Character Creation and Casting
In 2007 Neighbours suffered one of its worst decline in ratings and several key changes took place, including the introduction of a new family. Network Ten drama executive Dan Bennett revealed that the show would return to the focus on relationships and family dynamics. The Parker family made their first appearance on-screen in July 2007, marking the start of the show's renovation.
Former Police Rescue star, Steve Bastoni was cast in the role of the family's patriarch, Steve Parker. Bastoni said "My agent rang and said, 'Would you consider (the Steve Parker role in) Neighbours?'". Bastoni agreed to the role as he had struggled to find work after moving to Melbourne from Sydney with no prospects. Bastoni called the role on Neighbours "a little gift from God". Bastoni previously guested in the serial in 1985 as a bank teller called Alex Baxter.
In March 2009, it was announced that the Parker family were to be written out of the show after Bastoni and Mignon decided to quit. Bastoni said in an interview that the character of Steve Parker had nowhere else to go and added, "I only planned to be on the show for a year to 18 months but I've been here two years now and have done enough".
Read more about this topic: Steve Parker
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