Neighbours has officially turned into a murder mystery – and all our favourite characters are currently under investigation.
The residents of Erinsborough were left stunned the morning after the Gala when Hamish Roche (Sean Taylor) was found dead. It was clearly foul play.
But who had a motive for killing Hamish?
Hamish easily charmed the locals – but they soon saw straight through him.
“Everyone has a very viable motive, whether it’s because Hamish has wronged them emotionally or financially, or someone is stepping in to protect a loved one,” Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison tells TV WEEK.
“Who knows how you would react when pushed to the brink?”
So, how will the police investigation begin?
“Checking out everyone’s alibi on the night is the first thing,” Jason says. “However, there are many twists and turns before the culprit is revealed.”
Let’s take a closer look at who’s in the line-up of suspects…
Tyler Brennan: Tyler (Travis Burns) had a terrible relationship with the man he thought was his father, Russell (Russell Kiefel). So when Hamish showed up – and was loving and supportive – Tyler was thrilled. But it wasn’t long before those warm and fuzzy feelings wore off. Hamish’s lies cost him dearly. He lost his job, his family and his girlfriend. Could Tyler be so enraged he’d really murder his own father?
Fay Brennan: There’s no way Fay (Zoe Bertram) could be the killer, you say. Or could she? Hamish’s return meant she could no longer uphold the lie about Tyler’s biological father. And Fay’s misery was further compounded when Hamish seemed hell-bent on tearing her tight-knit family apart. In a bid to protect her children from further harm, could a desperate Fay have snuffed out her former lover?
Mark Brennan: Although Tyler initially fell under Hamish’s spell, his half-brother, Mark (Scott McGregor), didn’t. From the get-go, Mark had suspicions about Hamish’s true motives, and he’s been quietly observing his behaviour. This led Mark to uncover a dark secret about Hamish’s involvement in the death of his own dad, Russell. Did policeman Mark take matters into his own hands by getting rid of Hamish?
Amy Williams: Amy (Zoe Cramond) was obsessed with bringing her vision for a wellness centre to life. The fact Hamish pulled out of his agreement to bankroll the venture left her grand plan in tatters. Amy and business partner Steph (Carla Bonner) were left on the edge of bankruptcy. Another reason Amy is a prime suspect is that she lied about her whereabouts on the night of the murder. What game is she playing?
Louise McLeod: Of all the suspects, Louise (Maria Theodorakis) has more motivation than most. Revenge would be top of her mind after all the drama Hamish has put her through. As Hamish’s spurned ex-lover, Louise was taken for a real ride. Hamish drained her bank account and made her an accomplice in his fraudulent tax dealings. Oh, and he put her in a coma when he laced her coffee. Unforgivable!
Sheila Canning: Speaking of bitter ex-lovers, Sheila (Colette Mann) had fallen for Hamish – only to discover he was nothing more than a two-timing womaniser. Smooth-talking Hamish promised Sheila the world, but she ended up with diddly-squat. After letting down her guard and welcoming Hamish into her life, Sheila’s love turned to rage. And let’s not forget Hamish was found floating in the Canning family spa…
Gary Canning: Like any good son, Gary (Damien Richardson) wants nothing more than to see his mum, Sheila, happy. So when he learnt the truth about philanderer Hamish, he took it as a personal insult. Of the suspects, Gary’s background is the most questionable. He’s already done time in jail. It is a case of once a crim always a crim?
