Neighbours newcomer Kathleen Ebbs discusses the show's first ever non-binary character
'It has been a very emotional thing for me.'
Neighbours newcomer Kathleen Ebbs has discussed what it was like being cast as the Australian soap's first ever non-binary character.
Ebbs, who is non-binary, confirmed the news of their casting in a post made to Instagram on Thursday (April 28).
UK viewers have already seen their character Asher Nesmith's first scenes, briefly speaking with Jane Harris and Nicolette Stone at The Waterhole. Jane later tells Nicolette that Asher is single.
An official photo appears to suggest Asher will be working at Harold's Café, which Nicolette currently manages.
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"Stoked to finally announce that I have been cast as Asher Nesmith on @neighbours ! Welcoming the first non-binary character to hit Ramsey Street," Ebbs said.
"As someone who grew up watching this iconic soap, it was an honour to not only be a part of this amazing cast, but to be that representation I so desperately needed as kid. I hope I've done my community proud and you enjoy Asher as much as I enjoyed playing them. Here for a good time, not a long time!"
In a separate post on their Instagram Story, they joked about how their friends were questioning why they were hiding out in Melbourne, before discussing the significance of this new character being on the show.
"In all seriousness being the first non-binary character to appear on Neighbours has been a very emotional thing for me," Ebbs explained.
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"A part of me feels the pressure, but beyond that I am so grateful that @neighbours chose me to be that representation for young queer people and educate an audience of our existence. Because we do, in fact, EXIST!"
Ebbs added that their first appearance as Asher Nesmith in Australia is on May 10.
However, with the actor confirming they won't just be making a one-off appearance, we can expect to see a lot more of Asher in the future.
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play.
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