The Tanaka twin brothers

[Pantherboy]

Digital Spy article:


Neighbours star Tim Kano reveals more on Leo Tanaka's return
"It's a really good storyline that I haven't seen done before."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...a-return-plot/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours star Tim Kano has spoken for the first time about Leo Tanaka's upcoming return to Ramsay Street.

The actor has been back on set since mid-March after agreeing to play Leo for another stint.

In an exclusive chat with Digital Spy, Tim has now revealed that there's a big story lined up for Leo's comeback.

Revealing how his return came about, Tim told us: "My agent called me and said Neighbours had a storyline and they'd be interested in bringing Leo back. So that was fantastic.

"I was really stoked and excited. I've still got a lot of friends on the show, and I was excited to see the crew and everyone else.

"I wasn't too sure what the storyline would be, but they gave me hints and it sounded awesome. It's a really good storyline that I haven't seen done before. I couldn't say no. It was just so appealing to go back."

He continued: "I'm back there until the end of the year. I started back in March and it's been so nice being back. It's so nice to see everyone, but also to be part of this crazy storyline. It's going to be really good."

Tim originally played the role of Leo as a show regular between 2016 and 2019. He later returned as a guest for episodes airing in December 2019 and January 2020.

Reflecting on his original exit, Tim continued: "It was the end of my contract, as when I first joined, I signed on for three years. I was definitely keen to try out some new roles and work on some different projects.

"I really liked the way that Leo was in love with Terese. He proposed to her but she got back with Leo's dad Paul. It was quite a sad and melancholy way to leave the Street.

"Leo decided that he needed to go on a self-searching mission and he left a note for his twin brother David, just saying that he needed to find himself. I thought it was really interesting. It was not like the usual 'jump in a cab' departures where everyone waves off the character from Ramsay Street.

"This was a lot darker and heavier and more profound in terms of the character. So it all worked out really well."

Since leaving Neighbours, Tim has filmed a role in the survival horror film Great White, which is out now on DVD and digital platforms.

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and weekdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

[Sufyaan]

Is Leo staying as a permanent actor?

[Pantherboy]

Is Leo staying as a permanent actor?

When he started filming again in March, the announcement was that he was back in a "recurring guest role". Then in an interview Tim (Leo) mentioned that he was back until the end of this year (I assume that meant he was filming until the end of the year, so he would be seen onscreen for a bit next year as well?). So he will be around for a while.

[Pantherboy]

Digital Spy article:


Neighbours' David Tanaka to make new suggestion in baby Isla row
Are the battles over?

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...baby-isla-row/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours has hinted that the custody rows between David Tanaka, Aaron Brennan and Nicolette Stone could finally come to an end.

David (Takaya Honda) and Aaron (Matt Wilson) have been at odds with Nicolette (Charlotte Chimes) ever since she returned to Ramsay Street with baby Isla a few weeks ago.

David and Aaron are considering involving lawyers as Nicolette has gone back on her original promise to give them primary custody of Isla.

In upcoming episodes, tension between the parenting trio continues to build.

Nicolette's mum Jane Harris (Annie Jones) tries her best to promote harmony for all, but her efforts don't have much success.

Fortunately, a thoughtful idea from Aaron's sister Chloe (April Rose Pengilly) could help to change everything.

Jane takes on board Chloe's suggestion of a family photoshoot, pointing out that it'll be a great thing for Isla to look back on in the future.

The frosty atmosphere begins to melt as David, Aaron, Nicolette and Jane all pose for photos with Isla.

Everyone enjoys the break from the bickering, but David and Aaron are left disappointed the next day when Nicolette reveals that she's still not prepared to honour her original promise.

This means that David and Aaron still won't be able to have main custody of Isla.

As Nicolette explains her decision and makes an emotional plea, David makes a suggestion that they can all agree on, without involving the lawyers.

Could this finally be the truce that they all needed?

Neighbours airs these scenes on Tuesday, November 9 and Wednesday, November 10 at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5. The scenes air in Australia on Monday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 2 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach.

[Pantherboy]

Digital Spy article:


Neighbours reveals downward spiral for Leo Tanaka after death tragedy
Leo fears for the worst when an accident happens.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...bigail-spiral/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours' Leo Tanaka spirals following the death of Britney Barnes in episodes airing next week.

Britney (Montana Cox) tragically died in the storm disaster, not long after she and Leo (Tim Kano) got back together romantically. The incident also left Leo as a single father to their baby daughter Abigail.

In upcoming scenes on Channel 5 and 10 Peach, Leo struggles with grief and is unable to stop thinking about Britney's death.

He also tries to juggle work at the vineyard with parenting Abigail largely by himself, despite his friends and family offering their help.

Leo later makes it clear that he intends to hold someone accountable for Britney's death and sue. Everyone else tries to persuade him not to seek legal action.

Leo finds out about some of the details of what happened that night and holds Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) responsible. Terese had been told to evacuate the Flamingo Bar but was momentarily distracted, causing her to make a slightly delayed arrival.

Leo continues to burn himself out to the brink of exhaustion, with parenting, work, and legal action all on his mind.

Then, after a lapse in judgment, an accident happens with Abigail that leaves Leo fearing the worst. How serious is the accident, and how will Leo react?

Elsewhere next week, Paul Robinson believes he and Terese will get back together and Levi Canning starts dating mystery woman Freya Wozniak.

Neighbours airs these scenes on Thursday, January 27 and Friday, January 28 at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK). The scenes air on Wednesday, February 2 and Thursday, February 3 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

[Pantherboy]

Digital Spy article:


Neighbours star Tim Kano reveals new rift for Leo and Terese in death aftermath
"There's definitely an element of blame."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...o-terese-rift/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours star Tim Kano has revealed new tensions ahead for his character Leo Tanaka and Terese Willis.

Leo is currently grieving after his on-off girlfriend Britney Barnes (Montana Cox) lost her life in the recent storm disaster.

Viewers have already seen Terese (Rebekah Elmaloglou) blame herself for what happened, knowing that she could have evacuated the Flamingo Bar more quickly before the telegraph pole crashed into it.

Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly) tried to reassure Terese otherwise, pointing out that the timings in question wouldn't have made any difference

Speaking to Digital Spy about the aftermath of Britney's death, Tim explained: "Leo goes through different stages of grief, and there's definitely an element of blame when the death of somebody could have been avoided.

"When you look at the facts of this storm, the tragedy at the Flamingo Bar could have been avoided if safety measures had been in place. And who manages Lassiters but Terese Willis?

"She apparently had an opportunity to evacuate the bar sooner than it was, but she was too busy dealing with her own personal issues.

"Leo definitely goes on the warpath against Terese, wanting someone to pay. He ends up doing his own research, as a true Robinson would, by snooping around to find out what could have been done.

"When the conclusion comes out that it could have been Terese's fault, he definitely sees red and really goes for her."

Tim pointed out the tragic timing of the situation, as Leo and Britney had just started to work through their past issues and look to the future.

He told us: "It's heartbreaking for Leo. He'd started envisioning this future with a family, managing this gorgeous vineyard and having this amazing future together.

"Leo let his guard down around Britney, which makes her death even harder for him."

Asked whether he would have liked Britney to stay for longer, Tim replied: "I'd loved working with Montana. It was her first acting gig, but she really grew into the role. We had so much fun and did so many night shoots together.

"So personally as Tim, I would have loved for her to be there longer and explore that family dynamic. It would have been beautiful to see that blossom for a bit longer.

"But in saying that, it's been a really good opportunity for me as an actor to explore these other avenues that I haven't really been able to touch on with Leo before. We're showing him grieving as a single father and losing the love of his life.

"It's been trying and testing for me to explore those emotions. It was a catch-22 for sure! I joked with one of the producers and asked if we could bring in Britney's evil twin sister so we could bring Montana back! But because I really liked Montana as a person, that helped with the grief that I had to play with losing her."

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

[Pantherboy]

Digital Spy article:


Neighbours star Tim Kano reveals aftermath of Leo Tanaka and baby Abigail cliffhanger
"Leo doesn't feel like he's capable."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...l-cliffhanger/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours star Tim Kano has spoken to Digital Spy about Leo Tanaka's emotional new decision.

Next week's episodes see Leo decide to permanently hand over his baby daughter Abigail to David and Aaron after the worrying accident at Number 32.

Friday's episode on Channel 5 (January 28) saw Leo turn his back on Abigail for a moment to take a phone call.

Leo was then left alarmed by a loud thud and realised that Abigail had fallen from the sofa.

In the aftermath, Abigail will be rushed to hospital and although she turns out to be fine, Leo continues to doubt himself as a parent.

Tim told Digital Spy: "It's the accident with Abigail which is a real catalyst for Leo's decision. Abigail is just another thing that he's too scared to lose. He doesn't want to get hurt again after losing Britney.

"Leo also feels the pressure after Britney's death. He fears that he's never going to live up to the expectation, as Britney would have made an amazing mother.

"Leo thinks it would be easier to give Abigail to these two doting parents, who totally adore their child Isla and would welcome Abigail in with open arms

"He also doesn't feel like he's capable. First of all, he wasn't trying to have a child and didn't even know about the baby ? she was sprung on him. He was still in business mode and living his bachelor life in New York.

"I think he's really overwhelmed and doesn't want to fail his daughter or let Britney down, so that's why he hands Abigail over."

Tim warned that Leo's decision will spark a mixed response from his loved ones on Ramsay Street.

He said: "Aaron is really keen to take on Abigail. They'd already formed a strong bond when they thought that Abigail was their daughter.

"But I know David, Chloe and a lot of the other characters feel that Leo is making a mistake. They try to suggest to him that keeping her on would be the better idea."

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

[Pantherboy]

Digital Spy article:


Neighbours star Takaya Honda teases unexpected new story for David Tanaka
Colour us intrigued.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-david-tanaka/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours star Takaya Honda has teased that the long-running soap will soon be airing an unexpected storyline involving his character David Tanaka.

Keeping schtum on the details, the 34-year-old actor ? who joined the show back in 2016 ? told Inside Soap magazine recently that viewers have yet to see "peak David", and admitted how excited he is for everyone to see what they've been working on.

"I don't think anyone would predict what is coming," he said. "The audience, like David, are going to be really challenged by what unfolds."

Elsewhere in the interview, Honda discussed David's relationship with his husband Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson), and how the pair will soon be seen disagreeing over what to do about the former's niece Abigail.

In scenes set to air this week, David's twin brother Leo will ask his sibling and his partner to take custody of his daughter, explaining that he can't cope with being a struggling single dad.

"David knows that Leo dealing with a lot, and that he just needs time," said Honda. "He can see that Leo is really struggling. But Abigail's welfare is of utmost importance, and it is a careful balance for David of trying to look after his brother while also making sure that Abigail is safe, too.

"Family is so important to David, so he would do whatever it took to care for both Abi and Isla ? as challenging as that may be."

According to Honda, David and Aaron will be tested by the moral dilemma, but they won't allow it to break them ? something that both actors see as hugely important, in terms of the message it sends to those watching at home.

"Matty and I work very hard to create a relationship as sold as Daaron's is, and we are very thankful that the couple has been left to approach situations together. David and Aaron don't always agree, but their love for each other is never questioned. I think that is a really positive thing to be putting out into the world."

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

[Pantherboy]

Neighbours' David Tanaka to make shocking discovery about Paul
Are Paul and Terese over for good?

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...aul-discovery/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours' David Tanaka uncovers the truth about Paul Robinson's fake illness in next week's episodes.

David's (Takaya Honda) shocking discovery leads to Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) also learning about Paul's (Stefan Dennis) latest scheme, and it could spell the end of their marriage.

In upcoming scenes on Channel 5 and 10 Peach, Paul couldn't be more delighted about his and Terese's reconciliation, and invites the family over to the penthouse to celebrate.

However, David and Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) have their suspicions over Dr Russell, Paul's new specialist doctor who diagnosed him with a medical condition that was apparently missed by the hospital.

The truth is that Paul hired Dr Russell to fake an illness to manipulate Terese into staying at the penthouse in order to speed up their reconciliation.

David and Karl continue to investigate Dr Russell, which leads to David deciding to confront his father.

David suggests that Paul undergo more scans at the hospital to confirm Dr Russell's diagnosis and alleviate his suspicions, but Paul insists that he won't and ends up lashing out.

David gets the truth out of Paul, and he soon has a dilemma when his father asks that he not tell anyone else about the fake illness.

Eventually, Terese finds out and she is furious by Paul's manipulation and deceit, declaring that their reconciliation is over.

When others on Ramsay Street hear about what happened, they're on Terese's side and offer her support, while Paul finds himself alone once more.

Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday, February 9, Thursday, February 10 and Friday, February 11 at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK). The scenes air on Thursday, February 17, Monday, February 21 and Tuesday, February 22 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

[Pantherboy]

Neighbours' Leo Tanaka to receive desperate pleas over baby Abigail decision
Leo worries his family as he distances himself from his daughter.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...l-aaron-david/

Neighbours spoilers follow for UK and Australian viewers.

Neighbours' Leo Tanaka will be faced with desperate pleas from his loved ones over baby Abigail, as Leo's grief over Britney Barnes' death causes him to continue distancing himself from his daughter.

Following the shock death of Leo's girlfriend, and Abigail's mother, Britney (Montana Cox) during the recent storm disaster, Leo (Tim Kano) has been struggling to cope. He was left horrified in recent episodes as he turned his back on Abigail for a moment, only for her to fall from the sofa.

Although Abigail is fine following the incident, Leo has been left questioning his parenting abilities and, feeling overwhelmed, he asks his brother David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and David's husband Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) to take Abigail in and become her parents.

In scenes to air in February, Aaron and David are both thrown by Leo's request that they raise Abigail instead of Leo.

David is certain that Leo will soon come to his senses and want to have his daughter back, but Aaron is concerned that they could face losing Abigail all over again ? just as they did last year when they discovered that Abigail, who they had been raising as their own, was in fact not the baby that they had with Nicolette Stone (Charlotte Chimes).

As much as the couple are keen to help Leo, he might be asking too much of Aaron and David this time.

As the week goes on, Leo continues to be absent and he pulls further and further away from Abigail. Not even an appointment with her doctor can bring him around to letting himself be close to his daughter.

Everyone around him urges Leo to get his act together and be there for Abigail, but he continues to shut them all down. He feels that he has made his decision and isn't going to change his mind.

What does the future hold for Leo and Abigail?

Actor Tim Kano, who plays Leo, recently opened up to Digital Spy about his character's fragile state of mind in the aftermath of Britney's death, saying that Leo is worried that "he's never going to live up to the expectation" to be a good father to Abigail.

"Leo thinks it would be easier to give Abigail to these two doting parents, who totally adore their child Isla and would welcome Abigail in with open arms," he explained, adding: "I think he's really overwhelmed and doesn't want to fail his daughter or let Britney down, so that's why he hands Abigail over."

Neighbours airs these scenes on Monday, February 7 and Thursday, February 10 at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK). The scenes air on Tuesday, February 15 and Monday, February 21 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).