Summer Hoyland
Encyclopedia
Summer Rose Hoyland is a fictional character
from the Australian Network Ten
soap opera Neighbours
, played by Jordy Lucas
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 20 May 2002. The character was originally played by Marisa Siketa
from her arrival to her departure in 2005 and her subsequent returns in 2006 and 2007. In October 2009, it was announced that the character was to return to the show. Siketa auditioned for her previous role, but producers felt the character had evolved too much. They decided to cast Lucas instead after she came to their attention during the Dolly "Neighbours Next Big Stars" competition. Summer returned on 11 February 2010.
In October 2009, it was revealed that the character would be returning to Neighbours the following year. Executive producer, Susan Bower
had decided to bring the character back, but announced that Siketa would not be reprising the role. In an interview with Inside Soap
, Bower revealed that they had auditioned Siketa, but felt the character had evolved too much and decided against casting her again. Jordy Lucas was chosen for the role instead. Lucas came to the attention of the producers when she came second in Dolly magazine's "Neighbours Next Big Stars" competition. She then successfully auditioned for the role of Summer.
During an interview with Network Ten
Lucas said of her casting, "I would have never of thought that this would be happening, I would have never ever-ever imagined in a million years that I would be playing a role that I used to watch on TV years ago, it's really surreal." She also added "There was a lot of pressure taking on a role that was already played by Marisa Siketa, I watched footage back and she did a really good job establishing the character and she obviously had a big following". In a different interview Lucas said that the return would bring a whole new mystery to the character. She added her worries of playing a character that was already established with viewers stating "There is a bit of added pressure – people already have an idea of how they want her to be. I did a lot of research into the role, but Summer has come back as a young woman after leaving as a child, so it's only fair that people should expect a change".
called Summer a "mini-Mrs Mangel in the making" as she often overhears things she should not and gossips about them afterwards. Siketa described Summer as "Funny, Mischievous, Bubbly." Summer does have another side to her personality, she can be "delightful, kind and considerate." She develops close relationships with older woman following her mother's death and she loves her brother. When her father starts dating Stephanie Scully
(Carla Bonner
), Summer is mature about the situation and accepts it, while Boyd is the opposite.
Upon her return in 2010, Summer has changed her attitude. Of this, Lucas said "She's more feisty than anything. She has her own moral code and set of rules that she wants to stick by, and she's not afraid to bend the rules at school. But when it comes down to it, she's a sensitive girl and she's very kind. She wants to look after people." Lucas has also described the character on another occasion stating that Summer is now smart and feisty, and she stands up for the things she believes in. Of her dramatic change in personality she said: "I think at the same time she's gone away, she's matured into a young woman, she has changed, so there are things that are going to be different about her, so as much as people are going to miss Marisa playing her hopefully they can embrace the new Summer." Summer is expelled from her music school and she comes to Ramsay Street to see Steph and prove to her father that she can get things sorted out. Summer has grown up, but Lucas said there is a "crazy, reckless side to her." Susan Bower said that Summer and Natasha Williams
(Valentina Novakovic) spark because Summer is "a feminist, and she fights for causes and sticks up for the underdog". Lucas explained that when Summer and Natasha are friends, the storylines tend to be lighter. However, when they are at each other, Lucas said it is fun as she and Novakovic are not like that in real life, so it is something different for them. When asked if she was similar to Summer, Lucas revealed "I certainly have an opinion about lots of different subjects, but I don't go to the lengths that Summer does." Lucas told the Herald Sun
in May 2011 that she would like to see Summer "go off the rails a bit more" and start hanging out with a bad crowd as she is "such a goody two shoes."
(James Mason). They date for three months before Chris reveals that he is gay. Summer initially takes the news well and she plays it down. She also makes out that she is dealing with it, but viewers know it is not the case. Chris and Summer remain good friends and Mason said "Chris is determined to help Summer through whatever comes in the future, and really just stick by her. It's a good friendship that evolves even though it's been such an ordeal." Chris later tries to prove to Summer that he is a good friend by playing Cupid for her. Chris becomes a wingman for Summer and helps her to find someone else to date as he feels guilty for hurting her. Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy
said Summer's friendship with Chris has been nice to watch and when he asked Lucas if she was happy that Mason is staying in the show, she said, "I think it's fantastic that the Chris character is staying on and will evolve over time - he provides a voice of reason for the other characters who all fire up so quickly. And I love working with James [Mason], he is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet."
(Jordan Smith
) and Natasha Williams. Summer likes Andrew, but he breaks her heart by dating Natasha. Andrew thinks he is doing the right thing, as Summer's stepmother has just been sent to jail and Lyn Scully
(Janet Andrewartha
) tells him to stay away. Lucas told Holy Soap
that she was backing the pairing of Summer and Andrew and wanted things between them to move along. She said "It's a lot of fun to play the tortured teenager in love, but it's been going on for about a year and half now so it would be nice for Summer to just have something that really makes her happy in her life. Every time she gets something that makes her happy, something happens to destroy it." Lucas revealed that fans send her videos of Summer and Andrew on YouTube that they made and she added that "Everyone seems to love Andrew and Summer."
In December 2010, it was revealed that Summer and Andrew would give into their feelings for each other before they become trapped in a house fire. The storyline begins when Andrew becomes jealous of Summer going on a date with his business partner, Tomas Bersky (Tim Munley). Andrew tries to warn Summer off Tomas, which makes Summer happy as this means he likes her. While Tomas is "charming", Andrew is the one Summer wants and she would not consider being with anyone else. Lucas explained that Andrew believed Summer was too good for him, but seeing her with Tomas is a wake-up call. Summer tells Andrew that she has wanted to be with him since the day they met and Lucas said "Summer has desperately wanted to say this to Andrew for so long, but she's been scared of getting hurt. Andrew also knows that if he doesn't act now and let Summer know how he feels, it'll be too late." While they are together, a fire breaks out and Natasha goes in to save Summer, not knowing Andrew is there too. Summer and Lyn move in with the Williams family and Summer is forced to watch Andrew carry on his relationship with Natasha.
Summer is devastated when Andrew tells her Natasha is pregnant and Lucas told Holy Soap that Summer believes they are back at square one. When she was asked if Summer would try to win Andrew back, Lucas said "No, because she feels she has to respect the fact that Andrew has this responsibility of having a child. I don't think this is something she wants to get involved with." Summer becomes suspicious about Natasha's pregnancy as she knows that Natasha likes to play games. At the same time, Summer does not want to come across as a jealous ex-girlfriend. Summer discovers that Natasha's ultrasound scan photos are fake and she realises that Natasha has been lying about being pregnant. Summer then reveals the truth to Andrew. Summer tells Andrew that they cannot be together and Lucas explained, "if they had never cheated on Tash, this probably never would have happened. And I guess she feels that the whole situation is way too messy and that Andrew has a whole lot of baggage to sort out, and this is not the right time to start a relationship." Lucas admitted that Summer and Andrew deserve to be together as they have been through a lot and they have a good chemistry. On whether Summer and Natasha will be friends again, Lucas added "They have both done the wrong thing. Summer cheated with her boyfriend, Tash with the fake pregnancy; they have both been guilty of doing the wrong thing." Lucas told What's on TV
that Summer and Andrew "have a lot to resolve" after the conclusion to the love triangle storyline.
Natasha decides to get Summer and Andrew back together at Lisa Devine's (Sophie Tilson) party and Lucas told Digital Spy that Summer is a "little suspicious" of Natasha's motives at first. Natasha makes sure that Andrew and Summer have a chance to talk through their issues, but when they get together, they argue and Andrew claims that Summer always judges him. When asked if Summer is aware of this, Lucas said "Not initially. Summer does have a tendency to take the high moral ground on issues and is very head-strong. Admitting she is wrong or overreacting doesn't come easily to her!" To prove a point, Andrew kisses Lisa in front of Summer, leaving her "gutted." Lucas opined that Lisa could become an enemy for Summer as she is a "try hard" and someone Summer cannot stand. Lucas added that while it would be nice for Summer and Andrew to end up together, she believes they are more interesting when their relationship is strained.
selling boxes of stale chocolates, while claiming the money would be going to charity. Her grandmother Rosie (Maggie Millar
) introduces her to the neighbours and Summer later exposes Rosie's relationship with Lou Carpenter
(Tom Oliver
) to Harold Bishop
(Ian Smith
). Summer's brother, Boyd
(Kyal Marsh
) also arrives and they both realise that Number 32 would make a great home. Summer develops a crush on Drew Kirk
(Dan Paris
). She later breaks into his house and saves his baby son, Ben
(Noah Sutherland), from a termite extermination. Summer begins suffering from fainting spells and she is diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome
. She later has an operation to improve her condition. Summer's father, Max
(Stephen Lovatt
), returns from working on the Oil rigs and the family move into Number 32.
As a result of having lost her mother at an early age, when Summer grows close to Stephanie Scully
(Carla Bonner
), she begins to see her as a substitute mother and a potential love interest for Max. Summer is threatened by Jacinta Martin (Eliza Taylor-Cotter
) who wants her to give up her paper round. Boyd's girlfriend later tells Jacinta to back off. Summer is happy when Steph and Max begin dating and that her aunt Izzy (Natalie Bassingthwaighte
) comes to stay. Summer goes on her first date with Declan Sands (Lewis Reed) and she experiences a bad first kiss with him. She breaks up with him and he starts dating her best friend, Lisa (Rhiannon Fish
). Summer then dates Caleb Wilson (Joss Kasper), the son of a billionnaire, but he breaks up with her as he meets someone else. He later returns and they start dating again until Caleb wants to take things further and Summer dumps him. Summer becomes friends with new neighbour Bree Timmins (Sianoa Smit-McPhee
) when she moves into the street.
Summer is put forward for a scholarship to the Gillard School of Performance and Music in Wangaratta, by her music teacher. Summer passes the exam and she moves to the school. At the end of term, she returns home and finds that Bree has become friends with Rachel Kinski
(Caitlin Stasey
). Summer feels left out by Bree and Rachel, but she and Rachel eventually make friends. A few months later, Max brings Summer home to recover after she contracts Dengue fever in Fiji following a visit to Rosie. Steph gives birth to Charlie and Summer is happy to have a baby brother. Summer catches up with Bree, Rachel and Zeke Kinski
(Matthew Werkmeister
) before going back to school. Summer returns briefly to see Boyd marry Janae Timmins
(Eliza Taylor-Cotter). Max and Steph's marriage ends and Summer thinks about returning home, but Lyn Scully tells her to stay at her school for her father. Steph tells Summer that she would always be welcome to visit her and Charlie.
(Will Moore) and Andrew Robinson. Summer decides to host a small party, but it is ruined when Andrew posts the details on Facebook. Although she is angry with Andrew, she convinces him to stay in Erinsborough when he tries to leave. Summer immediately clashes with Natasha Williams. Harry and Summer kiss, but their relationship is ruined when Natasha tells Summer that Harry and Andrew had a competition to win her. Summer then begins dating Chris Pappas (James Mason). When Natasha breaks up with Andrew, Summer helps her get revenge on him. Chris comes out as gay and although shocked, Summer supports him. Summer tells everyone that she is fine, but she later breaks down in front of Chris. Summer teams up with Natasha and Andrew to help uncover who pushed Paul Robinson
(Stefan Dennis
) from the Lassiter's Hotel mezzanine. Chris realises that Summer has feelings for Andrew and he encourages her to tell him.
Andrew asks Summer to help him organise the entertainment for the school social. When Summer receives unwanted attention from Andrew's contact, Tomas, Andrew kisses her. Summer is not happy to discover that Andrew has got back together with Natasha and she later collapses at a party, due to drinking too much caffeine on top of her heart condition. Natasha warns Summer to stay away from Andrew and Summer goes on a date with Tomas. Andrew comes to see her and they have sex, unaware a fire has broken out in the next room. Summer and Andrew wake up and realise they and Michael
(Sandy Winton
) and Natasha are trapped. The firefighters rescue them all and Summer only suffers smoke inhalation. Andrew and Summer agree to date in secret, but Andrew reveals that Natasha is pregnant and ends the relationship. Summer becomes suspicious about Natasha's pregnancy and after learning that Natasha's ultrasound scan photos are fake, she exposes the lie. Summer then tells Andrew that they cannot be together after everything that has happened.
Summer and Natasha try to compete for Chris's friendship and they later apologise to each other. Summer discovers that Andrew knew about Tomas's drug dealing and she explains that she no longer has any respect for him. Chris and Natasha get Summer and Andrew to talk, but they end up arguing and Andrew kisses Lisa Devine (Sophie Tilson). Summer helps Sophie Ramsay
(Kaiya Jones
) after she gets a bad make over from Lisa and she protests against the no uniform policy. Lyn tells Summer that they are moving to Bendigo to be nearer to Steph. Summer does not want to leave, but when Andrew does not declare his feelings for her, she agrees to go. As she is leaving, Andrew chases after the car and tells Summer that he loves her. Summer tells Lyn that she is staying behind and Susan Kennedy
(Jackie Woodburne
) takes her in. Summer and Andrew then begin a relationship.
Summer convinces Andrew to go to university with her. When Paul learns of Andrew's decision, he offers Summer an internship with the Erinsborough News if she persuades Andrew to change his mind. Summer does not agree and Paul offers her the internship with no strings attached. Summer submits an article about the community garden program and Paul agrees to publish it. However, he edits the article and Summer is not pleased with the result. She decides to post her original article on the newspaper's website and Paul sacks her. Summer then decides to speak about the matter on PirateNet. Summer helps Andrew turn his house into a hostel for backpackers, so he can raise money for schoolies. Malcolm Kennedy
(Benjamin McNair
) tells Summer to end it, before she gets his parents in trouble. Paul returns home early and Summer and Andrew are forced to get rid of the backpackers and clean up.
Summer helps Natasha look for information about her mother, Helena. She finds an article about Helena, which gets placed on a school notice board by accident. Michael sees the article and yells at Summer to stay out of his business. However, Summer continues to help Natasha. While looking for a story to feature in her journalism portfolio, Summer is told there is corruption within the council by Dane Canning (Luke Pegler
). Summer decides to use the story in her portfolio and on her PirateNet show. Summer is delighted when she passes her journalism entry exam. Toadie tells Summer that no bribery has taken place between the council and the development and he asks her to retract her story. Summer learns the story is false, but before she can issue her retraction, Toadie informs her the council have shut PirateNet down. Summer organises a protest, but it clashes with an exam and eventually everyone leaves.
Summer decides to use her time lapse camera footage of the History Wall project for her journalism portfolio. However, Andrew reveals he deleted the video by accident. Summer has trouble studying for her English exam and she decides to cheat. She places her phone in the toilets and excuses herself from the exam to look at it. Michael finds the phone and Summer begs him not to fail her. Michael collapses and Summer rings for an ambulance. She blames herself for Michael's collapse, but Rhys Lawson (Ben Barber
) assures her it was not her fault. When Michael wakes up, he thanks Summer for helping him. Andrew admits he deleted the time lapse camera footage to protect his cousin, Kate Ramsay
(Ashleigh Brewer
), who was caught on camera kissing a student. Summer forgives Andrew. She later admits to both Chris and Andrew that she cheated on her exam. Andrew encourages her to keep quiet.
said Summer's most notable moment was "Rescuing Ben." Following the recast, the Daily Record
said "The last time we saw her, she was a cute little blonde-haired poppet. Now she's got a completely different head - and nobody on Ramsay Street seems to have noticed." TV Week
writer Carolyn Stewart said that she is not normally a fan of recasts, but Summer's has been "great". Holy Soap describe Summer's most memorable moment as "When she burst back into Erinsborough looking for Steph, and was mistaken for a burglar". Anthony D. Langford from gay website, AfterElton said he liked Summer and found her role during Chris's coming out storyline "just as interesting as Chris's problems." Langford added "Her boyfriend coming out of the closet has clearly put her on the edge, and given her temper, once she unloads on Chris, it's not going to be pretty."
In December 2010, The Sun Herald
said the "romantic tension" between Summer and Andrew had been simmering for a while and they wondered if they would make their feelings known to each other in the season finale. Jim Schembri of The Age
was positive towards Summer and Andrew's relationship and he was surprised with the quality of the storyline's direction. He said "To wit: the romantic tension between hot-as teens Andrew (Jordan Smith) and Summer (Jordy Lucas) is so thick the cafe is now using it as a sandwich spread. They want to get it on with each other but while Andrew wants to start up again, Summer doesn't. They both reconsider their relationship prospects and come the big moment she's willing to give it a go. But before she can get a word out, he says he's reversed his policy and agrees with the advice he's been getting that it'd be a bad idea. It's a subtly played scene, with the standard of direction frankly outdoing what long-suffering film critics often see in Australian feature films." In March 2011, Holy Soap ran a poll on who Andrew should be with and 16,000 votes were cast, with 92% of viewers choosing Summer.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the Australian Network Ten
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
soap opera Neighbours
Neighbours
Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems...
, played by Jordy Lucas
Jordy Lucas
Jordy Lucas is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Summer Hoyland in Neighbours.-Personal life:...
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 20 May 2002. The character was originally played by Marisa Siketa
Marisa Siketa
Marisa Julia Siketa is an Australian actress who played Summer Hoyland on the Australian soap opera Neighbours from 2002 to 2007.-Acting career:...
from her arrival to her departure in 2005 and her subsequent returns in 2006 and 2007. In October 2009, it was announced that the character was to return to the show. Siketa auditioned for her previous role, but producers felt the character had evolved too much. They decided to cast Lucas instead after she came to their attention during the Dolly "Neighbours Next Big Stars" competition. Summer returned on 11 February 2010.
Casting
Marisa Siketa had previously completed three years of acting training before she auditioned for the role of Summer on Neighbours. Siketa played the role for four years, before she chose to quit the show and concentrate on her studies. She made brief appearances in 2006 and 2007.In October 2009, it was revealed that the character would be returning to Neighbours the following year. Executive producer, Susan Bower
Susan Bower
Susan Bower is an Australian television producer and television writer best known for her work on the soap opera Neighbours.-Career:Bower is a former nurse who worked at The Alfred Hospital for 20 years before getting her scriptwriting breakthrough on A Country Practice, where she provided the...
had decided to bring the character back, but announced that Siketa would not be reprising the role. In an interview with Inside Soap
Inside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
, Bower revealed that they had auditioned Siketa, but felt the character had evolved too much and decided against casting her again. Jordy Lucas was chosen for the role instead. Lucas came to the attention of the producers when she came second in Dolly magazine's "Neighbours Next Big Stars" competition. She then successfully auditioned for the role of Summer.
During an interview with Network Ten
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
Lucas said of her casting, "I would have never of thought that this would be happening, I would have never ever-ever imagined in a million years that I would be playing a role that I used to watch on TV years ago, it's really surreal." She also added "There was a lot of pressure taking on a role that was already played by Marisa Siketa, I watched footage back and she did a really good job establishing the character and she obviously had a big following". In a different interview Lucas said that the return would bring a whole new mystery to the character. She added her worries of playing a character that was already established with viewers stating "There is a bit of added pressure – people already have an idea of how they want her to be. I did a lot of research into the role, but Summer has come back as a young woman after leaving as a child, so it's only fair that people should expect a change".
Characterisation
During her early days in the series Summer is known for being naughty and the "resident trouble-maker." She is described as having "The face of angel and the mind of a career criminal." She is also very good at wrapping people around her finger. The BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
called Summer a "mini-Mrs Mangel in the making" as she often overhears things she should not and gossips about them afterwards. Siketa described Summer as "Funny, Mischievous, Bubbly." Summer does have another side to her personality, she can be "delightful, kind and considerate." She develops close relationships with older woman following her mother's death and she loves her brother. When her father starts dating Stephanie Scully
Stephanie Scully
Stephanie Jo "Steph" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Carla Bonner. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999. Stephanie is the eldest daughter of Joe and Lyn Scully and the mother to a son, Charlie...
(Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Steph Scully in the soap opera Neighbours, a role she played from 1999 to 2010...
), Summer is mature about the situation and accepts it, while Boyd is the opposite.
Upon her return in 2010, Summer has changed her attitude. Of this, Lucas said "She's more feisty than anything. She has her own moral code and set of rules that she wants to stick by, and she's not afraid to bend the rules at school. But when it comes down to it, she's a sensitive girl and she's very kind. She wants to look after people." Lucas has also described the character on another occasion stating that Summer is now smart and feisty, and she stands up for the things she believes in. Of her dramatic change in personality she said: "I think at the same time she's gone away, she's matured into a young woman, she has changed, so there are things that are going to be different about her, so as much as people are going to miss Marisa playing her hopefully they can embrace the new Summer." Summer is expelled from her music school and she comes to Ramsay Street to see Steph and prove to her father that she can get things sorted out. Summer has grown up, but Lucas said there is a "crazy, reckless side to her." Susan Bower said that Summer and Natasha Williams
Natasha Williams (Neighbours)
Natasha Williams is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Valentina Novakovic. The role of Natasha is Novakovic's first acting job and she relocated from Sydney to Melbourne for filming...
(Valentina Novakovic) spark because Summer is "a feminist, and she fights for causes and sticks up for the underdog". Lucas explained that when Summer and Natasha are friends, the storylines tend to be lighter. However, when they are at each other, Lucas said it is fun as she and Novakovic are not like that in real life, so it is something different for them. When asked if she was similar to Summer, Lucas revealed "I certainly have an opinion about lots of different subjects, but I don't go to the lengths that Summer does." Lucas told the Herald Sun
Herald Sun
The Herald Sun is a morning tabloid newspaper based in Melbourne, Australia. It is published by The Herald and Weekly Times, a subsidiary of News Limited, itself a subsidiary of News Corporation. It is available for purchase throughout Melbourne, Regional Victoria, Tasmania, the Australian Capital...
in May 2011 that she would like to see Summer "go off the rails a bit more" and start hanging out with a bad crowd as she is "such a goody two shoes."
Relationship with Chris Pappas
In May 2010, Summer begins dating Chris PappasChris Pappas
Chris Pappas is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by James Mason. Mason was told the character was gay when he successfully auditioned for the role in 2009. He began filming his first scenes in October of that year and he made his first on-screen appearance on...
(James Mason). They date for three months before Chris reveals that he is gay. Summer initially takes the news well and she plays it down. She also makes out that she is dealing with it, but viewers know it is not the case. Chris and Summer remain good friends and Mason said "Chris is determined to help Summer through whatever comes in the future, and really just stick by her. It's a good friendship that evolves even though it's been such an ordeal." Chris later tries to prove to Summer that he is a good friend by playing Cupid for her. Chris becomes a wingman for Summer and helps her to find someone else to date as he feels guilty for hurting her. Daniel Kilkelly from 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....
said Summer's friendship with Chris has been nice to watch and when he asked Lucas if she was happy that Mason is staying in the show, she said, "I think it's fantastic that the Chris character is staying on and will evolve over time - he provides a voice of reason for the other characters who all fire up so quickly. And I love working with James [Mason], he is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet."
Love triangle
Summer later becomes involved in a love triangle with Andrew RobinsonAndrew Robinson (Neighbours)
Andrew Benito Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jordan Smith. He made his first on-screen appearance on 13 November 1991. Shannon Holmes previously played the role from the character's birth in 1991 until 1992...
(Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith (actor)
Jordan Patrick Smith is a Scottish-born Australian actor best known for playing Andrew Robinson in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Personal life:...
) and Natasha Williams. Summer likes Andrew, but he breaks her heart by dating Natasha. Andrew thinks he is doing the right thing, as Summer's stepmother has just been sent to jail and Lyn Scully
Lyn Scully
Lynette "Lyn" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Janet Andrewartha. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 21 October 1999, along with her family and remained a prominent feature within the show until late 2006...
(Janet Andrewartha
Janet Andrewartha
Janet Andrewartha is an Australian actress. She is famous for playing on-going roles in two popular Australian soap operas: that of Reb Kean in Prisoner and Lyn Scully in Neighbours.-Biography:...
) tells him to stay away. Lucas told 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...
that she was backing the pairing of Summer and Andrew and wanted things between them to move along. She said "It's a lot of fun to play the tortured teenager in love, but it's been going on for about a year and half now so it would be nice for Summer to just have something that really makes her happy in her life. Every time she gets something that makes her happy, something happens to destroy it." Lucas revealed that fans send her videos of Summer and Andrew on YouTube that they made and she added that "Everyone seems to love Andrew and Summer."
In December 2010, it was revealed that Summer and Andrew would give into their feelings for each other before they become trapped in a house fire. The storyline begins when Andrew becomes jealous of Summer going on a date with his business partner, Tomas Bersky (Tim Munley). Andrew tries to warn Summer off Tomas, which makes Summer happy as this means he likes her. While Tomas is "charming", Andrew is the one Summer wants and she would not consider being with anyone else. Lucas explained that Andrew believed Summer was too good for him, but seeing her with Tomas is a wake-up call. Summer tells Andrew that she has wanted to be with him since the day they met and Lucas said "Summer has desperately wanted to say this to Andrew for so long, but she's been scared of getting hurt. Andrew also knows that if he doesn't act now and let Summer know how he feels, it'll be too late." While they are together, a fire breaks out and Natasha goes in to save Summer, not knowing Andrew is there too. Summer and Lyn move in with the Williams family and Summer is forced to watch Andrew carry on his relationship with Natasha.
Summer is devastated when Andrew tells her Natasha is pregnant and Lucas told Holy Soap that Summer believes they are back at square one. When she was asked if Summer would try to win Andrew back, Lucas said "No, because she feels she has to respect the fact that Andrew has this responsibility of having a child. I don't think this is something she wants to get involved with." Summer becomes suspicious about Natasha's pregnancy as she knows that Natasha likes to play games. At the same time, Summer does not want to come across as a jealous ex-girlfriend. Summer discovers that Natasha's ultrasound scan photos are fake and she realises that Natasha has been lying about being pregnant. Summer then reveals the truth to Andrew. Summer tells Andrew that they cannot be together and Lucas explained, "if they had never cheated on Tash, this probably never would have happened. And I guess she feels that the whole situation is way too messy and that Andrew has a whole lot of baggage to sort out, and this is not the right time to start a relationship." Lucas admitted that Summer and Andrew deserve to be together as they have been through a lot and they have a good chemistry. On whether Summer and Natasha will be friends again, Lucas added "They have both done the wrong thing. Summer cheated with her boyfriend, Tash with the fake pregnancy; they have both been guilty of doing the wrong thing." Lucas told What's on TV
What's On TV
What's on TV is a weekly television listings magazine published by IPC Media, a Time Warner subsidiary.-Overview:What's on TV is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and competitions...
that Summer and Andrew "have a lot to resolve" after the conclusion to the love triangle storyline.
Natasha decides to get Summer and Andrew back together at Lisa Devine's (Sophie Tilson) party and Lucas told Digital Spy that Summer is a "little suspicious" of Natasha's motives at first. Natasha makes sure that Andrew and Summer have a chance to talk through their issues, but when they get together, they argue and Andrew claims that Summer always judges him. When asked if Summer is aware of this, Lucas said "Not initially. Summer does have a tendency to take the high moral ground on issues and is very head-strong. Admitting she is wrong or overreacting doesn't come easily to her!" To prove a point, Andrew kisses Lisa in front of Summer, leaving her "gutted." Lucas opined that Lisa could become an enemy for Summer as she is a "try hard" and someone Summer cannot stand. Lucas added that while it would be nice for Summer and Andrew to end up together, she believes they are more interesting when their relationship is strained.
2002–07
Summer arrives in Ramsay StreetRamsay Street
Ramsay Street is the fictional cul-de-sac in which the characters of the Australian soap opera Neighbours live. The street is set in the equally fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. Neighbours storylines primarily centre around the residents of the Street, which was named after the...
selling boxes of stale chocolates, while claiming the money would be going to charity. Her grandmother Rosie (Maggie Millar
Maggie Millar
Maggie Millar is an Australian actress, best known for her TV appearances as Marie Winter in Prisoner, Elizabeth Bradley in The Sullivans and Rosie Hoyland in Neighbours.-External links:*...
) introduces her to the neighbours and Summer later exposes Rosie's relationship with Lou Carpenter
Lou Carpenter
Louis "Lou" Carpenter is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Tom Oliver. He made his first on-screen appearance on 30 March 1988. Lou appeared for a brief time, before leaving and later returning in January 1992 as a regular cast member. He is the longest...
(Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver is an English television, film and theatre actor best known today for playing the role of Lou Carpenter in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Career:...
) to Harold Bishop
Harold Bishop
Harold Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Smith. He made his first on-screen appearance on 30 January 1987. Smith was offered a role by Neighbours creator and executive producer Reg Watson...
(Ian Smith
Ian Smith (actor)
Ian Smith is an Australian soap opera character actor and television screenwriter, best known today for his long-running role as the caring, kindly coffee shop owner Harold Bishop in the soap opera Neighbours....
). Summer's brother, Boyd
Boyd Hoyland
Boyd Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Kyal Marsh. He made his first on-screen appearance on 5 June 2002...
(Kyal Marsh
Kyal Marsh
Kyal Reese Marsh is an Australian actor. He was born in Clare, South Australia. He moved to Melbourne with his family when he was one year old.-Acting & modelling career:...
) also arrives and they both realise that Number 32 would make a great home. Summer develops a crush on Drew Kirk
Drew Kirk
Andrew "Drew" Kirk is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Dan Paris. He made his first on-screen appearance on 27 March 1998. Drew departed on 13 September 2002...
(Dan Paris
Dan Paris
Dan Paris is an Australian actor. He is best known for playing the role of Drew Kirk in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.Paris was born in Perth, Australia and was raised in Esperance in Western Australia....
). She later breaks into his house and saves his baby son, Ben
Ben Fitzgerald
Ben Ian Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Blake O'Leary. The character was previously played by Noah Sutherland and Sean Berends. He made his first on-screen appearance on 14 December 2001. Ben is the son of Libby Kennedy and Drew...
(Noah Sutherland), from a termite extermination. Summer begins suffering from fainting spells and she is diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome
Long QT syndrome
The long QT syndrome is a rare inborn heart condition in which delayed repolarization of the heart following a heartbeat increases the risk of episodes of torsade de pointes . These episodes may lead to palpitations, fainting and sudden death due to ventricular fibrillation...
. She later has an operation to improve her condition. Summer's father, Max
Max Hoyland
Max Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Stephen Lovatt. He made his first appearance on 22 August 2002 and departed on 16 February 2007.-Casting:...
(Stephen Lovatt
Stephen Lovatt
Stephen Lovatt is a New Zealand actor, best known for his portrayal of the character Max Hoyland on the Australian soap Neighbours.-Career:...
), returns from working on the Oil rigs and the family move into Number 32.
As a result of having lost her mother at an early age, when Summer grows close to Stephanie Scully
Stephanie Scully
Stephanie Jo "Steph" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Carla Bonner. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999. Stephanie is the eldest daughter of Joe and Lyn Scully and the mother to a son, Charlie...
(Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Steph Scully in the soap opera Neighbours, a role she played from 1999 to 2010...
), she begins to see her as a substitute mother and a potential love interest for Max. Summer is threatened by Jacinta Martin (Eliza Taylor-Cotter
Eliza Taylor-Cotter
Elizabeth Jane "Eliza" Taylor-Cotter is an Australian actress, best known for her role as Janae Timmins in long-running soap opera Neighbours.-Biography and Career:...
) who wants her to give up her paper round. Boyd's girlfriend later tells Jacinta to back off. Summer is happy when Steph and Max begin dating and that her aunt Izzy (Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Natalie Bassingthwaighte is an Australian actress, singer-songwriter and television personality. She began her career as an actress on the television series All Saints. She then starred in the American television movie Counterstrike...
) comes to stay. Summer goes on her first date with Declan Sands (Lewis Reed) and she experiences a bad first kiss with him. She breaks up with him and he starts dating her best friend, Lisa (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,...
). Summer then dates Caleb Wilson (Joss Kasper), the son of a billionnaire, but he breaks up with her as he meets someone else. He later returns and they start dating again until Caleb wants to take things further and Summer dumps him. Summer becomes friends with new neighbour Bree Timmins (Sianoa Smit-McPhee
Sianoa Smit-McPhee
Sianoa Smit-McPhee is an Australian actress. She is best known for her two years in Australian soap Neighbours as Breanna Timmins. Sianoa's next role was in the children's television series As the Bell Rings, which used to air on the Disney Channel.In 2007, Sianoa appeared as Desma, the lead...
) when she moves into the street.
Summer is put forward for a scholarship to the Gillard School of Performance and Music in Wangaratta, by her music teacher. Summer passes the exam and she moves to the school. At the end of term, she returns home and finds that Bree has become friends with Rachel Kinski
Rachel Kinski
Rachel Kinski is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Caitlin Stasey. She made her first on-screen appearance on 18 August 2005. She is the middle child of Alex Kinski and sister to Zeke and Katya. Rachel's storylines ranged from parental bereavement and first...
(Caitlin Stasey
Caitlin Stasey
Caitlin Jean Stasey is an Australian actress from Melbourne, who is best known for her previous role as Rachel Kinski in Neighbours. Previously she played Francesca Thomas in The Sleepover Club...
). Summer feels left out by Bree and Rachel, but she and Rachel eventually make friends. A few months later, Max brings Summer home to recover after she contracts Dengue fever in Fiji following a visit to Rosie. Steph gives birth to Charlie and Summer is happy to have a baby brother. Summer catches up with Bree, Rachel and Zeke Kinski
Zeke Kinski
Ezekiel "Zeke" Kinski is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Matthew Werkmeister. He made his first on-screen appearance on 22 August 2005. Zeke is the son of Alex Kinski and the younger brother of Katya and Rachel...
(Matthew Werkmeister
Matthew Werkmeister
Matthew Werkmeister is an Australian stage and television actor. He is best known for his role as Zeke Kinski in the soap opera Neighbours which he joined in 2005...
) before going back to school. Summer returns briefly to see Boyd marry Janae Timmins
Janae Timmins
Janae Timmins is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Eliza Taylor-Cotter. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 4 April 2005. The character was created by executive producer Ric Pellizzeri as part of the new Timmins family, joining established...
(Eliza Taylor-Cotter). Max and Steph's marriage ends and Summer thinks about returning home, but Lyn Scully tells her to stay at her school for her father. Steph tells Summer that she would always be welcome to visit her and Charlie.
2010—
Summer is expelled from Gillard and she returns to Erinsborough to stay with Lyn and Steph. Summer captures the attentions of Harry RamsayHarry Ramsay
Harry Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Will Moore. The character first appeared on-screen on 18 May 2009...
(Will Moore) and Andrew Robinson. Summer decides to host a small party, but it is ruined when Andrew posts the details on Facebook. Although she is angry with Andrew, she convinces him to stay in Erinsborough when he tries to leave. Summer immediately clashes with Natasha Williams. Harry and Summer kiss, but their relationship is ruined when Natasha tells Summer that Harry and Andrew had a competition to win her. Summer then begins dating Chris Pappas (James Mason). When Natasha breaks up with Andrew, Summer helps her get revenge on him. Chris comes out as gay and although shocked, Summer supports him. Summer tells everyone that she is fine, but she later breaks down in front of Chris. Summer teams up with Natasha and Andrew to help uncover who pushed Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson (Neighbours)
Paul Stewart Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, a long-running serial drama about social life in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. He is played by Stefan Dennis. Paul debuted in the serial's first episode in 1985 and appeared on a...
(Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis is an Australian actor, best known for playing the role of Paul Robinson in the soap opera, Neighbours, from its first episode in March 1985 to the present day...
) from the Lassiter's Hotel mezzanine. Chris realises that Summer has feelings for Andrew and he encourages her to tell him.
Andrew asks Summer to help him organise the entertainment for the school social. When Summer receives unwanted attention from Andrew's contact, Tomas, Andrew kisses her. Summer is not happy to discover that Andrew has got back together with Natasha and she later collapses at a party, due to drinking too much caffeine on top of her heart condition. Natasha warns Summer to stay away from Andrew and Summer goes on a date with Tomas. Andrew comes to see her and they have sex, unaware a fire has broken out in the next room. Summer and Andrew wake up and realise they and Michael
Michael Williams (Neighbours)
Michael Williams is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Sandy Winton. He made his first on-screen appearance on 4 May 2010. Winton joined the cast in March 2010 and he admitted that playing Michael may prove to be a challenge. Michael is the father of Natasha...
(Sandy Winton
Sandy Winton
Sandy Winton, born Alexander Gordon, is an Australian actor currently playing the role of Erinsborough High Principal, Michael Williams, in the soap-opera, Neighbours.-Career:...
) and Natasha are trapped. The firefighters rescue them all and Summer only suffers smoke inhalation. Andrew and Summer agree to date in secret, but Andrew reveals that Natasha is pregnant and ends the relationship. Summer becomes suspicious about Natasha's pregnancy and after learning that Natasha's ultrasound scan photos are fake, she exposes the lie. Summer then tells Andrew that they cannot be together after everything that has happened.
Summer and Natasha try to compete for Chris's friendship and they later apologise to each other. Summer discovers that Andrew knew about Tomas's drug dealing and she explains that she no longer has any respect for him. Chris and Natasha get Summer and Andrew to talk, but they end up arguing and Andrew kisses Lisa Devine (Sophie Tilson). Summer helps Sophie Ramsay
Sophie Ramsay
Sophie Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kaiya Jones. She made her first on-screen appearance on 18 May 2009. The character was created as part of a new generation of the Ramsay family. Sophie is the youngest of the Ramsay siblings, which also...
(Kaiya Jones
Kaiya Jones
Kaiya Jones is a Scottish-born Australian actress best known for playing the role of Sophie Ramsay in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. She previously played Jess Cooper in The Saddle Club series 3.-Early and personal life:...
) after she gets a bad make over from Lisa and she protests against the no uniform policy. Lyn tells Summer that they are moving to Bendigo to be nearer to Steph. Summer does not want to leave, but when Andrew does not declare his feelings for her, she agrees to go. As she is leaving, Andrew chases after the car and tells Summer that he loves her. Summer tells Lyn that she is staying behind and Susan Kennedy
Susan Kennedy
Susan Kennedy , is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Jackie Woodburne. The character and her family were created by storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots. Susan made her first on-screen appearance on 3 October 1994 along...
(Jackie Woodburne
Jackie Woodburne
Jackie Woodburne is a Northern Irish-born Australian actress.-Personal life:Woodburne was born in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Her father was a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. She has two older siblings: John and Stephen. At age three she emigrated with her family to...
) takes her in. Summer and Andrew then begin a relationship.
Summer convinces Andrew to go to university with her. When Paul learns of Andrew's decision, he offers Summer an internship with the Erinsborough News if she persuades Andrew to change his mind. Summer does not agree and Paul offers her the internship with no strings attached. Summer submits an article about the community garden program and Paul agrees to publish it. However, he edits the article and Summer is not pleased with the result. She decides to post her original article on the newspaper's website and Paul sacks her. Summer then decides to speak about the matter on PirateNet. Summer helps Andrew turn his house into a hostel for backpackers, so he can raise money for schoolies. Malcolm Kennedy
Malcolm Kennedy
Malcolm George "Mal" Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Benjamin McNair. He made his first on-screen appearance on 3 October 1994 arriving to live in Ramsay Street with his family...
(Benjamin McNair
Benjamin McNair
Benjamin John McNair is an Australian actor. McNair is perhaps best known for his role as Malcolm Kennedy in the soap opera Neighbours which he played from 1994–97 returning briefly in 2002, 2004 and 2011 with a cameo appearance in 2005.-Early life:McNair moved to Australia with his family when he...
) tells Summer to end it, before she gets his parents in trouble. Paul returns home early and Summer and Andrew are forced to get rid of the backpackers and clean up.
Summer helps Natasha look for information about her mother, Helena. She finds an article about Helena, which gets placed on a school notice board by accident. Michael sees the article and yells at Summer to stay out of his business. However, Summer continues to help Natasha. While looking for a story to feature in her journalism portfolio, Summer is told there is corruption within the council by Dane Canning (Luke Pegler
Luke Pegler
Luke Pegler is an Australian actor. He has starred in two WWE Films productions: The Condemned with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and See No Evil with Kane. Pegler joined the cast of Rescue: Special Ops in season 2 as Bingo. Pegler's character died when he got hit by a car...
). Summer decides to use the story in her portfolio and on her PirateNet show. Summer is delighted when she passes her journalism entry exam. Toadie tells Summer that no bribery has taken place between the council and the development and he asks her to retract her story. Summer learns the story is false, but before she can issue her retraction, Toadie informs her the council have shut PirateNet down. Summer organises a protest, but it clashes with an exam and eventually everyone leaves.
Summer decides to use her time lapse camera footage of the History Wall project for her journalism portfolio. However, Andrew reveals he deleted the video by accident. Summer has trouble studying for her English exam and she decides to cheat. She places her phone in the toilets and excuses herself from the exam to look at it. Michael finds the phone and Summer begs him not to fail her. Michael collapses and Summer rings for an ambulance. She blames herself for Michael's collapse, but Rhys Lawson (Ben Barber
Ben Barber
Ben Barber is a Australian actor best known for playing Rhys Lawson in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Career:...
) assures her it was not her fault. When Michael wakes up, he thanks Summer for helping him. Andrew admits he deleted the time lapse camera footage to protect his cousin, Kate Ramsay
Kate Ramsay
Kate Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Ashleigh Brewer. She made her first on-screen appearance on 15 May 2009. She is the eldest sibling of Harry and Sophie Ramsay...
(Ashleigh Brewer
Ashleigh Brewer
Ashleigh Brewer is an Australian actress. She is best known for playing Kate Ramsay in the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours.-Biography and personal life:...
), who was caught on camera kissing a student. Summer forgives Andrew. She later admits to both Chris and Andrew that she cheated on her exam. Andrew encourages her to keep quiet.
Reception
While played by Siketa, the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
said Summer's most notable moment was "Rescuing Ben." Following the recast, 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 "The last time we saw her, she was a cute little blonde-haired poppet. Now she's got a completely different head - and nobody on Ramsay Street seems to have noticed." 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...
writer Carolyn Stewart said that she is not normally a fan of recasts, but Summer's has been "great". Holy Soap describe Summer's most memorable moment as "When she burst back into Erinsborough looking for Steph, and was mistaken for a burglar". Anthony D. Langford from gay website, AfterElton said he liked Summer and found her role during Chris's coming out storyline "just as interesting as Chris's problems." Langford added "Her boyfriend coming out of the closet has clearly put her on the edge, and given her temper, once she unloads on Chris, it's not going to be pretty."
In December 2010, The Sun Herald
The Sun Herald
The Sun Herald is a U.S. newspaper based in Biloxi, Mississippi, that serves readers along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is owned by The McClatchy Company, one of the largest newspaper publishers in the United States....
said the "romantic tension" between Summer and Andrew had been simmering for a while and they wondered if they would make their feelings known to each other in the season finale. Jim Schembri of 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...
was positive towards Summer and Andrew's relationship and he was surprised with the quality of the storyline's direction. He said "To wit: the romantic tension between hot-as teens Andrew (Jordan Smith) and Summer (Jordy Lucas) is so thick the cafe is now using it as a sandwich spread. They want to get it on with each other but while Andrew wants to start up again, Summer doesn't. They both reconsider their relationship prospects and come the big moment she's willing to give it a go. But before she can get a word out, he says he's reversed his policy and agrees with the advice he's been getting that it'd be a bad idea. It's a subtly played scene, with the standard of direction frankly outdoing what long-suffering film critics often see in Australian feature films." In March 2011, Holy Soap ran a poll on who Andrew should be with and 16,000 votes were cast, with 92% of viewers choosing Summer.