Frazer Yeats
Encyclopedia
Frazer Yeats is a fictional character
from the Australian Network Ten
soap opera Neighbours
, played by Ben Lawson
. The character was introduced into the serial as part of a group of four characters branded as "20 somethings". He debuted in the episode airing on 12 October 2006. He departed the serial 25 April 2008 after Lawson quit. He was central to notable storylines including gambling, Paralysis
, pseudocyesis
and causing the accidental death of his younger brother as a minor.
and Christian Clark
were cast as Pepper Steiger
, Rosetta Cammeniti
and Will Griggs respectively, around the same time as Ben Lawson was cast as Frazer after he was offered the role. There inclusion in the serial was part of the producers attempts to introduce more contempary characters, despite not knowing each other they all share the same house upon their on-screen debuts, a first for the series. Of the house share plot, Lawson stated during an interview with tabloid The Daily Telegraph
: "I've been in the worst share house. So it's nice to see years of misery are finally paying off." Before his debut in the serial Rosie was stated to be the object of his affections, stating Frazer just wanted to be part of a wealthy family. In September 2007 it was reported that Lawson had decided not to renew his contract at the end of the year, opting to pursue other projects.
Rosie's pregnancy storyline saw the start of characteristic changes in Frazer, of this during an interview with entertainment website Last Broadcast, Lawson stated: "He used to be a bit of a maniac, but his life with Rosie turns him into a good guy, when she gets pregnant, he's so thrilled that he cuts out all the casino nonsense and gets a job driving taxis so that he can give his family financial stability." Describing Rosie and Frazer's exit storyline, Dan Bennet speaking for Newtwork Ten states: "It will be a bittersweet departure for them. They will experience a big tragedy and, on the beck of that, find a sense of new hope."
) puts Frazer through a series of physical tests, he finds out the truth. Allan did a police check on Frazer, and it was revealed that there was no record of a Frazer Yeats, meaning that he had a fake name, revealing he used to be named George Brown and wanted to forget his old life. He then reveals he is a professional gambler. Janae Hoyland (Eliza Taylor-Cotter
) threw a spanner into the air, and hit him on the head, knocking him out. Frazer pays for Carmella Cammeniti
's (Natalie Blair
) facial surgery.
Frazer fell in love with his other female housemate, Rosetta
(Natalie Saleeba
). He had originally wanted to move into number 30 because he knew Rosie would be there, and was determined to get his hands on her family's money. His brother Johnny had previously been engaged to Rosie. Rosetta was attracted to Will, who was with Carmella. Rosie kisses Paul Robinson
(Stefan Dennis
), Frazer comforted Rosie during the stage, Rosie tries to seduce Frazer. They nearly end up sleeping together, but Rosie could not decide between Frazer and Paul, so Pepper decided that they should have a competition to see who is better. She initially choses Paul, but then choses Frazer. After Frazer and Rosie have a short lived relationship, he begins a brief relationship with Milly Hallsworth (Kristie Jandric).
Frazer's brother Ringo Brown
(Sam Clark
) moves to Erinsborough
. At a race track
Frazer is trampled by a horse while rescuing a young girl who runs out onto the track. This leaves him paralyzed from the waist down, and he reluctantly accepts Rosie's help through this ordeal after Milly dumped him. Frazer and Rosie become engaged. Frazer is told by doctors that his inability to walk was psychological. Frazer visits his grandparents' graves, Frazer is horrified to find a tombstone commemorating a thirteen-month-old brother, Paul, that Frazer did not know existed. It is eventually revealed that Frazer had let Paul drown when they were children and his mother, Prue (Penny Cook
) blamed him. He later regains the use of his legs after saving Mickey Gannon (Fletcher O'Leary
) from drowning in a swimming pool, he initially keeps it a secret from everyone.
The venue for Frazer and Rosie's wedding told them that they would be shutting for a year for renovations, so they had to either postpone the wedding or bring it forward. They decide to bring it forward, leaving them with only a week to plan the wedding. They marry and Frazer manages to stand up by himself and then manages to take a step towards Rosie at the altar. However, their wedding day is marred by the news they receive on their wedding night. Their friends have been involved in a bus crash while driving home from the wedding. The crash left many of their friends injured, and Frazer's little brother Ringo in a coma.
Frazer decides he wants to start a family with Rosie. After a few disagreements they decided that they weren't ready yet because of Rosie's career and Frazer still feels he could not cope after what happened with his brother Paul. Rosie finds out, much to her distress that she is pregnant. Frazer tells her that if she can't raise the baby, he will as a sole parent. After Frazer said this Rosie said that she would give the parenting a go because she wanted to keep the marriage. Rosie and Frazer are now both looking forward to having the baby, but once they go for an ultrasound and cannot find a heart beat they are hit with the devastating news that there is no baby. However once they decide to go for a second opinion they realise there is a baby. Rosie and Frazer leave for a trip to Italy
. They had a boy and named him Marco after Rosie's brother-in-law who had died as the result of a bushfire.
in May 2007, for his portrayl of Frazer. He received a nomination in the "best Newcomer" category at the "2007 Inside Soap Awards". He was also nominated for "Sexiest Male" and "Best Couple" along with Saleeba, at the "2008 Inside Soap Awards".
Whilst commenting on the programme in general, Ruth Deller of media website Lowculture
praised Rosetta's relationship with Frazer describing it as a high point for Neighbours and said the serial would be "dull" when they departed. She drew comparisons with past couples stating: "Of the more recent additions to the cast [...] two of the most loved have been Frazer and Rosie. Brittle, neurotic, flawed but ultimately sweet Rosie and thoroughly nice and not-unattractive Frazer are one of those Ramsay Street couples that just work, and have been totally right for the show – feeling just as, well, Neighbours-y as pairings such as Madge
and Harold
, Scott
and Charlene
and Des
and Daphne
".
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the Australian Network Ten
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
soap opera Neighbours
Neighbours
Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems...
, played by Ben Lawson
Ben Lawson
Ben Lawson is an Australian actor best known for his role as Frazer Yeats in the Australian television series Neighbours....
. The character was introduced into the serial as part of a group of four characters branded as "20 somethings". He debuted in the episode airing on 12 October 2006. He departed the serial 25 April 2008 after Lawson quit. He was central to notable storylines including gambling, Paralysis
Paralysis
Paralysis is loss of muscle function for one or more muscles. Paralysis can be accompanied by a loss of feeling in the affected area if there is sensory damage as well as motor. A study conducted by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, suggests that about 1 in 50 people have been diagnosed...
, pseudocyesis
False pregnancy
False pregnancy or hysterical pregnancy, most commonly termed pseudocyesis in humans and pseudopregnancy in other mammals, is the appearance of clinical and/or subclinical signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy when the person or animal is not pregnant. Clinically, false pregnancy is most...
and causing the accidental death of his younger brother as a minor.
Character creation and casting
Frazer was created in 2006 along with another three characters created at the same time as part of a new group of characters branded "20 somethings". Nicky Whelan, Natalie SaleebaNatalie Saleeba
Natalie Saleeba is an Australian actress best known for her roles as Jessica Singleton in the medical drama series All Saints and Rosetta Cammeniti on Neighbours....
and Christian Clark
Christian Clark
Christian Clark is an Australian actor. He appeared in the role of Will Griggs in the Network Ten soap opera Neighbours from 2006 to 2007...
were cast as Pepper Steiger
Pepper Steiger
Heidi "Pepper" Steiger is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Nicky Whelan. The character was introduced into the serial as part of a group of four characters branded as "20 somethings". She made her debut in the episode airing on 12 October 2006....
, Rosetta Cammeniti
Rosetta Cammeniti
Rosetta "Rosie" Cammeniti is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Natalie Saleeba. The character was introduced into the serial as part of a group of four "20 somethings." Saleeba began filming in July and she made her first on-screen appearance on 12 October...
and Will Griggs respectively, around the same time as Ben Lawson was cast as Frazer after he was offered the role. There inclusion in the serial was part of the producers attempts to introduce more contempary characters, despite not knowing each other they all share the same house upon their on-screen debuts, a first for the series. Of the house share plot, Lawson stated during an interview with tabloid The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
The Daily Telegraph is an Australian tabloid newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, by Nationwide News, part of News Corporation.The Tele, as it is also known, was founded in 1879. From 1936 to 1972, it was owned by Frank Packer's Australian Consolidated Press. That year it was sold to...
: "I've been in the worst share house. So it's nice to see years of misery are finally paying off." Before his debut in the serial Rosie was stated to be the object of his affections, stating Frazer just wanted to be part of a wealthy family. In September 2007 it was reported that Lawson had decided not to renew his contract at the end of the year, opting to pursue other projects.
Character development
Before appearing on-screen Frazer was described as "a gambler with a shady past and secrets that will send Ramsay Street into a spin.." Frazer has been characterised through his job of gambling, his want of a better life and his subsequent romance with Rosie. Channel Ten publicity describe Frazer, they state he is "fiercely ambitious". When he was younger he believed he was destined for great things, better than his suburban middle-class upbringing. They cite that as being the reason why he left home at a young age and changed his name to something more "exotic". They describe him as wanting power and money, but is impatient and doesn't want to achieve it in a traditional way. Describing him as ruthless to how he gets these things. They cite his caring nature as being his downfall, adding it has been what has stopped him from conning many people.Rosie's pregnancy storyline saw the start of characteristic changes in Frazer, of this during an interview with entertainment website Last Broadcast, Lawson stated: "He used to be a bit of a maniac, but his life with Rosie turns him into a good guy, when she gets pregnant, he's so thrilled that he cuts out all the casino nonsense and gets a job driving taxis so that he can give his family financial stability." Describing Rosie and Frazer's exit storyline, Dan Bennet speaking for Newtwork Ten states: "It will be a bittersweet departure for them. They will experience a big tragedy and, on the beck of that, find a sense of new hope."
Storylines
To get a room at Number 30, Frazer and Pepper Steiger agreed to pretend that they are engaged. Allan Steiger (Joe ClementsJoe Clements
Joseph "Joe" Clements aka Jose Element is an Australian actor who played Senior Sergeant Allan Steiger in the television soap opera, Neighbours, during 2004–2007.-Biography:...
) puts Frazer through a series of physical tests, he finds out the truth. Allan did a police check on Frazer, and it was revealed that there was no record of a Frazer Yeats, meaning that he had a fake name, revealing he used to be named George Brown and wanted to forget his old life. He then reveals he is a professional gambler. Janae Hoyland (Eliza Taylor-Cotter
Eliza Taylor-Cotter
Elizabeth Jane "Eliza" Taylor-Cotter is an Australian actress, best known for her role as Janae Timmins in long-running soap opera Neighbours.-Biography and Career:...
) threw a spanner into the air, and hit him on the head, knocking him out. Frazer pays for Carmella Cammeniti
Carmella Cammeniti
Carmella Cammeniti is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Natalie Blair. She appeared on a recurring basis from 2003-05, then became a main character from 2006-08, before making a final guest appearance in 2011...
's (Natalie Blair
Natalie Blair
Natalie Louise Blair is an Australian actress, best known for her role as Carmella Cammeniti on Neighbours, an Australian TV series.-Career:...
) facial surgery.
Frazer fell in love with his other female housemate, Rosetta
Rosetta Cammeniti
Rosetta "Rosie" Cammeniti is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Natalie Saleeba. The character was introduced into the serial as part of a group of four "20 somethings." Saleeba began filming in July and she made her first on-screen appearance on 12 October...
(Natalie Saleeba
Natalie Saleeba
Natalie Saleeba is an Australian actress best known for her roles as Jessica Singleton in the medical drama series All Saints and Rosetta Cammeniti on Neighbours....
). He had originally wanted to move into number 30 because he knew Rosie would be there, and was determined to get his hands on her family's money. His brother Johnny had previously been engaged to Rosie. Rosetta was attracted to Will, who was with Carmella. Rosie kisses Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson (Neighbours)
Paul Stewart Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, a long-running serial drama about social life in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. He is played by Stefan Dennis. Paul debuted in the serial's first episode in 1985 and appeared on a...
(Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis is an Australian actor, best known for playing the role of Paul Robinson in the soap opera, Neighbours, from its first episode in March 1985 to the present day...
), Frazer comforted Rosie during the stage, Rosie tries to seduce Frazer. They nearly end up sleeping together, but Rosie could not decide between Frazer and Paul, so Pepper decided that they should have a competition to see who is better. She initially choses Paul, but then choses Frazer. After Frazer and Rosie have a short lived relationship, he begins a brief relationship with Milly Hallsworth (Kristie Jandric).
Frazer's brother Ringo Brown
Ringo Brown
Ringo Brown is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Sam Clark. Clark was given the role after he entered and won a Dolly magazine competition. He made his first on-screen appearance on 24 January 2007...
(Sam Clark
Sam Clark
-Studio albums:-Singles:-Music videos:-Filmography:-Awards and nominations:-External links:* on SoundCloud...
) moves to Erinsborough
Erinsborough
Erinsborough is the fictional suburb in which the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours is set. The show focuses on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the suburb...
. At a race track
Race track
A race track is a purpose-built facility for racing of animals , automobiles, motorcycles or athletes. A race track may also feature grandstands or concourses. Some motorsport tracks are called speedways.A racetrack is a permanent facility or building...
Frazer is trampled by a horse while rescuing a young girl who runs out onto the track. This leaves him paralyzed from the waist down, and he reluctantly accepts Rosie's help through this ordeal after Milly dumped him. Frazer and Rosie become engaged. Frazer is told by doctors that his inability to walk was psychological. Frazer visits his grandparents' graves, Frazer is horrified to find a tombstone commemorating a thirteen-month-old brother, Paul, that Frazer did not know existed. It is eventually revealed that Frazer had let Paul drown when they were children and his mother, Prue (Penny Cook
Penny Cook
Penny Cook is an Australian actress. She graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1978.Cook first appeared in the 1970s Australian television soap opera The Restless Years...
) blamed him. He later regains the use of his legs after saving Mickey Gannon (Fletcher O'Leary
Fletcher O'Leary
Fletcher O'Leary is an Australian child actor. He is best known for playing the role of Mickey Gannon in the Australian soap opera Neighbours from 19 June 2007 to 14 July 2009.-Biography:...
) from drowning in a swimming pool, he initially keeps it a secret from everyone.
The venue for Frazer and Rosie's wedding told them that they would be shutting for a year for renovations, so they had to either postpone the wedding or bring it forward. They decide to bring it forward, leaving them with only a week to plan the wedding. They marry and Frazer manages to stand up by himself and then manages to take a step towards Rosie at the altar. However, their wedding day is marred by the news they receive on their wedding night. Their friends have been involved in a bus crash while driving home from the wedding. The crash left many of their friends injured, and Frazer's little brother Ringo in a coma.
Frazer decides he wants to start a family with Rosie. After a few disagreements they decided that they weren't ready yet because of Rosie's career and Frazer still feels he could not cope after what happened with his brother Paul. Rosie finds out, much to her distress that she is pregnant. Frazer tells her that if she can't raise the baby, he will as a sole parent. After Frazer said this Rosie said that she would give the parenting a go because she wanted to keep the marriage. Rosie and Frazer are now both looking forward to having the baby, but once they go for an ultrasound and cannot find a heart beat they are hit with the devastating news that there is no baby. However once they decide to go for a second opinion they realise there is a baby. Rosie and Frazer leave for a trip to Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. They had a boy and named him Marco after Rosie's brother-in-law who had died as the result of a bushfire.
Reception
Lawson was nominated for a 'Most Popular New Male Talent' Logie AwardLogie Award
The TV Week Logie Awards are the Australian television industry awards, which have been presented annually since 1959. Renamed by Graham Kennedy in 1960 after he won the first 'Star Of The Year' award, the name 'Logie' awards honours John Logie Baird, a Scotsman who invented the television as a...
in May 2007, for his portrayl of Frazer. He received a nomination in the "best Newcomer" category at the "2007 Inside Soap Awards". He was also nominated for "Sexiest Male" and "Best Couple" along with Saleeba, at the "2008 Inside Soap Awards".
Whilst commenting on the programme in general, Ruth Deller of media website Lowculture
Lowculture
lowculture.co.uk is a UK television website founded in January 2003 by Paul Lang, who currently works as the art director of Doctor Who Adventures.-Purpose:...
praised Rosetta's relationship with Frazer describing it as a high point for Neighbours and said the serial would be "dull" when they departed. She drew comparisons with past couples stating: "Of the more recent additions to the cast [...] two of the most loved have been Frazer and Rosie. Brittle, neurotic, flawed but ultimately sweet Rosie and thoroughly nice and not-unattractive Frazer are one of those Ramsay Street couples that just work, and have been totally right for the show – feeling just as, well, Neighbours-y as pairings such as Madge
Madge Bishop
Margaret Mary "Madge" Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Anne Charleston. She made her first on-screen appearance on 20 January 1986. Madge was one of the matriarchs of the Ramsay family. She departed in 1992, before making a return in 1996...
and Harold
Harold Bishop
Harold Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Smith. He made his first on-screen appearance on 30 January 1987. Smith was offered a role by Neighbours creator and executive producer Reg Watson...
, Scott
Scott Robinson (Neighbours)
Scott James Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Jason Donovan. He made his first on-screen appearance on 18 March 1985, in the show's first episode. Scott was originally played by Darius Perkins until he was recast.-Casting:Darius...
and Charlene
Charlene Robinson
Charlene Edna Robinson 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...
and Des
Des Clarke (Neighbours)
Desmond Kingsley "Des" Clarke is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Paul Keane. He made his first on screen appearance on 18 March 1985, the show's first episode.-Stroylines:...
and Daphne
Daphne Clarke
Daphne Rose Clarke is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Elaine Smith. She made her first on-screen appearance in the serial's first episode on 18 March 1985. Daphne a stripper hired for Des Clarke's bucks party and she moved in him. She and Des fell in love...
".