Libby Kennedy
Encyclopedia
Elizabeth Grace "Libby" Kennedy (previously Kennedy-Fitzgerald) is a fictional character
from the Australian soap opera Neighbours
, played by Kym Valentine
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 3 October 1994 and departed in 2004, before returning on 12 November 2007. Libby is the only daughter of Karl
and Susan Kennedy
and the mother to a son, Ben
. Libby's storylines have included being involved in a motorbike accident, the loss of her husband Drew
, giving birth to Ben, getting married to Daniel Fitzgerald
and subsequently separating from him. In 2008, Valentine was forced to take sick leave for one month and executive producer, Susan Bower
, made the decision to temporarily recast McLeod's Daughters
actress Michala Banas
in the role for a month. Valentine took leave from Neighbours in 2010 due to ill health and returned to the set in January 2011. A few months later, Valentine took indefinite leave from Neighbours to focus on her health.
' storyliners decided to introduce the "solid" Kennedy family. They felt that they needed to take the show back to its roots when it seemed that all the houses on Ramsay Street were populated with misfits and distant relatives. Kym Valentine left Sydney to join the cast of Neighbours in 1994 when she was 17 years old. She was given the role of the Kennedys' only daughter, Libby. Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne
were cast as her on-screen parents and Benjamin McNair
and Jesse Spencer
were cast as her two brothers.
Valentine decided to depart Neighbours in 2004, so she could pursue other acting roles and spend time with her daughter. However, she did make a brief return in 2005 for the show's 20th anniversary episode. In 2007, Neighbours suffered a decline in ratings and plans were made to take storylines "back to basics", so they would be less controversial and focus more on relationships and family dynamics. It was then announced that Valentine would be reprising her role of Libby. Of her comeback Valentine said "I really felt like I was coming home and it was very easy to slip back into the role of Libby, she’s like an old friend. Plus she was older and the writers were able to do a lot more with her so it was a great time to return." Valentine initially intended to return to Neighbours for a brief time.
In 2010, Valentine took three months off from Neighbours due to ill health. In July of that year, she spent a week in hospital with a lung problem and in December she checked herself into a clinic as she was suffering from exhaustion. Valentine said "I'm very grateful to the producers for allowing me time off to get healthy again and this year is already looking fantastic." Valentine returned to the set in January 2011.
A few months after her return to filming, Valentine took indefinite leave from Neighbours. Fiona Byrne of the Herald Sun
reported the actress was undergoing treatment in hospital for a depressive illness. Susan Bower said Valentine had the support of the production team and her character would be written out of the show in a "nice and neat way." The newspaper added "It has been done so when she is ready to return she (Libby) can walk straight back into the show." Byrne's colleague, Luke Dennehy reported Valentine's contract was up for renewal at the end of 2011. In September 2011, Byrne said Valentine was unlikely to return to Neighbours, though this was not confirmed by the show.
said "there's no keeping that irrepressible sense of humour down. She loves a good laugh."
On Valentine's return to the Neighbours set in January 2011, she decided to cut her long hair off in favour of a short hairstyle. It was also revealed that Libby would return with a new attitude to life. She has spent time at a health retreat, learnt the "art of Zen" and now refuses to judge anyone. Valentine said that Libby wants "to detach from negativity." She added "She looks at her situation – single mum, still living with her parents – and starts to focus on her career at the school."
actress, Michala Banas
and asked her to take over the role.
Banas only had four days to research Libby's history on the show and learn the scripts before she began filming. She told the Herald Sun
, " It was crazy, a whirlwind. I spent the first week of filming really stressing about it – am I doing this right, is this what Libby would do, am I making the right choices? I felt this real sense of responsibility to Kym and to the character and to the show. I just wanted to do the best job I could for everyone." Banas explained that Libby is a strong woman with a lot of energy and she tried to keep the essence of the character in her portrayal. However, she said that the only way she could "tackle" the role was to make Libby her own. She added "I came to the realisation that I can't be the same Libby as Kym is – it's impossible." Banas was reunited with Brett Tucker, her co-star from McLeod's Daughters, for Libby's storylines. Of her character being recast, Valentine said "It is like handing over a child to be looked after by somebody else". She later returned to the set on 15 September 2008. In May 2009, a short video was created which made light of the recast. The clip, featuring Valentine, Fletcher and Woodburne, saw Susan and Karl questioning Libby over why she changed her head.
(Todd MacDonald
) comes to an abrupt end after he kisses Janae Timmins
(Eliza Taylor-Cotter
), but Libby soon finds romance again with Daniel Fitzgerald
(Brett Tucker
). Valentine told TV Week
that Libby decides that she has had enough of Darren and their relationship is over for good. Then over the next few months there is a hint of romance for Libby and Dan. Tucker said that there is "an immediate attraction" for Dan when it comes to Libby. Dan hides some secrets from Libby and when she discovers them, there is "an emotional upset." Valentine explained "Libby will begin to feel like she's being constantly let down by men. She can't seem to take a trick. Guys just keep disappointing her." Tucker added that it was never planned for Libby and Dan to have a trouble free relationship, although he previously thought otherwise. When she was asked to choose between Dan and Drew, Valentine chose Dan and she explained "I do honestly think that Dan is more her match. [...] I just think Dan and Libby are very similar like with their careers – they've got a lot more in common, they're both teachers and they're both very articulate and educated. I think maybe Libby and Dan can entertain each other a little bit more, in many different ways, than Libby and Drew could." Libby and Dan's relationship does not run smoothly and Dan's ex-wife Samantha
(Simone Buchanan
) causes problems for them. Sam lies to Dan that she is pregnant with his child and when the lie is exposed, Libby sees Dan is upset that he does not have a child. Valentine told Digital Spy
; "when Libby sees how upset Dan is about it all, she desperately wants him to have his own child. So for the next few months, we've got this long-term storyline based around Libby wanting to have a baby with Dan which we all know is incredibly risky because she could die if she has another baby."
Libby and Dan later marry. During an interview, Susan Bower said that there is nothing interesting in watching an on-screen marriage that is working and she highlighted her plans for the couple; "It's a very, very slow, long burn and there's some wonderful humour and the fact there's the Brady Bunch a bit. We are making stories about what happens in people's lives and there's the good and the bad." Libby and Dan decide to have a child via surrogacy. Libby's mother, Susan
offers to become the surrogate after Libby is unable have any more children. Following a fight with the hospital board, Susan becomes pregnant. However, this causes friction between her and Dan. Following a fall, Susan loses the baby. Alan Fletcher said he was pleased at the way the surrogacy scenes were handled and he added "The notion of a mother being a surrogate for their daughter is something you can't pretend is not controversial. The writers embraced that and showed how Susan's decision divided the community, and has potential to divide the family". The show's timeslot presented difficulties for the storyline and the writers were forced to tone the plot down to comply with guidelines. The surrogacy saga puts pressure on Libby and Dan's marriage and it falls apart. Valentine drew on her own experience of going through a divorce to film the scenes. She revealed that she was "really really proud" of how they portrayed the end of Libby and Dan's marriage and she said that she put her "heart and soul" into the storyline. She added "It was the most intimate storyline I've ever done in my life. I got the chance to really exorcise some demons."
(Brett Blewitt
) and they become best friends. Brett later forms a crush on her. Libby gets a part-time job at Philip Martin
's (Ian Rawlings
) newsagent. When she is threatened by a thief, Karl is convinced the job is not safe, but she goes back to work there. She leaves for a cadetship at the Erinsborough News. Libby develops a crush on Luke Handley
(Bernard Curry
) and he begins to develop feelings for her too. They share a kiss, but Karl is disapproving of the relationship and Luke is uncomfortable with the age difference. Luke then tells Libby that they can only be friends. Libby begins a relationship with Sonny Hammond (Tom Hutchings), but she grows uncomfortable when Sonny wants to take things further. After breaking up with him, Libby and Brett lose their virginity to each other. Despite feeling awkward, they both agree that it was the right thing to do. Brett leaves to go travelling and he gives his pet Galah
, Dahl, to Libby.
Brett's older brother, Darren, moves to Ramsay Street and Libby begins a relationship with him. Darren cheats on Libby with Catherine O'Brien (Radha Mitchell
) and Libby is upset by Darren's betrayal. Darren decides to leave Erinsborough, but stays when Libby tells him she loves him. However, he later kisses another woman and Libby ends their relationship for good. Drew Kirk
(Dan Paris
) moves to the town shortly after Darren leaves and falls in love with Libby. Libby is initially oblivious to Drew's love for her and she begins dating her university lecturer, Mike Healy (Andrew Blackman
). Libby and Mike's relationship upsets her parents as he is much older than her and recently separated from his wife. Libby continues seeing Mike until he starts dating his wife again. Libby and Drew eventually start a relationship and Libby becomes good friends with new neighbour, Stephanie Scully
(Carla Bonner
). Drew proposes to Libby and she accepts, but weeks before the wedding, Libby and Steph are involved in a motorbike accident. Libby is told that she would never carry a baby to full term as a result of her injuries. Libby pushes Drew away, but they eventually reconcile and they marry. Libby then finds out that she is pregnant and decides to keep the baby despite the risks to her life. Libby goes into labour whilst locked inside a barn at a rodeo in Oakey. When she is found, she is taken to the hospital and she gives birth to Ben
(Noah Sutherland). Just a year later, Drew dies after being thrown from a horse.
Libby becomes a teacher at Erinsborough High. She helps Taj Coppin (Jaime Robbie Reyne
) with his assignments and he develops a crush on her. When Taj turns eighteen, he pursues Libby but she ignores him. When he offers to walk her home one night, Taj invites Libby to his house and they sleep together. Libby goes away for a while and Taj realises that they cannot have a relationship and leaves Erinsborough. Libby is offered a teaching job in Adelaide and she accepts and moves away. When Karl and Susan split up, following Karl's relationship with Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte
), Libby returns home. Libby is shocked to see Darren working as an electrician and is impressed that Darren has matured and gets on well with Ben. They start their relationship again and Libby and Ben move to Shepparton with him.
, Libby decides to move back home. Libby is questioned about Darren, but she avoids talking about him and attacks Karl about his past infidelity. Darren arrives in Ramsay Street and reveals that he cheated on Libby. Darren tries to reconcile with Libby, but she insists that their relationship is over. Darren then kisses Janae Timmins, which ends his relationship with Libby for good and he returns to Shepparton alone.
Libby returns to teaching at Erinsborough High and she develops feelings for Daniel Fitzgerald. They begin dating, but Libby calls the relationship off when Dan's estranged wife, Samantha
(Simone Buchanan
), arrives in town. Dan asks Sam for a divorce, but Libby refuses to get involved with him. Libby and Ben move in with Steph and Libby begins a relationship with Lucas Fitzgerald
(Scott Major
), not knowing that he is Dan's brother. When she finds out the truth, she cuts both men out of her life. Libby and Dan both go for the job of Head of Senior School, but Libby forgets her notes during her interview. Dan gets the job, but turns it down after hearing about what happened to Libby. Dan then tells Libby that he loves her and they begin dating. Dan moves in with Libby and Ben, he later proposes and Libby accepts. Samantha returns and announces she is pregnant with Dan's child. Libby calls off the wedding and she accuses Sam of using her pregnancy to try to win Dan back. Steph tells Libby and Dan that she overheard Sam talking about the baby and that Dan is not the father. Sam admits the truth, before leaving once more. On the day of her wedding, Libby begins to feel unwell, but manages to get through the ceremony. However, she collapses and is rushed to hospital, where she finds out she is pregnant. Libby believes the baby is a girl and she and Dan decide to name her Grace after Susan's mother. Libby later loses the baby and when she begins hemorrhaging, Dan gives his permission for the doctors to perform a hysterectomy.
Libby suggests trying surrogacy to have a baby. Steph initially offers to carry the baby, but Libby turns her down and Susan offers instead. Libby and Dan accept and Susan later becomes pregnant. Dan begins to question Susan's interference in his and Libby's lives. Karl tries to defuse the situation by taking them on a break, so they can talk. Dan and Susan argue and Dan announces that he should never have agreed to the surrogacy, upsetting Libby. Libby and Karl later find Susan, following a fall, and rush her to hospital, where she miscarries the baby. Libby blames Dan for the loss of their child and she ends their marriage. Dan leaves Ramsay Street and Libby and Ben move back in with Susan and Karl. Libby meets Doug Harris (Mahesh Jadu) at Ben's dance class and they initially get off to a bad start, but begin dating. Libby is unaware that Doug is Karl's boss, until he takes a phone call from him. Karl later walks in on Libby and Doug kissing.
Libby is shocked to find out that Steph and Toadfish Rebecchi
(Ryan Moloney
) are back together and that Steph is pregnant. Libby finds it hard knowing her best friend is pregnant. She clashes with the new school principal, Michael Williams
(Sandy Winton
), over some of his ideas for the school. Libby acts as bridesmaid for Steph and Toadie's wedding. Libby is shocked to learn that Dan has been injured in an accident and is not happy that Steph and Toadie tried to keep it from her. Paul Robinson
(Stefan Dennis
) plays a recording of a conversation between Steph and Dan over the radio, which Libby hears. Libby is devastated to learn that Steph's baby is actually Dan's and tells Steph that they are no longer friends. Toadie reveals his part in covering up the secret, which devastates Libby further. She later splits up with Doug following an argument. Libby and Lucas sleep together, but agree to keep things casual between them. Ben is accepted into an arts boarding school and Libby finds it hard to let him go. Libby makes up with Toadie, but tells him that she cannot do the same with Steph. After Lyn Scully
(Janet Andrewartha
) reveals her concerns over Steph's mental state, Libby decides to go and find her. She tracks her down to a motel and they talk. Steph gets angry and races off on her motorbike and accidentally kills Ringo Brown
(Sam Clark
). Libby helps Steph realise that she is suffering from postpartum depression
and goes to the hospital with her to talk to Doug. Libby is shocked to see Sam back in town for Steph's trial. Karl and Susan discover that Libby is prepared to lie about Steph's state of mind at the time of the accident and they beg her to tell the truth. Libby gives her evidence in court, but Sam exposes her lies. Steph is sent to prison for six years, which shocks Libby. She then decides to go visit Ben.
After attending a health retreat, Libby returns to Ramsay Street. She defuses an argument between Susan and Lyn and then comforts Toadie. Karl and Susan believe Libby's new attitude to life is just a phase, which she denies. Paul tries to get Libby to support his bid to join the school board. Libby draws up a five year plan, which includes her becoming principal. Libby later supports Michael's no uniform policy and she tells Paul that it will fail. Libby then accepts Michael's offer of mentorship. Karl tries to set Libby up with Jonathan Swan (Gary Abrahams), a doctor who works at the hospital with him. After her first mentoring session with Michael does not go well, Libby leaves to visit Ben.
. The following year she received a nomination for "Best Actress" and in 2010 was nominated for "Best Daytime Star". Libby and Susan's surrogacy storyline was nominated for "Best Baby Drama" at the 2010 All About Soap Bubble Awards
. In June 2002, Libby came third in a poll run by Newsround
to find viewer's favourite Neighbours character. She received 19.33% of the vote.
In January 2009, Ruth Deller, of television website Lowculture
included Libby in her monthly list of best and worst soap characters. Libby was placed at number ten on the worst characters list. Deller said "Libby's always had the tendency to be a bit smug and self-absorbed, but she's taking it to ridiculous levels at the moment. And her and Fitzy (or her and Lucas) is clearly a wrong thing indeed". Virgin Media
compiled a list of their sexiest soap couples, Libby and Dan were featured and they stated that they believed the couple were a "match made in soap heaven" and that "nothing can stand in the way of their love apart from Sam". Soap opera reporting website Holy Soap
opined that Libby's most memorable moment was collapsing at her wedding, finding out she was pregnant and subsequently losing the baby.
To celebrate Neighbours 25th anniversary Sky
, a British satellite broadcasting company profiled 25 characters of which they believed were the most memorable in the series history. Libby is in the list and describing her they state: "When Libby first joined the programme, she seemed to spend most of her time trying to out-do Ruth Wilkinson in the ugly short-wearing stakes. Then she got all curvy sexy, and as an adult Libby has seen three of the hottest Ds in the Greater Erinsborough area: Darren, Drew and Dan. Her feisty newshound days are long behind her too as she's become a teacher, which apparently in Australia requires no formal training. Interesting."
British newspaper, The Guardian
, included Libby in a feature called "Soaps' most bizarre recasts". Of the character's temporary recast, they said "A staple of Neighbours since 1994, we've watched Libby Kennedy get married, get widowed, get married again, get divorced and – for one confusing month – turn into a completely different person. They added that the recast was the "most confusing Neighbours moment since that time Bouncer got married in his dreams". British weekly magazine NOW compiled a special gallery to decide whether Libby was best played by Valentine or Banas. They describe Libby has never having any luck in her love life and since Drew's death has been doomed it's got worse.
Character (arts)
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 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 Kym Valentine
Kym Valentine
Kym Valentine is a Maltese Australian actress best known for her portrayal of Libby Kennedy in the soap opera Neighbours.-Early and personal life:...
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 3 October 1994 and departed in 2004, before returning on 12 November 2007. Libby is the only daughter of Karl
Karl Kennedy
Karl Raymond Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Alan Fletcher. The character and his family were created by storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots. Karl made his first on-screen appearance on 20 September 1994 along with his...
and 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...
and the mother to a son, Ben
Ben Fitzgerald
Ben Ian Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Blake O'Leary. The character was previously played by Noah Sutherland and Sean Berends. He made his first on-screen appearance on 14 December 2001. Ben is the son of Libby Kennedy and Drew...
. Libby's storylines have included being involved in a motorbike accident, the loss of her husband Drew
Drew Kirk
Andrew "Drew" Kirk is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Dan Paris. He made his first on-screen appearance on 27 March 1998. Drew departed on 13 September 2002...
, giving birth to Ben, getting married to Daniel 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...
and subsequently separating from him. In 2008, Valentine was forced to take sick leave for one month and executive producer, Susan Bower
Susan Bower
Susan Bower is an Australian television producer and television writer best known for her work on the soap opera Neighbours.-Career:Bower is a former nurse who worked at The Alfred Hospital for 20 years before getting her scriptwriting breakthrough on A Country Practice, where she provided the...
, made the decision to temporarily recast McLeod's Daughters
McLeod's Daughters
McLeod's Daughters is a Logie award-winning Australian drama series that aired on the Nine Network from 2001 to 2009. It tells the story of two sisters, Claire and Tess McLeod, who are reunited after they inherit the family farm...
actress Michala Banas
Michala Banas
Michala Elizabeth Laurinda Banas is a New Zealand television actress, and singer now living in Australia.-Career:Born in Wellington, New Zealand, she starred in her first commercial at only 18 months of age....
in the role for a month. Valentine took leave from Neighbours in 2010 due to ill health and returned to the set in January 2011. A few months later, Valentine took indefinite leave from Neighbours to focus on her health.
Character creation and casting
In 1994, NeighboursJackie 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...
were cast as her on-screen parents and Benjamin McNair
Benjamin McNair
Benjamin John McNair is an Australian actor. McNair is perhaps best known for his role as Malcolm Kennedy in the soap opera Neighbours which he played from 1994–97 returning briefly in 2002, 2004 and 2011 with a cameo appearance in 2005.-Early life:McNair moved to Australia with his family when he...
and Jesse Spencer
Jesse Spencer
Jesse Gordon Spencer is an Australian actor and musician. He is best known for his current portrayal of Dr. Robert Chase on the medical drama House and for playing Billy Kennedy in the Australian soap-opera Neighbours....
were cast as her two brothers.
Valentine decided to depart Neighbours in 2004, so she could pursue other acting roles and spend time with her daughter. However, she did make a brief return in 2005 for the show's 20th anniversary episode. In 2007, Neighbours suffered a decline in ratings and plans were made to take storylines "back to basics", so they would be less controversial and focus more on relationships and family dynamics. It was then announced that Valentine would be reprising her role of Libby. Of her comeback Valentine said "I really felt like I was coming home and it was very easy to slip back into the role of Libby, she’s like an old friend. Plus she was older and the writers were able to do a lot more with her so it was a great time to return." Valentine initially intended to return to Neighbours for a brief time.
In 2010, Valentine took three months off from Neighbours due to ill health. In July of that year, she spent a week in hospital with a lung problem and in December she checked herself into a clinic as she was suffering from exhaustion. Valentine said "I'm very grateful to the producers for allowing me time off to get healthy again and this year is already looking fantastic." Valentine returned to the set in January 2011.
A few months after her return to filming, Valentine took indefinite leave from Neighbours. Fiona Byrne of the Herald Sun
Herald Sun
The Herald Sun is a morning tabloid newspaper based in Melbourne, Australia. It is published by The Herald and Weekly Times, a subsidiary of News Limited, itself a subsidiary of News Corporation. It is available for purchase throughout Melbourne, Regional Victoria, Tasmania, the Australian Capital...
reported the actress was undergoing treatment in hospital for a depressive illness. Susan Bower said Valentine had the support of the production team and her character would be written out of the show in a "nice and neat way." The newspaper added "It has been done so when she is ready to return she (Libby) can walk straight back into the show." Byrne's colleague, Luke Dennehy reported Valentine's contract was up for renewal at the end of 2011. In September 2011, Byrne said Valentine was unlikely to return to Neighbours, though this was not confirmed by the show.
Characterisation
Upon her introduction to Neighbours, Libby was described as an opinionated girl who makes a stand on "any and every issue." She is as a communist and her political views frustrate her father. She initially wants to go into a government job, but she studies journalism at university instead. The teenage Libby was said to be bright, inquisitive and "prim and proper." Her "wise beyond her years" side has followed her into adulthood and Libby is now a "passionate and idealistic" woman. She is hard working, honest, headstong and focused on her career and life goals. Libby has a humorous and quirky side, which Valentine loves acting out. The BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
said "there's no keeping that irrepressible sense of humour down. She loves a good laugh."
On Valentine's return to the Neighbours set in January 2011, she decided to cut her long hair off in favour of a short hairstyle. It was also revealed that Libby would return with a new attitude to life. She has spent time at a health retreat, learnt the "art of Zen" and now refuses to judge anyone. Valentine said that Libby wants "to detach from negativity." She added "She looks at her situation – single mum, still living with her parents – and starts to focus on her career at the school."
Temporary recast
On 4 July 2008, Valentine collapsed on a flight home from New York and was diagnosed with pneumonia and a collapsed lung. Valentine was told that she needed to rest for a month and that she could not return to work on Neighbours. news.com.au initially reported that Libby would be written out of scenes for a week. However, as the character was involved in too many storylines, executive producer, Susan Bower, realised that she could not be suddenly written out of the show and she took the decision to temporarily recast the role of Libby. Bower called McLeod's DaughtersMcLeod's Daughters
McLeod's Daughters is a Logie award-winning Australian drama series that aired on the Nine Network from 2001 to 2009. It tells the story of two sisters, Claire and Tess McLeod, who are reunited after they inherit the family farm...
actress, Michala Banas
Michala Banas
Michala Elizabeth Laurinda Banas is a New Zealand television actress, and singer now living in Australia.-Career:Born in Wellington, New Zealand, she starred in her first commercial at only 18 months of age....
and asked her to take over the role.
Banas only had four days to research Libby's history on the show and learn the scripts before she began filming. She told the Herald Sun
Herald Sun
The Herald Sun is a morning tabloid newspaper based in Melbourne, Australia. It is published by The Herald and Weekly Times, a subsidiary of News Limited, itself a subsidiary of News Corporation. It is available for purchase throughout Melbourne, Regional Victoria, Tasmania, the Australian Capital...
, " It was crazy, a whirlwind. I spent the first week of filming really stressing about it – am I doing this right, is this what Libby would do, am I making the right choices? I felt this real sense of responsibility to Kym and to the character and to the show. I just wanted to do the best job I could for everyone." Banas explained that Libby is a strong woman with a lot of energy and she tried to keep the essence of the character in her portrayal. However, she said that the only way she could "tackle" the role was to make Libby her own. She added "I came to the realisation that I can't be the same Libby as Kym is – it's impossible." Banas was reunited with Brett Tucker, her co-star from McLeod's Daughters, for Libby's storylines. Of her character being recast, Valentine said "It is like handing over a child to be looked after by somebody else". She later returned to the set on 15 September 2008. In May 2009, a short video was created which made light of the recast. The clip, featuring Valentine, Fletcher and Woodburne, saw Susan and Karl questioning Libby over why she changed her head.
Daniel Fitzgerald and surrogacy
Libby's relationship with Darren StarkDarren Stark
Darren Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Todd MacDonald. He made his first on-screen appearance on 20 July 1993 and was originally played by Scott Major. When the character was released from prison in 1996, MacDonald took over the role and remained...
(Todd MacDonald
Todd MacDonald
Todd MacDonald is an Australian actor who is best known for his roles on the soap opera Neighbours and the drama series The Secret Life of Us and Rush....
) comes to an abrupt end after he kisses Janae Timmins
Janae Timmins
Janae Timmins is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Eliza Taylor-Cotter. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 4 April 2005. The character was created by executive producer Ric Pellizzeri as part of the new Timmins family, joining established...
(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:...
), but Libby soon finds romance again with Daniel 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...
). Valentine told TV Week
TV Week
TV Week is a weekly television magazine in Australia, first published as a Melbourne-only publication in December 1957 , and bearing a strong affiliation to television station GTV.The publication is still publishing weekly...
that Libby decides that she has had enough of Darren and their relationship is over for good. Then over the next few months there is a hint of romance for Libby and Dan. Tucker said that there is "an immediate attraction" for Dan when it comes to Libby. Dan hides some secrets from Libby and when she discovers them, there is "an emotional upset." Valentine explained "Libby will begin to feel like she's being constantly let down by men. She can't seem to take a trick. Guys just keep disappointing her." Tucker added that it was never planned for Libby and Dan to have a trouble free relationship, although he previously thought otherwise. When she was asked to choose between Dan and Drew, Valentine chose Dan and she explained "I do honestly think that Dan is more her match. [...] I just think Dan and Libby are very similar like with their careers – they've got a lot more in common, they're both teachers and they're both very articulate and educated. I think maybe Libby and Dan can entertain each other a little bit more, in many different ways, than Libby and Drew could." Libby and Dan's relationship does not run smoothly and Dan's ex-wife Samantha
Samantha Fitzgerald
Samantha "Sam" Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Simone Buchanan. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 March 2008 and departed the show on 25 June 2008. She returned briefly on 24 November 2008. Sam's main storylines have...
(Simone Buchanan
Simone Buchanan
Simone Louise Buchanan is an Australian actress best known for her television roles as Debbie Kelly in the situation comedy Hey Dad..! and Samantha Fitzgerald in the soap opera Neighbours....
) causes problems for them. Sam lies to Dan that she is pregnant with his child and when the lie is exposed, Libby sees Dan is upset that he does not have a child. Valentine told Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
; "when Libby sees how upset Dan is about it all, she desperately wants him to have his own child. So for the next few months, we've got this long-term storyline based around Libby wanting to have a baby with Dan which we all know is incredibly risky because she could die if she has another baby."
Libby and Dan later marry. During an interview, Susan Bower said that there is nothing interesting in watching an on-screen marriage that is working and she highlighted her plans for the couple; "It's a very, very slow, long burn and there's some wonderful humour and the fact there's the Brady Bunch a bit. We are making stories about what happens in people's lives and there's the good and the bad." Libby and Dan decide to have a child via surrogacy. Libby's mother, Susan
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...
offers to become the surrogate after Libby is unable have any more children. Following a fight with the hospital board, Susan becomes pregnant. However, this causes friction between her and Dan. Following a fall, Susan loses the baby. Alan Fletcher said he was pleased at the way the surrogacy scenes were handled and he added "The notion of a mother being a surrogate for their daughter is something you can't pretend is not controversial. The writers embraced that and showed how Susan's decision divided the community, and has potential to divide the family". The show's timeslot presented difficulties for the storyline and the writers were forced to tone the plot down to comply with guidelines. The surrogacy saga puts pressure on Libby and Dan's marriage and it falls apart. Valentine drew on her own experience of going through a divorce to film the scenes. She revealed that she was "really really proud" of how they portrayed the end of Libby and Dan's marriage and she said that she put her "heart and soul" into the storyline. She added "It was the most intimate storyline I've ever done in my life. I got the chance to really exorcise some demons."
1994–2004
Following her arrival, Libby meets Brett StarkBrett Stark
Brett Stark is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Brett Blewitt. He debuted in the episode airing on 30 November 1993, along with his sister, Danni Stark and remained as a regular in the show until 8 March 1996. Blewitt returned as Brett for five...
(Brett Blewitt
Brett Blewitt
Brett Blewitt, is an Australian actor who played Brett Stark on the Australian soap opera Neighbours from 1993 to 1996...
) and they become best friends. Brett later forms a crush on her. Libby gets a part-time job at Philip Martin
Philip Martin (Neighbours)
Philip Gordon Martin is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Rawlings. Originally played by Christopher Milne during the character's first appearance in 1985, Rawlings took over the role when the character returned to the show in 1992 and...
's (Ian Rawlings
Ian Rawlings
Ian Rawlings is an Australian actor. He had two long-running roles in Australian soap operas.-Television Work:He started out playing the role of the spiteful and scheming Wayne Hamilton in Sons and Daughters...
) newsagent. When she is threatened by a thief, Karl is convinced the job is not safe, but she goes back to work there. She leaves for a cadetship at the Erinsborough News. Libby develops a crush on Luke Handley
Luke Handley
Luke Handley is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Bernard Curry. He made his first on-screen appearance on 7 March 1995. Luke's storylines included a brief fling with Libby Kennedy, a relationship with Serendipity Gottlieb, suffering a breakdown, being...
(Bernard Curry
Bernard Curry
Bernard Curry is a Sydney-based Australian actor, best known for his role in soap operas Neighbours and Home and Away.-Career:...
) and he begins to develop feelings for her too. They share a kiss, but Karl is disapproving of the relationship and Luke is uncomfortable with the age difference. Luke then tells Libby that they can only be friends. Libby begins a relationship with Sonny Hammond (Tom Hutchings), but she grows uncomfortable when Sonny wants to take things further. After breaking up with him, Libby and Brett lose their virginity to each other. Despite feeling awkward, they both agree that it was the right thing to do. Brett leaves to go travelling and he gives his pet Galah
Galah
The Galah , Eolophus roseicapilla, also known as the Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Galah Cockatoo, Roseate Cockatoo or Pink and Grey, is one of the most common and widespread cockatoos, and it can be found in open country in almost all parts of mainland Australia.It is endemic on the mainland and was...
, Dahl, to Libby.
Brett's older brother, Darren, moves to Ramsay Street and Libby begins a relationship with him. Darren cheats on Libby with Catherine O'Brien (Radha Mitchell
Radha Mitchell
Radha Rani Amber Indigo Anunda Mitchell is an Australian actress. Her film roles include Finding Neverland, Phone Booth, Man on Fire, Silent Hill, and the The Crazies-Early life:...
) and Libby is upset by Darren's betrayal. Darren decides to leave Erinsborough, but stays when Libby tells him she loves him. However, he later kisses another woman and Libby ends their relationship for good. Drew Kirk
Drew Kirk
Andrew "Drew" Kirk is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Dan Paris. He made his first on-screen appearance on 27 March 1998. Drew departed on 13 September 2002...
(Dan Paris
Dan Paris
Dan Paris is an Australian actor. He is best known for playing the role of Drew Kirk in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.Paris was born in Perth, Australia and was raised in Esperance in Western Australia....
) moves to the town shortly after Darren leaves and falls in love with Libby. Libby is initially oblivious to Drew's love for her and she begins dating her university lecturer, Mike Healy (Andrew Blackman
Andrew Blackman
Andrew Blackman is an Australian actor.Andrew Blackman graduated Kelvin Grove College of Advance Education in 1984 with an Associate Diploma in Performing Arts and was granted the Elizabeth Bequest Scholarship with T.N...
). Libby and Mike's relationship upsets her parents as he is much older than her and recently separated from his wife. Libby continues seeing Mike until he starts dating his wife again. Libby and Drew eventually start a relationship and Libby becomes good friends with new neighbour, 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...
). Drew proposes to Libby and she accepts, but weeks before the wedding, Libby and Steph are involved in a motorbike accident. Libby is told that she would never carry a baby to full term as a result of her injuries. Libby pushes Drew away, but they eventually reconcile and they marry. Libby then finds out that she is pregnant and decides to keep the baby despite the risks to her life. Libby goes into labour whilst locked inside a barn at a rodeo in Oakey. When she is found, she is taken to the hospital and she gives birth to Ben
Ben Fitzgerald
Ben Ian Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Blake O'Leary. The character was previously played by Noah Sutherland and Sean Berends. He made his first on-screen appearance on 14 December 2001. Ben is the son of Libby Kennedy and Drew...
(Noah Sutherland). Just a year later, Drew dies after being thrown from a horse.
Libby becomes a teacher at Erinsborough High. She helps Taj Coppin (Jaime Robbie Reyne
Jaime Robbie Reyne
Jaime Robbie Reyne is an Australian singer/songwriter and actor.-Personal life:Reyne's parents are the rock singer James Reyne and English-born model/stylist Kim Ellmer. He is the nephew of television presenter and singer David Reyne...
) with his assignments and he develops a crush on her. When Taj turns eighteen, he pursues Libby but she ignores him. When he offers to walk her home one night, Taj invites Libby to his house and they sleep together. Libby goes away for a while and Taj realises that they cannot have a relationship and leaves Erinsborough. Libby is offered a teaching job in Adelaide and she accepts and moves away. When Karl and Susan split up, following Karl's relationship with Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Natalie Bassingthwaighte is an Australian actress, singer-songwriter and television personality. She began her career as an actress on the television series All Saints. She then starred in the American television movie Counterstrike...
), Libby returns home. Libby is shocked to see Darren working as an electrician and is impressed that Darren has matured and gets on well with Ben. They start their relationship again and Libby and Ben move to Shepparton with him.
2007—
Libby and Ben return to Erinsborough for a short stay, but when Susan is diagnosed with multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms...
, Libby decides to move back home. Libby is questioned about Darren, but she avoids talking about him and attacks Karl about his past infidelity. Darren arrives in Ramsay Street and reveals that he cheated on Libby. Darren tries to reconcile with Libby, but she insists that their relationship is over. Darren then kisses Janae Timmins, which ends his relationship with Libby for good and he returns to Shepparton alone.
Libby returns to teaching at Erinsborough High and she develops feelings for Daniel Fitzgerald. They begin dating, but Libby calls the relationship off when Dan's estranged wife, Samantha
Samantha Fitzgerald
Samantha "Sam" Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Simone Buchanan. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 March 2008 and departed the show on 25 June 2008. She returned briefly on 24 November 2008. Sam's main storylines have...
(Simone Buchanan
Simone Buchanan
Simone Louise Buchanan is an Australian actress best known for her television roles as Debbie Kelly in the situation comedy Hey Dad..! and Samantha Fitzgerald in the soap opera Neighbours....
), arrives in town. Dan asks Sam for a divorce, but Libby refuses to get involved with him. Libby and Ben move in with Steph and Libby begins a relationship with Lucas Fitzgerald
Lucas Fitzgerald
Lucas Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, portrayed by Scott Major. He made his first on-screen appearance on 22 July 2008. The role of Lucas is Major's second character on the show, he previously played Darren Stark in 1993. Lucas is the brother of Daniel...
(Scott Major
Scott Major
Scott Major is an Australian actor. Major's acting début was playing Murray on Home and Away in the 1990s. He joined the Neighbours cast for a brief period in 1993 as the original Darren Stark. and then was a part of the Heartbreak High cast as "Rivers" from 1994–1995...
), not knowing that he is Dan's brother. When she finds out the truth, she cuts both men out of her life. Libby and Dan both go for the job of Head of Senior School, but Libby forgets her notes during her interview. Dan gets the job, but turns it down after hearing about what happened to Libby. Dan then tells Libby that he loves her and they begin dating. Dan moves in with Libby and Ben, he later proposes and Libby accepts. Samantha returns and announces she is pregnant with Dan's child. Libby calls off the wedding and she accuses Sam of using her pregnancy to try to win Dan back. Steph tells Libby and Dan that she overheard Sam talking about the baby and that Dan is not the father. Sam admits the truth, before leaving once more. On the day of her wedding, Libby begins to feel unwell, but manages to get through the ceremony. However, she collapses and is rushed to hospital, where she finds out she is pregnant. Libby believes the baby is a girl and she and Dan decide to name her Grace after Susan's mother. Libby later loses the baby and when she begins hemorrhaging, Dan gives his permission for the doctors to perform a hysterectomy.
Libby suggests trying surrogacy to have a baby. Steph initially offers to carry the baby, but Libby turns her down and Susan offers instead. Libby and Dan accept and Susan later becomes pregnant. Dan begins to question Susan's interference in his and Libby's lives. Karl tries to defuse the situation by taking them on a break, so they can talk. Dan and Susan argue and Dan announces that he should never have agreed to the surrogacy, upsetting Libby. Libby and Karl later find Susan, following a fall, and rush her to hospital, where she miscarries the baby. Libby blames Dan for the loss of their child and she ends their marriage. Dan leaves Ramsay Street and Libby and Ben move back in with Susan and Karl. Libby meets Doug Harris (Mahesh Jadu) at Ben's dance class and they initially get off to a bad start, but begin dating. Libby is unaware that Doug is Karl's boss, until he takes a phone call from him. Karl later walks in on Libby and Doug kissing.
Libby is shocked to find out that Steph and 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:...
) are back together and that Steph is pregnant. Libby finds it hard knowing her best friend is pregnant. She clashes with the new school principal, Michael Williams
Michael Williams (Neighbours)
Michael Williams is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Sandy Winton. He made his first on-screen appearance on 4 May 2010. Winton joined the cast in March 2010 and he admitted that playing Michael may prove to be a challenge. Michael is the father of Natasha...
(Sandy Winton
Sandy Winton
Sandy Winton, born Alexander Gordon, is an Australian actor currently playing the role of Erinsborough High Principal, Michael Williams, in the soap-opera, Neighbours.-Career:...
), over some of his ideas for the school. Libby acts as bridesmaid for Steph and Toadie's wedding. Libby is shocked to learn that Dan has been injured in an accident and is not happy that Steph and Toadie tried to keep it from her. 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...
) plays a recording of a conversation between Steph and Dan over the radio, which Libby hears. Libby is devastated to learn that Steph's baby is actually Dan's and tells Steph that they are no longer friends. Toadie reveals his part in covering up the secret, which devastates Libby further. She later splits up with Doug following an argument. Libby and Lucas sleep together, but agree to keep things casual between them. Ben is accepted into an arts boarding school and Libby finds it hard to let him go. Libby makes up with Toadie, but tells him that she cannot do the same with Steph. After Lyn Scully
Lyn Scully
Lynette "Lyn" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Janet Andrewartha. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 21 October 1999, along with her family and remained a prominent feature within the show until late 2006...
(Janet Andrewartha
Janet Andrewartha
Janet Andrewartha is an Australian actress. She is famous for playing on-going roles in two popular Australian soap operas: that of Reb Kean in Prisoner and Lyn Scully in Neighbours.-Biography:...
) reveals her concerns over Steph's mental state, Libby decides to go and find her. She tracks her down to a motel and they talk. Steph gets angry and races off on her motorbike and accidentally kills 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...
). Libby helps Steph realise that she is suffering from postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
and goes to the hospital with her to talk to Doug. Libby is shocked to see Sam back in town for Steph's trial. Karl and Susan discover that Libby is prepared to lie about Steph's state of mind at the time of the accident and they beg her to tell the truth. Libby gives her evidence in court, but Sam exposes her lies. Steph is sent to prison for six years, which shocks Libby. She then decides to go visit Ben.
After attending a health retreat, Libby returns to Ramsay Street. She defuses an argument between Susan and Lyn and then comforts Toadie. Karl and Susan believe Libby's new attitude to life is just a phase, which she denies. Paul tries to get Libby to support his bid to join the school board. Libby draws up a five year plan, which includes her becoming principal. Libby later supports Michael's no uniform policy and she tells Paul that it will fail. Libby then accepts Michael's offer of mentorship. Karl tries to set Libby up with Jonathan Swan (Gary Abrahams), a doctor who works at the hospital with him. After her first mentoring session with Michael does not go well, Libby leaves to visit Ben.
Other appearances
In 2005, four novellas based on characters from Neighbours were released. The books were available to buy at some Australia Post outlets and on the internet. Libby and Darren Stark were the focus of one of the books entitled Facing Tomorrow. It explains what happened after the couple left Erinsborough in 2004 and followed their new life together. Of the books, a spokeswoman said "It's different to what happens in the show; it's more like a fantasy of what happens, might have happened, in the show, they would take about an hour to read if you're a quick reader".Reception
For her portrayal of Libby, Valentine has earned various awards nominations. In 2008, she was nominated for "Sexiest Female" at the Inside Soap AwardsInside Soap Awards
The Inside Soap Awards is a yearly award ceremony run by Inside Soap magazine since 1996. The awards celebrate the British and Australian soap operas and their actors. Until 2007, EastEnders had won the award for "Best Soap" on every occasion...
. The following year she received a nomination for "Best Actress" and in 2010 was nominated for "Best Daytime Star". Libby and Susan's surrogacy storyline was nominated for "Best Baby Drama" at the 2010 All About Soap Bubble Awards
All About Soap
All About Soap is a fortnightly UK magazine, released on Tuesday. Storylines of the shows it covers are from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia....
. In June 2002, Libby came third in a poll run by Newsround
Newsround
Newsround is a BBC children's news programme, which has run continuously since 4 April 1972, and was one of the world's first television news magazines aimed specifically at children...
to find viewer's favourite Neighbours character. She received 19.33% of the vote.
In January 2009, Ruth Deller, of television 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:...
included Libby in her monthly list of best and worst soap characters. Libby was placed at number ten on the worst characters list. Deller said "Libby's always had the tendency to be a bit smug and self-absorbed, but she's taking it to ridiculous levels at the moment. And her and Fitzy (or her and Lucas) is clearly a wrong thing indeed". Virgin Media
Virgin Media
Virgin Media Inc. is a company which provides fixed and mobile telephone, television and broadband internet services to businesses and consumers in the United Kingdom...
compiled a list of their sexiest soap couples, Libby and Dan were featured and they stated that they believed the couple were a "match made in soap heaven" and that "nothing can stand in the way of their love apart from Sam". Soap opera reporting website 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...
opined that Libby's most memorable moment was collapsing at her wedding, finding out she was pregnant and subsequently losing the baby.
To celebrate Neighbours 25th anniversary Sky
British Sky Broadcasting
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc is a satellite broadcasting, broadband and telephony services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with operations in the United Kingdom and the Ireland....
, a British satellite broadcasting company profiled 25 characters of which they believed were the most memorable in the series history. Libby is in the list and describing her they state: "When Libby first joined the programme, she seemed to spend most of her time trying to out-do Ruth Wilkinson in the ugly short-wearing stakes. Then she got all curvy sexy, and as an adult Libby has seen three of the hottest Ds in the Greater Erinsborough area: Darren, Drew and Dan. Her feisty newshound days are long behind her too as she's become a teacher, which apparently in Australia requires no formal training. Interesting."
British newspaper, The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
, included Libby in a feature called "Soaps' most bizarre recasts". Of the character's temporary recast, they said "A staple of Neighbours since 1994, we've watched Libby Kennedy get married, get widowed, get married again, get divorced and – for one confusing month – turn into a completely different person. They added that the recast was the "most confusing Neighbours moment since that time Bouncer got married in his dreams". British weekly magazine NOW compiled a special gallery to decide whether Libby was best played by Valentine or Banas. They describe Libby has never having any luck in her love life and since Drew's death has been doomed it's got worse.