Paul Robinson (Neighbours)

Paul Robinson
Neighbours character
File:Paul robinson2008.JPG Stefan Dennis as Paul Robinson
Portrayed by	Stefan Dennis
Duration	1985–1992, 1993, 2004–2011
First appearance	18 March 1985
Last appearance	3 february 2011
Classification	Current, regular
Introduced by	Reg Watson (1985) Ric Pellizzeri (2004)
In-universe information Occupation Air Steward Business owner Teacher at Erinsborough High school (2005) Newspaper Editor (2008-) Family Robinson Father Jim Robinson Mother Anne Robinson Stepmother Beverly Marshall Brothers Scott Robinson Sisters Lucy Robinson Half-brothers Glen Donnelly Half-sisters Julie Martin Jill Ramsay Wife Terry Inglis (1985–1986) Gail Lewis (1987–1989) Christina Alessi (1991–2005) Lyn Scully (2006–2009) Rebecca Napier (2009–2010) Sons Robert Robinson Cameron Robinson Andrew Robinson Daughters Amy Robinson Elle Robinson Stepsons Oliver Barnes Declan Napier Granddaughters Chloe Cammeniti (step) India Napier (step) Grandfathers William Daniels James Robinson Grandmothers Helen Daniels Bess Robinson Aunts Rosemary Daniels Nephews Daniel Robinson Harry Ramsay Michael Martin Nieces Madison Robinson Kate Ramsay Sophie Ramsay Hannah Martin Debbie Martin First cousins Tracey Dawson Other relatives Hilary Robinson Matt Robinson Gwen Simpson Laura Simpson Gloria Simpson Thomas Dennison

Paul 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 regular basis until 1992 when Dennis quit the serial to pursue other projects. Dennis briefly reprised the role in 1993. Dennis returned to Neighbours full time in 2004. He later said it had been a mistake to leave the series.

Paul was created by producer Reg Watson as one of Neighbours' original characters. He made his debut in the soap's first episode on 18 March 1985 and is the only original character still featured in current episodes.

In the late 1980s Paul evolved into a powerful and sometimes villainous business man. In 2007, as part of the reinvention of the serial, Paul's evil ways were mellowed through a brain tumor plot. Dennis has often spoke of his admiration for Paul's evil persona, stating it is what makes him an entertaining character. He has been at the center of many high profile storylines including money laundering, a leg amputation, been held hostage, convicted to time in prison and many scams against fellow characters. He has been married five times and had numerous affairs, proving to be a womaniser. Paul's evil side and his womanising have been well received by critics who deemed his personality as entertaining. Dennis has garnered various award nominations for his portrayal of Paul. Paul has benn described as sexy or handsome, attractive, Paul is also cute and hot and looks good with his shirt off. in September 2010 it was confirmed Stefan Dennis and Paul were to start filming their final scenes in november 2010,Paul Robinson will be last seen onscreens on the 3 febuary 2011.

Casting

In 1984, Stefan Dennis received a phone call from his agent who told him about an audition for a new soap called Neighbours. Dennis said "I wasn't that keen because I was more interested in a feature film I had auditioned for and felt sure I was going to get". Dennis originally auditioned for the roles of Shane Ramsay and Des Clarke (the roles were later given to Peter O'Brien and Paul Keane respectively), but was cast as Paul Robinson instead. Neighbours was cancelled by Seven Network three months after its debut. However, it was picked up by Network Ten and Dennis reprised his role as Paul in 1986. He is the only current cast member who appeared in the first episode on 18 March 1985. In 1992, Dennis quit the role because he no longer felt challenged as an actor, he stated: "I was literally walking through it, I thought 'this is not good for acting, this doesn't keep me fresh at all, time to move on'."

Dennis has said that one of his favourite moments was being asked to come back and celebrate Neighbours' 2000th episode. In 2004, Dennis reprised his role and returned to Neighbours, after he was asked to return for the 20th anniversary, instead he reached an agreement to resume the role permanently again, a year before the anniversary. Alan Dale who played his onscreen father, Jim Robinson helped Dennis to make the decision to return. Dennis has since admitted that he made a mistake quitting Neighbours in 1992. He said "I was stupid. I thought I was going to go to Hollywood and conquer the world, and I didn't." Amongst the current cast of Neighbours, Dennis is the only remaining original cast member. In 2010, Dennis revealed that he wanted to stay in the role for at least another five years.

Character development

Characterisation

Paul as he appeared in the first episode of Neighbours

In his early years in the serial Paul is shown to be the quiet member of his family. He previously worked as an air steward. Paul's failed marriage to Terry Inglis (Maxine Klibingaitis) changed his persona and he became self-centered. Network Ten publicity have stated it turned him "bitter and cynical". He later transforms into a powerful businessman managing the Lassisters complex, he housed many overpowering traits which made him appear as a control freak and a money-grabber. In this time he surprised others as he showed moments of kindness, mainly to his grandmother Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy). He has been described as always noticing talent in others, often employing those who shared his ambition and nous.

Paul has been portrayed as a deceiving villain, often participating in unpredictable actions. Dennis describes these points stating: "He's a character you never get bored with. Even during times when storylines aren't centred on my character, the writers still come up with little twists for him all the time." Network Ten state Paul was a high flying business man in his early days, they comment on how he enjoyed womanising during that time, until he met Gail Lewis (Fiona Corke). He has been branded a "lothario" and a "serial cheat". On his return in 2004, he was portrayed in his old ways. They pass comment on the fact he was committing dodgy deals and deceiving his neighbours in a bid for revenge. They also describe him as despising pity, being a damaged personality and noting that he can never be faithful to a partner.

Following his brain tumor removal, Paul mellowed in his evil ways. Of Paul's dramatic change to his personality, post brain tumor, Dennis compared the differences stating: "He's changed back to where he was 18 odd years ago. What he has become is the same Paul he was back then when he was a very ambitious young entrepreneur with Lassiters and Robinson Corporation. But the difference now is that he is older and wiser and therefore a lot more shrewd and a lot more careful. Post brain tumor, he is no longer evil, more ruthless than evil. Ruthless with a conscience and emotion."

"You've seen Paul go through the ultimate evil stage just before he had his brain tumour a couple of years ago, where anything was possible. He was worth $150 million, he was a playboy and he had contacts in the underworld. Now he's back to being a more normal character."

—Dennis speaking of Paul's development. (2009)

Although Paul changed his ways to an extent, he still shows signs of being evil. Dennis has stated that he and fellow cast member, Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy) purposely portray hints of his former self. Of this Dennis stated: "I like to keep that boiling under the surface so that the audience will always think 'what is he up to next?'. You never quite know if he will burst out into Mr. Evil or stay as the character he is at the moment. Alan Fletcher keeps it alive as well, by always looking out the corner of his eye and thinking 'I just don't trust you!'" Dennis later defended his character to the Birmingham Post after he was branded an evil character, describing him in his early years: "Paul started out as a university student, which people have forgotten, he was studying engineering then, much to his father's disgust, left to join an airline and became a trolley dolly. He later became a bit of a cad but I wouldn't call him a villain. I'd describe him as a bad boy with a conscience". Dennis has also stated that he loves playing Paul as a "baddie", because in his opinion he is so colourful, not just an average bad guy, adding: "He's not just a black and white bad guy, he's a sneaky bastard. He's the smiling baddie".

Relationships

Paul enjoyed a relationship with Terri, he believed he really loved her. She tried to defraud him and later kill him. These events have a knock on effect which plagues his relationship with Gail raising many trust issues. He has been described as "unlucky in love" during his early years in the serial.

During an interview with entertainment website Digital Spy Dennis discussed Paul's later relationships in depth. Paul's relationship with Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) created many storylines for both characters as they both plotted against their neighbours, with their similar deceiving personalities. Of this Dennis stated: "The Paul and Izzy relationship was fantastic, it was very popular. Izzy was an interesting character because she was very emotional and insecure. That's what drove her evil ways. She had a bit of a soulmate in Paul, but it couldn't work in the end because they would just destroy each other." During his time as what Dennis branded Paul as "Mr. Evil", he commented on Paul's harsh treatment of women, saying that he treated them like toys, throwing them away when he was bored.

Paul's relationship with Lyn Scully (Janet Andrewartha) was short lived, he mistreated her but ultimately in a twist for the character, he did the right thing. Dennis describes this as: "The Lyn story was quite sincere, but he had the good sense on the day of the wedding to tell her that he was no good. So he obviously cared about Lyn, but then she came back and haunted him." His relationship with Rebecca Napier (Jane Hall) at times can be fiery, of this Dennis said: "I want to see Paul and Rebecca be like Angie and Dirty Den. I think Rebecca is capable of that. She plays a fiery character and is a very strong. Paul needs somebody who is absolutely there for him and adores him, but will take no shit from him and stand up and fight as hard as she does."

Paul's relationship with his children is often non-conventional, however he has a close bond with his daughter Elle Robinson (Pippa Black), Dennis describes this, adding: "(She's 'a chip off the old block') and even though Elle annoys Paul sometimes, they are always there for each other. Paul adores his daughter and I think it works both ways."

Leg amputation

One of Paul's main storyline's culminated in him having his leg amputated after an accident. The storyline has received some criticism as Paul was shown on different occasions not limping with his false leg. Dennis explained during an interview how the production team helped ensure to make his limp appear more effectively, stating "They made me a splint which actually makes me sort of limp, but keeps my foot rigid so it looks like I actually do have a non-moving piece. One time I did change my leg, as in I swapped it over and limped on the other one to see if anyone noticed."

6000th episode

In July 2010 it was revealed that Paul would be central to the serial's 6000th episode. Exectutive producer Susan Bower had hinted previously that the milestone would involve Paul and Alan Fletcher teased audiences with the revelation that something horrible would happen to an iconic character. Of Paul's involvement and the reasoning behind it Bower explained: "As Stefan Dennis - Paul Robinson - was in the first episode 25 years ago, it was decided that his character play a most important role in this very special event [...] Paul Robinson, or P.R as we like to call him, has been up to his usual tricks over the past few weeks and everyone on Ramsay Street is becoming really sick of him. What will they do about it?" It was then announced the plot would be a 'whodunnit' style arc, in which Paul is left fighting for his life after being pushed from the mezzanine level of Lassiters.

The episodes were structured with a five episode build up prior to the 6000th episode, a new suspect being revealed in each. UK broadcaster Five posted an official statement: "With so many enemies, it will be hard to narrow down who had the motive to harm him. Who pushed P.R?". Jane Badler who plays Diana Marshall in the serial compared the storyline to that of the Who killed J.R.? storyline from American soap opera Dallas. On-screen the storyline progresses as new character Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor), tries to solve the mystery.

Storylines

Backstory

Paul is the oldest child of Jim Robinson (Alan Dale) and his wife Anne. His half sister Julie (Vikki Blanche) was born the year afterward followed by brother Scott (Jason Donovan), half brother Glen (Richard Huggett) and finally his youngest sister Lucy (Kylie Flinker). Anne died giving birth to Lucy, when Paul was only twelve and Paul's grandmother, Helen moved into the Robinson house to help Jim with the children. Paul was her self-confessed favourite.

1985–1993

Paul married Terry Inglis after a whirlwind relationship. However, Terry shot Paul when he found out she killed her ex-husband and she went on the run. Terry was eventually arrested and later committed suicide in prison. Paul meets Gail Lewis for the second time, having worked with her previously, when she applies for a job at the Daniels Corporation. They both agree to enter into a marriage of convenience in order to secure a business agreement, but soon develop genuine feelings for each other and they renewed their vows. That same year Paul learned that he had fathered a child, Amy Robinson, with Nina Williams. Gail was convinced that Paul would lose interest in IVF treatment or adoption, but Paul became more committed to having children with Gail. After IVF treatment, Gail becomes pregnant with triplets, however, Paul starts working hard and becomes detached from Gail. When he leaves Gail's late father's wake to go to work, Gail decides to leave him and moves to Tasmania where she gives birth to Elle (Pippa Black), Robert and Cameron (Adam Hunter). The couple were later divorced. Paul faced financial troubles when Hilary Robinson (Anne Scott-Pendlebury) withdrew her funding of the Daniels Corporation.

Paul leases his house to twin sisters Christina Alessi (Gayle Blakeney) and Caroline Alessi (Gillian Blakeney). Christina falls in love with Paul and after a short romance and a quick engagement, the couple married. Shortly after, Christina became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Andrew (Shannon Holmes). Paul suffers a nervous breakdown and cheats on Christina with Caroline. The couple eventually reunite and they leave to manage a branch of Lassiters in Hawaii. Paul later returns to the street where he gets his brother-in-law, Philip Martin (Ian Rawlings), involved in a fraud scandal. Paul then flees to Brazil and asks Christina to join him. He returns for Helen's birthday, but the celebration is ruined when he is forced to flee the country on fraud charges. Paul returns to Australia after the death of Helen and is sentenced to seven years' imprisonment.

2004 onward

When the Lassiters complex is set on fire, Paul joins the gathered crowd and watches alongside them. It was later revealed that Paul had started the blaze and killed Gus Cleary (Ben Barrack), whose body was found amongst the rubble. He exhibited some supposedly out-of-character behaviour compared to his much earlier stint. He met and befriended Dylan Timmins (Damien Bodie), taking him under his wing as a business partner and the two developed a father-son relationship over time. Paul began an affair with Liljana Bishop (Marcella Russo), but she ended it because she still loved her husband, David Bishop (Kevin Harrington). Following an accident, where he is pushed off a cliff, Paul has to have his leg amputated. Paul then begins a relationship with Isabelle Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte). Izzy tricks him into believing that she loves him, so that she has a place to live.

Paul organises a plane trip to Launceston, Tasmania to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Lassiter's Hotel. He invites several of his friends along for the trip. During the flight a bomb explodes causing the plane to crash into the sea. Liljana and Serena Bishop (Lara Sacher) are lost at sea. David's body is found a few days later. Paul ends his relationship with Izzy. Paul then began receiving poison notes from Harold Bishop (Ian Smith). As Harold tries to overcome the loss of his three family members, the discovery of a note from David blaming Paul for ruining his life, forces him to snap and strangle Paul. Paul survives, but was unaware of who tried to kill him. Harold eventually confesses all to Paul, who forgives him.

Paul's son, Robert, is revealed to have planted the bomb on the plane and Gail returns. Paul and Gail fake a wedding ceremony to lure Robert out of hiding. Robert shoots Paul in the chest, but he survives and Robert is arrested. Robert's twin, Cameron, is accidentally killed by Max Hoyland (Stephen Lovatt) and Paul decides to get revenge on him. Paul tries to shoot Max, but is talked out of it. He then tries to rekindle his relationship with Gail, but Paul sleeps with another woman and Gail returns home. Paul begins a relationship with Lyn Scully and proposes to her. Paul then finds himself attracted to Rosetta Cammeniti (Natalie Saleeba). They share a kiss when they are trapped in a wine cellar together. Paul marries Lyn, but confesses to the kiss and tells Lyn that he will never be faithful. Lyn is devastated and leaves Ramsay Street. Paul then begins a brief relationship with Pepper Steiger (Nicky Whelan).

Paul ruins Elle and Dylan's relationship. He manipulates Ned Parker (Daniel O'Connor) into debt in a rigged game of poker. Owing Paul, he has to rob the Timmins family and Paul himself so that Paul can claim on the insurance. Dylan later finds out that Paul is responsible for dropping chemical waste into the wetlands through a company called Affirmacon, causing him to be treated for toxins in his body. He discovers that he could have passed it on to Kerry and confronts Paul about it. Dylan kidnaps Paul and plays mind games with him. He then pushes him off a cliff, but Dylan later saves him.

Paul manipulates Elle into believing she loves Oliver Barnes (David Hoflin) and the pair devise a strategy to break up Oliver and Carmella Cammeniti (Natalie Blair). They discover that Oliver is unnerved by Carmella's mafia links and the war she is embroiled in with her uncle, so Paul plants a bomb in Carmella's truck to make it appear as though the war is ongoing. Oliver breaks up with Carmella and Elle begins to see that her father is going too far. After finding out Paul split her and Dylan up, Elle decides she wants revenge. Elle and Oliver fake an engagement and Oliver signs Lassiter's to Elle, not Paul. Elle leaves Paul with nothing.

Paul finds out he has a brain tumor. He begins seeing visions of a homeless teenager called Fox (Tim Phillipps). His visions make him commit more bad deeds. He is taken to the hospital, where he is told that he must have his brain tumour removed immediately, or die. Elle sees Paul interacting with Fox who is not there. Paul undergoes surgery after Elle realises he was losing his mind, fake doctor Charlotte Stone (Rachel Gordon) is arrested as she is to blame for Paul's condition getting worse. Paul loses his memory. Elle lies to Paul about his past, attempting to change his ways. Paul suspects that Elle is lying. Gail returns and tells him the truth of his past. He starts making amends with those he hurt. He believes Gail is still the love of his life. They briefly rekindle their romance. Gail can not bring herself to reunite with Paul fully.

Rebecca Napier believes that Paul may be Oliver's father, but a DNA test proves that he is not. Paul falls in love with Rebecca. Paul forms a good relationship with Oliver and Declan Napier (James Sorensen) and they move in together. Paul remembers that he murdered Gus and Elle tries to convince Paul otherwise, but he confesses to the police and Gus' sister Laura Davidson (Jodi Flockhart). She and her boyfriend Nick Thompson (Marty Grimwood) try to blackmail money from Paul and they kidnap Declan. He later escapes.

Paul begins an affair with Kirsten Gannon (Nikola Dubois). Paul tries to give Kirsten money to stop her revealing their affair to Rebecca, however, Kirsten sees this as an insult and asks for a top job at Lassiters hotel. When Rebecca begins putting herself and work before their relationship, Paul goes back to Kirsten. Elle discovers the affair and confronts both Paul and Kirsten and she tells Paul to end it. After taking Kirsten on holiday to Paris, Paul returns and asks Rebecca to marry him. Paul is blackmailed by Lyn Scully. Rebecca finds out about the affair and ends her romance with Paul.

After a bushfire kills Marco Silvani (Jesse Rosenfeld), Paul is briefly believed to have started it. During the fire he leaves Kirsten to die, but she later forgives him. Paul's business decisions put Elle and Susan in danger when they are kidnapped. Paul begins a relationship with Cassandra Freedman (Tottie Goldsmith). Cassandra uses Paul for money. Rebecca later ends her relationship with Andrew Simpson (Peter Flanigan) because she loves Paul and despite Cassandra trying to keep hold of Paul away, he ends the relationship for Rebecca.

Elle discovers Helen left part of the Robinson fortune to Anne's secret child Jill Ramsay (Perri Cummings), who was a result of an affair with Max Ramsay (Francis Bell). Paul finds out and Elle is afraid that Paul will return to his old ways and would not want Jill to have her share of the Robinson inheritance. Elle and Lucas turn up at Jill's house, Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) explains that Jill is critical in the hospital after being hit by a car. Paul is initially implicated in Jill's death, but he is later cleared.

Paul and Rebecca reconcile and Paul proposes to her. Their wedding is interrupted by Lyn who announces that Paul is still married to her. This leads to an ongoing rivalry between Paul, Rebecca and Lyn. Following his divorce from Lyn, Paul and Rebecca marry at Christmas. Paul's youngest son, Andrew (Jordan Smith) comes to Ramsay Street and Paul invites him to stay. Paul buys Pirate Net and turns it into a commercial radio station. He begins having financial difficulties and decides not to tell Rebecca. However, Declan finds out and tells Rebecca, who confronts Paul. Rebecca threatens to divorce Paul and he tells her the truth. Paul unsuccessfully tries to sue new neighbour Michael Williams (Sandy Winton) when he is forced to pull some posters for Pirate Net that feature Michael's daughter. Paul gets into a dispute with Jim Dolon (Scott Parameter), a builder who worked on Lassiters. Paul goes to Jim's building site and tampers with his scaffolding, before calling the site safety officer. Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie) goes to the site to look for Ringo Brown (Sam Clark) and the scaffolding falls on her. Paul is worried about Donna and whether he will be caught, so he decides to frame Declan. Declan finds out and enlists Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) into helping him out. Toadie later discovers that Paul has embezzled money from Lassiters and Declan tells Diana Marshall (Jane Badler), who arrives in Erinsborough to check up on the situation. Diana discovers evidence that Paul embezzled the money and tells him that she is going to bring him down. Paul asks Diana to join his side and he tells her they can take over the company. Paul later goes to Diana's hotel room and they sleep together. Diana secretly films them, but when she checks the tape she finds Paul has wiped it. Paul finds out about Toadie and Stephanie Scully's (Carla Bonner) sham marriage and that Steph's baby is Daniel Fitzgerald's (Brett Tucker). He uses it to blackmail Toadie and asks him to make it look like Diana embezzled the money. During a Pirate Net telethon at Charlie's, Paul plays a recording that reveals Steph's secret to everyone. Rebecca is disgusted with him and she packs some suitcases and asks him to leave. Paul later sells Pirate Net to the school and tries to win Rebecca back. Rebecca gives Paul an ultimatum; leave Lassiter's or leave the family. He then hands over management of the hotel to Declan for six months. Paul discovers that Diana is working with Declan to remove him from the company. Paul tells Rosemary Daniels (Joy Chambers) about the plan and when Diana arrives at Declan's office, she finds Paul. He tells her that her vote no longer counts as she is fired. Paul knows that Declan has spoken to Rebecca about what has been happening and he tells him to make it right. At Donna and Ringo's wedding reception, Andrew asks Paul if he will give him Declan's job, but Paul discovers that Andrew tried to access his will and he tells him that he will be taking him out of it. Paul prints a story about Diana. When she confronts Paul, he tells her that no one will want to hire her again. Paul then kicks her out of Lassiters. Paul goes up to Lassiter's mezzanine and is looking out over the complex when someone walks up behind him. He turns around, but is not surprised to see who it is. He is then pushed from the mezzanine. Paul is taken to Erinsborough Hospital where he is placed in a coma to stop his condition from deteriorating. Doug Harris (Mahesh Jadu) tells Rebecca that he is going to reduce the coma and Paul wakes up.

Reception

Dennis has earned various award nominations for his role as Paul. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, Dennis was nominated for "Best Actor" and "Best Bad Boy". The following year, Dennis was again nominated for "Best Actor" and "Best Bad Boy". 2009 saw Dennis nominated for "Best Actor" and "Best Bad Boy" once again. In 2010, Dennis was nominated for the very first "Best Daytime Star" award. At the first Digital Spy Soap Awards ceremony, Dennis was nominated for "Villain of the Year".

During a special feature on an entertainment website published by Virgin Media, they stated that Paul in his early days was a 'retro soap hunk'. They branded him as a 'bad boy', also stating "Motivated by greed and lust, Paul manipulated his way into business and into the ladies' beds (even with a dodgy earring). Watch out ladies..." The brand also ran a feature profiling their 25 most memorable TV comebacks, amongst them was Paul's 2004 return, they added: "Ruthless 'workaholic' businessman Paul Robinson fled Australia in 1993 to escape fraud charges only to return more sinister than ever in 2005 to burn down the Lassiter's hotel complex."

Ruth Deller of entertainment website Lowculture commented on Paul stating: "He's always been a bit of a ladies' man and has had an eye for a business deal and has always struggled with whether to be good Paul or bad Paul. Ramsay Street's most prolific marry-er and father-er." She also criticises the fact Paul's false leg is never shown on-screen adding: "Paul has a wooden leg, which sometimes causes him to limp, when he remembers about it." Five's Holy Soap website said that Paul starting the Lassiters fire and killing Gus during his 2004 return, was one of soap opera's greatest comebacks. Also branding him as a "legendary figure" of Neighbours. Josephine Monroe in her book Neighbours: The first 10 years, names Paul one of Soap Opera's most enduring characters.

In 2010 to celebrate Neighbours' 25th anniversary Sky, a British satellite broadcasting company profiled 25 characters of which they believed were the most memorable in the series history. Paul is in the list and joke about his many wives stating: "How many of Paul's five wives can you name? No points for current wife Rebecca, ten for naming Lynn, Gail, or Christina Alessi, and 1,400 points for remembering first wife, plumber Terry [...] Yes, Paul's been around the block." They also branded him as the reason Neighbours, in their opinion was good viewing in 2000's adding: "It's his cackling soap villain role that we love to hate him for: his return in 2004, torching Lassiter's and befriending Dylan, marked the start of Neighbours getting awesome in the mid-noughties. Although it's probably safe to say that period was over by the time he suffered amnesia of everything after 1989." He has also been branded as a "legend character".

Entertainment reporting website Last Broadcast praised Paul's development, stating: "As the kind of shady character who’d do anything to make a fast buck, he even planned to bulldoze Ramsay Street to make way for a new supermarket development. And that’s not all: fraud, blackmail, murder; there is no level to which Paul wouldn’t have sunk. Yet, the infamous bad boy of Erinsborough, has, thankfully, turned over a new leaf."

In Catherine Deveny's 2007 book: "It's not my fault they print them", she slates Paul and Dennis' acting ability stating: "Stefan Dennis as the mustache-twirling panto villain Paul Robinson, is a genius. I just wanted to yell out 'He's behind you, he's behind you!' It takes sheer brilliance to be able to act that badly".

External links

• Character Profile on the Neighbours Official AU website
• Character Profile on the Neighbours Official UK website