Bianca Scott
Encyclopedia
Bianca Scott is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven
soap opera Home and Away
, played by Lisa Gormley
. Gormley had recently graduated from NIDA
when she secured the role of Bianca, who was introduced as the sister of fellow new character April Scott
(Rhiannon Fish
). Bianca debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 9 July 2010. Bianca is the daughter of an Italian father and Australian mother. She retains certain Italian traits as she is characterised as a "fiery, opinionated, beautiful, sophisticated" female. Gormley has said that Bianca puts up a feisty attitude to hide her "softer side". Bianca's vice has often been powerful men who break her heart. She arrives in Summer Bay to "nurse a broken heart" after her fiancé, Prince Vittorio Seca (Richard Brancatisano
) is unfaithful to her.
Bianca can speak English, Italian and French; she secures employment as a language teacher. She soon meets Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead
), who transpires to be her main love interest throughout her tenure. Initially, Bianca does not find happiness with Liam as the serial implemented a "love-triangle storyline", which sees Vittorio return in hope of a reconciliation. This results in Bianca becoming confused as to which man she should be with. The storyline cumulated in the programme's annual cliff-hanger episode where she chooses Liam. Their relationship is a main focus for Bianca's storyline during the early 2011 quarter. However, Liam's drug addiction weakens their relationship. The serial introduced an issue lead storyline for Bianca, in which she becomes drunk and is sexually assaulted by a mystery assailant. The storyline raised awareness of the outcome that binge drinking can hold. Bianca's ordeal ruins her romance with Liam. Other storylines include a friendship with Gypsy Nash
(Kimberley Cooper
) and an attraction to local "bad boy" Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing). In late 2011 Bianca featured in a plotline in which she fabricates the scene of the car accident and lies to the police.
Some critics from publications such as TV Week
and Holy Soap
praised Bianca's introduction - stating that she "made an impression" and "impact" on Home and Away. Her relationship with Liam has proved popular with certain critics. However, Jaci Stephen from the Daily Mail
has claimed that Bianca was not good for Liam's drug addiction and accused her of breaking Heath's heart.
had joined the cast of Home and Away playing Bianca Scott. The character was created as sister for fellow new character April Scott
(Rhiannon Fish
). Gormley had just graduated from National Institute of Dramatic Art
and the serial quickly signed her up to appear as Bianca. Gormley said that the character is a fun role to portray. Bianca debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 9 July 2010.
Style is an important to Bianca, but she does not care for vanity because she "values intelligence over everything". Bianca can speak English, French and Italian and has used her skill to become a language teacher. She has previously dated men in big career roles such as doctors and Italian royalty. While she is reluctant to give her heart away easily and cannot trust many men, she is passionate about romance. Bianca is not afraid to speak her mind even when she knows she is in the wrong. Bianca and her sister, April, share a mother, Joanna (Tara Morice
), but they have different fathers. Bianca's father is Italian while April's is French. Bianca and her sister have a fiery, but supportive relationship. Bianca is often protective over April's choice in men and likes to make sure they treat her right. Bianca has good points and flaws about her personality. Gormley had fun portraying the character from the one-dimensional state of a "feisty blonde Italian" girl to showing why Bianca wants to live in Summer Bay. Gormley summarised Bianca as being "the kind of woman every girl wishes she had the confidence to be". She also opined that Bianca's feisty persona is a front to hide a "softer side". Channel 5 similarly describe her as "Strong, opinionated and beautiful", but attibute her qualities as coming from her parents.
). Initially Gormley said Bianca views Liam as "a bit of fun" because she is a "little bit broken-hearted" and not looking for love. Bianca wants to gain control of her love life, so she enjoys a "bit of cat and mouse fun" with Liam. Gormley and Whitehead told The Morning Show
that Bianca doesn't fall for the "Liam Murphy charm" quite so easily. Whitehead said that Bianca is a "tough nut to crack" for Liam. While Gormley said it was because she had been hurt in the past. It was later announced that Richard Brancatisano
has signed up to play Vittorio. The development was described as the start of a "love-triangle storyline", which sees him arrive and attempt to win Bianca back, who in turn romancing Liam. When Vittorio arrives, Bianca realises she has feelings for him and kisses him, causing Liam to leave. Whitehead said the upon Liam's return to the serial he introduces a new girlfriend to Bianca. Liam "puts on a tough-guy act and pretends everything is cool" while pretending to have moved on. Whitehead opined that Liam is not being truthful with himself and the fact they are both moving on could "spell the end" for their future together.
Bianca agrees to marry Vittorio and plans her wedding. However, Liam still has feelings for Bianca and the pair decide to talk about their situation. Whitehead said that his character was "quite sensitive" about the "issue" because he believes Bianca has made the choice to be with Vittorio. The two characters have "very strong feelings" still present and talk about the past. The scenes were described as "hot and steamy" as the pair kiss. Whitehead said it was the start of the build-up to the series finale. He branded it "a really good week of episodes" as Bianca reaches the point she must choose who she wants to be with. Whitehead explained that "Bianca has dismissed what happened between them as an infatuation and tells him that her future is with Vittorio." However, he said that Bianca does not "have the courage to follow her heart". Bianca manages to make it down the altar but cannot take her vows and choses to be with Liam. The scenes formed the serial's annual "cliff-hanger" episode. While filming the wedding episode, the director chose to play a piece of emotional music. Whitehead said he had to stop himself from crying because he thought the music "perfectly" fitted what the characters were going through. Whitehead said the scenes that follow were a "cool" moment in which Liam puts Bianca "on the back of a Harley and riding off into the sunset". He also said the scenes were fun to play and a personal highlight.
Liam previously battled a drug addiction, which then resurfaces and threatens to ruin Bianca's relationship with him. The serial were highlighting the issue of those closest to drug addicts effectively being unable to help. Whitehead told Digital Spy
that not being able to help Liam is "crushing for her". Bianca thinks that "tough love and leaving him to his own devices" was the correct way to approach Liam. However, his addiction takes over and "she can't do anything about it". While Liam is in rehab Bianca sleeps with Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing).
noted that is a common reaction to go "on a bender to numb the pain" of losing a partner. However, they said it is not always a "smart" idea because Home and Away how portrayed binge drinking can lead people into "serious trouble".
The next morning Bianca cannot remember who attacked her because she was drugged. "Bianca can only recall vague shapes" so the police to not have much to investigate with. However, Heath's behaviour at the event makes him a potential suspect. A spokesperson for the serial said "police officer Charlie suspects Heath was involved in the attack, given that he was drunk and arrived late at the ball – plus he’s had a history of threatening Bianca."
Liam later returns to Summer Bay to "mend fences" with Bianca. Though she is "in a pretty bad state herself" and does not want to speak to Liam. Whitehead explained that Liam feels "terrible and wants to support her". He is shocked to learn Heath is a suspect and that Bianca slept with him. He said there was some irony in the storyline because "of all the people she could have ended up with, it had to be Heath Braxton". Heath was Liam's drug dealer so he "hates Heath, he wants him out of his life". The serial decided to remain secretive about whether Bianca's rape would ruin Bianca and Liam's relationship. A spokesperson told the Daily Star: "Whether their relationship can survive remains to be seen but Liam is not about to give up on her." Bianca remembers the real identity of her attacker who is revealed to be guest character, Dean O'Mara (Rick Donald) and soon breaks up with Liam.
(Kimberley Cooper
), Cooper said that off-screen she had become best friends with Gormley too. Gormley said it was good to have another "strong willed female" living with Bianca. She is someone for her to go out with a drink with. While Cooper stated that Gypsy's first impression of Bianca is "at least she is not as uptight as her sister" Gypsy has trouble with her daughter Lily Smith (Charlie-Rose McLennan) and does not get on with April. They both explained that the pair bond over drinks as Bianca "moves Gypsy from the firing line" and help her.
Gormley opined that Gypsy is "hot stuff" and Liam is single, so Bianca has "suspicions" about Gypsy stealing Liam. She added that it causes a "tension" and Liam likes the idea of "two girls fighting over one man". However, in "classic Bianca fashion" she pretends that she does not care and Cooper said that because of this "Gypsy doesn't even notice" an issue. Though Liam is "obviously still in love with Bianca". Gormley and Cooper predicted that viewers would like Bianca and Gypsy's double act because "had so much fun" filming the storyline. Whitehead said that Liam is attracted to Gypsy's "energy and spirit" and he thinks he has lost Bianca. Liam assumes Bianca is sleeping with Heath and this is the "final straw" for Liam. He has a deep conversation with Gypsy and they kiss, only for Bianca to find them together. Whitehead said that "it's pretty embarrassing for everyone". The incident has bigger implications because "Bianca and Gypsy also have to deal with this" and the effect it has on their friendship.
Bianca is later involved in a storyline in which she lies to the police. The plot features an ensemble of the serial's characters as they fabricate the scene of a car accident which leaves Liam seriously injured. The storyline plays out as Bianca's police officer friend Charlie Buckton
(Esther Anderson) and her secret lover Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke
) crash into Liam. While Bianca and Heath are travelling in the car behind them, they are forced to involve the police. However, Charlie is not allowed to be seen with a known criminal such as Darryl. In order to protect them, Bianca and Heath tell the police they were driving the vehicle. However, for Bianca the storyline has bigger implications to her relationship with Liam. Gormley said "this is the man she cares so much for and she comes face-to-face with losing him and it's devastating - she's so scared she might lose him." Anderson revealed that Charlie is worried her friendship with Bianca will be ruined by the lie. The characters realise the truth would have "monumental" consequences, so they decide to continue with the lie.
) take lets Bianca and April move in with her, however, she soon becomes annoyed with Bianca who refuses to get along with John Palmer (Shane Withington
). After Gina asks them to leave they move in with Irene Roberts
(Lynne McGranger
). Bianca discovers that Ruby Buckton
(Rebecca Breeds) is in love with Liam. Bianca warns Liam to stop spending time with Ruby. She later tells Ruby to get over her crush and tells Charlie Buckton
(Esther Anderson) about her behaviour. Bianca slaps Liam after he insults her and Gina forces them to work in the library together. They sleep together and Bianca starts to receive text messages from Vittorio.
Bianca goes on a date with Liam, but she admits she still loves Vittorio, who then arrives in Summer Bay. She is angry to see him but gives into her feelings and kisses him. Liam sees the kiss and leaves town. When photographers follow Vittorio, he arranges a press conference and reveals he is in town to win Bianca back. Bianca tells Vittorio that she does not want Liam anymore. When Bianca accepts Vittorio's offer of marriage, Romeo Smith
(Luke Mitchell
) criticises her for forgetting about Liam. Vittorio tells Bianca that he is going back to Italy, when she sleeps with him he changes his mind. Liam leaves a message for Bianca, asking her to get in touch if she is still interested. She does not but sits listening to the call.
When Liam returns she notices a rivalry between him and Vittorio. Liam and Bianca later kiss and he confesses his love for her. Bianca decides to stay with Vittorio and carries on with the wedding arrangements. However, the encounter causes Bianca to become confused about what she wants. Romeo and Ruby try to convince Bianca to be with Liam. Joanna forces Bianca to carry on with her wedding. On her wedding day, Bianca makes it to the altar where she is half way through her wedding vows. She then tells Vittorio she cannot marry him and runs into Liam's arms; they then ride off on his motorbike. Upon their return, Bianca and Liam enjoy the start of their relationship and move into an outdoor home. They continually sleep together every day, until Liam becomes worn out and concentrates on his music. Bianca thinks he has lost interest in he soon convinces her otherwise. Bianca starts to tire of not having a proper home to live in. She accidentally electrocutes herself and decides to move back in with Irene, but carry on their relationship.
Liam starts taking drugs again and Bianca tries to help him. Liam carries on taking them to the point he loses his job at the school, Bianca tells him she will only stand by him if he kicks his habit. When he doesn't, she breaks up with him which causes Liam to check into rehab. Bianca changes her mind but realises she is too late. Liam refuses to speak to Bianca until he recovers. Bianca is upset by this and sleeps with. She later goes to the B&S Ball and gets drunk. Bianca is later found crying behind a car where she reveals that she has been raped. Bianca refuses to talk about her ordeal despite Irene and April's attempts to help. Liam returns to support Bianca, but she still cannot open up. Bianca sees her attacker who is revealed to be Dean, when he sees her he runs her over. Liam tracks him down and he is arrested for his crimes. Bianca and Liam later break up, but she is jealous when she witnesses him having sex with Gypsy.
Just before she leaves the Bay, Gypsy tells Bianca that Liam is not over her. Charlie convinces Bianca to spend the night in a cabin in the country with her. Bianca calls Darryl to join them, so he and Charlie can talk. Darryl arrives with Heath, who has sex with Bianca. As they are returning home, Darryl and Charlie crash into Liam who comes off his motorbike. Bianca stays by Liam's side while he recovers in the hospital. She and Heath tell the police they were in the car that hit Liam, to protect Darryl and Charlie. Bianca rejects Heath and she convinces Liam that Charlie and Darryl were not in the car when he wakes up. Bianca's friendship with Charlie deteriorates as a result of the deception. Bianca asks Liam to move in when he is discharged from hospital. Bianca offers to lend Liam some money to buy a car, but she is displeased when Liam purchases a motorbike. Liam is furious with Bianca when he learns the truth about his accident and he moves back to the caravan park. Liam proposes to Bianca and she accepts.
predicted that viewers would enjoy watching "feisty" Bianca's "antics". They opined that she "made an impression straight away" and branded her most memorable moment as "arriving on a moped and in a racy red dress". Carolyn Stewart writing for TV Week said that Bianca made quite an impact on Home and Away. She said she liked the fact she was the first character to acknowledge and criticise Liam for chewing his trademark toothpick. She also said she would be happy for her to stay around "for a long time". A columnist of the The Daily Record
said "whoever said the course of true love runs smooth had clearly never paid a visit to Summer Bay" and seen Bianca's Liam/Vittorio dilemma. They opined that "life could be hard for Bianca" because she actually had "two very lovely men falling at her feet".
A writer of The Sun-Herald
observed the beginning of Bianca and Liam's relationship as being "blissfully removed" from the serial's usual drama. They correctly predicted that happiness "does not make for good soap fodder and the lovebirds can only avoid the Summer Bay vortex for so long." As Jim Schembri writing for The Age
said that Liam was "nuts" and had "a screw loose" when he tires of having sex with her. He said it was "weird behaviour" to rather drink camomile tea than succumb to a woman like Bianca's advances.
Jaci Stephen writing for the Daily Mail
has often analysed Bianca. She said that Bianca should "get real" when she begged Liam to stop taking drugs. In Stephen's opinion he would only want to take more drugs due to Bianca's company. When Bianca finds her attacker, Stephen came to the conclusion that no one in Home and Away is safe to leave their homes. She opined that Heath wished Bianca was hit with the "lightning of the lurrrrve", but she said Bianca just "dented his ego and broke his heart". Stewart later said that she was happy Bianca gave Heath "the flick" because she thought she should be with Liam. She said it was easy to be "lovey-dovey" while Liam is in a coma, but it would be a "whole different ball game" if he was awake.
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
soap opera Home and Away
Home and Away
Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that has been produced in Sydney since July 1987 and is airing on the Seven Network since 17 January 1988. It is the second-longest-running drama and most popular soap opera on Australian television...
, played by Lisa Gormley
Lisa Gormley
Lisa Gormley is an Australian actress and best known for playing Bianca Scott on the Channel 7 serial drama Home and Away. She is a NIDA graduate.- Early life :...
. Gormley had recently graduated from NIDA
National Institute of Dramatic Art
The National Institute of Dramatic Art is an Australian national training institute for students of theatre, film, and television, based in the Sydney suburb of Kensington. It is supported by the federal Office for the Arts, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. NIDA is located adjacent...
when she secured the role of Bianca, who was introduced as the sister of fellow new character April Scott
April Scott (Home and Away)
April Scott is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Rhiannon Fish. The actress successfully auditioned for the role of April and she described the process as quick...
(Rhiannon Fish
Rhiannon Fish
Rhiannon Marie Fish is an Australian actress who first appeared on television at age eleven when she starred on Neighbours. She later starred as Rocky in the Disney Channel show As the Bell Rings. As of June 2010, Fish plays April Scott on Home and Away.-Early life:Fish was born in Calgary,...
). Bianca debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 9 July 2010. Bianca is the daughter of an Italian father and Australian mother. She retains certain Italian traits as she is characterised as a "fiery, opinionated, beautiful, sophisticated" female. Gormley has said that Bianca puts up a feisty attitude to hide her "softer side". Bianca's vice has often been powerful men who break her heart. She arrives in Summer Bay to "nurse a broken heart" after her fiancé, Prince Vittorio Seca (Richard Brancatisano
Richard Brancatisano
Richard Peter Brancatisano is an Australian television actor and musician, best known for his role as Xander Bly, the Green Mystic Ranger, in Power Rangers: Mystic Force.-Career:...
) is unfaithful to her.
Bianca can speak English, Italian and French; she secures employment as a language teacher. She soon meets Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead
Axle Whitehead
Axle Whitehead is a former Australian Video Hits TV host and current singer, musician, and actor. In 2008, he released his first studio album Losing Sleep which debuted outside of the ARIA top 50...
), who transpires to be her main love interest throughout her tenure. Initially, Bianca does not find happiness with Liam as the serial implemented a "love-triangle storyline", which sees Vittorio return in hope of a reconciliation. This results in Bianca becoming confused as to which man she should be with. The storyline cumulated in the programme's annual cliff-hanger episode where she chooses Liam. Their relationship is a main focus for Bianca's storyline during the early 2011 quarter. However, Liam's drug addiction weakens their relationship. The serial introduced an issue lead storyline for Bianca, in which she becomes drunk and is sexually assaulted by a mystery assailant. The storyline raised awareness of the outcome that binge drinking can hold. Bianca's ordeal ruins her romance with Liam. Other storylines include a friendship with Gypsy Nash
Gypsy Nash
Gypsy Smith is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Kimberley Cooper. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 18 February 1998...
(Kimberley Cooper
Kimberley Cooper
Kimberley Cooper, in Sydney New South Wales, is an Australian actress who played Gypsy Smith in Home and Away . Cooper won the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent on Australian television in 1999 and the Best Aussie Actress for The Inside Soap Awards, UK, 2000...
) and an attraction to local "bad boy" Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing). In late 2011 Bianca featured in a plotline in which she fabricates the scene of the car accident and lies to the police.
Some critics from publications such as 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...
and 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...
praised Bianca's introduction - stating that she "made an impression" and "impact" on Home and Away. Her relationship with Liam has proved popular with certain critics. However, Jaci Stephen from 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...
has claimed that Bianca was not good for Liam's drug addiction and accused her of breaking Heath's heart.
Creation and characterisation
In 2010, it was announced that actress Lisa GormleyLisa Gormley
Lisa Gormley is an Australian actress and best known for playing Bianca Scott on the Channel 7 serial drama Home and Away. She is a NIDA graduate.- Early life :...
had joined the cast of Home and Away playing Bianca Scott. The character was created as sister for fellow new character April Scott
April Scott (Home and Away)
April Scott is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Rhiannon Fish. The actress successfully auditioned for the role of April and she described the process as quick...
(Rhiannon Fish
Rhiannon Fish
Rhiannon Marie Fish is an Australian actress who first appeared on television at age eleven when she starred on Neighbours. She later starred as Rocky in the Disney Channel show As the Bell Rings. As of June 2010, Fish plays April Scott on Home and Away.-Early life:Fish was born in Calgary,...
). Gormley had just graduated from National Institute of Dramatic Art
National Institute of Dramatic Art
The National Institute of Dramatic Art is an Australian national training institute for students of theatre, film, and television, based in the Sydney suburb of Kensington. It is supported by the federal Office for the Arts, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. NIDA is located adjacent...
and the serial quickly signed her up to appear as Bianca. Gormley said that the character is a fun role to portray. Bianca debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 9 July 2010.
Style is an important to Bianca, but she does not care for vanity because she "values intelligence over everything". Bianca can speak English, French and Italian and has used her skill to become a language teacher. She has previously dated men in big career roles such as doctors and Italian royalty. While she is reluctant to give her heart away easily and cannot trust many men, she is passionate about romance. Bianca is not afraid to speak her mind even when she knows she is in the wrong. Bianca and her sister, April, share a mother, Joanna (Tara Morice
Tara Morice
Tara Morice is an Australian actress, singer, and dancer.Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Morice also lived in Sydney, Alice Springs and Adelaide as a child...
), but they have different fathers. Bianca's father is Italian while April's is French. Bianca and her sister have a fiery, but supportive relationship. Bianca is often protective over April's choice in men and likes to make sure they treat her right. Bianca has good points and flaws about her personality. Gormley had fun portraying the character from the one-dimensional state of a "feisty blonde Italian" girl to showing why Bianca wants to live in Summer Bay. Gormley summarised Bianca as being "the kind of woman every girl wishes she had the confidence to be". She also opined that Bianca's feisty persona is a front to hide a "softer side". Channel 5 similarly describe her as "Strong, opinionated and beautiful", but attibute her qualities as coming from her parents.
Vittorio Seca and Liam Murphy
Bianca arrives in Summer Bay to get over a broken heart. Bianca had recently discover that her fiancé, Prince Vittorio Seca, had cheated on her. Bianca soon develops an attraction to Liam Murphy (Axle WhiteheadAxle Whitehead
Axle Whitehead is a former Australian Video Hits TV host and current singer, musician, and actor. In 2008, he released his first studio album Losing Sleep which debuted outside of the ARIA top 50...
). Initially Gormley said Bianca views Liam as "a bit of fun" because she is a "little bit broken-hearted" and not looking for love. Bianca wants to gain control of her love life, so she enjoys a "bit of cat and mouse fun" with Liam. Gormley and Whitehead told The Morning Show
The Morning Show (TV program)
The Morning Show is an Australian morning talk show that premiered on the Seven Network on 18 June 2007. The show airs between 9am and 11:30am weekdays and follows Seven's breakfast news program Sunrise, with both programs closely interlinked....
that Bianca doesn't fall for the "Liam Murphy charm" quite so easily. Whitehead said that Bianca is a "tough nut to crack" for Liam. While Gormley said it was because she had been hurt in the past. It was later announced that Richard Brancatisano
Richard Brancatisano
Richard Peter Brancatisano is an Australian television actor and musician, best known for his role as Xander Bly, the Green Mystic Ranger, in Power Rangers: Mystic Force.-Career:...
has signed up to play Vittorio. The development was described as the start of a "love-triangle storyline", which sees him arrive and attempt to win Bianca back, who in turn romancing Liam. When Vittorio arrives, Bianca realises she has feelings for him and kisses him, causing Liam to leave. Whitehead said the upon Liam's return to the serial he introduces a new girlfriend to Bianca. Liam "puts on a tough-guy act and pretends everything is cool" while pretending to have moved on. Whitehead opined that Liam is not being truthful with himself and the fact they are both moving on could "spell the end" for their future together.
Bianca agrees to marry Vittorio and plans her wedding. However, Liam still has feelings for Bianca and the pair decide to talk about their situation. Whitehead said that his character was "quite sensitive" about the "issue" because he believes Bianca has made the choice to be with Vittorio. The two characters have "very strong feelings" still present and talk about the past. The scenes were described as "hot and steamy" as the pair kiss. Whitehead said it was the start of the build-up to the series finale. He branded it "a really good week of episodes" as Bianca reaches the point she must choose who she wants to be with. Whitehead explained that "Bianca has dismissed what happened between them as an infatuation and tells him that her future is with Vittorio." However, he said that Bianca does not "have the courage to follow her heart". Bianca manages to make it down the altar but cannot take her vows and choses to be with Liam. The scenes formed the serial's annual "cliff-hanger" episode. While filming the wedding episode, the director chose to play a piece of emotional music. Whitehead said he had to stop himself from crying because he thought the music "perfectly" fitted what the characters were going through. Whitehead said the scenes that follow were a "cool" moment in which Liam puts Bianca "on the back of a Harley and riding off into the sunset". He also said the scenes were fun to play and a personal highlight.
Liam previously battled a drug addiction, which then resurfaces and threatens to ruin Bianca's relationship with him. The serial were highlighting the issue of those closest to drug addicts effectively being unable to help. Whitehead told 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....
that not being able to help Liam is "crushing for her". Bianca thinks that "tough love and leaving him to his own devices" was the correct way to approach Liam. However, his addiction takes over and "she can't do anything about it". While Liam is in rehab Bianca sleeps with Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing).
Sexual assault
In 2011 the serial decided to portray the issue of sexual assault through Bianca. Bianca gets drunk at a "Bachelors & Spintsters Ball" where she is drugged and attacked by a mystery assailant. Gormley explained that Bianca is "heartbroken because she's realised her relationship with Liam Murphy is over". As he has checked out of rehab and not contact her "Bianca decides to dress up and have a good time". She said that Bianca drinks alocohol to excess to "hide the pain; it's like hitting the self-destruct button". Bianca becomes "oblivious" and flirts with Heath because "she's happy to have attention from anyone". Television journal 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...
noted that is a common reaction to go "on a bender to numb the pain" of losing a partner. However, they said it is not always a "smart" idea because Home and Away how portrayed binge drinking can lead people into "serious trouble".
The next morning Bianca cannot remember who attacked her because she was drugged. "Bianca can only recall vague shapes" so the police to not have much to investigate with. However, Heath's behaviour at the event makes him a potential suspect. A spokesperson for the serial said "police officer Charlie suspects Heath was involved in the attack, given that he was drunk and arrived late at the ball – plus he’s had a history of threatening Bianca."
Liam later returns to Summer Bay to "mend fences" with Bianca. Though she is "in a pretty bad state herself" and does not want to speak to Liam. Whitehead explained that Liam feels "terrible and wants to support her". He is shocked to learn Heath is a suspect and that Bianca slept with him. He said there was some irony in the storyline because "of all the people she could have ended up with, it had to be Heath Braxton". Heath was Liam's drug dealer so he "hates Heath, he wants him out of his life". The serial decided to remain secretive about whether Bianca's rape would ruin Bianca and Liam's relationship. A spokesperson told the Daily Star: "Whether their relationship can survive remains to be seen but Liam is not about to give up on her." Bianca remembers the real identity of her attacker who is revealed to be guest character, Dean O'Mara (Rick Donald) and soon breaks up with Liam.
Friendship with Gypsy Nash
Bianca later forms a friendship with Gypsy NashGypsy Nash
Gypsy Smith is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Kimberley Cooper. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 18 February 1998...
(Kimberley Cooper
Kimberley Cooper
Kimberley Cooper, in Sydney New South Wales, is an Australian actress who played Gypsy Smith in Home and Away . Cooper won the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent on Australian television in 1999 and the Best Aussie Actress for The Inside Soap Awards, UK, 2000...
), Cooper said that off-screen she had become best friends with Gormley too. Gormley said it was good to have another "strong willed female" living with Bianca. She is someone for her to go out with a drink with. While Cooper stated that Gypsy's first impression of Bianca is "at least she is not as uptight as her sister" Gypsy has trouble with her daughter Lily Smith (Charlie-Rose McLennan) and does not get on with April. They both explained that the pair bond over drinks as Bianca "moves Gypsy from the firing line" and help her.
Gormley opined that Gypsy is "hot stuff" and Liam is single, so Bianca has "suspicions" about Gypsy stealing Liam. She added that it causes a "tension" and Liam likes the idea of "two girls fighting over one man". However, in "classic Bianca fashion" she pretends that she does not care and Cooper said that because of this "Gypsy doesn't even notice" an issue. Though Liam is "obviously still in love with Bianca". Gormley and Cooper predicted that viewers would like Bianca and Gypsy's double act because "had so much fun" filming the storyline. Whitehead said that Liam is attracted to Gypsy's "energy and spirit" and he thinks he has lost Bianca. Liam assumes Bianca is sleeping with Heath and this is the "final straw" for Liam. He has a deep conversation with Gypsy and they kiss, only for Bianca to find them together. Whitehead said that "it's pretty embarrassing for everyone". The incident has bigger implications because "Bianca and Gypsy also have to deal with this" and the effect it has on their friendship.
Heath Braxton
It was later reported that Bianca's sister, April would begin "dabbling in drugs" due to exam stress. Bianca first hears about April's drug use from Heath. Gormley said that Bianca cannot believe it because she does not think it is something April would do. However, despite Liam's concerns she soon realises that Heath is telling the truth and Bianca sees a new side to Heath. Gormley said that "Bianca is so proud she's started seeing this good side of Heath and is disappointed that Liam's still judging him on face value, like she did initially, she defends him because he did good." Bianca thinks that Heath is "hard done by" and the only way to show her "appreciation" in Heath's world is to kiss him. Ewing said that reason Heath is honest is because he "cares about Bianca so much". Though, Heath is not sure whether he can do the "settle down" scenario yet, Ewing said "he loves her, whether he knows it or not. I certainly think Heath's extremely attracted to her because he's never met anyone like her." Gormley said that there is definitely chemistry present between Bianca and Heath and noted that viewers picked up on it too. However, she felt that there were so many "pros and cons" and too many cons for Bianca to seriously consider a relationship with him. She concluded that Bianca is still "very much in love with Liam".Bianca is later involved in a storyline in which she lies to the police. The plot features an ensemble of the serial's characters as they fabricate the scene of a car accident which leaves Liam seriously injured. The storyline plays out as Bianca's police officer friend Charlie Buckton
Charlie Buckton
Charlotte "Charlie" Buckton is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Esther Anderson. Anderson was added to the cast in a bid to add more "sex appeal" to the show. She said it was her dream job and relocated to Sydney immediately to accommodate...
(Esther Anderson) and her secret lover Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke
Steve Peacocke
Stephen "Steve" Peacocke is an Australian actor. He is best known for his role as Darryl Braxton, on popular soap opera Home and Away.-Early life:...
) crash into Liam. While Bianca and Heath are travelling in the car behind them, they are forced to involve the police. However, Charlie is not allowed to be seen with a known criminal such as Darryl. In order to protect them, Bianca and Heath tell the police they were driving the vehicle. However, for Bianca the storyline has bigger implications to her relationship with Liam. Gormley said "this is the man she cares so much for and she comes face-to-face with losing him and it's devastating - she's so scared she might lose him." Anderson revealed that Charlie is worried her friendship with Bianca will be ruined by the lie. The characters realise the truth would have "monumental" consequences, so they decide to continue with the lie.
Storylines
Bianca arrives in Summer Bay to start working at the school as their new language teacher. Bianca had run away from her fiancé Vittorio, an Italian Prince, after discovering he had been unfaithful. Bianca starts to flirt with fellow teacher Liam and they develop an attraction. Bianca has a burst pipe in her new home and argues with her landlord. Speaking in Italian, she threatens to burn the property down but the landlord understands and evicts her. Gina Austin (Sonia ToddSonia Todd
Sonia Todd is an Australian actress.She studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and starred in Strictly Ballroom, directed by Baz Luhrmann...
) take lets Bianca and April move in with her, however, she soon becomes annoyed with Bianca who refuses to get along with John Palmer (Shane Withington
Shane Withington
Shane Withington is an Australian actor best known for his starring roles in the television series A Country Practice, as nurse Brendan Jones, and Willing and Abel, as Abel Moore...
). After Gina asks them to leave they move in with Irene Roberts
Irene Roberts
Irene Roberts is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Lynne McGranger. She was previously played by actress Jacqui Phillips from 1991 until 1992 when McGranger took over the role. Irene was originally a recurring character, in 1993 McGranger...
(Lynne McGranger
Lynne McGranger
Lynne McGranger is an Australian actress best known for her role as Irene Roberts on soap opera Home and Away. She is the second-longest serving cast member as she joined in 1992 in the show at the moment, taking over from Jacqui Phillips.-Life and career:McGranger was originally a primary school...
). Bianca discovers that Ruby Buckton
Ruby Buckton
Ruby Buckton is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Rebecca Breeds. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 6 June 2008. Ruby was created by executive producer Cameron Welsh. When she was first introduced she appeared to hide her...
(Rebecca Breeds) is in love with Liam. Bianca warns Liam to stop spending time with Ruby. She later tells Ruby to get over her crush and tells Charlie Buckton
Charlie Buckton
Charlotte "Charlie" Buckton is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Esther Anderson. Anderson was added to the cast in a bid to add more "sex appeal" to the show. She said it was her dream job and relocated to Sydney immediately to accommodate...
(Esther Anderson) about her behaviour. Bianca slaps Liam after he insults her and Gina forces them to work in the library together. They sleep together and Bianca starts to receive text messages from Vittorio.
Bianca goes on a date with Liam, but she admits she still loves Vittorio, who then arrives in Summer Bay. She is angry to see him but gives into her feelings and kisses him. Liam sees the kiss and leaves town. When photographers follow Vittorio, he arranges a press conference and reveals he is in town to win Bianca back. Bianca tells Vittorio that she does not want Liam anymore. When Bianca accepts Vittorio's offer of marriage, Romeo Smith
Romeo Smith
Todd "Romeo" Smith is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Luke Mitchell. He made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. The character of Romeo is Mitchell's third acting job and he began filming his scenes in May 2009. Romeo is described...
(Luke Mitchell
Luke Mitchell (actor)
-External links:...
) criticises her for forgetting about Liam. Vittorio tells Bianca that he is going back to Italy, when she sleeps with him he changes his mind. Liam leaves a message for Bianca, asking her to get in touch if she is still interested. She does not but sits listening to the call.
When Liam returns she notices a rivalry between him and Vittorio. Liam and Bianca later kiss and he confesses his love for her. Bianca decides to stay with Vittorio and carries on with the wedding arrangements. However, the encounter causes Bianca to become confused about what she wants. Romeo and Ruby try to convince Bianca to be with Liam. Joanna forces Bianca to carry on with her wedding. On her wedding day, Bianca makes it to the altar where she is half way through her wedding vows. She then tells Vittorio she cannot marry him and runs into Liam's arms; they then ride off on his motorbike. Upon their return, Bianca and Liam enjoy the start of their relationship and move into an outdoor home. They continually sleep together every day, until Liam becomes worn out and concentrates on his music. Bianca thinks he has lost interest in he soon convinces her otherwise. Bianca starts to tire of not having a proper home to live in. She accidentally electrocutes herself and decides to move back in with Irene, but carry on their relationship.
Liam starts taking drugs again and Bianca tries to help him. Liam carries on taking them to the point he loses his job at the school, Bianca tells him she will only stand by him if he kicks his habit. When he doesn't, she breaks up with him which causes Liam to check into rehab. Bianca changes her mind but realises she is too late. Liam refuses to speak to Bianca until he recovers. Bianca is upset by this and sleeps with. She later goes to the B&S Ball and gets drunk. Bianca is later found crying behind a car where she reveals that she has been raped. Bianca refuses to talk about her ordeal despite Irene and April's attempts to help. Liam returns to support Bianca, but she still cannot open up. Bianca sees her attacker who is revealed to be Dean, when he sees her he runs her over. Liam tracks him down and he is arrested for his crimes. Bianca and Liam later break up, but she is jealous when she witnesses him having sex with Gypsy.
Just before she leaves the Bay, Gypsy tells Bianca that Liam is not over her. Charlie convinces Bianca to spend the night in a cabin in the country with her. Bianca calls Darryl to join them, so he and Charlie can talk. Darryl arrives with Heath, who has sex with Bianca. As they are returning home, Darryl and Charlie crash into Liam who comes off his motorbike. Bianca stays by Liam's side while he recovers in the hospital. She and Heath tell the police they were in the car that hit Liam, to protect Darryl and Charlie. Bianca rejects Heath and she convinces Liam that Charlie and Darryl were not in the car when he wakes up. Bianca's friendship with Charlie deteriorates as a result of the deception. Bianca asks Liam to move in when he is discharged from hospital. Bianca offers to lend Liam some money to buy a car, but she is displeased when Liam purchases a motorbike. Liam is furious with Bianca when he learns the truth about his accident and he moves back to the caravan park. Liam proposes to Bianca and she accepts.
Reception
For her portrayal of Bianca, Gormley was shot-listed for the "Most Popular New Female Talent" award at the 2011 Logie Awards. Before Bianca arrived on British screens, Holy SoapHoly 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...
predicted that viewers would enjoy watching "feisty" Bianca's "antics". They opined that she "made an impression straight away" and branded her most memorable moment as "arriving on a moped and in a racy red dress". Carolyn Stewart writing for TV Week said that Bianca made quite an impact on Home and Away. She said she liked the fact she was the first character to acknowledge and criticise Liam for chewing his trademark toothpick. She also said she would be happy for her to stay around "for a long time". A columnist of the The Daily Record
Daily Record (Scotland)
The Daily Record is a Scottish tabloid newspaper based in Glasgow. It had been the best-selling daily paper in Scotland for many years with a paid circulation in August 2011 of 307,794 . It is now outsold by its arch-rival the Scottish Sun which in September 2010 had a circulation of 339,586 in...
said "whoever said the course of true love runs smooth had clearly never paid a visit to Summer Bay" and seen Bianca's Liam/Vittorio dilemma. They opined that "life could be hard for Bianca" because she actually had "two very lovely men falling at her feet".
A writer of The Sun-Herald
The Sun-Herald
The Sun-Herald is an Australian tabloid newspaper published on Sundays in Sydney by Fairfax Media. It is the Sunday counterpart of The Sydney Morning Herald. In the 6 months to September 2005, The Sun-Herald had a circulation of 515,000...
observed the beginning of Bianca and Liam's relationship as being "blissfully removed" from the serial's usual drama. They correctly predicted that happiness "does not make for good soap fodder and the lovebirds can only avoid the Summer Bay vortex for so long." As Jim Schembri writing for The Age
The Age
The Age is a daily broadsheet newspaper, which has been published in Melbourne, Australia since 1854. Owned and published by Fairfax Media, The Age primarily serves Victoria, but is also available for purchase in Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and border regions of South Australia and...
said that Liam was "nuts" and had "a screw loose" when he tires of having sex with her. He said it was "weird behaviour" to rather drink camomile tea than succumb to a woman like Bianca's advances.
Jaci Stephen writing for 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...
has often analysed Bianca. She said that Bianca should "get real" when she begged Liam to stop taking drugs. In Stephen's opinion he would only want to take more drugs due to Bianca's company. When Bianca finds her attacker, Stephen came to the conclusion that no one in Home and Away is safe to leave their homes. She opined that Heath wished Bianca was hit with the "lightning of the lurrrrve", but she said Bianca just "dented his ego and broke his heart". Stewart later said that she was happy Bianca gave Heath "the flick" because she thought she should be with Liam. She said it was easy to be "lovey-dovey" while Liam is in a coma, but it would be a "whole different ball game" if he was awake.
External links
- Character profile at the Official AU Home and Away website
- Character profile at the Official UK Home and Away website
- Character profile at the Official NZ Home and Away website
- Character profile at the Official IE Home and Away website
- Character profile at Holy SoapHoly SoapHoly 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...