Harry Ramsay
Encyclopedia
Harry Ramsay is a fictional character
from the Australian Network Ten
soap opera Neighbours
, played by Will Moore. The character first appeared on-screen on 18 May 2009. Harry departed on 11 June 2010 after accepting a Basketball scholarship in Sydney.
Harry has been portrayed as having a unique persona
, being a loner refusing to accept help from others and rebelling against those around him. The character has been involved in storylines including being orphan
ed, plots involving the Department of Human Services
and his subsequent time in foster care
. He has also been the subject of negative reaction from some viewers.
. She added "We have three orphans, basically. That, as you can imagine, has a tremendous amount of story material with it and they're fabulous! Wait until you see this cast. They just clicked". Bower introduced the new characters despite the show receiving criticism because they did not have a nuclear or a "normal" family. Bower said that where she lives, in the suburbs, "there's not a lot of your mum, dad and two kids". Actress Ashleigh Brewer
was cast as older sister Kate Ramsay
. It was after this Will Moore was cast as Harry, and Kaiya Jones
was cast as Sophie Ramsay
, completing the family unit. Speaking of his character being part of the Ramsay family Moore said "At first I thought "Oh my God, am I supposed to do something special?" Everyone said "Your character's Harry Ramsay? Like Ramsay Street?" So I have those connections, but I got used to playing it after a while. It's pretty cool to be playing a part that has so much history and it's cool that we're related to so many of the original characters – Anne Robinson and Max Ramsay had an affair and had our mum."
In March 2010, it was announced that Moore and Harry were to leave Neighbours in June. Bower said that she was aware that viewers would be disappointed that one of the Ramsays was leaving already. She added "We were very saddened too, because we fell in love with Harry, but Will had a one-year contract and he decided he didn't want to continue. I believe he's furthering his school studies." Bower also added that there were no plans to recast the role, because the character of Declan Napier
had just been through a recast. Harry departed for a Basketball scholarship in Sydney on 11 June 2010.
During an interview with Channel Five
's soap opera reporting site, Holy Soap
, Moore revealed an insight into his character and how his storylines have had a direct effect on his personality stating:
Network Ten
state on the series official website that Harry only has a close relationship with Kate. They call him a "shrewd judge of character" and he makes "whip-like observations" of everything. He has a "reflective soul." Also describing him as an accomplished musician who meditates with music. Harry feels like he needs no one in his life but his sisters, playing a loner. He masks who he really is, a laid back character that tests everyone he meets fearing he cannot trust them, making harsh observations. They add he is hard to shock and likes children for their honesty and lack of guile which he applies to himself. They also state that due to his complex personality that other people think he is "aloof" and "withdrawn".
Harry has never been popular with female characters featured in Neighbours, often messing up any chance of a relationship due to his bad nerves around females other than his sisters. He also finds it hard to bond with other females as he masks his true identity whilst making his harsh observations he applies to other characters. Moore said he felt bad for Harry and that it was time for him to find some love. He said "Harry's been a bit isolated just having his sisters. Unfortunately you're not going to see any romance with Harry at all. The character hasn't been kissed before, which is quite incredible. He hasn't really been with a girl before so it's a very nerve-wracking experience for him and he kind of screws those opportunities up."
as she has been a mother figure to Harry. Harry has had to deal with a great deal already in his life and as a result he does not let others in easily. He is devoted to his two sisters and will do anything to ensure their safety and happiness.
(Stefan Dennis
) had not killed his mother, Harry still blamed Paul for taking her away from him. On his first day at Erinsborough High Harry met Declan Napier
(James Sorensen
) and Bridget Parker
(Eloise Mignon
) and he was unaware of Declan's connection to Paul. At the opening night of the school play, Kyle Canning
tells Harry that Declan's mother Rebecca (Jane Hall
) is Paul's girlfriend. Harry began a fight with Declan, which Dan Fitzgerald
(Brett Tucker
) interrupted. While helping out Bridget behind the scenes he found out she and Declan were a couple and asked her how Rebecca could stand by Paul. Declan appeared and another fight broke out between them, in which Harry was pushed off the stage. While Dan was telling them off, yet another fight broke out between them. They fell into a man holding a rope connected to some scenery, which crashed down on top of a Bridget. Harry later went to the hospital to see if Bridget and her unborn child were okay. Dan then gave Harry and Declan weekend detention. Harry later forgave Paul and he no longer blames him for his mother's death. During a jumble sale that Susan Kennedy
(Jackie Woodburne
) is holding, Harry sees a keyboard that he wants. He can't afford to buy it, but when it goes unsold, he breaks in to the Kennedys' home to play it. When Susan discovers that Harry was the person who had broken into her home she asks him to play for her. During his time with Susan, Harry breaks down and cries when he plays Moonlight Sonata as it was his mother's favourite piece.
After Stephanie Scully
(Carla Bonner
) was blamed for the death of Bridget, Harry spray paints "Guilty" in on her driveway. He is caught by an angry Toadfish Rebecchi
(Ryan Moloney
) who says he is going to the police, but Harry begs him not to. Toadie makes him apologise to Steph and work for her doing jobs around the house. At first he was sullen and rude to Steph, but when he realised how upset she was about the accident they reconciled.
In the build up to the Deb Ball, Harry was manipulated into buying alcohol by Amanda Fowler (Bella Heathcote). After smuggling the alcohol into the school and hiding it in a locker, it was discovered by Dan. Harry tried to pin the blame on Declan, but he later admitted that the bottle was his and he was suspended from Erinsborough High. As a result, Roz Challis (Janet Watson Kruse) from the DHS
is forced to intervene with the Ramsay family's living arrangements and she rules that Harry is failing to adapt to his new life style and he is taken into foster care. Lou Carpenter
(Tom Oliver
) then offered to become the legal guardian of the Ramsay's and Paul and Toadie helped to improve Lou's image and financial situation. Whilst he was in care, Harry was bullied and beaten by a boy at his foster home. When Lou discovered this, he made Harry come back to Ramsay Street and was almost arrested for kidnapping Harry. Roz assures Lou that the situation was now sorted and Harry had to return to his foster home. The DHS eventually agreed to Lou becoming the Ramsay's guardian and when the paperwork came through, Harry was allowed to return home. Lou moved in with the family shortly afterwards.
Harry displays a natural talent for basketball and his cousin Andrew Robinson
(Jordan Smith
) encourages his ambition to play for school team. Scott Griffin, (Eamonn George), a school bully who is jealous of Harry's talent, tried to stop Harry from attending tryouts by intimidating and threatening him. Harry, with the support of his family, Andrew and Summer Hoyland
(Jordy Lucas) decided to ignore Griffo and successfully tried out for team. Harry and Andrew both begin to compete to win Summer's affection and, after helping Summer out with her grandmother's love life, they share a kiss. However, Natasha Williams (Valentina Novakovic) tells Summer about Harry and Andrew's competition. Summer later tells Harry and Andrew that she does not want to be friends with them for them treating her like an object. Harry and Andrew decide to work together to regain Summer's friendship and she eventually forgives them until she gets into a fight with Natasha over her interfering with her friends and she realises how they have turned her into someone she doesn't want to be and so tells them she can't be their friend anymore. Harry grows jealous when he finds out that Summer is dating Chris Pappas (James Mason), but he eventually makes up with Summer. Sophie applies to the National Basketball Academy on Harry's behalf, as she knows he will not do it himself. Harry is then chosen to try out in front of Andrew Gaze
. Harry is accepted into the academy and he struggles to tell Kate that he's going to be leaving for Sydney. Harry changes his mind about going after listening to Andrew, but Kate helps him out and convinces him that he has the courage to go. Harry then leaves for Sydney after saying goodbye to his friends and family.
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 Will Moore. The character first appeared on-screen on 18 May 2009. Harry departed on 11 June 2010 after accepting a Basketball scholarship in Sydney.
Harry has been portrayed as having a unique persona
Personality type
Personality type refers to the psychological classification of different types of individuals. Personality types are sometimes distinguished from personality traits, with the latter embodying a smaller grouping of behavioral tendencies. Types are sometimes said to involve qualitative differences...
, being a loner refusing to accept help from others and rebelling against those around him. The character has been involved in storylines including being orphan
Orphan
An orphan is a child permanently bereaved of or abandoned by his or her parents. In common usage, only a child who has lost both parents is called an orphan...
ed, plots involving the Department of Human Services
Department of Human Services (Australia)
The Department of Human Services is an Australian Government agency which is responsible for delivering a range of welfare, social services, health services and other services for the Australian Government....
and his subsequent time in foster care
Foster care
Foster care is the term used for a system in which a minor who has been made a ward is placed in the private home of a state certified caregiver referred to as a "foster parent"....
. He has also been the subject of negative reaction from some viewers.
Character creation and casting
In February 2009, it was announced that Neighbours producers were introducing a new generation of the Ramsay family to the show, more than a decade after the family had last appeared. Executive producer Susan Bower said the introduction of the new characters was based on the American drama series Party of FiveParty of Five
Party of Five is an American teen drama television series that aired on Fox for six seasons, from September 12, 1994, until May 3, 2000.Critically acclaimed, the show suffered from low ratings and after its first season was slated for cancellation...
. She added "We have three orphans, basically. That, as you can imagine, has a tremendous amount of story material with it and they're fabulous! Wait until you see this cast. They just clicked". Bower introduced the new characters despite the show receiving criticism because they did not have a nuclear or a "normal" family. Bower said that where she lives, in the suburbs, "there's not a lot of your mum, dad and two kids". Actress Ashleigh Brewer
Ashleigh Brewer
Ashleigh Brewer is an Australian actress. She is best known for playing Kate Ramsay in the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Biography and personal life:...
was cast as older sister Kate Ramsay
Kate Ramsay
Kate Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Ashleigh Brewer. She made her first on-screen appearance on 15 May 2009. She is the eldest sibling of Harry and Sophie Ramsay...
. It was after this Will Moore was cast as Harry, and Kaiya Jones
Kaiya Jones
Kaiya Jones is a Scottish-born Australian actress best known for playing the role of Sophie Ramsay in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. She previously played Jess Cooper in The Saddle Club series 3.-Early and personal life:...
was cast as Sophie Ramsay
Sophie Ramsay
Sophie Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kaiya Jones. She made her first on-screen appearance on 18 May 2009. The character was created as part of a new generation of the Ramsay family. Sophie is the youngest of the Ramsay siblings, which also...
, completing the family unit. Speaking of his character being part of the Ramsay family Moore said "At first I thought "Oh my God, am I supposed to do something special?" Everyone said "Your character's Harry Ramsay? Like Ramsay Street?" So I have those connections, but I got used to playing it after a while. It's pretty cool to be playing a part that has so much history and it's cool that we're related to so many of the original characters – Anne Robinson and Max Ramsay had an affair and had our mum."
In March 2010, it was announced that Moore and Harry were to leave Neighbours in June. Bower said that she was aware that viewers would be disappointed that one of the Ramsays was leaving already. She added "We were very saddened too, because we fell in love with Harry, but Will had a one-year contract and he decided he didn't want to continue. I believe he's furthering his school studies." Bower also added that there were no plans to recast the role, because the character of Declan Napier
Declan Napier
Declan Napier is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Erin Mullally. The character first appeared on-screen on 25 July 2007. In January 2010 it was announced that original actor James Sorensen had quit the role of Declan and the decision to recast...
had just been through a recast. Harry departed for a Basketball scholarship in Sydney on 11 June 2010.
Character development
Harry has been described as a loner, an outcast and unlucky in love. Speaking of his character during an interview with Last Broadcast, Moore said "Harry is a confused teenager trying to figure out who he is. He's a bit of a loner and doesn't have too many friends. He puts up a facade of confidence and toughness, but really underneath he is a sensitive dork. All he really wants is to be accepted and fit in, but nothing seems to work for him. He also finds it hard to score with girls." Moore has also compared the character to himself commenting that he is a rebel.During an interview with Channel Five
Channel Five
Channel 5 is a television network that broadcasts in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1997, it was the fifth and final national terrestrial analogue network to launch. The station was branded as Five between 2002 and 2010...
's soap opera reporting site, Holy Soap
Holy Soap
Holy Soap is a UK television and entertainment website founded in June 2009 by the British television company Channel 5. The website is the official UK home of the Australian soap operas Home and Away and Neighbours, which are broadcast on the channel...
, Moore revealed an insight into his character and how his storylines have had a direct effect on his personality stating:
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...
state on the series official website that Harry only has a close relationship with Kate. They call him a "shrewd judge of character" and he makes "whip-like observations" of everything. He has a "reflective soul." Also describing him as an accomplished musician who meditates with music. Harry feels like he needs no one in his life but his sisters, playing a loner. He masks who he really is, a laid back character that tests everyone he meets fearing he cannot trust them, making harsh observations. They add he is hard to shock and likes children for their honesty and lack of guile which he applies to himself. They also state that due to his complex personality that other people think he is "aloof" and "withdrawn".
Harry has never been popular with female characters featured in Neighbours, often messing up any chance of a relationship due to his bad nerves around females other than his sisters. He also finds it hard to bond with other females as he masks his true identity whilst making his harsh observations he applies to other characters. Moore said he felt bad for Harry and that it was time for him to find some love. He said "Harry's been a bit isolated just having his sisters. Unfortunately you're not going to see any romance with Harry at all. The character hasn't been kissed before, which is quite incredible. He hasn't really been with a girl before so it's a very nerve-wracking experience for him and he kind of screws those opportunities up."
Background
Harry is one of the Ramsay siblings who arrived in Erinsborough in 2009 following the death of their mother Jill Ramsay (Perri Cummings). Harry is the middle child and the only Ramsay boy, he is particularly close to KateKate Ramsay
Kate Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Ashleigh Brewer. She made her first on-screen appearance on 15 May 2009. She is the eldest sibling of Harry and Sophie Ramsay...
as she has been a mother figure to Harry. Harry has had to deal with a great deal already in his life and as a result he does not let others in easily. He is devoted to his two sisters and will do anything to ensure their safety and happiness.
2009–2010
Despite finding out that Paul RobinsonPaul 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...
) had not killed his mother, Harry still blamed Paul for taking her away from him. On his first day at Erinsborough High Harry met Declan Napier
Declan Napier
Declan Napier is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Erin Mullally. The character first appeared on-screen on 25 July 2007. In January 2010 it was announced that original actor James Sorensen had quit the role of Declan and the decision to recast...
(James Sorensen
James Sorensen
James Sorensen is a professional model and actor. He is of Danish, British and Portuguese descent. He has a twin sister and a brother who is 6 years younger.-Biography:...
) and Bridget Parker
Bridget Parker
Bridget Louise "Didge" Parker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Eloise Mignon. In 2007 the show was revamped to boost falling ratings in Australia. As part of this, the show's focus returned to family dynamics and the character of Bridget and her family...
(Eloise Mignon
Eloise Mignon
Eloise Mignon is an Australian actress born in Kuwait.-Career:Mignon was educated at Melbourne Girls College, Wesley College and St Michael's Grammar School her screen credits include a role in Legacy of the Silver Shadow and a main character Mara Lomax in children's sci-fi series Silversun. She...
) and he was unaware of Declan's connection to Paul. At the opening night of the school play, Kyle Canning
Kyle Canning
Kyle Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Chris Milligan. The actor successfully auditioned for the six week recurring role of Kyle and he made his first on screen appearance on 26 November 2008. Milligan was later asked back every couple of months...
tells Harry that Declan's mother Rebecca (Jane Hall
Jane Hall (actress)
Jane Hall is an Australian actress and comedian.-Biography:Born in Melbourne, Hall grew up in the Dandenong Ranges....
) is Paul's girlfriend. Harry began a fight with Declan, which Dan Fitzgerald
Daniel Fitzgerald (Neighbours)
Daniel Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Brett Tucker. He made his first on-screen appearance on 1 September 1999. Dan becomes a teacher at Erinsborough High and shares a house with fellow teacher, Tess. He remained as a recurring...
(Brett Tucker
Brett Tucker
Brett Alan Tucker is an Australian actor and singer. He was a series regular in The Saddle Club and McLeod's Daughters...
) interrupted. While helping out Bridget behind the scenes he found out she and Declan were a couple and asked her how Rebecca could stand by Paul. Declan appeared and another fight broke out between them, in which Harry was pushed off the stage. While Dan was telling them off, yet another fight broke out between them. They fell into a man holding a rope connected to some scenery, which crashed down on top of a Bridget. Harry later went to the hospital to see if Bridget and her unborn child were okay. Dan then gave Harry and Declan weekend detention. Harry later forgave Paul and he no longer blames him for his mother's death. During a jumble sale that Susan Kennedy
Susan Kennedy
Susan Kennedy , is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Jackie Woodburne. The character and her family were created by storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots. Susan made her first on-screen appearance on 3 October 1994 along...
(Jackie Woodburne
Jackie Woodburne
Jackie Woodburne is a Northern Irish-born Australian actress.-Personal life:Woodburne was born in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Her father was a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. She has two older siblings: John and Stephen. At age three she emigrated with her family to...
) is holding, Harry sees a keyboard that he wants. He can't afford to buy it, but when it goes unsold, he breaks in to the Kennedys' home to play it. When Susan discovers that Harry was the person who had broken into her home she asks him to play for her. During his time with Susan, Harry breaks down and cries when he plays Moonlight Sonata as it was his mother's favourite piece.
After Stephanie Scully
Stephanie Scully
Stephanie Jo "Steph" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Carla Bonner. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999. Stephanie is the eldest daughter of Joe and Lyn Scully and the mother to a son, Charlie...
(Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Steph Scully in the soap opera Neighbours, a role she played from 1999 to 2010...
) was blamed for the death of Bridget, Harry spray paints "Guilty" in on her driveway. He is caught by an angry Toadfish Rebecchi
Toadfish Rebecchi
Jarrod Vincenzo Rebecchi is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Ryan Moloney. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 8 February 1995....
(Ryan Moloney
Ryan Moloney
Ryan Moloney is an Australian actor best known for his portrayal of the fictional character Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Before Neighbours:...
) who says he is going to the police, but Harry begs him not to. Toadie makes him apologise to Steph and work for her doing jobs around the house. At first he was sullen and rude to Steph, but when he realised how upset she was about the accident they reconciled.
In the build up to the Deb Ball, Harry was manipulated into buying alcohol by Amanda Fowler (Bella Heathcote). After smuggling the alcohol into the school and hiding it in a locker, it was discovered by Dan. Harry tried to pin the blame on Declan, but he later admitted that the bottle was his and he was suspended from Erinsborough High. As a result, Roz Challis (Janet Watson Kruse) from the DHS
Department of Human Services (Australia)
The Department of Human Services is an Australian Government agency which is responsible for delivering a range of welfare, social services, health services and other services for the Australian Government....
is forced to intervene with the Ramsay family's living arrangements and she rules that Harry is failing to adapt to his new life style and he is taken into foster care. Lou Carpenter
Lou Carpenter
Louis "Lou" Carpenter is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Tom Oliver. He made his first on-screen appearance on 30 March 1988. Lou appeared for a brief time, before leaving and later returning in January 1992 as a regular cast member. He is the longest...
(Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver is an English television, film and theatre actor best known today for playing the role of Lou Carpenter in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Career:...
) then offered to become the legal guardian of the Ramsay's and Paul and Toadie helped to improve Lou's image and financial situation. Whilst he was in care, Harry was bullied and beaten by a boy at his foster home. When Lou discovered this, he made Harry come back to Ramsay Street and was almost arrested for kidnapping Harry. Roz assures Lou that the situation was now sorted and Harry had to return to his foster home. The DHS eventually agreed to Lou becoming the Ramsay's guardian and when the paperwork came through, Harry was allowed to return home. Lou moved in with the family shortly afterwards.
Harry displays a natural talent for basketball and his cousin Andrew Robinson
Andrew Robinson (Neighbours)
Andrew Benito Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jordan Smith. He made his first on-screen appearance on 13 November 1991. Shannon Holmes previously played the role from the character's birth in 1991 until 1992...
(Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith (actor)
Jordan Patrick Smith is a Scottish-born Australian actor best known for playing Andrew Robinson in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Personal life:...
) encourages his ambition to play for school team. Scott Griffin, (Eamonn George), a school bully who is jealous of Harry's talent, tried to stop Harry from attending tryouts by intimidating and threatening him. Harry, with the support of his family, Andrew and Summer Hoyland
Summer Hoyland
Summer Rose Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Jordy Lucas. She made her first on-screen appearance on 20 May 2002. The character was originally played by Marisa Siketa from her arrival to her departure in 2005 and her subsequent...
(Jordy Lucas) decided to ignore Griffo and successfully tried out for team. Harry and Andrew both begin to compete to win Summer's affection and, after helping Summer out with her grandmother's love life, they share a kiss. However, Natasha Williams (Valentina Novakovic) tells Summer about Harry and Andrew's competition. Summer later tells Harry and Andrew that she does not want to be friends with them for them treating her like an object. Harry and Andrew decide to work together to regain Summer's friendship and she eventually forgives them until she gets into a fight with Natasha over her interfering with her friends and she realises how they have turned her into someone she doesn't want to be and so tells them she can't be their friend anymore. Harry grows jealous when he finds out that Summer is dating Chris Pappas (James Mason), but he eventually makes up with Summer. Sophie applies to the National Basketball Academy on Harry's behalf, as she knows he will not do it himself. Harry is then chosen to try out in front of Andrew Gaze
Andrew Gaze
Andrew Barry Casson Gaze is Australia's best known basketball player, and one of its most successful. He is considered as the greatest player in the history of the NBL....
. Harry is accepted into the academy and he struggles to tell Kate that he's going to be leaving for Sydney. Harry changes his mind about going after listening to Andrew, but Kate helps him out and convinces him that he has the courage to go. Harry then leaves for Sydney after saying goodbye to his friends and family.