Mike Young (Neighbours)
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Mike Young 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
Guy Pearce Guy Edward Pearce (born 5 October 1967) is an Australian actor. List of awards and nominations received by Guy Pearce, His accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award, and nominations for an Academy Awards, Academy Award, a British Academy Film Aw ...
. Pearce was in his final year at school and only had amateur theatre experience when he auditioned for the role. After winning the part of Mike, Pearce soon relocated to Melbourne and began filming in December 1985. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 January 1986. Mike's arrival was part of an attempt to give the serial a youthful look. He was given immediate links to the other character through a friendship with
Scott Robinson Scott Robinson may refer to: * Scott Robinson (jazz musician) (born 1959), American jazz musician * Scott Robinson (ice hockey) (born 1964), Canadian National Hockey League player * Scott Robinson (singer) (born 1979), English singer in the boy ban ...
(
Jason Donovan Jason Sean Donovan (born 1 June 1968) is an Australian actor and singer. He initially achieved fame in the Australian soap ''Neighbours'', playing Scott Robinson, before beginning a career in music in 1988. In the UK he has sold over 3 millio ...
), who helps him secure work at the local coffee shop. Mike is portrayed as an ambitious, hardworking, responsible, well adjusted young man. However, Mike and his mother Barbara (
Rona McLeod Rona McLeod is an Australian actress, noted for her television appearances. She appeared as pregnant inmate Jeannie Stanton in ''Prisoner'', had a recurring role in ''Neighbours'' during 1990 and 1991 as Felicity Brent, completely unrecognisab ...
; Diana Greentree) are physically abused by his father David Young (Stewart Faichney). The storyline led to Pearce receiving hundreds of letters from children, who confided in him about their own abusive parents. Eventually, Mike is taken in by
Daphne Lawrence Daphne Clarke (also Lawrence) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Elaine Smith. Daphne was created by Reg Watson as one of ''Neighbours twelve original characters. The producer had originally wan ...
( Elaine Smith) and her partner Des Clarke (
Paul Keane Paul Keane is an Australian actor well known for playing original character Des Clarke in the soap opera ''Neighbours'', opposite Elaine Smith who played his wife Daphne Clarke. Other TV credits include ''Bliss'' and '' Flight into Hell''. Kea ...
), who later become his guardians. Mike has a long-running romance with
Jane Harris Jane Harris may refer to: * Jane Harris (producer), British television director and producer * Jane Harris (writer) (born 1961), British writer of fiction and screenplays * Jane Harris (''Neighbours''), a fictional character in the Australian so ...
(
Annie Jones Ann Jones (or similar) may refer to: Writers *Ann Jones (author) (born 1937), American writer on women's issues *Anne Jones (writer) (born 1955), Australian editor and administrator *Anna Jones (food writer), columnist and cookbook author *Cathe ...
), and they form a popular friendship group with Scott and
Charlene Mitchell Charlene Alexander Mitchell (June 8, 1930 – December 14, 2022) was an American international socialist, feminist, labor and civil rights activist. In 1968, she became the first Black woman candidate for President of the United States. In the ...
(
Kylie Minogue Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. Frequently referred to as the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Princess of Pop", she has achieved recognition in both the music industry and fas ...
). The relationship does not last and Jane later becomes engaged to Des, while Mike dates
Bronwyn Davies Bronwyn Davies is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rachel Friend. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 July 1988. Bronwyn is the sister of Sharon Davies. Bronwyn ...
(
Rachel Friend Rachel Amanda Friend (born 8 January 1970) is an Australian actress and journalist. Early life Friend completed her HSC at Sacré Cœur School, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and deferred a commerce course at University of Melbourne. Car ...
). Jones later stated that Mike was the love of Jane's life. Mike pursues a teaching career and returns to his high school for a student placement, where he almost gets himself fired for kissing a student. Mike temporarily leaves
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 ...
to tour in a band in late 1988. The storyline was a cover for Pearce, who took a break to shoot a feature film. On his return, Mike reveals that he was in a motorbike accident with Jenny Owens ( Danielle Carter). Mike feels immense guilt that she has been paralyzed after he tried to show her a trick. Pearce decided not to renew his contract upon its expiration in October 1989, as he wanted to pursue more challenging roles. Mike's exit storyline saw him leave Erinsborough to be with his sick mother on 6 December 1989. Pearce reprised the role for the show's
finale Finale may refer to: Pieces of music * Finale (music), the last movement of a piece * ''Finale'' (Loggins and Messina album), 1977 * ''Finale'' (Pierrot album), 1999 * "Finale" (song), by Madeon * " Neo Universe/Finale", a single by L'Arc-en-C ...
on 28 July 2022, as Mike returns to Erinsborough with his daughter, and made further intermittent appearances since the series returned on 18 September 2023, before departing the show for good on 15 July 2024.


Casting

Guy Pearce was in his final year at
Geelong College The Geelong College is an Australian independent and co-educational, Christian day and boarding school located in Newtown, an inner-western suburb of Geelong, Victoria. Established in 1861 by Alexander James Campbell, a Presbyterian minister, ...
and appearing in amateur theatre when he "bombarded" the
Grundy Organisation Reg Grundy Organisation (founded as Reg Grundy Enterprises, later known as both Reg Grundy Productions and Grundy Television and known informally as Grundy's) was an Australian-based multinational mass media company, primarily involved in tele ...
with tapes of his performances. Oram 1988, pp.122–124. He then attended a general audition at Grundys, where he auditioned for ''Neighbours'' casting director
Jan Russ Jan Russ is an Australian casting director, producer and actress of theatre and television. She is best known as the casting director for various programs for Grundy Television/Fremantle Media, and is notable for launching the careers of many ac ...
. He was cast as teenager Mike Young, who became one of several characters introduced in 1986 to give the show "a more youthful look". Two days after finishing his HSC exams, Pearce relocated from Geelong to Melbourne. He started work at ''Neighbours'' on 2 December 1985. Mike was his first professional acting role. Pearce was critical of his early performances, saying "I was really awful because I didn't know what I was doing." He admitted that for the first two and a half years, he "was running behind the eight-ball" as he filmed two and a half hours worth of episodes a week, but he eventually settled into his acting and the character began to come naturally to him. Pearce later stated that being cast as Mike was "a fantastic break for an 18-year-old". He said "I'd been doing amateur theatre in Geelong and suddenly I was in a national television show." Pearce made his debut as Mike on 20 January 1986, which was the first episode broadcast on
Network Ten Network 10 (commonly known as the 10 Network, Channel 10 or simply 10) is an Australian commercial television network. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paramount Global's Paramount Networks UK & Australia, UK & Australia division and is o ...
following the show's move from
Seven Network Seven Network (stylised 7Network, and commonly known as Channel Seven or simply Seven) is an Australian commercial free-to-air Television broadcasting in Australia, television network. It is owned by Seven West Media, Seven West Media Limited, ...
.


Development


Characterisation and introduction

Mike is introduced as a school friend of
Scott Robinson Scott Robinson may refer to: * Scott Robinson (jazz musician) (born 1959), American jazz musician * Scott Robinson (ice hockey) (born 1964), Canadian National Hockey League player * Scott Robinson (singer) (born 1979), English singer in the boy ban ...
(
Jason Donovan Jason Sean Donovan (born 1 June 1968) is an Australian actor and singer. He initially achieved fame in the Australian soap ''Neighbours'', playing Scott Robinson, before beginning a career in music in 1988. In the UK he has sold over 3 millio ...
). Wallis; Hogan 1989, p.69. His official character's biography states that he is "a thoroughly nice young man. Scott Robinson recommends him for the job at the coffee shop which he does outside school hours. He is ambitious and hardworking, and often studies in the coffee shop." He is also characterised as "a nice well adjusted young guy with a bright future." Monroe 1994, pp.153–155. Unbeknown to his friends, Mike and his mother Barbara (
Rona McLeod Rona McLeod is an Australian actress, noted for her television appearances. She appeared as pregnant inmate Jeannie Stanton in ''Prisoner'', had a recurring role in ''Neighbours'' during 1990 and 1991 as Felicity Brent, completely unrecognisab ...
; Diana Greentree) are physically abused by his father David Young (Stewart Faichney). This motivates Mike to take the job at the coffee shop, as he wants to earn enough money to get himself and his mother away from David. His boss
Daphne Lawrence Daphne Clarke (also Lawrence) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Elaine Smith. Daphne was created by Reg Watson as one of ''Neighbours twelve original characters. The producer had originally wan ...
( Elaine Smith) finds out about his situation and tries to help persuade Barbara to leave her husband, so she and Mike can start afresh, but Barbara is so afraid of David that she cannot make the break. Daphne later suggests that Mike comes to live with her and her partner Des Clarke (
Paul Keane Paul Keane is an Australian actor well known for playing original character Des Clarke in the soap opera ''Neighbours'', opposite Elaine Smith who played his wife Daphne Clarke. Other TV credits include ''Bliss'' and '' Flight into Hell''. Kea ...
), who become his guardians. The storyline led to Pearce receiving hundreds of letters from children, who confided in him, as Mike, about their own experiences with abusive parents. He told Lou Anson of ''
Aberdeen Press and Journal ''The Press and Journal'' is a daily regional newspaper serving northern and Highland Scotland including the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness. Established in 1747, it is Scotland's oldest daily newspaper, and one of the longest-running newspape ...
'' that some of them asked him to become their pen-pal, but he was only able to write back advising them to seek help. He also told Anson that until he joined ''Neighbours'', he had no idea "such terrible things happened." Neil Wallis and Dave Hogan of ''The Neighbours Factfile'' noted that the child abuse "still haunts" Mike, who is later abandoned by his mother when she moves overseas following the death of his father. As he settles into
Ramsay Street Ramsay Street is the fictional cul-de-sac in which the characters of the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' live. The street is set in the equally fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. ''Neighbours'' storylines primarily centre on the re ...
, Mike dates
Nikki Dennison ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera that was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1986, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the ...
(Charlene Fenn). ''
The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in Manchester in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'' and changed its name in 1959, followed by a move to London. Along with its sister paper, ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardi ...
s Patrick Barkham described him at this time as "the slightly square boy next door" and a "nice-but-lonely orphan". Mike and Scott are the victims of "a cruel practical joke" by
Sue Parker ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera that was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1986, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the ...
(Kate Gorman), who learns that they have written a pop song and sent it to a producer. Wallis; Hogan 1989, p.79. Sue poses as
Molly Meldrum Ian Alexander "Molly" Meldrum AM (born 29 January 1943) is an Australian music critic, journalist, record producer and musical entrepreneur. He was the talent coordinator, on-air interviewer, and music news presenter on the former popular musi ...
's secretary and invites them to come and sing the song in front of Molly. Scott and Mike re-record the song and tell all their friends at school. When they turn up at Molly's house, they soon learn the appointment is a hoax and Sue publicly gloats about what happened. In March 1988, Pearce spoke to Eithne Power of the ''
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 ...
'' about upcoming storylines for his character and stated "Mike will have developed a bit more by then. He certainly needs to. Though he's a good, responsible guy he goes really fuddy-duddy when it comes to girls. He can handle his work and his study and his friendships, but with girls he's a real twit. I'm all for that, it makes him more believable, rounds him out. Who needs someone who's got nothing left to learn?"


Relationship with Jane Harris

One of the character's most notable storylines was his relationship with
Jane Harris Jane Harris may refer to: * Jane Harris (producer), British television director and producer * Jane Harris (writer) (born 1961), British writer of fiction and screenplays * Jane Harris (''Neighbours''), a fictional character in the Australian so ...
(
Annie Jones Ann Jones (or similar) may refer to: Writers *Ann Jones (author) (born 1937), American writer on women's issues *Anne Jones (writer) (born 1955), Australian editor and administrator *Anna Jones (food writer), columnist and cookbook author *Cathe ...
). Jane was introduced a few months after Mike and they formed a friendship group with Scott and
Charlene Mitchell Charlene Alexander Mitchell (June 8, 1930 – December 14, 2022) was an American international socialist, feminist, labor and civil rights activist. In 1968, she became the first Black woman candidate for President of the United States. In the ...
(
Kylie Minogue Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. Frequently referred to as the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Princess of Pop", she has achieved recognition in both the music industry and fas ...
), which became popular with viewers and the media. Author Josephine Monroe said that until Jane's arrival, Mike often felt like "a bit of a gooseberry" when he was with Scott and Charlene. Jane took "an instant shine" to Mike, but believed that he had not noticed her as she wore big glasses and was "a geeky brainbox". However, Mike soon began paying her attention, despite receiving jibes from his school friends. One of the serial's most memorable plots occurred when Mike asked Jane to the school dance and she received a makeover from Daphne and
Helen Daniels Helen Daniels is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', portrayed by Anne Haddy. Following the death of Jim Robinson ( Alan Dale) in 1993, she remained the only original character played continuously by the same ac ...
(
Anne Haddy Patricia Anne Haddy (5 October 1930 – 6 June 1999), credited also as Anne Hardy, was an Australian actress, television presenter and voice artist, who worked in various facets of the industry including radio, stage and television. She was mar ...
), which left him proud to escort his girlfriend to the dance. The relationship initially faces opposition from Jane's grandmother
Nell Mangel Nell Mangel (also Worthington) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Vivean Gray. She made her first on-screen appearance on 29 April 1986 and was known almost exclusively as Mrs Mangel. The character c ...
(
Vivean Gray Jean Vivra Gray (20 July 1924 – 29 July 2016), known professionally as Vivean Gray, also credited as ''Vivian Gray'' and ''Viven Gray'', was an English-born actress who starred in film and television roles in Australia. Gray starred in ...
), and is tested by the return of Nikki, who tries to come between the couple, and Mike's jealously when he realises
Shane Ramsay Shane Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Peter O'Brien. He made his first appearance during the show's first episode, broadcast on 18 March 1985. Shane is the son of Max Ramsay ...
( Peter O'Brien) likes Jane, after they become lost in the bush together. Monroe noted that Mike and Jane were good for each other, but they never seemed "madly in love" like Scott and Charlene, whose wedding they attended as best man and bridesmaid respectively. Mike's interest in photography led to a modelling opportunity for Jane, after he took a photo of her that was selected to be the poster for the first Lassiters Girl. The relationship ends when Mike goes off to university and later meets Megan Downey (Michelle O'Grady), who tries to get him to move in with her. Mike has "a change of heart" and then begins trying to win Jane back. Pearce told Patrice Fidgeon from ''
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 ...
'': "He's been wooing her, sending her flowers and finally she gives in. I think she feels sorry for him and eventually realises she really does like him." The former couple were not on good terms prior to working together taking test shots for a modelling campaign with Scott's help. After Scott decides to swim back to the shore after they become stranded at sea, Mike and Jane have a chance to resolve their past issues and Jane re-evaluates her feelings for Mike. Fidgeon observed that it is clear both Mike and Jane care deeply for one another. Pearce told him that up to that point, their relationship had been "a fairly platonic one". Jane is also dating pilot Glen Matheson (Richard Moss), who is much older than her, but she realises their relationship is not going to work and ends it. Mrs Mangel, who was not initially in favour of Mike dating her granddaughter, changes her mind about him following Jane's involvement with Glen. Fidgeon speculated that Mike and Jane might follow in Scott and Charlene's footsteps and marry. Pearce refused to say how the relationship worked out, but was pleased with the direction his character was taking. Jane and Mike's relationship does not last, and she is later paired with Des. While preparing for Mike's birthday, Des helps Mike set up his own photography dark room. Jane also offers to help out, but she receives a big electric shock and Des saves her. A romance soon develops between them, and Jones commented that "it builds towards a full on affair." This results in end of her relationship with Mike, with Jones adding "Mike gets the flick, basically." Producers then paired Mike with
Bronwyn Davies Bronwyn Davies is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rachel Friend. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 July 1988. Bronwyn is the sister of Sharon Davies. Bronwyn ...
(
Rachel Friend Rachel Amanda Friend (born 8 January 1970) is an Australian actress and journalist. Early life Friend completed her HSC at Sacré Cœur School, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and deferred a commerce course at University of Melbourne. Car ...
) for a brief romance storyline. Friend admitted to being scared in her "first encounter" with Pearce, but after kissing him she realised that while she was self-conscious, nobody took any notice. Bronwyn soon chooses Henry Ramsay (
Craig McLachlan Craig Dougall McLachlan (born 1 September 1965) is an Australian actor, musician, singer and composer. He has been involved in film, television, the music industry and music theatre for over 30 years. He is best known for appearing in the soap o ...
) over Mike. Mike later believes he and Jane have a chance of reconciling, but learns she is in love with Des. When Jane is almost hit by a car, this makes Des realise how much he loves Jane and asks her to marry him. While everyone is pleased for the couple, Mike is upset when he hears the news, as he realises that both of the women in his life have chosen other men over him. While reflecting on her character's relationships in June 2022, Jones believed Mike was the love of Jane's life. She said Jane was heartbroken when he broke up with her, adding "There will always be a hole in her heart for Mike."


Later storylines

Mike pursues a career as a school teacher at university and he returns to Erinsborough High on a student placement. While there, Mike privately tutors 16 year old Jessie Ross ( Michelle Kearley) and learns that she is being abused by her mother Adele Ross (Marian Sinclair). McCready and Furlong of ''Neighbours The Official Annual 1991'' pointed out the story was ironic as Mike had also been the victim of paternal abuse. McCready; Furlong 1990, p.37. Mike is angered when Jessie's father
Ted Ross Theodore Ross Roberts (June 30, 1934 – September 3, 2002) was an American actor best known for his role as the Lion in ''The Wiz'', an all-African American reinterpretation of ''The Wizard of Oz''. He won a Tony Award for the original 1975 ...
(Doug Bennett) learns what is happening and appears to be more concerned about his business reputation, rather than his daughter. McCready and Furlong stated "Even though he is only young, Mike has had enough experience to be able to deal with such dramatic incidents in a sensible way." Mike later shares a kiss with Jessie in an empty classroom, but they are caught by principal Kenneth Muir (Roger Boyce) and he decides to take some time away. Pearce took a two month break from ''Neighbours'' in late 1988 to film a role in ''
Heaven Tonight ''Heaven Tonight'' is the third studio album by American rock band Cheap Trick. It was produced by Tom Werman and released on April 24, 1978. The album was remastered and released with bonus tracks on Sony's Epic/Legacy imprint in 1998. The album ...
''. He confirmed that he was not leaving the show and had in fact signed for another year. He was grateful to Grundys for letting him go and writing him out of the scripts. On-screen, Mike temporarily departs Erinsborough to tour with a jazz band. Portraying Mike as a jazz musician came easy to Pearce, as he is a musician himself and enjoys playing and writing rock songs. Upon his return, he is moody and becomes hostile towards Henry, who has moved into his home and is staying in Bronwyn's room. Mike later punches Henry. The cause of Mike's bad mood is later revealed. Off-screen, he had met Jenny Owens ( Danielle Carter), who seemed to share his sense of adventure. Mike initially keeps their relationship a secret from his friends and their story is told through a dream sequence. Pearce told Darren Devlyn of ''TV Week'': "They zip around from town to town on Mike's motorbike... it's a bit thrill for them." However, Mike "flirts with danger" and forgets his sense of responsibility when he goes to show Jenny a trick. Jenny loses her grip when Mike accelerates and she falls from the bike. Her spine takes the brunt of the fall and she becomes a paraplegic, who has to use a wheelchair. Carter joined the cast for six weeks, as Mike spends time with Jenny at a convalescence home. His feelings of guilt lead him to try and make her life more comfortable, and they eventually grow closer.


Departure

In June 1989, David Brown and Patrice Fidgeon of ''TV Week'' reported that Pearce was set to quit ''Neighbours'', along with Jones. They reported that the pressure was on Pearce and Jones to stay following the departures of Minogue and Donovan, but Pearce wanted to prioritise his film and music careers. Brown and Fidgeon also reported that Network Ten wanted to keep the departures "under wraps" to minimise negative publicity in the lead up to the show's 1000th episode. Pearce decided not to renew his contract when it ran out in October that year. Pearce said ''Neighbours'' had opened a lot of doors for him, but he wanted more of a challenge. He explained "I've been doing ''Neighbours'' now for some three and a half years and when I stepped away for two months to do ''Heaven Tonight'' it was like I had to remember how to act again. You've always had to act in ''Neighbours'', but you fall into a routine. I didn't have to think about what Mike does anymore, I just naturally do it." Pearce had thought about leaving the show for around a year, and after starring in ''Heaven Tonight'' he realised that he wanted to continue making feature films. He also felt that playing Mike had become stale and he had achieved everything he could from the role, stating "I've been incredibly lucky. It's been a really good launching pad and the best thing for me was that it was the first professional job I'd ever done on television, so I learned a great deal about working with cameras and direction." On-screen, Des informs Mike that his mother has been injured in a plane crash and urges him to visit her. Marion MacDonald of ''
The Sydney Morning Herald ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' (''SMH'') is a daily Tabloid (newspaper format), tabloid newspaper published in Sydney, Australia, and owned by Nine Entertainment. Founded in 1831 as the ''Sydney Herald'', the ''Herald'' is the oldest continuous ...
'' observed that Mike showed "an unfilial reluctance" to fly out to Barbara, as she had been a bad parent. However, Mike eventually decides to leave Erinsborough to reconcile with her. His exit aired in December 1989.


Return

When ''Neighbours'' was cancelled, Pearce discussed a hypothetical return with Donovan. In March 2022, producers approached Pearce with the invitation to reprise the role for few episodes in June that year. Pearce informed Donovan, who himself would soon reprise his famous role. On 3 June 2022, Duncan Lindsay of the ''
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 ...
'' confirmed Pearce would be reprising his role for the ''Neighbours'' finale, following its cancellation earlier in the year. He appears in the final three episodes, which air back-to-back on 28 July 2022. Of his return, Pearce stated "It is very exciting and surreal at the same time being back on set again, however it feels like coming home. It's where it all started for me professionally. I've been asked to come back on occasions over the years and wondered if it was the right thing to do, but once I knew the show was finishing, I knew I had to do it." 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 ...
said Pearce was returning for "a very special story arc" and that he had been involved in the development of the storyline, which will answer the question "who is Mike Young today?" Pearce later told
Angela Bishop Angela Bishop (born 6 September 1967) is an Australian reporter and television presenter who presents the national news bulletin ''10 News First: Midday'', as well as ''10 News First: Afternoons'' and was a co-host and the entertainment prese ...
of ''
Studio 10 ''Studio 10'' was an Australian morning talk show on Network 10 which aired from 4 November 2013 to 22 December 2023. Its final hosts were Angela Bishop, Narelda Jacobs and Tristan MacManus. It aired between 10am and noon on weekdays and a hi ...
'' that Mike's return sees him and his daughter relocate from Perth to Erinsborough. Henrietta Graham, a family friend of Pearce, had recently joined the ''Neighbours'' cast as Sam, a hotel employee; Pearce requested to work with her and suggested that Sam become Mike's daughter. Pearce also revealed that his friend and fellow actor
Kate Winslet Kate Elizabeth Winslet (; born 5 October 1975) is an English actress. Primarily known for her roles as headstrong and complicated women in independent films, particularly period dramas, she has received numerous accolades, including an Ac ...
was a fan of the show and his character, so he and the producers considered naming the mother of Mike's daughter after her. However, Pearce felt that was "a little personal" to him, as his former wife is called Kate, so they named her Rose, after Winslet's character in ''
Titanic RMS ''Titanic'' was a British ocean liner that sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912 as a result of striking an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, United States. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers a ...
''. In May 2023, following the series' return to production, Pearce indicated that he was in discussions to make a further appearance in order to provide closure to Mike's relationship with Jane. His return was confirmed on ''Neighbours social media accounts shortly after. Pearce's scenes were filmed in the UK ahead of the regular series production recommencing. In January 2024, 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 ...
stated that Pearce would continue to make occasional appearances. On-screen Mike remains absent from Ramsay Street after taking up work as a tour guide in the UK, and appears occasionally in video calls to Jane. Herbison described the ongoing situation as a "wonderful dilemma" for the production, and was open to the possibility of Mike appearing in person again if Pearce's scheduled allowed. In July 2024, Jane and Mike decide to end their long distance relationship. Mike last appeared on 15 July.


Storylines


1986–1989

Mike and his mother, Barbara, live in fear of being beaten by Mike's father, David. Mike befriends Scott Robinson at
Erinsborough High School 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 ...
. Through Scott, Mike secures a job at Daphne Lawrence's coffee shop. He begins staying overnight to avoid going home and Daphne's friend
Zoe Davis Zoe Davis is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', portrayed by Ally Fowler. The actress was initially approached in 1985 about a role in the serial shortly before it was cancelled by Channel 7. When it w ...
(
Ally Fowler Alexandra Fowler (born 6 December 1961) is an Australian actress and singer. She is known for her roles as Angela Hamilton in ''Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series), Sons and Daughters'' (1982–1984), Zoe Davis in ''Neighbours'' (1986) an ...
) finds his sleeping bag. She also notices bruises on Mike's face and asks whether his father beats him. He later confides in her about how his father was having problems at work and started hitting him around a year ago. He also says that he is saving money so he and his mother can move away. Zoe soon tells Daphne about Mike's father. Mike eventually goes home, but his father soon turns violent and Mike stands up to him. He later turns up at the coffee shop and tells Daphne that he thinks he has killed his father, as he hit his head when Mike pushed him. Daphne calls Barbara and learns David is okay. She tells them that Mike will be staying with her, and has Clive Gibbons (
Geoff Paine Geoff Paine is an Australian television and theatre actor from Melbourne. He is known for his a role as doctor Clive Gibbons on the soap opera ''Neighbours'', as well as ''A Country Practice'', Nine Network children's television series ''Pig's ...
) look at Mike's facial injuries. Mike refuses to go back home with his parents and Barbara brings him his belongings. Mike later moves in with Daphne and her partner Des Clarke, who offer to become his legal guardians. He briefly dates Scott's cousin Nikki Dennison, but he later falls for Jane Harris when she moves in with her grandmother, Nell Mangel. Jane falls for Mike straight away, but it takes a while before Mike realises his feelings due to Jane's plain image. Helen Daniels and Daphne give her a makeover for a school dance, which consists of replacing her glasses with contacts, a new haircut and makeup. Mike likes her new image and they begin dating. Mrs Mangel is not happy that her granddaughter is dating Mike and when she receives letters about Mike's reputation with other girls, Mrs Mangel stops Jane from seeing him. Daphne eventually catches school bully, Sue Parker, posting the letters and Sue explains that she is jealous of Mike and Jane's relationship. Mrs Mangel then lets Jane and Mike continue dating. When Nikki returns to Ramsay Street, Mike helps comfort her when she discovers her mother is ill, leading Jane to become jealous of their friendship. Mike becomes jealous when Shane Ramsay shows an attraction to Jane, but she tells Mike that he is the only one for her. Following their final exams, Jane focuses on her modelling career and Mike decides to become a teacher. As they are leading separate lives, Jane and Mike split up amicably and remain friends. Not long after, Daphne is killed in a car crash and Mike is left feeling guilty as he had not been around for a few weeks. Mike is angry and upset and he finds the two men who had crashed into Daphne's car. He attacks them and is later arrested. When Mike finishes university, he gets a job teaching maths at Erinsborough High. Mike becomes close to one of his students, Jessie Ross, who admits that she has an abusive father too. Mike confronts her father, but soon learns that her mother is the one abusing her. Mike becomes close to Jessie and they share a kiss, which is witnessed by principal Kenneth Muir. Mr Muir suspends Mike, who decides to leave Erinsborough for a while. On his return, Mike finds Des and Jane have forged a strong friendship. Mike becomes moody as he settles back in. When Jenny Owens comes to see him, it is revealed that Mike and Jenny took a ride on his motorbike and she fell off. Jenny is paralysed and uses a wheelchair. Mike blames himself for Jenny's condition and cannot bring himself to accept that the event was an accident. Jenny eventually convinces him that it was not his fault. At the same time, Des and Jane begin dating and Mike is disgusted with the both of them. He refuses to accept the relationship and leaves Erinsborough again. He returns in the middle of Des and Jane's engagement party and he interrupts it. Mike eventually accepts that Des and Jane love each other and gives them his blessing. Mike begins to feel like there is not much left for him in Erinsborough and when he hears that his mother had been in a plane crash, and with his father long dead, Mike decides to leave Ramsay Street and join her to help her recovery. Years later, when Jane returns to Erinsborough, she reveals that Mike is teaching underprivileged children in the Philippines.


2022–2024

Thirty-three years later, Mike drives his motorbike through Ramsay Street and sees Jane in her driveway and unwittingly interrupts Clive trying to win her back. Mike leaves and goes to Lassiters, where Shane recognises him. Mike goes to see his daughter, Sam Young (Henrietta Graham), who works at the hotel and sees Paul again. Mike bumps into Jane, who drops all her belongings on the floor, and the two are stunned to see each other once again. Mike has drinks with his old friends and waves goodbye to Jane when she leaves. Clive approaches Mike and asks if he is interested in another relationship with Jane, as Clive is trying to restart his with her. Mike says he is not and Jane gives him a tour of all the houses on Ramsay Street. A drunken Clive sees them together and speaks aggressively towards Mike. The two have a fight, but once the alcohol has worn off Clive, he accepts that his and Jane's relationship is over. Mike takes Jane on a ride on his motorbike. He later tells Jane that he still loves her and they hug, rekindling their relationship. Mike and Jane are reunited with Scott and Charlene when they return and the four of them watch over Ramsay Street as its residents party. Two years after moving back to Ramsay Street, Mike and Jane plan a trip to London, with Mike heading there before Jane as they are unable to get airfares together. Mike plans to propose to Jane, but these plans are derailed by news of the possible closure of Erinsborough High, where Jane works. Mike throws his ring into the lake, but realises that he made a rushed decision to put off the proposal. He retrieves the ring and proposes to Jane, and she accepts. Jane returns to Australia early due to the situation at the school and later gets a call from Mike, who tells her that he has been offered a job in the UK as a motorcycle tour guide. Jane tells him to accept it and he announces that he will be working on a four-month contract. Mike later encourages Jane to cancel her plans to visit him for Christmas due to another work crisis, and a few months later she convinces him to accept a further three months of work. Mike ultimately develops feelings for his boss, and Jane also grows to feel their relationship is not working, so they agree to separate. Mike also speaks to Sam and affirms that she can remain living with Jane if she chooses.


Reception

Critics often remarked on the character's good looks and nice personality. Mike was named "Ramsay Street's favourite boy next door" by Rob Scully of the ''
Aberdeen Evening Express The ''Evening Express'' is a daily local newspaper serving the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. History Its first issue was published on 20 January 1879. It was a tabloid during the 1930s to the 1950s until it resumed as a broadsheet in November 19 ...
''. He also called Mike "wholesome", while the ''Daily Mirrors Hilary Bonner called him "nice" and a "fresh-face heart throb". David Astle of ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' dubbed the character "a mullet-mopped kid" and a "hunky young teacher." A writer for '' Sunday Life'' observed that Mike was introduced to the show as "a troubled teenager beaten up by his father." A writer for the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
's ''Neighbours'' website stated that Mike's most notable moment was when he saw Jane's "transformation at the school dance." In 2010, to celebrate Neighbours' 25th anniversary
Sky The sky is an unobstructed view upward from the planetary surface, surface of the Earth. It includes the atmosphere of Earth, atmosphere and outer space. It may also be considered a place between the ground and outer space, thus distinct from ...
, a British satellite broadcasting company, included Mike in their 25 most memorable characters in the show's history. Describing him they state: "The Erinsborough economy is studied the world over for being the only one in the world that can sustained on just four professions: you can work in 'business', or be a journalist, a doctor, or a teacher. Mike chose the latter, probably because he was the nice, fairly quiet boy out of the legendary original set of teens on the show. His romance with plain Jane Harris unfortunately ended up with her engaged to his father figure of a friend, Des, one of many reasons why he left the show to care for his sick mother." Robin Wilks from ''
The Daily Telegraph ''The Daily Telegraph'', known online and elsewhere as ''The Telegraph'', is a British daily broadsheet conservative newspaper published in London by Telegraph Media Group and distributed in the United Kingdom and internationally. It was found ...
'' included Pearce at number three in his feature on the "Top five ex-''Neighbours'' stars", following his successful acting career. While discussing his time on the show, Wilks thought there was a lot of "unresolved sexual tension" between Mike and Lucy Robinson. Lorna Cooper of
MSN TV MSN TV (formerly WebTV) was a web access product consisting of a thin client device that used a television for display (instead of using a computer monitor), and the online service that supported it. The original WebTV device design and servic ...
has listed Mike as one of soap opera's forgotten characters and claimed he was a favourite out of the golden era of the serial.
Orange UK Orange UK was a mobile network operator and internet service provider in the United Kingdom, launched in 1994. It was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index but was purchased by France Télécom (now Orange S.A.) in 2000, which then adopted ...
describe Mike as one of the serial's "hottest spunks".
LoveFilm LoveFilm was a United Kingdom–based provider of DVD-by-mail and streaming video on demand in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany. Acquired by Amazon.com in 2011, the service had reached 2 million subscribers. It claimed o ...
describe Mike's storylines as serious and give him the nickname "motorbike Mike". A writer from ''
Heat In thermodynamics, heat is energy in transfer between a thermodynamic system and its surroundings by such mechanisms as thermal conduction, electromagnetic radiation, and friction, which are microscopic in nature, involving sub-atomic, ato ...
'' magazine called Mike "cheesy, but gorgeous". In 2022, Kate Randall (also from ''Heat'') included Mike and Jane in the magazine's top ten ''Neighbours'' characters of all time feature. Randall stated that Mike assumed the role of the "quiet teen". Mike was placed at number twenty-nine on the '' Huffpost's'' "35 greatest Neighbours characters of all time" feature. Journalist Adam Beresford described him as a "quiet teenager" who transformed into "a Speedo-clad pin up at the height of 80s ''Neighbours'' mania." He added that Mike was part of the show's dream team quartet" which consisted of Mike, Jane, Scott and Charlene. Following his return in the revived series, Pearce received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series at the
51st Daytime Emmy Awards The 51st Daytime Emmy Awards, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, honored the best in U.S. daytime television programming in 2023. The award ceremony was held on June 7, 2024, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los ...
.


References


Bibliography

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External links


Mike Young
at
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Young, Mike Neighbours characters Fictional schoolteachers Fictional mathematicians Television characters introduced in 1986 Australian male characters in soap operas