Lucas Fitzgerald

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Lucas Fitzgerald
Lucas Fitzgerald.jpg
Neighbours character
Portrayed by Scott Major
Introduced by Susan Bower
Duration 2008—
First appearance 22 July 2008
Classification Current, regular
Profile
Home 24 Ramsay Street
Occupation Mechanic
Photographer
Technical teacher at Erinsborough High (2010–)

Lucas Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Scott Major. He made his first on screen appearance on 22 July 2008. Major previously appeared in Neighbours in 1993 as Darren Stark. Lucas is Daniel Fitzgerald's (Brett Tucker) brother. His storylines have included re-connecting with his brother, fighting a Gambling addiction, developing relationships with Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) and Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner), being injured in a motorbike accident and getting involved in illegal street racing. Lucas has been described as being cheeky, a bit of a "bad boy" and a ladies man.

Contents

[edit] Casting

Scott Major first appeared in Neighbours in 1993 as Darren Stark.[1] Major had just returned to Australia, after being overseas for a few years and was getting the feel for acting again, when he received a call to play Lucas.[1] He agreed to play the role, saying "It's a different character and it seemed like it could be a lot of fun. In Australia as an actor, to get a regular show it's really hard".[1] Major also attributes the chance to work with Brett Tucker, who he had known for about ten years, as one of the reasons why he accepted the role of Lucas.[1] In 2009, Major signed a two year contract and was promoted to regular cast member.[1] In November 2011, Major told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that he would like to stay with Neighbours as long as he keeps enjoying it. He said "At the moment, I still love working on the show and look forward to coming to work every day. I have a ball. I keep my outside interests active as well, which keeps me fresh."[2]

[edit] Development

[edit] Characterisation

"I think Lucas would like to think he could be on the straight and narrow, but there is always going to be something in him that will push him toward something more edgy."[3]

—Major on Lucas

Lucas is Daniel Fitzgerald's (Brett Tucker) younger brother. He is described as being a bit of a "bad boy" who is always the life of the party.[4] They also state that he loves "being a hero to his mates", but underneath he is a sensitive guy.[4] Channel Five's Holy Soap website describe Lucas as being cheeky and cocky.[5] They also said that he is a ladies' man.[6] Major has said that Lucas is a great character to play. He explained "He's got all the right elements that I'd want in a character, he doesn't take anything too serious. It's really fun".[1] Lucas is a motorbike rider and Major had to get a motorbike licence, so he could accurately portray this element of his character.[1] Inside Soap called Lucas a "typical Aussie bloke-next door."[7] They said that if anyone needs a job doing, than Lucas would do it well and throw a few jokes in while he works.[7] Lucas is not a stranger to hard work and he is employed as a mechanic and a teacher.[7] In July 2011, executive producer, Susan Bower, said Lucas was a "gorgeous, blue-collar larrikin."[8] A few months later, Major revealed viewers had not seen the last of Lucas's edgier side, which he said was "not pretty."[2]

[edit] Relationship with Elle Robinson

Lucas begins a relationship with Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) following his failed relationship with Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine).[1] Major said that Lucas cannot figure Elle out at first, but he is attracted to her.[1] They are opposites and Lucas calls Elle "Princess". Major added "It's not smooth sailing for either of them, and it's still up in the air as to whether they'll finally get it together or not."[1] Major explained that little things keep Lucas and Elle coming back to each other and that there are comedic elements to their relationship.[1] Of Lucas and Elle, executive producer, Susan Bower said "They're our moonlighting couple. They're chalk and cheese and they'll always be chalk and cheese".[9] She said that they are "crazy about each other", but they are always splitting up and getting back together again.[9] Within their relationship, Bower said that they brought in an important issue that concerns a lot of people, "how does one get an adrenalin rush?" Lucas and Elle are "high rollers", so when they get together they need to look elsewhere for their adrenalin rush.[9] When Elle and Lucas split because he is struggling with a gambling addiction, Elle decides to get revenge on him and invites him to her father's stag night at a casino. However, Elle is left feeling guilty about what she has done.[10] The couple get back together, but when Elle discovers that Lucas has withdrawn a large amount of money, she worries that he has started gambling again.[11] However, Lucas brings out a ring and proposes to Elle at the Erinsborough High Deb ball.[11] Elle accepts, but she is late offered a job in New York and Lucas tells her to follow her dreams and they say goodbye at the airport.[11] During an interview with Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy in March 2011, Major said that he missed the Lucas and Elle storylines, particularly when they both worked for the Erinsborough News. He explained "There was a lot of comedy involved but it also came across as a very deep love."[12]

[edit] Relationship with Stephanie Scully

In January 2010, Holy Soap revealed that Lucas and Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner) would begin dating.[13] Steph helps Lucas recover from injuries he sustains after a motorbike crash. As they spend more time together, Lucas realises that he loves Steph and he tells her about his feelings.[13] However, he is unaware that Steph has slept with his brother and is pregnant with his child.[13] The couple later split when the truth comes out, but Major told Holy Soap that they could get back together.[14] Of the situation, Major said "It's definitely what Lucas is hoping for. There will be lots of obstacles along the way but hopefully they might be able to get together before she departs."[14] One of the obstacles comes after Steph accidentally kills Ringo Brown (Sam Clark). Lucas tries to support Steph, but she pushes him away, as she sees the life she could have had with him and it is too hard for to bear.[14] Lucas does not understand why, but Major said that he still loves her and added "They're a male and female version of each other."[14] Holy Soap said that despite Lucas's flings with other woman, "no one quite matches up to Steph."[6] Major explained that Lucas and Steph are soulmates and when she is placed on trial for killing Ringo, he realises that he might lose her.[6] Major revealed that Lucas decides to act as the trial may leave him "devastated." He said "After being pushed away and pushed away by Steph, he figures that the only way he might be with her finally is to tell her how he feels."[6] Lucas offers to go on the run with Steph, which leaves her with a "life-changing decision to make." Steph chooses not to run and she is later sent to prison.[6]

[edit] Illegal street racing

"I'd like him to do up an old car - one that he does up from the start. And I would also like him to fall in love and be really happy, and then of course for it to all fall apart."[2]

—Major on his dream storyline for Lucas

When Lucas becomes strapped for money and needs something to fill the void left by his gambling addiction, his friend, Billy (Jez Constable), introduces him to Garland Cole (Jack Finsterer), who gets Lucas involved in rebirthing cars and illegal street racing.[3] Major told Digital Spy that the street racing storyline gave him the chance to explore the darker side of Lucas. He explained "As an actor, it would be quite boring to play the good guy all the time and I love playing Lucas when he's being the bad boy. The storyline itself has allowed us to go to new locations – something different – and the good thing about the storyline initially for me was that it was initially Lucas on his own."[12] After Steph goes to jail, Lucas, who had considered settling down, rebels against suburban life. His motivation for street racing is the rush he gets from it, not money.[12] Garland asks Lucas to throw a race and Major said that Lucas is "very proud" and he races to win, so he refuses to throw the race and has to face the consequences.[12] Major added "Lucas is in a very steep downward spiral and unless something pulls him up soon, it could all end in tears."[12] Lucas tries to do the right thing and he also tries to look out for Kate (Ashleigh Brewer) and Sophie Ramsay (Kaiya Jones), who have become his family.[3] Major said that Lucas will "always live life on the edge", but he would like to see his character helping out children who have gone off the rails in the future.[3]

[edit] Emilia Jovanovic

In late 2011, Lucas meets a new love interest in the form of Emilia Jovanovic (Freya Stafford).[2] Of his character's introduction to Emilia, Major said "In their first meeting, Lucas catches Emilia on the street with her bonnet up and I don't think you could get a better intro for Lucas as an icebreaker than someone who has broken down. He's in his element and goes to the damsel in distress."[2] Emilia has an Austin Healey Sprite, which is a car Lucas has a passion for. There is an instant connection between them and they flirt with each other.[2] Lucas is initially unaware Emilia is Michael Williams' (Sandy Winton) sister-in-law, but Major said when he discovers how they know each other, it is not a big deal to him. Lucas is just thinks that it is great Emilia has a connection on the street.[2] Michael warns Lucas that Emilia is bad news and Lucas takes that seriously. He puts Emilia to the test, which she passes. Major explained he was enjoying working with Stafford and thought Lucas was looking for love and stability.[2] The actor added "He has had a rough trot so it would be nice to see him with someone he is happy with."[2]

Lucas and Emilia's relationship progresses and they decide to give in to their "simmering passion" after sneaking into Toadfish Rebecchi's (Ryan Moloney) house.[15] Major told Inside Soap that Emilia needs some lemongrass for a recipe and Lucas knows Toadie has some, so they let themselves in. However, Lucas forgets about the lemongrass and he engages Emilia in some "saucy fun" in the living room.[15] Major said "It's a little bit cheeky, but it's all fun and games – until they fall back on the couch and it breaks!"[15] Lucas and Emilia are mortified at breaking Toadie's couch, but Major said this could be the start of something serious for the couple. The actor explained Lucas and Emilia are about to go public with their relationship, which is a big step forward for them both.[15]

[edit] Storylines

Lucas had a troubled relationship with his brother Daniel following a near-fatal motorbike accident when they were younger.[5] Dan had run Lucas off the road and Lucas was left with the assumption that Dan had done it intentionally. Lucas battled a gambling addiction, which ended up costing him his relationship with his then girlfriend, Natasha Curtis.[5] Lucas became a mechanic for motorbike firm, Reyada, and also showcased photography work under the name George Hanson. Lucas goes to Charlie's and flirts with Libby Kennedy. When he fails to secure a date with her, his friends remove his clothes and tie him to a lamp post. Libby unties him and agrees to go on a date with him. Lucas and Libby go out a few times, before she discovers he is Dan's brother. Dan and Lucas fight and Lucas almost falls from a balcony and Dan's shoulder is dislocated. The brothers agree to set aside their differences.

Lucas begins a relationship with Elle Robinson and finds employment at the local garage. He starts gambling again and gets into debt with Johnno Brewer (Damien Aylward). Lucas is forced to ask Dan for help. When Johnno causes a car crash, which claims the life of Bridget Parker (Eloise Mignon), Lucas blames himself and starts to self-destruct. Lucas meets with Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey), his Gamblers Anonymous sponsor and she helps him with his problems. Lucas proposes to Elle and she accepts, despite opposition from Dan and Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). Elle gets a job overseas and Lucas encourages her to go. Dan also leaves town after his marriage to Libby breaks down. Lucas is involved in a motorbike crash and he suffers spinal injuries. He attends rehab and befriends Billy Forman. Lucas' co-worker, Stephanie Scully, invites him to stay with her and Lucas declares his love for her. They then begin dating. Steph suddenly leaves town and on her return, she tells Lucas she has got back together with Toadfish Rebecchi. Lucas damages Toadie's car and he unsuccessfully sets out to try and win Steph back.

Lucas sets up the Blokes Club, along with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher), Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), Declan Napier (Erin Mullally) and Zeke Kinski (Matthew Werkmeister). Lucas becomes good friends with Michael Williams and he is given a job teaching technical classes at Erinsborough High. Paul reveals Steph is carrying Dan's child and Lucas retreats to the shed. Lucas has a one-night stand with Libby and moves into Number 24. Lucas kisses Steph and he tells her he still loves her. During Steph's trial for culpable driving, Lucas asks her to run away with him, but she turns him down and is sent to prison. Lucas gets involved with local criminal, Garland Cole (Jack Finsterer), and illegal street racing. Garland orders Lucas to throw a race and lose, but Lucas does not listen and Garland has him beaten up and his house trashed. Lucas is shocked to find Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor) undercover during one of the races. Mark asks Lucas to help him get Garland and he agrees. Garland asks Lucas to rebirth a car and when he comes to pick it up, he is arrested.

Lucas supports Sonya after she admits she is Callum Jones' (Morgan Baker) mother and Toadie throws her out. Lucas manages to convince Toadie that Sonya loves him. Lucas gives Chris Pappas (James Mason) a part time job at the garage. When his father dies, Lucas is left undecided about going to his funeral as he did not respect his father. Peter Noonan (James Saunders) gets in touch with Lucas to discuss his father's will and inheritance. Lucas is given his father's ashes, which he later scatters over a football field. Lucas offers Sonya his inheritance, so she can buy the community garden, but she turns him down. Lucas begins dating Michelle Tran (HaiHa Le), but when he starts to find her annoying and thinks their relationship is moving too fast, he breaks up with her. Lucas decides to use his inheritance to purchase the garage and he gives Chris an apprenticeship. Chris quits his job, when Lucas becomes reluctant to do anything about Warren Burrell (Tony Rickards), who makes derogatory remarks about gay people. Lucas apologises and Chris accepts his job back.

The Hamilton Group offer Lucas a large sum of money for his garage, so they can build a car park on it for their new shopping complex. Lucas declines the offer. Lucas meets Emilia Jovanovic and he fixes her car. He invites Emilia to a picnic in his van and they begin dating. Lucas later learns she is Michael's sister in law. Lucas discovers his garage has been sabotaged and he fails a safety inspection. He blames Toadie and his law firm, who are representing The Hamilton Group. When Chris is attacked at the garage, Lucas discovers the culprit was working for Peter Noonan and he tells Toadie his boss is corrupt. Lucas plans a trip to Sydney to visit Dan and he invites Emilia to go with him. Lucas and Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan) find Lewis Walton (Andy McPhee), the man who attacked who Chris, and they call the police to have him arrested. Lucas is shocked when he learns Emilia moonlights as a nude model. Emilia later tells him she wants to slow their relationship down.

[edit] Reception

For his portrayal of Lucas, Major was nominated for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2009 All About Soap Bubble Awards.[16] Holy Soap named Lucas' most memorable moment as feeling responsible for Bridget Parker's death when Johnno Brewer sabotaged the Parkers' car. They said "It led to a guilt-stricken Lucas trying to flee Ramsay Street".[5] Of Lucas, Jaci Stephen of The Daily Mail said "Not only is he addicted to gambling, he is pathologically attached to his biking jacket, even when everyone around him is in boxer shorts and vests. Maybe he lost his undies in a poker game?"[17] One year later she commented on his jacket again, saying he must be cemented into it; because he has worn it "ever since he first arrived in Erinsborough".[18] Stephen later insulted Lucas' storyline with Steph, in which he starts physio to be a "real man" for her. She said "Trust me, Lucas. Given the girl's history, she'd probably be happy with a goldfish for company."[19]

The Daily Record said that his relationship with Elle was becoming more epic than "Doctor Zhivago, Romeo and Juliet or The Thorn Birds. They branded it as a silly storyline because they were "clearly mad for each other" but "too stubborn to let each other know it."[20] After Lucas discovers Dan has given Sam his savings, the paper said "Even Lucas, who's hardly a moral compass you could steer by, is disgusted by his brother's actions."[21] In July 2011, Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton revealed that he had seen some comments from people thinking that Lucas and Chris should be paired up.[22] Langford believed that there was not a hint of romance between the two characters and revealed that he liked Chris and Lucas's mentor and mentee relationship as it is.[22] Of the character's reaction to receiving a large inheritance, a writer for the Daily Record said "It's hard to find any sympathy with Lucas at the minute - he's suddenly rolling in money, but he'd rather not have it. Get a grip man!"[23] Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun said Lucas went to "some rather extreme lengths" to win over Emilia when he posed naked with a toolbox for her.[24]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Scott Major Talks Shop". Neighbours.com. Network Ten. 30 January 2009. http://neighbours.com.au/Scott-Major-Talks-Shop.htm. Retrieved 17 April 2010. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kilkelly, Daniel (10 November 2011). "'Neighbours' star Scott Major teases Lucas, Emilia romance: Interview". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/interviews/a350110/neighbours-star-scott-major-teases-lucas-emilia-romance-interview.html. Retrieved 10 January 2012. 
  3. ^ a b c d "Neighbours' Scott: 'Lucas will always be a rebel'". What's on TV. IPC Media. 7 March 2011. http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/neighbours/news/neighbours-scott-lucas-will-always-be-a-rebel/12066. Retrieved 12 March 2011. 
  4. ^ a b "Lucas Fitzgerald Bio". Neighbours.com. Network Ten. http://neighbours.com.au/lucas-fitzgerald.htm. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
  5. ^ a b c d "Neighbours Cast – Lucas Fitzgerald". Holy Soap. Channel Five. http://holysoap.five.tv/neighbours/cast/lucas-fitzgerald-3581. Retrieved 16 April 2010. 
  6. ^ a b c d e "Scott: Lucas is Steph's soulmate". Holy Soap. Channel Five. 5 January 2011. http://holysoap.channel5.com/neighbours/news/scott-lucas-is-stephs-soulmate-11669. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  7. ^ a b c "Soap's most eligible bachelors". Inside Soap (Hachette Filipacchi UK) (3): 42. 22–28 January 2011. 
  8. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (20 July 2011). "Exclusive: 'Neighbours' character teasers from exec Susan Bower". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a330665/neighbours-character-teasers-from-exec-susan-bower.html. Retrieved 20 July 2011. 
  9. ^ a b c Rowe, Darren (19 June 2009). "Exclusive 'Neighbours' character teasers". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/scoop/a160711/exclusive-neighbours-character-teasers.html. Retrieved 15 August 2010. 
  10. ^ "Elle's devastating revenge on Lucas". Metro (Associated Newspapers). 11 October 2009. http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/750374-elles-devastating-revenge-on-lucas. Retrieved 22 December 2010. 
  11. ^ a b c "Marry Me!". Inside Soap (Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd): 9. November 2010. 
  12. ^ a b c d e Kilkelly, Daniel (11 March 2011). "Scott Major (Lucas Fitzgerald, 'Neighbours')". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/interviews/a308311/scott-major-lucas-fitzgerald-neighbours.html. Retrieved 11 March 2011. 
  13. ^ a b c "Steph to find love". Holy Soap. Channel Five. 27 January 2010. http://holysoap.channel5.com/neighbours/news/steph-to-find-love-5144. Retrieved 11 March 2011. 
  14. ^ a b c d "Steph and Lucas to reunite?". Holy Soap. Channel Five. 12 December 2010. http://holysoap.channel5.com/neighbours/news/steph-and-lucas-to-reunite-11282. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  15. ^ a b c d "Recipe for love?". Inside Soap (Hearst Magazines UK) (2): 26. 14–20 January 2012. 
  16. ^ Green, Kris (31 March 2009). "All About Soap 'Bubble' winners announced". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. http://m.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/news/a151353/all-about-soap-bubble-winners-announced.html. Retrieved 14 September 2010. 
  17. ^ Stephen, Jaci (12 February 2010). "Jaci Stephen: The ultimate insight into this week's soaps". The Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1248796/Jaci-Stephen-The-ultimate-insight-weeks-soaps.html. Retrieved 14 September 2010. 
  18. ^ Stephen, Jaci (25 February 2011). "Jaci Stephen: The ultimate insight into this week's soaps". The Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1360670/Jaci-Stephen-The-ultimate-insight-weeks-soaps.html. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  19. ^ Stephen, Jaci (5 March 2010). "Soap watch: Why are hospitals, police forces and lawyers' firms so short-staffed?". The Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1255173/JACI-STEPHEN-The-ultimate-insight-weeks-soaps.html. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  20. ^ "Soap stories". Daily Record (Trinity Mirror). 16 May 2009. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Soap+stories.-a0199888723. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  21. ^ "Soap stories". Daily Record (Trinity Mirror). 5 December 2009. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Soap+stories.-a0213567230. Retrieved 8 May 2011. 
  22. ^ a b Langford, Anthony D. (13 July 2011). "Gool Theater: Brendan Has Another Secret on "Hollyoaks"". AfterElton. Logo. http://www.afterelton.com/tv/2011/07/gooltheater-07-13-2011?page=0%2C0. Retrieved 18 July 2011. 
  23. ^ "Soap stories". Daily Record (Trinity Mirror). 20 August 2011. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Soap+stories.-a0264728220. Retrieved 30 January 2012. 
  24. ^ Adams, Cameron (20 January 2012). "TV: Joan's rangers, a nude neighbour". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/tv-joans-rangers-a-nude-neighbour/story-fn6bn9st-1226248766645. Retrieved 19 January 2012. 

[edit] External links
 
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