Michael Williams (Neighbours)
Encyclopedia
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 Williams
and he is the Principal of Erinsborough High School. The character has been described as an outdoorsy, blue-collar
guy, who enjoys surfing and has a passion for teaching. Michael's storylines have included clashing with Paul Robinson
, helping Chris Pappas
when he came out
, dealing with his daughter's rebellious attitude, having a brief relationship with Ruby Rogers and beginning an affair with a married woman. Michael will depart in 2012.
(Valentina Novakovic). Michael took over the job of Principal at Erinsborough High School, replacing Daniel Fitzgerald
(Brett Tucker
). Winton admitted his new role might prove to be challenging, but he was up to the task. TV Week
reported Michael was "set to break a few hearts among the mothers' club" following his arrival in May. In November 2010, Winton told Channel 5 that he was loving his time with Neighbours and added "I'm probably having the best time I've had in the last 15 years of acting."
describe Michael as a "laconic, outdoorsy Aussie bloke in his late thirties." They add that he is a "blue-collar guy from blue-collar stock, and spent most of his teens surfing and feeling aimless. After an inspiring teacher helped him find focus in life, he realised he had a passion for teaching. Holy Soap
say that Michael is in "complete control in the classroom", though things at home are different with Natasha. Winton said he is like Michael in the way that he enjoys surfing and living life to enjoy it. In a September interview with Inside Soap
, executive producer Susan Bower
said that the team struggled to find the "core of the character" at first, but they had now hit their stride and there would be some exciting stories coming up for him. Michael clashes with Paul Robinson
(Stefan Dennis
) shortly after he arrives in Ramsay Street. However, Michael is able to prove that he is a "worthy contender" and puts Paul in his place. Michael and Paul's rivalry reappers when Michael become involved with Paul wife. When she leaves, Paul becomes involved with the school to maintain the rivalry with Michael. However, Winton believed Michael's focus was more on his daughter than what Paul Robinson was plotting for him next.
In June 2011, Susan Hill of the Daily Star revealed Michael would disown Natasha after he cannot keep her on the straight and narrow. Michael is left in despair after Natasha causes more problems for him when she sprays some derogatory graffiti about herself around the street. Natasha plays the victim and Michael initially feels sorry for his daughter, but he later discovers that she was behind the graffiti. Michael decides to go to the police and report Natasha. Of Michael's decision, Winton told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy
, "Michael is at a stage where he's just reaching out for anything that will get through to Tash and he realises that may not be the way to go. It's the last option to be going to the police but he's thinking, 'Right, I'm going to make her take responsibility for her own actions'." However, Jade Mitchell
(Gemma Pranita
) talks Michael out of it, by telling him about how her sister had to take responsibility for her actions by herself. Michael feels he has run out of options and he tells Natasha that he no longer cares about what she gets up to.
Kilkelly said Michael's decision to revoke all responsibility for Natasha and her actions is quite shocking. Winton told him Michael believes Natasha needs to deal with her own mistakes herself as she is eighteen. He said Michael's choice was valid, but was unsure if it was the right one. On whether the storyline would explore why Natasha has been acting out so much, Winton said "I think the storyline will and does explore that. If you look at the fact she has a single father who is raising her and she's a woman at the age where she is wanting to discover herself, it is a tough time. I think not having a good cop, bad cop or not having a mother around to help with the disciplining in order to look after her as a woman coming into the world, it's got to be a fairly tough thing." Natasha and Michael eventually make amends, but it is not an easy journey and they have a lot to work through. Bower later teased a storyline which shows the beginning of Natasha wanting to find out more about her late mother. Bower told Kilkelly that the secret would be revealed in three parts, which would change Natasha and Michael's lives forever."
In July 2011, it was announced Natasha's long lost aunt, Emilia (Freya Stafford
), would be introduced. Winton said Emilia knows more about Michael and his late wife, Helena, than anyone else. This worries Michael and he is scared about what Emilia will tell Natasha. Michael has not told Natasha everything about her mother and Winton promised the storyline would uncover some dark secrets, which build up to a monumental reveal. Michael's desperation to stop Natasha discovering the truth about her mother's death takes a toll on his health and he begins seeing a therapist. Michael's problems get worse when he finds a package for Natasha on his doorstep, which contains some of his late wife's personal things. Michael believes Emilia left the package and is trying to connect with her niece. TV Soap reported Emilia comes to Ramsay Street and Michael meets his sister-in-law for the first time in fifteen years. An argument breaks out and Michael asks Emilia to leave town. Michael tells Emilia if she reveals the truth about her sister's death to Natasha, he will never forgive her.
(who plays Summer Hoyland
) called for Ruby's return, saying it was nice for Michael to have a strong connection with her.
) finds herself drawn to Michael. Michael discovers that they share the same taste in music and they develop a good friendship. Hall said "Mike is really the antithesis of Paul and he just starts to look like a great option to Rebecca. He's this squeaky-clean, genuine guy, while all Rebecca can see in Paul is deceit and a web of lies with a shadowy history." Rebecca sees Michael "as a breath of fresh air" and there is a chemistry between them. When Rebecca becomes involved with the School Social dance, Michael realises that he has feelings for her. Michael finds he is able to talk to Rebecca about his problems with Natasha and after they become closer, Michael and Rebecca eventually begin an affair. Hall told Channel 5 that she loved Michael and Rebecca's relationship, as she was getting fed up of her character going back for more from Paul. Hall believed Rebecca and Michael were well suited and she enjoyed working with Winton.
Paul notices Rebecca's bond with Michael and he forces her to renew their wedding vows, devastating Michael in the process. Michael struggles watching Rebecca's declaration of love for Paul and when she tries to explain, Michael backs off and tells her that the situation is too complicated for him. Rebecca confesses to Michael that she pushed Paul from the Lassiter's Hotel mezzanine and he is now blackmailing her to stay with him. Michael agrees to wait for Rebecca and she manages to leave Paul. However, Paul tries to get revenge on the couple and Rebecca decides to leave the country. Winton said Michael is "pretty devastated, lonely and trying to find his way again" after losing Rebecca. He also opined Michael had thought he had found the one. When asked if Michael will find love again, Winton revealed "Well I hope so, with Rebecca gone, it's been a long time between drinks." Winton later said Michael could do with someone to talk to, as Rebecca never calls him.
(Kym Valentine
) is not impressed and she and Michael clash. When Michael sees Natasha's provocative posters for PirateNet, he asks Paul Robinson to remove them. Paul refuses and Michael threatens to sue him. He backs down when Natasha and Andrew Robinson
(Jordan Smith
) change the posters. Michael becomes friends with Lucas Fitzgerald
(Scott Major
) and he gives him a job teaching technical classes at the school. While he is out to dinner with Natasha and her new boyfriend, Kyle Canning
(Chris Milligan
), Michael is forced to break up a fight between Kyle and Chris Pappas
(James Mason). Michael notices Chris was defending Andrew and he tries to talk to him, but Chris pushes him away. Michael later asks Chris if he thinks he is gay and Chris comes out, with Michael's support.
Micheal meets Ruby Rogers and they go on a couple of dates. They decide to have an entire relationship in one day, before Ruby's departure. Michael asks Ruby to stay with him, but she declines. Michael throws himself into organising the School Social and he bonds with Rebecca Robinson. Rebecca and Michael almost kiss, when she tells him things between her and Paul are not good. Michael is devastated when he witnesses Paul and Rebecca renewing their wedding vows. Rebecca gives him a letter explaining her feelings for him before she goes away to Oakey. When Number 26 catches fire, Michael rushes inside to rescue Natasha. The firefighters get Natasha and Summer Hoyland
(Jordy Lucas
) out, but the roof collapses trapping Michael and Andrew. They are eventually rescued and taken to the hospital. Rebecca returns and tells Michael she wants to be with him, but leaving Paul will be difficult. Michael tells her he loves her. Andrew tells Michael that Natasha is pregnant, which initially anger him, but he tells his daughter he will support her. Rebecca shocks Michael when she confesses to pushing Paul from the Lassiter's Hotel mezzanine.
Rebecca leaves Paul and moves in with Michael. Paul discovers the relationship and tries to sabotage Michael's career, by getting him suspended. Michael proposes to Rebecca and she accepts. However, she decides to leave the country with her family, when she realises Paul will not stop trying to get revenge on her. Summer reveals Natasha lied about being pregnant and Michael tells his daughter that he no longer trusts her. Michael's job suspension is lifted and on his return to the school, he learns Paul has been voted onto the school board. Michael installs a no uniform policy, which is supported by Libby. However, after unrest from students and parents, Michael concedes defeat and scraps the policy. When Michael learns Natasha is dating Ivan DeMarco (Ben Knight), he tells her to break off the relationship. He later discovers there are naked pictures of Natasha on the internet and he confronts his daughter. Natasha denies taking the pictures and believing Ivan took them, Michael punches him. Michael comforts Natasha when someone sprays derogatory graffiti about her around the street. However, he discovers Natasha was behind the graffiti and he decides to disown her.
Michael's relationship with Natasha deteriorates further, when he finds out she paid for rhinoplasty with his credit card. He also learns she sold some of his records and he tells her she sold the last thing her mother, Helena, ever gave him. Michael is also upset at the loss of a photograph, featuring his late wife, which was inside one of the records. Michael decides to send Natasha to boarding school, but he changes his mind, after Natasha nearly drowns. Michael gets his photo back and his relationship with Natasha improves. He discovers Natasha has been searching for information about her mother and he invites her to ask him questions about Helena. Natasha asks him how her mother died, and Michael lies to her. Natasha finds the photo which shows her with her parents at the beach and she asks Michael about it. He tells her they only went to the beach once and then tries to avoid the subject. Michael becomes angry with Summer when a picture of Helena ends up on a school notice board. He starts seeing visions of Helena (Camilla Jackson) and when he learns Natasha is trying to contact members of her mother's family, the stress leads him to see a therapist.
Michael finds a birthday gift for Natasha on his doorstep and realises it is from Helena's sister, Emilia. He later spots Emilia in the street and tells her to stay away from Natasha. Emilia comes to the school looking for Natasha, but Michael sees her first and they talk. Emilia asks Michael why he has not told Natasha the truth about her mother's death and Michael explains Natasha would not be able to handle the truth. Michael is angry with Emilia when she turns up at his house on Natasha's birthday. However, he allows her to stay for Natasha's sake. Michael is shocked when Natasha learns her mother drowned and asks for the truth. Emilia explains to her Michael failed to save Helena from drowning at the beach. Natasha later realises she was in the water too and Michael confesses that he could not save the both of them. Michael sees Emilia with Lucas and he tells his friend that Emilia is his late wife's sister and cannot be trusted. Michael's stress continues to affect his health and he starts taking some pills. Michael discovers Summer has cheated during her exam, they begin arguing and Michael collapses. He is taken to hospital, where he undergoes surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer. Upon waking, Michael thanks Summer for her help, but he does not recall their argument. Michael leaves the hospital and is told to rest. Natasha asks Emilia to help care for him.
said that it was about time Neighbours introduced "a hunky man with a few more years on his side". Holy Soap
said Michael's most memorable moment was "Seeing his daughter kitted out in a skimpy outfit on the PirateNet poster." Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
supported Michael's no-uniform policy, saying she was all for it. Michael came second in an Inside Soap poll to find out which soap character readers would most like to have as their headteacher. He received 34% of the vote.
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 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 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:...
. 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 Williams
Natasha Williams (Neighbours)
Natasha Williams is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Valentina Novakovic. The role of Natasha is Novakovic's first acting job and she relocated from Sydney to Melbourne for filming...
and he is the Principal of Erinsborough High School. The character has been described as an outdoorsy, blue-collar
Blue-collar worker
A blue-collar worker is a member of the working class who performs manual labor. Blue-collar work may involve skilled or unskilled, manufacturing, mining, construction, mechanical, maintenance, technical installation and many other types of physical work...
guy, who enjoys surfing and has a passion for teaching. Michael's storylines have included clashing with 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...
, helping Chris Pappas
Chris Pappas
Chris Pappas is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by James Mason. Mason was told the character was gay when he successfully auditioned for the role in 2009. He began filming his first scenes in October of that year and he made his first on-screen appearance on...
when he came out
Coming out
Coming out is a figure of speech for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's disclosure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity....
, dealing with his daughter's rebellious attitude, having a brief relationship with Ruby Rogers and beginning an affair with a married woman. Michael will depart in 2012.
Casting
In March 2010, the Neighbours official website announced Sandy Winton had joined the cast in the regular role of Michael Williams. The character was introduced as part of a new family and he arrived with his teenage daughter, Natasha WilliamsNatasha Williams (Neighbours)
Natasha Williams is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Valentina Novakovic. The role of Natasha is Novakovic's first acting job and she relocated from Sydney to Melbourne for filming...
(Valentina Novakovic). Michael took over the job of Principal at Erinsborough High School, replacing 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...
). Winton admitted his new role might prove to be challenging, but he was up to the task. 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...
reported Michael was "set to break a few hearts among the mothers' club" following his arrival in May. In November 2010, Winton told Channel 5 that he was loving his time with Neighbours and added "I'm probably having the best time I've had in the last 15 years of acting."
Characterisation
Michael was a teacher and vice principal at a rural high school, before he was offered the role of principal at Erinsborough High. Network TenNetwork 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...
describe Michael as a "laconic, outdoorsy Aussie bloke in his late thirties." They add that he is a "blue-collar guy from blue-collar stock, and spent most of his teens surfing and feeling aimless. After an inspiring teacher helped him find focus in life, he realised he had a passion for teaching. 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...
say that Michael is in "complete control in the classroom", though things at home are different with Natasha. Winton said he is like Michael in the way that he enjoys surfing and living life to enjoy it. In a September interview with Inside Soap
Inside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
, 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...
said that the team struggled to find the "core of the character" at first, but they had now hit their stride and there would be some exciting stories coming up for him. Michael clashes with 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...
) shortly after he arrives in Ramsay Street. However, Michael is able to prove that he is a "worthy contender" and puts Paul in his place. Michael and Paul's rivalry reappers when Michael become involved with Paul wife. When she leaves, Paul becomes involved with the school to maintain the rivalry with Michael. However, Winton believed Michael's focus was more on his daughter than what Paul Robinson was plotting for him next.
Family
Michael is a widower with one daughter, Natasha. In order to form the father-daughter bond needed for their respective roles, Winton invited Novakovic to his home to meet his family. He also met with her family, so they were comfortable together on and off screen. Natasha is Michael's only child and Bower revealed that she has him "wrapped around her finger." Michael dotes on his daughter, but Natasha often embarrasses him to get his attention. Winton thought Michael was not handling things with Natasha "too poorly", but she does make it difficult for him. During a 2011 interview with Channel 5, Winton believed Michael and Natasha's relationship had become a tortured. Winton stated that Michael wishes Natasha would stop lying to him and he hoped she would "get her act together so they can have some semblance of a father/daughter relationship." Winton also wanted his character to build a better relationship with his daughter in the future as he loves her, despite the things she has done. Michael feels like he is failing as a father following Natasha's nude photo scandal. He is disappointed with the choices his daughter has made and Winton said Michael is at his wits end.In June 2011, Susan Hill of the Daily Star revealed Michael would disown Natasha after he cannot keep her on the straight and narrow. Michael is left in despair after Natasha causes more problems for him when she sprays some derogatory graffiti about herself around the street. Natasha plays the victim and Michael initially feels sorry for his daughter, but he later discovers that she was behind the graffiti. Michael decides to go to the police and report Natasha. Of Michael's decision, Winton told Daniel Kilkelly of 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....
, "Michael is at a stage where he's just reaching out for anything that will get through to Tash and he realises that may not be the way to go. It's the last option to be going to the police but he's thinking, 'Right, I'm going to make her take responsibility for her own actions'." However, Jade Mitchell
Jade Mitchell
Jade Mitchell is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Gemma Pranita. Pranita's casting was announced in September 2010 and it was revealed that Jade would be introduced as the younger sister of Sonya Mitchell...
(Gemma Pranita
Gemma Pranita
Gemma Pranita is a Thai-born Australian actress. Pranita was encouraged to join the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts by her drama teacher, and from 1999 to 2003, she competed at state level in the Shakespeare Globe Association's annual Shakespeare festival. Pranita formed a theatre...
) talks Michael out of it, by telling him about how her sister had to take responsibility for her actions by herself. Michael feels he has run out of options and he tells Natasha that he no longer cares about what she gets up to.
Kilkelly said Michael's decision to revoke all responsibility for Natasha and her actions is quite shocking. Winton told him Michael believes Natasha needs to deal with her own mistakes herself as she is eighteen. He said Michael's choice was valid, but was unsure if it was the right one. On whether the storyline would explore why Natasha has been acting out so much, Winton said "I think the storyline will and does explore that. If you look at the fact she has a single father who is raising her and she's a woman at the age where she is wanting to discover herself, it is a tough time. I think not having a good cop, bad cop or not having a mother around to help with the disciplining in order to look after her as a woman coming into the world, it's got to be a fairly tough thing." Natasha and Michael eventually make amends, but it is not an easy journey and they have a lot to work through. Bower later teased a storyline which shows the beginning of Natasha wanting to find out more about her late mother. Bower told Kilkelly that the secret would be revealed in three parts, which would change Natasha and Michael's lives forever."
In July 2011, it was announced Natasha's long lost aunt, Emilia (Freya Stafford
Freya Stafford
Freya Stafford is an Australian actress who has appeared in the television programs Head Start and White Collar Blue as central characters.-Early and personal life:Stafford was born and raised in Hobart, Tasmania...
), would be introduced. Winton said Emilia knows more about Michael and his late wife, Helena, than anyone else. This worries Michael and he is scared about what Emilia will tell Natasha. Michael has not told Natasha everything about her mother and Winton promised the storyline would uncover some dark secrets, which build up to a monumental reveal. Michael's desperation to stop Natasha discovering the truth about her mother's death takes a toll on his health and he begins seeing a therapist. Michael's problems get worse when he finds a package for Natasha on his doorstep, which contains some of his late wife's personal things. Michael believes Emilia left the package and is trying to connect with her niece. TV Soap reported Emilia comes to Ramsay Street and Michael meets his sister-in-law for the first time in fifteen years. An argument breaks out and Michael asks Emilia to leave town. Michael tells Emilia if she reveals the truth about her sister's death to Natasha, he will never forgive her.
Ruby Rogers
Michael meets Ruby Rogers (Yesse Spence) in September 2010. Ruby is an Australian who lives in Britain. While backpacking with her cousin, Poppy (Gabriella Darlington), she ends up in Erinsborough where she meets Michael. Natasha and Poppy "reluctantly" push Michael and Ruby together and they begin a brief, but fun relationship. Natasha initially has a problem with her father being involved with someone, but she realises Michael is happy and enjoying himself. When asked if Ruby shows Michael a good time, Winton said "Yeah, it's been a while for him since he had a relationship at all. So it's nice, it's a whole lot of fun." Winton explained Ruby and Michael go surfing and they end up having an entire relationship in one day before Ruby leaves for the UK. Michael is sad when the relationship ends, but Winton said he is not devastated and he would get over it. In December, Jordy LucasJordy Lucas
Jordy Lucas is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Summer Hoyland in Neighbours.-Personal life:...
(who plays 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...
) called for Ruby's return, saying it was nice for Michael to have a strong connection with her.
Rebecca Robinson
In November 2010, Rebecca Robinson (Jane HallJane Hall (actress)
Jane Hall is an Australian actress and comedian.-Biography:Born in Melbourne, Hall grew up in the Dandenong Ranges....
) finds herself drawn to Michael. Michael discovers that they share the same taste in music and they develop a good friendship. Hall said "Mike is really the antithesis of Paul and he just starts to look like a great option to Rebecca. He's this squeaky-clean, genuine guy, while all Rebecca can see in Paul is deceit and a web of lies with a shadowy history." Rebecca sees Michael "as a breath of fresh air" and there is a chemistry between them. When Rebecca becomes involved with the School Social dance, Michael realises that he has feelings for her. Michael finds he is able to talk to Rebecca about his problems with Natasha and after they become closer, Michael and Rebecca eventually begin an affair. Hall told Channel 5 that she loved Michael and Rebecca's relationship, as she was getting fed up of her character going back for more from Paul. Hall believed Rebecca and Michael were well suited and she enjoyed working with Winton.
Paul notices Rebecca's bond with Michael and he forces her to renew their wedding vows, devastating Michael in the process. Michael struggles watching Rebecca's declaration of love for Paul and when she tries to explain, Michael backs off and tells her that the situation is too complicated for him. Rebecca confesses to Michael that she pushed Paul from the Lassiter's Hotel mezzanine and he is now blackmailing her to stay with him. Michael agrees to wait for Rebecca and she manages to leave Paul. However, Paul tries to get revenge on the couple and Rebecca decides to leave the country. Winton said Michael is "pretty devastated, lonely and trying to find his way again" after losing Rebecca. He also opined Michael had thought he had found the one. When asked if Michael will find love again, Winton revealed "Well I hope so, with Rebecca gone, it's been a long time between drinks." Winton later said Michael could do with someone to talk to, as Rebecca never calls him.
Departure
On 7 November 2011, it was announced Michael would be leaving Neighbours. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported Michael would leave in 2012, but Natasha would remain in the show. Of Michael and Winton's departures, Bower said "The Michael Williams character will be leaving Ramsay Street as part of a significant story coming up in April. Sandy's contribution to the show has been superb, enabling the character to be part of some milestone storylines.Storylines
Michael moves to Erinsborough with his daughter, after he is given the position of Principal at the local high school. Having previously worked at a rural high school, Michael implements some new ideas, such as letting students refer to the teachers by their first name and asking them to come to him with suggestions on how to improve the school. Libby KennedyLibby Kennedy
Elizabeth Grace "Libby" Kennedy 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...
(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:...
) is not impressed and she and Michael clash. When Michael sees Natasha's provocative posters for PirateNet, he asks Paul Robinson to remove them. Paul refuses and Michael threatens to sue him. He backs down when Natasha and 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:...
) change the posters. Michael becomes friends 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...
) and he gives him a job teaching technical classes at the school. While he is out to dinner with Natasha and her new boyfriend, 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...
(Chris Milligan
Chris Milligan
Chris Milligan is an Australian actor. He has appeared in numerous television series and is best known for his role as Kyle Canning in the soap opera Neighbours.-Career:...
), Michael is forced to break up a fight between Kyle and Chris Pappas
Chris Pappas
Chris Pappas is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by James Mason. Mason was told the character was gay when he successfully auditioned for the role in 2009. He began filming his first scenes in October of that year and he made his first on-screen appearance on...
(James Mason). Michael notices Chris was defending Andrew and he tries to talk to him, but Chris pushes him away. Michael later asks Chris if he thinks he is gay and Chris comes out, with Michael's support.
Micheal meets Ruby Rogers and they go on a couple of dates. They decide to have an entire relationship in one day, before Ruby's departure. Michael asks Ruby to stay with him, but she declines. Michael throws himself into organising the School Social and he bonds with Rebecca Robinson. Rebecca and Michael almost kiss, when she tells him things between her and Paul are not good. Michael is devastated when he witnesses Paul and Rebecca renewing their wedding vows. Rebecca gives him a letter explaining her feelings for him before she goes away to Oakey. When Number 26 catches fire, Michael rushes inside to rescue Natasha. The firefighters get Natasha 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
Jordy Lucas
Jordy Lucas is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Summer Hoyland in Neighbours.-Personal life:...
) out, but the roof collapses trapping Michael and Andrew. They are eventually rescued and taken to the hospital. Rebecca returns and tells Michael she wants to be with him, but leaving Paul will be difficult. Michael tells her he loves her. Andrew tells Michael that Natasha is pregnant, which initially anger him, but he tells his daughter he will support her. Rebecca shocks Michael when she confesses to pushing Paul from the Lassiter's Hotel mezzanine.
Rebecca leaves Paul and moves in with Michael. Paul discovers the relationship and tries to sabotage Michael's career, by getting him suspended. Michael proposes to Rebecca and she accepts. However, she decides to leave the country with her family, when she realises Paul will not stop trying to get revenge on her. Summer reveals Natasha lied about being pregnant and Michael tells his daughter that he no longer trusts her. Michael's job suspension is lifted and on his return to the school, he learns Paul has been voted onto the school board. Michael installs a no uniform policy, which is supported by Libby. However, after unrest from students and parents, Michael concedes defeat and scraps the policy. When Michael learns Natasha is dating Ivan DeMarco (Ben Knight), he tells her to break off the relationship. He later discovers there are naked pictures of Natasha on the internet and he confronts his daughter. Natasha denies taking the pictures and believing Ivan took them, Michael punches him. Michael comforts Natasha when someone sprays derogatory graffiti about her around the street. However, he discovers Natasha was behind the graffiti and he decides to disown her.
Michael's relationship with Natasha deteriorates further, when he finds out she paid for rhinoplasty with his credit card. He also learns she sold some of his records and he tells her she sold the last thing her mother, Helena, ever gave him. Michael is also upset at the loss of a photograph, featuring his late wife, which was inside one of the records. Michael decides to send Natasha to boarding school, but he changes his mind, after Natasha nearly drowns. Michael gets his photo back and his relationship with Natasha improves. He discovers Natasha has been searching for information about her mother and he invites her to ask him questions about Helena. Natasha asks him how her mother died, and Michael lies to her. Natasha finds the photo which shows her with her parents at the beach and she asks Michael about it. He tells her they only went to the beach once and then tries to avoid the subject. Michael becomes angry with Summer when a picture of Helena ends up on a school notice board. He starts seeing visions of Helena (Camilla Jackson) and when he learns Natasha is trying to contact members of her mother's family, the stress leads him to see a therapist.
Michael finds a birthday gift for Natasha on his doorstep and realises it is from Helena's sister, Emilia. He later spots Emilia in the street and tells her to stay away from Natasha. Emilia comes to the school looking for Natasha, but Michael sees her first and they talk. Emilia asks Michael why he has not told Natasha the truth about her mother's death and Michael explains Natasha would not be able to handle the truth. Michael is angry with Emilia when she turns up at his house on Natasha's birthday. However, he allows her to stay for Natasha's sake. Michael is shocked when Natasha learns her mother drowned and asks for the truth. Emilia explains to her Michael failed to save Helena from drowning at the beach. Natasha later realises she was in the water too and Michael confesses that he could not save the both of them. Michael sees Emilia with Lucas and he tells his friend that Emilia is his late wife's sister and cannot be trusted. Michael's stress continues to affect his health and he starts taking some pills. Michael discovers Summer has cheated during her exam, they begin arguing and Michael collapses. He is taken to hospital, where he undergoes surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer. Upon waking, Michael thanks Summer for her help, but he does not recall their argument. Michael leaves the hospital and is told to rest. Natasha asks Emilia to help care for him.
Reception
TV WeekTV 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...
said that it was about time Neighbours introduced "a hunky man with a few more years on his side". 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...
said Michael's most memorable moment was "Seeing his daughter kitted out in a skimpy outfit on the PirateNet poster." Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
supported Michael's no-uniform policy, saying she was all for it. Michael came second in an Inside Soap poll to find out which soap character readers would most like to have as their headteacher. He received 34% of the vote.
External links
- Character profile on the Official Neighbours AU website
- Character profile on the Official Neighbours UK website