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Cheryl Stark
Cheryl Stark
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Cheryl Stark
Neighbours character
Caroline Gillmer as Cheryl Stark (1995)
Portrayed byCaroline Gillmer (1993–1996)
Colette Mann (1995–1996)
Duration1993–1996
First appearance26 July 1993 (1993-07-26)
Last appearance30 September 1996 (1996-09-30)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byAlan Coleman

Colette Mann as Cheryl Stark
In-universe information
OccupationThe Robinson Corporation manager
Bar manager and owner
FatherHector Kratz
MotherMarlene Kratz
BrothersPatrick Kratz
HusbandMaurie Stark (backstory)
SonsDarren Stark
Brett Stark
Daughters
NephewsSam Kratz

Cheryl Stark is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Caroline Gillmer. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 July 1993. Colette Mann took over the role for eight weeks from late 1995 to early 1996 when Gillmer fell ill. In September 1996, Gillmer departed the show and Cheryl was killed off.

Creation and casting

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The character of Cheryl was created in 1993 as the head of the new Stark family. She was given an immediate link to already existing character and son Darren Stark (Scott Major).[1] Actress Caroline Gillmer successfully auditioned for the role. Debuting on-screen, Cheryl moved into Ramsay Street with daughter Danni (Eliza Szonert), and son Brett (Brett Blewitt), both new additions to the serial's cast.[1] In an interview with Raymond Gill of The Age, Gillmer admitted that she wanted to break the stereotype of being cast as a "mother earth" character with many children.[2] When Gill pointed out that Cheryl was a housewife, Gillmer told him that there was a twist with her character and explained that she wanted Cheryl to be a role model to women who were "trapped in the suburbs", as Cheryl wins the lottery and lives the life she wants.[2] She said, "I hope this can tell women that they can take control of their lives."[2]

In 1995, Gillmer fell ill during a time Cheryl was written to be a central figure in key storylines. Producers felt they had no alternative but to temporarily recast her with former Prisoner actress Colette Mann.[1] This made producers nervous that viewing figures might decrease, so they implemented a series of plots to keep viewers interested.[1] Mann took over the role for eight weeks.[3] She revealed that she was hired on a Friday and started filming on the following Monday. She added "I walked in, and Brett Blewitt said, 'Hello, I'm your son!'. And then it was, 'Action!'"[4]

Gillmer chose to leave the show after winning a green card to work in the United States. She also wanted to capitalise on the success of feature film Hotel Sorrento, in which she appears.[5] Producers chose to kill off Gillmer's character, a development that the actress welcomed. She explained, "I was very flattered that they decided to kill Cheryl off. It's a sign of the popularity of Cheryl, as it's only really the characters that the public care about that they kill off. If the producers had just decided to send Cheryl to Queensland, then that would have been a bit of a worry!"[5] Cheryl's exit storyline saw her struck by a lorry after saving her daughter, who had wandered into the road. Local doctor Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) attempts to save Cheryl's life, but his efforts are in vain and she dies in front of Danni.[5] Gillmer admitted that she did not think she would ever forget Cheryl, calling her "a great character to play".[5]

Storylines

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When Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver) leaves his wallet behind at The Manhattan bar, owner Cheryl is immediately attracted to him and begins pursuing him. Lou is resistant at first but then gives in. Around this time, Cheryl's elder son Darren is released from juvenile detention and comes to stay with Cheryl, who is renting Number 22 Ramsay Street. Darren convinces her he has turned over a new leaf, but he uses his release to drag his cellmate Michael Martin's (Troy Beckwith) sister Debbie (Marnie Reece-Wilmore) into a life of crime. Darren's scheme is eventually foiled and he is jailed, prompting Cheryl to wash her hands of him. Shortly after ending her relationship with Lou, Cheryl goes on a world cruise.

When Cheryl returns, she is joined by her children Brett and Danni who have run away from boarding school. Cheryl, used to her independence, is not keen to have them living with her, but eventually relents on the advice of Lou and agrees to enrol Brett and Danni at Erinsborough High. Cheryl and Lou rekindle their relationship in secret, but when it is revealed, Brett accepts it while Danni is less than welcoming about it. However, Danni comes to respect Lou in time.

Lou and Cheryl agree to live together but cannot decide on the venue. Cheryl then agrees for her and her kids to move in with Lou, his daughter Lauren (Sarah Vandenberg) and lodger Rick Alessi (Dan Falzon). Cheryl later discovers she is pregnant and worries about the complications of being an older mother. Lou proposes and Cheryl accepts; however, they agree to continue cohabiting. While arguing with Michael's stepmother, Julie (Julie Mullins), about Michael and Danni's relationship, Cheryl is knocked down when Julie accidentally reverses her car into her, putting the baby in danger.

Cheryl is allowed out of hospital for a day visit, and comes face to face with her mother Marlene Kratz (Moya O'Sullivan) for the first time in 30 years. Cheryl resents Marlene for leaving her and her brother Patrick (Shane Porteous) to be raised by their father, Hector. She learns that Marlene has purchased Number 24 from Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston). The meeting between the two women is frosty to begin with, but Annalise Hartman (Kimberley Davies) convinces Cheryl to make up with Marlene, as she never had the chance to make up with her mother, Fiona (Suzanne Dudley), before she died.

Cheryl gives birth to a daughter and decides to call her Shannon, but neighbour Gaby Willis (Rachel Blakely) has the same idea to use the name for her son born on the same day. Both women, however, opt to call their children by their middle names, Louise and Zac, respectively. Louise initially suffers breathing complications after her birth.

When Lou begins acting suspiciously by arriving home late from work and making secret phone calls, Cheryl decides to follow him. One day, she spots him kissing a young Asian woman and later confronts him about it. Lou reveals that the woman is his daughter Ling Mai Chan (Khym Lam). Cheryl struggles to adjust to the new woman in his life and almost ends her relationship with Lou. However, she grows to accept Ling Mai in time.

Cheryl's next biggest challenge is her clash with Brett over his plans to go sailing around the world after finishing Year 12. This culminates in Brett having an affair with one of Cheryl's friends, Judy Bergman (Merridy Eastman). Bret later leaves Erinsborough without saying goodbye to Cheryl and she is hurt. Cheryl later flies out to Cairns to say goodbye.

Upon hearing news that Brett has been arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling in Ecuador, Cheryl takes a flight there to bail him out. En route to meeting Max Geppert, Brett's travel companion, Cheryl is kidnapped by rebels and held hostage. Lou goes to Ecuador after Cheryl is released and brings her home. When Cheryl returns, she is distant and has adopted a change of image: less jewellery and a shorter hairstyle. When Lou talks to her about her experiences, Cheryl reveals she had an affair with one of her fellow captives. The couple then separate and Lou moves up North to be near Lauren.

After putting Number 22 up for sale, Cheryl and Louise then move in with Marlene and they are joined by Darren (now played by Todd MacDonald) upon his release from prison. Darren's struggle to remain on the straight and narrow is testing for Cheryl and she is soon feuding with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) when Darren begins dating his daughter, Libby (Kym Valentine).

While out walking with Louise, Cheryl spots Karl and stops to talk to him about Darren and Libby's relationship. Louise climbs out of her buggy when she spots a dog and wanders into the road. Cheryl goes to get her, but is hit by an oncoming car. Karl tries desperately to save Cheryl and is urged by Danni, who arrives on the scene, to give Cheryl something to ease her pain. Karl injects Cheryl with morphine but she dies before the ambulance arrives. It is later revealed that the morphine reacted with anti-depressants that Cheryl had been taking but she would have died of her injuries regardless.

Almost a week later, Lou returns in the hope of reconciling with Cheryl, having received a letter from her. However, he soon learns she has died and he is forced to raise Louise on his own. Five years later, a man named John Allen (Adrian Mulraney) appears after sending Lou a letter claiming that Louise is his daughter from an affair he had with Cheryl. After a DNA test proves that John is Louise's father, the court award custody to him, leaving Lou heartbroken. John, however, grants Lou visitation rights.

Reception

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A writer for the BBC's Neighbours website said Cheryl's most notable moment was "[c]onfessing that she had an affair with one of the hostages she was kidnapped with".[6] In 1996, Network Ten cut five seconds from the episode in which Cheryl was seen being hit by a truck, while she tried to save her daughter.[7] The following year, the BBC were also forced to censor scenes showing the moment Cheryl was hit by the truck.[7] Cheryl was placed at number twenty-one on the Huffpost's "35 greatest Neighbours characters of all time" feature. Journalist Adam Beresford described "fiery redhead" Cheryl as the "proud owner of the most magnificent barnet to ever grace Erinsborough."[8] He called her a "strong, passionate woman" whose death was a "sad end for a larger than life character".[8] In 2005, a writer from Inside Soap called Cheryl "the most gaudily dressed woman in the Southern Hemisphere".[9]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Cheryl Stark is a fictional character from the long-running Australian soap opera , portrayed primarily by actress from 1993 to 1996. Introduced as the opinionated, brassy, and manipulative matriarch of the Stark family, she arrives in the fictional suburb of as Cheryl Kratz, a widowed mother seeking a fresh start with her teenage children, and Danni. Known for her uninhibited and unpredictable nature, Cheryl quickly establishes herself as a formidable businesswoman and community figure, often demonstrating fierce loyalty to her family while navigating dramatic personal and professional conflicts. Throughout her tenure on the series, Cheryl's storyline highlights her entrepreneurial spirit and turbulent relationships, including a high-profile romance with car salesman that culminates in the birth of their , Louise, in 1996. After winning a $1.3 million jackpot, she purchases and manages the upscale bar, using her windfall to secure and influence in Erinsborough's social scene. Her character undergoes significant evolution, particularly following a ordeal that prompts a more mature outlook, reflecting the show's themes of resilience and family bonds. Notably, during Gillmer's brief illness in 1995, actress temporarily took over the role for several months, maintaining continuity in Cheryl's ongoing arcs. Cheryl's arc culminates tragically in 1996 when she is struck by a while protecting her , later dying from complications related to her injuries, solidifying her legacy as a protective and larger-than-life presence on . The character proved popular, ranking 11th among the show's best in a fan poll for its 18th anniversary and inspiring a proposed spin-off pilot, In Cheryl's Arms, which was ultimately not greenlit.

Development

Creation

Cheryl Stark was introduced in by Alan Coleman as the matriarch of the new Stark family unit, designed to inject fresh family-oriented dynamics into the community and revitalize ongoing storylines. To ensure seamless integration, the character was conceptualized with direct ties to the recently established Darren Stark, her son, allowing the broader family to build upon his initial presence without disrupting the established narrative flow. Core traits were defined early in development to portray Cheryl as an ambitious and opinionated businesswoman, a fiercely protective embodying an independent spirit and unwavering family loyalty, reflecting producer decisions to emphasize strong, multifaceted female leads in family-centric plots. Her backstory was crafted as that of a resilient single mother who raised her children—, Janine, , and Danni—alone following the death of her husband, Maurie Stark, a railway worker, after which she supported the family through demanding work as a barmaid. Her youngest daughter, Louise (Lolly), was born later in the series.

Casting

Caroline Gillmer was cast as Cheryl Stark in 1993, initially for a guest role that transitioned into a regular position by the end of the year. The , familiar with her work from a previous series, specifically requested Gillmer for the part, selecting her based on her established acting credentials. In late 1995, production faced a challenge when Gillmer fell seriously ill during a period when Cheryl was central to major storylines and an upcoming season , prompting a temporary recast with for eight weeks into early 1996. This mid-run replacement was rare for , as the show opted against rewriting scripts to write out the character, instead leveraging Mann's experience from the long-running series Prisoner: Cell Block H to maintain continuity. Gillmer, who had no involvement in the decision, later described the situation as "character building" and noted her friendship with Mann. Gillmer's tenure concluded in 1996, influenced by her pursuit of opportunities in the following a successful role, including obtaining a that enabled her to work there. This led production to kill off Cheryl dramatically, foreclosing any potential return, despite a pilot for a proposed spin-off sitcom, In Cheryl's Arms, being filmed on Neighbours sets but ultimately not greenlit.

Character Profile

Introduction and Background

Cheryl Stark arrived on in in July 1993 as a widowed single mother relocating her family from out of town, marking her introduction to the universe as the matriarch of the new Stark household. She moved into No. 22 with her teenage children and Danni, while her eldest son remained troubled and largely absent initially. Having lost her husband Maurie, a railway worker, to illness shortly after the birth of their youngest child, , Cheryl had spent years supporting her family through determination and resourcefulness. Prior to her arrival, Cheryl had grown up in a modest working-class environment, raised primarily by her father after her mother Marlene abandoned the family when Cheryl was just 11 years old. An early marriage to Maurie had led to the births of Janine, , Danni, and , but his untimely death left her to raise the children single-handedly amid financial hardships. This background forged her into a resilient figure, blending maternal devotion with a sharp entrepreneurial edge that would define her presence in . Upon settling in Ramsay Street, Cheryl quickly established herself as a businesswoman after winning a $1.3 million lottery jackpot in 1993, using the windfall to purchase The Manhattan bar and secure financial independence. Her first encounters with neighbors revealed a protective streak toward her children, often prioritizing their stability while assertively pursuing opportunities to secure their future. This ambition positioned her as a grounding influence for the Stark family, navigating the uncertainties of their new life with unyielding resolve.

Family and Relationships

Cheryl Stark was the devoted mother to four children from her first marriage to the late Maurie Stark: eldest Janine, who joined the after completing her HSC; eldest son Darren, who exhibited troubled criminal tendencies; son Brett, known for his adventurous yet irresponsible nature; and Danni, a rebellious teenager constantly seeking independence. These familial bonds positioned Cheryl as the emotional anchor of the Stark clan, often mediating conflicts and providing unwavering support amid their personal challenges. In a significant romantic development, Cheryl entered a committed relationship with Lou Carpenter, with whom she shared a daughter, Louise (biological father John Allen), born on 25 July 1994; Lou later became her adoptive father. This partnership underscored themes of second chances in love, as they built a family unit despite past separations, marked by engagement and cohabitation at No. 24 Ramsay Street. It highlighted Cheryl's capacity for vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. Cheryl's family dynamics were further complicated by her reunion with her estranged mother, Marlene Kratz, in 1994, which allowed her to confront and resolve long-standing abandonment issues stemming from Marlene's departure when Cheryl was 11 years old. This mother-daughter reconciliation brought Marlene into the fold, strengthening family ties while occasionally stirring tensions. Throughout her time in Erinsborough, Cheryl navigated brief tensions with her late ex-husband's memory and in-laws, reinforcing her role as the resilient core of the Stark ; her business endeavors occasionally served as a backdrop for supporting her children's needs.

Storylines

Arrival and Early Plots

Cheryl Stark debuted in during episode 1966, which aired on 26 July 1993, appearing as a barmaid at pub where she first encountered regular patron after he accidentally left his wallet behind. Shortly thereafter, in late August 1993, she relocated to No. 22 with her three children— (17), (16), and Danni (17)—renting the property to establish a home in the tight-knit community of Erinsborough. Having recently won $1.3 million in , Cheryl sought to build a stable life for her away from their previous circumstances in , though she quickly faced the pressures of single parenthood and community integration. To assert her independence and leverage her windfall, Cheryl invested in the hospitality business by becoming the manager of The Waterhole pub within the Lassiter's Complex, renaming it Chez Chez following a major renovation prompted by a prior . She navigated local rivalries, particularly with other Lassiter's stakeholders like Paul Robinson, and tackled operational challenges such as staffing issues, customer draw in a competitive market, and maintaining profitability amid the complex's dynamics. These efforts highlighted her but also led to initial skepticism from neighbors about her bold entry into the local economy. Cheryl's early tenure was marked by family challenges that underscored her disciplinary role as a widowed . Her son engaged in petty crime, starting with car thefts and escalating to an attempted armed robbery at a service station alongside Debbie Martin, resulting in his arrest and a two-year juvenile detention sentence. navigated teenage romantic entanglements, including budding interests that prompted Cheryl to intervene and guide his social choices, while Danni rebelled through school troubles, including expulsion from her private due to disruptive behavior, leading to heated confrontations over rules and authority. Her interactions with Ramsay Street residents began with flirtations toward Lou Carpenter, whom she actively pursued through gestures like purchasing a car from his dealership to spark conversations, and evolved into tensions stemming from her direct, no-nonsense demeanor. Neighbors like Pam Willis initially welcomed her but soon clashed over the Starks' adjustment issues, such as Darren's antics and Danni's attitude, cementing Cheryl's image as a formidable, unapologetic newcomer determined to protect her family's place in the community.

Major Arcs and Conflicts

In 1994, Cheryl Stark expanded her business interests using her lottery windfall, purchasing bar and acquiring a significant shareholding in Lassiter's Hotel through the Robinson Corporation, renaming the Waterhole pub to Chez Chez to reflect her vision. However, this bred family resentments, as relatives and children grappled with her decisions on wealth distribution, including sending and Danni to expensive private boarding schools, which some viewed as extravagant and divisive. Cheryl's with her daughter Louise, announced early in 1994, added layers of personal drama amid her rising ambitions. At three and a half months pregnant, she faced concerns over potential health risks to the baby, including discussions of , though tests ultimately confirmed no major issues. The was complicated by a car accident caused by Julie Martin, leading to high , , and a that necessitated hospitalization. Lou Carpenter's suspicions of arose during this period, straining their relationship, but the couple's bond strengthened as they navigated the adversity together. Louise was born prematurely via emergency caesarean on 25 July 1994, initially requiring special care for breathing complications before recovering fully. Throughout 1994 and 1995, Cheryl's relationships with her children were marked by significant conflicts rooted in her evolving family dynamics and personal choices. Her eldest son , recently released from prison, escalated tensions through criminal activities, including petty thefts and orchestrating an armed robbery at a service station to frame Debbie Martin; he was arrested following the scheme's exposure, leading to his re-imprisonment and Cheryl's temporary disownment amid the family's distress. clashed with Cheryl over his push for independence, including arguments about his sailing plans and opposition to her romance with , culminating in him moving out to a backyard hut; his romantic entanglements, such as with Lata Chatterji and , further highlighted generational rifts. Danni's ongoing management of her created health-related strains, with misunderstandings about her insulin injections fueling family worries and conflicts over her rebellious behavior and school expulsion. A pivotal turning point came in late 1995 when traveled to to address Brett's arrest for drug , only to be kidnapped by rebels en route from . Held captive for approximately a month, she endured trauma but formed bonds with fellow hostages, including a brief with Charles Humphries that profoundly altered her upon release. Returning to in 1996, the ordeal intensified partnership strains with Lou, who had mobilized connections as mayor to secure her freedom, as Cheryl grappled with guilt and changed demeanor, ultimately confessing the and deepening their emotional turmoil.

Departure

In early 1996, Cheryl's relationship with deteriorated due to lingering trust issues stemming from the revelation of Lou's secret , , which Cheryl had initially mistaken for . The couple underwent to negotiate a practical separation agreement, prioritizing the well-being of their young , Louise, amid the emotional strain. Cheryl's storyline concluded dramatically in episode 2711, aired on 30 September 1996, when she was fatally struck by a outside the Lassiters complex. While conversing with , Cheryl spotted her toddler daughter Louise wandering into the path of an oncoming vehicle and pushed her to safety, sacrificing herself in an act that underscored her devotion as a mother. The scene, witnessed by Danni, highlighted the immediate tragedy as emergency efforts failed to save her. The death profoundly affected the Stark-Carpenter family. , now separated, assumed sole responsibility for raising Louise, navigating the challenges of single parenthood without Cheryl's support. Danni and , Cheryl's adult children, grappled with intense ; Danni, present at the accident, was left emotionally devastated, while Darren learned of the loss shortly after and struggled with the family's unraveling. Marlene Kratz, Cheryl's mother, remained in initially to help maintain family unity but ultimately relocated in October 1997, embarking on an extended cruise from which she never returned. From a production perspective, Cheryl was killed off following actress 's departure from the series, as her deep integration into the show's family dynamics—through marriages and children—made a permanent recast unfeasible, ensuring narrative closure rather than continuation with a new performer.

Reception

Critical Response

Actress has reflected on her performance as Cheryl Stark, describing the character as a "champion human being" and a "strong, ," with emotional depth in family-oriented scenes that showcased the character's resilience and familial bonds. Cheryl ranked 11th in a fan poll of the show's best characters for its 18th anniversary. The affair confession scene—where Cheryl reveals her during a hostage crisis—proved dramatically intense, underscoring its emotional weight and narrative impact. was temporarily recast with in 1995 for eight weeks due to illness. Coverage of Cheryl's death scene in 1996 noted significant censorship, with Network Ten and the cutting five seconds of the graphic impact of the truck collision to mitigate its intensity, reflecting concerns over violent content in the broadcast.

Legacy and Impact

Cheryl Stark's enduring popularity within the Neighbours fandom is evidenced by her ranking at number 21 in HuffPost's list of the 35 greatest characters from the series, where she was praised for her iconic hairstyle—described as the "most magnificent barnet to ever grace "—and her commanding matriarchal role as a devoted to Brett, Danni, and Darren Stark. This recognition highlights her as a larger-than-life figure whose fiery personality and unyielding family loyalty left a lasting impression on viewers, surpassing even predecessors like in terms of bold presence. Fans have long regarded Cheryl as a favorite for her empowerment arc, particularly her transformative lottery win that enabled her to purchase The Manhattan bar and achieve business independence, resonating strongly with 1990s audiences amid themes of self-made success and resilience. Actress , who portrayed the character, has reflected on Cheryl's appeal as a "champion human being" whose decisive actions, such as navigating family crises and asserting control in relationships, embodied and garnered widespread admiration from viewers. This narrative of rising from humble origins to entrepreneurial matriarch struck a chord, contributing to her status as an enduring icon of female strength in the genre. Cheryl's tenure influenced subsequent family-centric storylines in Neighbours, inspiring the development of similarly robust female characters who balanced matriarchal duties with personal ambition and . Gillmer noted that elements of Cheryl's arc, including long-term repercussions like the 2001 paternity revelation involving her granddaughter Lolly, continued to shape the series' narrative landscape years after her 1996 departure, underscoring her role in evolving the show's portrayal of dynamic family dynamics. Her character's emphasis on protective yet assertive motherhood paved the way for later figures who echoed this blend of vulnerability and power, reinforcing Neighbours' tradition of multifaceted women at the heart of . Despite her impact, official retrospectives on Neighbours have offered limited exploration of Cheryl's pre-series life, such as her upbringing by father Hector Kratz following her mother Marlene's abandonment, or deeper arcs involving her extended family beyond on-screen events. This gap leaves aspects of her underexplored in canonical histories, focusing instead on her exploits.

References

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