View Full Version : Xanthe Canning (Lilly Van Der Meer)
A new cast member arrives in Erinsborough.
Hot on the heels of announcing the return of Charlie Hoyland played by newcomer Xander McGuire, Neighbours’ producers are investing in another up and coming young talent, Lilly Van der Meer.
Certainly one to watch in 2016, the stunning 16-year-old from the Gold Coast in Queensland, joins a long list of superstars to launch their careers as teenagers on the global soap including Margot Robbie who coincidently grew up in the same hood as Lilly – what better omen?
“It’s part of the Neighbours legacy to nurture and develop amazing new talent from all over Australia and I’ve no doubt that Lilly is definitely a star of the future,” said Neighbours’ Series Producer Jason Herbison.
Her character, Xanthe Canning has a formidable pedigree, the granddaughter of Sheila Canning, played by one of Australia’s most respected performers Colette Mann, half-sister of Ramsay Street hunk Chris Milligan and the daughter of one of the family’s more recent members to join the series Gary played by Damien Richardson who also returns in the new year.
http://images.tenplay.com.au/~/media/TV%20Shows/ELEVEN/Neighbours%20Media/Articles%20Images/CanningFamily_LillyArticle.jpg
LillyVanDerMeer
“There are times the Cannings could be mistaken as a colourful mob family but it all comes from the right place,” joked Colette. “Lilly’s world has certainly been opened up since joining the and we’re loving having her here. She was already a Canning after just a couple of weeks, we had converted her.”
Lilly debuts on Neighbours on January 22.
binky321
02-01-2016, 17:15
“Be prepared for Xanthe’s big arrival - she’s gonna shake things up a bit,” warns Lilly Van der Meer who is the latest young talent to join the Neighbours cast.
The 16-year-old Gold Coast girl will play Xanthe Canning, granddaughter of Sheila (Collette Mann) and sister to Kyle (Chris Milligan).
“Xanthe and I are completely different... We don’t have a lot in common, which is exciting to play because I feel like I’m not playing myself and making the choices I would make.
“I’m making completely different character choices for Xanthe. She does everything with a good heart but gets mixed up in the wrong things and [goes about it] the wrong way.”
Van der Meer found out she had the role during a lunch break at high school and quickly had to say goodbye to her friends before moving to Melbourne. After appearing in a couple of short films she is thrilled about her first big role and has been warmly welcomed by her on-screen family.
“Colette and Chris... they’re definitely been my biggest supporters and friends and helped me out a lot. They are always giving me advice and teaching me the ways of the show and helpig me so much with it.”
Mann added in a statement, “Lilly’s world has certainly been opened up since joining the cast and we’re loving having her here. She was already a Canning after just a couple of weeks, we had converted her.
Xanthe arrives in Ramsay Street on January 22nd.
Credit: TV Soap
“Be prepared for Xanthe’s big arrival - she’s gonna shake things up a bit,” warns Lilly Van der Meer who is the latest young talent to join the Neighbours cast.
The 16-year-old Gold Coast girl will play Xanthe Canning, granddaughter of Sheila (Collette Mann) and sister to Kyle (Chris Milligan).
“Xanthe and I are completely different... We don’t have a lot in common, which is exciting to play because I feel like I’m not playing myself and making the choices I would make.
“I’m making completely different character choices for Xanthe. She does everything with a good heart but gets mixed up in the wrong things and [goes about it] the wrong way.”
Van der Meer found out she had the role during a lunch break at high school and quickly had to say goodbye to her friends before moving to Melbourne. After appearing in a couple of short films she is thrilled about her first big role and has been warmly welcomed by her on-screen family.
“Colette and Chris... they’re definitely been my biggest supporters and friends and helped me out a lot. They are always giving me advice and teaching me the ways of the show and helpig me so much with it.”
Mann added in a statement, “Lilly’s world has certainly been opened up since joining the cast and we’re loving having her here. She was already a Canning after just a couple of weeks, we had converted her.
Xanthe arrives in Ramsay Street on January 22nd.
Credit: TV Soap
"Shake things up"
I'm not holding my breathe, just about every new actor to Neighbours says this...
I'm guessing she's being brought in as with Kyle leaving, they'll need a reason to keep Sheila around given her popularity! I love Sheila!
Introducing Lilly Van der Meer
Erinsborough is about to get a little more crowded when actress Lilly Van der Meer makes her debut in the new season. The teenager, who grew up in the same town as former Neighbours star Margot Robbie, will play Xanthe Canning in the soap.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
Since I was about five. I was watching TV one day and I just wanted to be a part of it. My mum wouldn’t let me do it until she knew I really wanted it.
Was she a bit hesitant about you pursuing a career in acting?
Yes. She wanted me to make sure it was what I wanted to do because she knows it can be hard.
Was it hard leaving your friends in Queensland and moving to Melbourne for the role?
It all happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to process it.
What’s your character like?
At first it’s confronting for Xanthe because she comes to town and meets her grandmother, Sheila (Colette Mann) and brother, Kyle (Chris Milligan), that she doesn’t even know about. After a while, they warm up to each other and have quite a good relationship.
How do you feel being a new star on TV?
It’s very exciting. It’s amazing to be working on Neighbours.
What’s the best advice someone has given you for the role?
Learn your lines and know your character because it’s such a fast-paced show.
Source: TV Week 4th January 2016
binky321
13-01-2016, 13:52
Poor Sheila gets the shock of her life this week, when a strange girl turns up and claims to be her long-lost granddaughter!
Sheila has already had a run-in with the troublesome Xanthe earlier in the day, so she gives the lass short shrift when she sees her on Ramsay Street. She is stunned as the teenager drops a bombshell about her true identity...
“Xanthe is a sneaky devil - she shows up at The Waterhole and tries to scam a free burger! reveals Colette Mann, who plays Sheila. “Sheila is on to her in a nanosecond and Xanthe does a runner. Then she turns up at the house and tells Sheila that she’s Gary’s daughter.”
The revelation is a huge development for Sheila, who had no idea her jailbird son had fathered another kid. She’s not the only one who’s stunned - poor Kyle is gob smacked to discover that he has a half-sister.
“Sheila doesn’t take it well - Gary is her favourite child and she’s hurt that he’s kept this from her,” sighs Colette. “She doesn’t believe it at first but soon realises it’s true. She actually feels sorry for Xanthe because Gary has kept a lot from her as well.”
While Sheila struggles to embrace Xanthe, Colette is overjoyed at the latest addition to the Canning clan.
“I’m building an empire!” chuckles the star. “Xanthe is such a great character. There is a toughness to her but she has a fun side, too. I think the viewers will really like her.”
Source: Inside Soap Magazine
tammyy2j
13-01-2016, 14:15
I'd prefer Naomi back but lets see what she is like
Neighbours newcomer Xanthe Canning will wreck havoc when she arrives in Erinsborough today (January 22), and Lilly Van der Meer has teased that her character won't be able to resist staying out of trouble in future episodes.
The teenager turns up looking for her father Gary, but her arrival will shock both Sheila and Kyle, who had previously been unaware of her existence.
Van der Meer told Tenplay: "Xanthe has no idea who they are, so to find out is very confronting. Xanthe just has absolutely no idea where she is and what she's doing.
"To not be told that you have family that you could have potentially been close to is really hard to find out.
"I think she goes through a phase of abandonment where she's not sure who these people are and how she feels about them. It takes her a while to get used to now having a family after being alone for 15 years."
Speaking about what is ahead for her mischievous character, the actress added: "She arrives with no friends but soon makes a good friend.
"She also finds cool things to do in Erinsborough and gets herself into trouble, excitement and mischief. You'll have to keep watching to see what's in store!"
Although Xanthe has some bridges to build with her estranged family, Van der Meer explained that it is an entirely different situation off-screen.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/01/1280x854/gallery-1452012610-soaps-neighbours-w3-7285-07.jpg
Ianthe reveals that she's looking for Gary Canning
© Channel 5
She said: "My very first scene was with Chris [Milligan] and I cannot even explain how amazing and helpful he was. I was very nervous and he was just lovely. He plays my on-screen brother but it feels to me like he is my brother off-screen too.
"Colette [Mann] and I are best buds, we chat and laugh. We can have those great, intense, emotional scenes as a family and then we can also have a nutty, funny scene and it's so much fun to have that dynamic. To have such a bond off-screen is so special and I'm thankful to be working with them."
Holy Jesus she is annoying!
Holy Jesus she is annoying!
I agree 1st impression don't like her !!!
Holy Jesus she is annoying!
I agree 1st impression don't like her !!!
Holy Jesus she is annoying!
I like her so far! I'm sure they'll tone her down when she settles in. Lilly seems like a decent actress.
I like her so far! I'm sure they'll tone her down when she settles in. Lilly seems like a decent actress.
She probably will grow on me! I can actually see her and Sheila having pretty funny scenes, she's not afraid to speak her mind and Sheila won't tolerate that and I can imagine that being quite funny!
She probably will grow on me! I can actually see her and Sheila having pretty funny scenes, she's not afraid to speak her mind and Sheila won't tolerate that and I can imagine that being quite funny!
I think you're right. :)
Promo
https://www.facebook.com/NeighboursFanatics/videos/964898073589457/
CuriousCase
26-01-2016, 22:39
So I'm thinking that Xanthe's mum might be Katherine Kelly Lang…
CuriousCase
26-01-2016, 22:39
So I'm thinking that Xanthe's mum might be Katherine Kelly Lang…
So I'm thinking that Xanthe's mum might be Katherine Kelly Lang…
ahhhh yes you could be right :) how cool!!! and funny LOL
tammyy2j
27-01-2016, 12:18
So I'm thinking that Xanthe's mum might be Katherine Kelly Lang…
Gary did well for himself :p
she reminds me donna when she first came in the show
Gary did well for himself :p
Bahahahahahahahahaha ohhhh lordy!!!!!!!!! :lol: :D
lellygurl
28-01-2016, 01:29
When does Kathleen Kelly Lang come into the show? - that'd be impressive if Gazza got her! LMAO
indigodance
29-01-2016, 13:27
Gary did well for himself
Like for like - a woman (her mum) who is equally a bigger scam artist as he is .... the only thing Xthingy has made a statement so far is about ripping the family off ..... apple didn't fall far from the tree there did it ....
Neighbours teens Xanthe Canning and Ben Kirk will take centre stage in the soap world's first ever Instagram drama.
The Aussie show is launching an online spinoff called Xanthe ♥ Ben, which will focus on the relationship between the two tearaways.
Xanthe ♥ Ben will launch on the official Neighbours Instagram today (April 6) and will run for 20 different 15-second episodes over the course of this month.
The online videos feature a self-contained 'soap bubble' story arc as Xanthe and Ben are followed in the events leading up to and following the Lassiters explosion.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/10/1280x853/gallery-1457542934-soaps-neighbours-w12-e7330-03-1.jpg
Xanthe's interest is piqued when she sees someone famous outside Lassiters.
© Channel 5
Episodes will be posted daily until April 21, when the timeline of the Instagram storyline catches up with the show's regular episodes.
Neighbours' digital producer Ric Forster commented: "Xanthe ♥ Ben gives us an opportunity to tell the Neighbours story in a way that no other daily drama has done before.
"It's been both challenging and great fun in using a new medium and has the potential to reach a whole new audience."
Digital Spy
Neighbours teens Xanthe Canning and Ben Kirk will take centre stage in the soap world's first ever Instagram drama.
This is the link to the Neighbours Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/neighbourstv/?hl=en
The're six episodes of Xanthe ❤️ Ben on there already. The first one is labelled "Introducing Xanthe ❤️ Ben" and the rest are numbered.
I think its good the show is tackling the issue of online and real life bullying and using Xanthe as the victim - showing that even a pretty, bubbly type like her can become one.
This week on Neighbours Lilly Vander Meer (Xanthe Canning) tackled some really interesting and intense scenes on the important issue of BULLYING. Lilly hopes this week has opened the eyes to many, to see that your words online can effect people immensely. PLEASE think before you type a message, even if you are just 'giving your opinion' your words can really hurt others, in ways you weren't intending. It's a long step to recovery for Xanthe, and Lilly hopes you will all be there watching how she recov. BULLYING HURTS!
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/13100912_1711480885769981_3682465489460262565_n.jp g?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=37487472480f5e846c66df239ca3c896&oe=57AC455E
what an idiot so besotted with finn believe anything from him over anyone
Aussieguy
16-06-2017, 05:52
what an idiot so besotted with finn believe anything from him over anyone
She's very naïve. Finn almost has a cult like hold over her.
She's very vulnerable. Wasn't hard for finn to take advantage.
Neighbours teens Xanthe Canning and Piper Willis try to move on with their lives in very unique style next week.
The pair have endured a hellish time recently, with Xanthe still haunted after being groomed by Finn Kelly and Piper being targeted by a crazed online stalker.
Fortunately, there is a major turning point in sight as next week's episodes see the identity of Piper's troll exposed in dramatic style.
Afterwards, Xanthe decides to take Piper along to "The Summit", an outdoor adventure park which offers a very unusual way to reclaim their power.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/17/29/768x512/gallery-soaps-neighbours-5-piper-xanthe-reclaim-power-3-1.jpg
Xanthe Canning and Piper Willis reclaim their power in Neighbours
© CHANNEL 5
The girls are given the opportunity to write out their anger and pain, before leaving their feelings symbolically in an abandoned, rusty old car.
Things don't stop there, as they then have the chance to crush the car with an old army tank – and it's fair to say that they enjoy every minute!
Colette Mann, who plays Xanthe's grandmother Sheila, recently spoke to Digital Spy about the fallout from the Finn story and warned that Xanthe still has a long journey ahead – even after this car destruction caper.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/17/29/768x512/gallery-soaps-neighbours-5-piper-xanthe-reclaim-power-13-1.jpg
Xanthe Canning and Piper Willis reclaim their power in Neighbours
© CHANNEL 5
She told us: "I've actually quite liked the way the writers have handled that storyline, because Xanthe hasn't done that thing that we often do in soap operas, where she's suddenly alright again after something terrible has happened.
"They've taken their time with Xanthe finding her way back to normality. We've just shot some stuff which is the beginning of Xanthe coming back into normal life, but that's a good 10 or 12 weeks after what you've seen on air already."
Neighbours airs these scenes on Thursday, August 3 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Digital Spy
Pantherboy
02-07-2018, 01:12
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours death fears for Xanthe Canning after Finn Kelly runs her over
Will Elly Conway get the blame?
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/news/a860708/neighbours-spoilers-xanthe-canning-death-fears/
Neighbours teen Xanthe Canning is rushed to hospital in a critical condition next week, as Finn Kelly puts his final revenge plan into action.
Xanthe (Lilly Van Der Meer) and the rest of Ramsay Street's residents have spent the past few weeks oblivious to the fact that Finn is back, under the guise of Bea Nilsson's mysterious boyfriend "Patrick".
Next week's episodes see Finn's scheming come to a head on the day of an Erinsborough scavenger hunt.
After stealing all of the clues for the fun activity, Finn (Rob Mills) dresses Bea in exactly the same outfit as her sister Elly and suggests they should take part in the scavenger hunt together.
Finn's real motivation is to make sure that Bea is caught on CCTV and security cameras dressed as Elly, putting "Elly" at the scene of a shocking crime that he has planned.
After taking Bea home again, Finn heads back out to "write his vows" for their imminent elopement. In reality, he steals Elly's car and heads back towards the scavenger hunt.
Xanthe has teamed up with Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly) for the day, but just as they reach the last clue, they see Elly's car speeding towards them.
Xanthe pushes Chloe out of the way, but she's unable to save herself and gets hit in a terrifying collision.
As Xanthe is rushed to hospital and into surgery, suspicion quickly turns to Elly thanks to the car and the CCTV footage.
Could Elly get locked up thanks to Finn, and will Xanthe pull through?
Neighbours airs these scenes on Monday, July 9 and Tuesday, July 10 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Pantherboy
20-08-2018, 00:27
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours lines up shocking news for Xanthe and Gary Canning
Who's following Xanthe?
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/news/a864310/neighbours-spoilers-xanthe-gary-canning-shocking-news/
Neighbours reveals some shocking news for Xanthe Canning next week after she's followed by a mystery man.
Xanthe (Lilly Van Der Meer) starts to fear for her safety when she realises that someone seems to be stalking her, which leaves her terrified after her recent encounter with Finn Kelly.
When news of the troubling situation gets back to Xanthe's dad Gary (Damien Richardson), he fears that he's to blame after his dodgy behaviour of late.
Upcoming episodes see Gary start to dip into Jeremy Sluggett's bag of hot cash, as he's struggling to meet the costs of Xanthe's private medical treatments.
Once Gary knows about Xanthe being followed, he starts to fear that Jeremy has somehow found out about him spending the cash and is now trying to scare him.
Gary seizes his chance to get answers when he accosts the man who's been following Xanthe, but there's actually an innocent explanation – he's a PI for the insurer that is assessing Xanthe's accident claim.
With the misunderstanding quickly resolved, there's a shocking bombshell for the Cannings as they learn that Xanthe will receive $220,000 in compensation for the Finn incident.
While Xanthe's family believe it's fantastic news, she's far less enthusiastic as she fears that the cash is tainted by Finn.
Karl Kennedy and Elly Conway encourage Xanthe to make the best of the situation by buying her way to a private university place – all she'd need is an extra $100,000.
Determined as ever to please his daughter, Gary offers to come up with the extra cash. But will this promise drag him down further into more dodgy dealings?
Neighbours airs these scenes on Monday, August 27 and Tuesday, August 28 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Pantherboy
31-12-2018, 04:41
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours confirms Xanthe Canning's exit storyline as Lilly Van Der Meer bows out
It's the end of an era for the Canning family.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a25709535/neighbours-spoilers-xanthe-canning-lilly-van-der-meer-exit/
Neighbours has confirmed that Xanthe Canning will be leaving the show next week.
Lilly Van Der Meer filmed her final scenes for the Aussie soap a few months ago, with rumours of a possible exit following shortly afterwards when she posted up Instagram pictures from Los Angeles after relocating to the US.
It's now been officially announced that Xanthe's final scenes will air on Tuesday, January 8 as she goes ahead with her plans to study medicine in Toowoomba, Queensland.
In the build-up to her departure, Xanthe has doubts about the big move after hearing the extreme lengths her father Gary (Damien Richardson) went to in order to secure her university fees.
Xanthe considers applying to nurses courses at nearby Eden Hills university instead, but Gary urges her to stick to her guns – reminding her that all of his dodgy behaviour will have been for nothing if she backs out now.
Gary's impassioned speech proves to be the kick that Xanthe needs, so she makes a final decision to head off for university and study to become a doctor.
On her final day in Erinsborough, Xanthe briefly considers heading off to see a comatose Finn Kelly in hospital – wanting to deliver the message that he didn't stop her from achieving her goals.
Xanthe soon realises that she doesn't need closure with Finn after all, as he's nothing to her and she's finally free of him.
After saying a heartwarming goodbye to her family on the Street, Xanthe hops in with Piper Willis (Mavournee Hazel) for a lift to the airport.
Lilly joined the Neighbours cast in late 2015 and made her first on-screen appearance as Xanthe in January the following year.
Neighbours airs these scenes on Tuesday, January 8 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
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