intoxicated and triggers memories that make her realise Chelsea locked her in the sauna. Chelsea and Krista have a struggle, resulting in Krista being knocked unconscious. Chelsea pretends Krista fell because of her relapse. Krista is taken to hospital and upon her recovery has forgotten why she went to see Chelsea. Chelsea informs Terese that Paul loves her still and is only with her to make her feel comfortable. Terese ends her friendship with Paul when he admits Chelsea is correct. Chelsea inadvertently prompts Krista's memories to return. Chelsea and Paul become engaged, but at their engagement party Krista exposes Chelsea's affair and guilt over the sauna incident. Paul takes Chelsea's engagement ring and asks her to leave. Cara is unable to stop Chelsea from fleeing Erinsborough, after which she evades capture by the police. Months later, Cara spots Chelsea at the Melbourne airport with a visible baby bump. She catches up with her, and she reveals that the baby could be either Jeffrey or Paul's. Cara asks her to call their mother and never to mention that they saw each other. Cara regrets her actions and tries to reconnect with Chelsea, but cannot locate her. She visits her cousin, Maddy, who pretends to know nothing about Chelsea's whereabouts.
Nicolette Stone Nicolette Stone is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Charlotte Chimes and Hannah Monson. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 15 July 2020. Chimes auditioned for the r ...
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Hannah Monson Hannah Monson (born 21 April 1992) is an Australian actress best known for her role as Kirstie Darrow in the ABC drama ''Glitch''. Since 2023, she has starred as Nicolette Stone on Network 10's soap opera drama ''Neighbours ''Neighbours' ...
) discovers that Maddy is lying and she tells Cara that she previously helped Chelsea give birth but she moved on soon after. Chelsea then sends Cara a letter requesting that she stops looking for her. Remi later tracks her down and brings her back to Ramsay Street where Chelsea introduces Paul to her son, Thomas. She reveals that either Paul or Jeffrey are Thomas' biological father and they carry out a DNA test. Remi and Cara invite Chelsea to move in and Chelsea assures Terese that she will not affect her relationship with Paul. The DNA results confirm Paul is Thomas' father and she and Thomas visit Paul in his penthouse, which annoys Terese. She attempts to apologies to Krista, who tells Chelsea to stay away from her. Terese later loses her temper at Chelsea as she offers Paul support after Leo's arrest. Chelsea subsequently gets Cara to look after Thomas, and keeps her distance from Paul. Terese later apologizes to her and they agree to cooperate for Paul and Thomas. Paul later offers to buy Chelsea a new fancy car, claiming to be for Thomas's safety, which annoys Terese. Chelsea spots
Darcy Tyler Darcy Tyler is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Mark Raffety. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 15 November 2000. The following year, Raffety became a series regular. ...
(
Mark Raffety Mark Raffety is a British-Australian actor, perhaps best known for playing Darcy Tyler in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 2000 to 2005 and 2025. Early life Raffety was born in Portsmouth, England. He grew up as the eldest of t ...
) loitering on the end of her driveway and tells him to go away. The two later run into each other and he offers to buy her a drink. Chelsea introduces Darcy to Thomas, before Paul approaches and tells him to back off. Chelsea and Cara arrange naming party for Thomas, and Terese watches over her and Paul becoming closer.


Reception

Following the character's debut, ''Inside Soap's'' Sarah Ellis wrote that "Ramsay Street better watch out if Chelsea stays for a while..." Ellis later branded Chelsea a "devious character" who commits "heinous actions". She also assessed "Paul's latest squeeze does have a heart buried deep down." The magazine's Chloe Timms branded her "evil" and a "wicked bride-to-be". She also reviewed that "the Chelsea show has us all gripped". She was eager for Chelsea to be exposed and anticipated a "huge" reaction from Paul. Following Chelsea's departure, Timms did not believe that Chelsea was the type of character to stop scheming and predicted that she is pregnant with Paul's child. Stephen Patterson from ''
Metro Metro may refer to: Geography * Metro City (Indonesia), a city in Indonesia * A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center Public transport * Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urban area with high ...
'' branded the character "scheming Chelsea". He added "Chelsea claims she's got Paul's best interests at heart but we all know what she's really after." Their colleague, Michael Adams added that Chelsea made "vile decisions" during her tenure and her scheming against Krista was "a further cruel act". Adams predicted Chelsea would return for the show's fortieth anniversary with Paul's baby. Digital Spy's Kilkelly branded Chelsea as "Cara's charming sister" who is "never one to pass up an opportunity" and was "laser focused" on seducing Paul. His colleague, Stefania Sarrubba branded her a "schemer" and that Bianca gave a "complex performance as one of the series' villains." Simon Timblick from
Whattowatch.com ''What's on TV'' is a weekly television listings magazine published by Future PLC. Overview ''What's on TV'' is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and compe ...
described Chelsea as a "cunning" person. A ''TV Week'' writer assessed that ultimately "Chelsea's meddling ways get the better of her". Pip Ellwood-Hughes from Entertainment Focus stated that Chelsea concocted "evil plans" and noted "how many situations Chelsea has managed to worm her way out of". In another review, Ellwood-Hughes assessed Chelsea was "incredibly divisive" with viewers and she became "the character that viewers love to hate". She added "there's no denying that she's made an impact" and her departure made ''Neighbours'' a "little less exciting". The writer noted that Chelsea generated a hefty reaction online in response to her behaviour. She added "you don't have to look far to find a lot of reaction to the character of Chelsea." Ellwood-Hughes branded Chelsea a "dastardly character" and "a master of covering her tracks", adding that her characterisation made it certain she would find "another unsuspecting person to target and manipulate". Ellwood-Hughes later stated that ''Neighbours'' became a "little bit pedestrian" without Chelsea and suffered from having no credible villains. He believed Chelsea "kept things interesting" and "added that bit of fire and conflict that every good soap needs", adding she was what made "Neighbours so good" following its revival. He concluded that ''Neighbours'' needs a character "to upset the apple cart and cause absolute chaos. That's one of the things Chelsea did so well. She touched upon so many characters and ruined plenty of lives in the process. That's the energy I'm looking for." Michael Darling from Whattowatch assessed that Chelsea "returns to cause more drama as Neighbours celebrates its 40th anniversary."


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Murphy, Chelsea Neighbours characters Television characters introduced in 2024 Fictional criminals in soap operas Fictional managers Fictional hoteliers Australian female characters in soap operas