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{{short description|Fictional character}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox soap character 2
{{Infobox soap character
| series = Neighbours
| series = Neighbours
| name = Max Hoyland
| name = Max Hoyland
| portrayer = [[Stephen Lovatt]]
| portrayer = [[Stephen Lovatt]]
| image = [[File:Max Hoyland.JPG|201px]]
| image = Max Hoyland.JPG
| first = 22 August 2002
| imagesize = 200px
| last = 16 February 2007
| first = {{start date|2002|8|22|df=y}}
| years = 2002–07
| last = {{end date|2007|2|16|df=y}}
⚫
| years = 2002–2007
| introducer = Stanley Walsh
| introducer = Stanley Walsh
| classification = [[List of past Neighbours characters#H|Former; regular]]
| classification = [[List of former Neighbours characters#H|Former; regular]]
⚫
| occupation = [[Oil platform|Oil rig]] worker<br />Bar co-owner
| born = 24 August 1965<ref>{{cite episode|title=Episode 4793|series=Neighbours|serieslink=Neighbours|credits=Executive producer: Ric Pellizzeri; Director: Nicholas Bufalo; Writer: Anthony Morris|network=[[Network Ten]]|airdate=24 August 2005}}</ref>
| wife = {{plainlist|
⚫
| occupation = [[Oil platform|Oil rig]] worker<br>Lou's Place co-owner {{nowrap|(2002–05)}}<br />Scarlet Bar co-owner {{nowrap| (2005–07)}}
*Claire Hoyland (deceased)
⚫
| home = Fiji
| wife = Claire Hoyland<br>[[Stephanie Scully]] (2004–07)
*[[Stephanie Scully]] (2004–2007)
*[[Philippa Hoyland]]
}}
| father = [[Bobby Hoyland]]
| father = [[Bobby Hoyland]]
| mother = [[Rosie Hoyland]]
| mother = [[Rosie Hoyland]]
| sons = [[Boyd Hoyland]]<br>[[Charlie Hoyland]]
| sons = [[Boyd Hoyland]]<br />[[Charlie Hoyland]]
| daughters = [[Summer Hoyland]]
| daughters = [[Summer Hoyland]]
| sisters = [[Izzy Hoyland]]
| sisters = [[Izzy Hoyland]]
| nieces = [[List of Neighbours characters (2007)#Holly Hoyland|Holly Hoyland]]
| nieces = [[Holly Hoyland]]
| uncles = [[Colin Barclay (Neighbours)|Colin Barclay]]
| uncles = [[Colin Barclay (Neighbours)|Colin Barclay]]
}}
}}
'''Max Hoyland''' is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''[[Neighbours]]'', played by [[Stephen Lovatt]]. He made his first appearance on 22 August 2002 and departed on 16 February 2007.
'''Max Hoyland''' is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''[[Neighbours]]'', played by [[Stephen Lovatt]]. He made his first appearance on 22 August 2002 and departed on 16 February 2007.


==Casting==
==Casting==
After his last appearance in 2007, Lovatt said that he did not know if he would be coming back to ''Neighbours''.<ref name="NZCity">{{cite web|url=http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=72955&cat=975|title=New season for Neighbours star|date=11 May 2007|work=NZCity News|publisher=New Zealand City Ltd|accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> However, he said that he would "consider any offer from its producers", but thought that characters like Max usually go for good.<ref name="NZCity"/>
After his last appearance in 2007, Lovatt said that he did not know if he would be coming back to ''Neighbours''.<ref name="NZCity">{{cite web|url=http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=72955&cat=975|title=New season for Neighbours star|date=11 May 2007|work=NZCity News|publisher=New Zealand City Ltd|access-date=23 February 2011}}</ref> However, he said that he would "consider any offer from its producers", but thought that characters like Max usually go for good.<ref name="NZCity"/>


==Development==
==Character development==
[[Network Ten]] describe Max stating: "Max always looked out for his little sister and cultivated a stern sense of responsibility." Describing how his likeness to his mother [[Rosie Hoyland]] ([[Maggie Millar]]), they add: "Both headstrong and idealistic, they rub up against tradition and authority the wrong way and frequently find themselves taking opposite stances on big issues."<ref name=Ten>{{cite web|url=http://www.neighbours.com/characters/maxhoyland/|title=Max Hoyland|work=Neighbours.com|publisher=[[Network Ten]]|accessdate=25 February 2011|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070427211812/www.neighbours.com/characters/maxhoyland/|archivedate=2007}}</ref> Tom Adair writing for ''[[The Age]]'', has described his character as simply "decency personified".<ref>{{cite web|last=Adair|first=Tom|title=The neighbourhood ain't what it was|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=max+hoyland&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=AGE050421KF3L96OHQ08|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=11 May 2011|date=6 December 2007<!--|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ybYUpnBZ|archivedate=11 May 2011-->}}</ref>
[[Network Ten]] describe Max stating: "Max always looked out for his little sister and cultivated a stern sense of responsibility." Describing his likeness to his mother [[Rosie Hoyland]] ([[Maggie Millar]]), they add: "Both headstrong and idealistic, they rub up against tradition and authority the wrong way and frequently find themselves taking opposite stances on big issues."<ref name=Ten>{{cite web|url=http://www.neighbours.com/characters/maxhoyland/ |title=Max Hoyland |work=Neighbours.com |publisher=[[Network Ten]] |access-date=25 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427211812/http://www.neighbours.com/characters/maxhoyland/ |archive-date=27 April 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tom Adair writing for ''[[The Age]]'', has described his character as simply "decency personified".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/the-neighbourhood-aint-what-it-was-20071206-ge6gi9.html|title=The neighbourhood ain't what it was|last=Adair|first=Tom|date=6 December 2007|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=7 June 2022}}</ref>


The character's mother, Rosie Hoyland, and children [[Boyd Hoyland]] ([[Kyal Marsh]]) and [[Summer Hoyland]] ([[Marisa Siketa]]) were introduced in early 2002. Max's whereabouts were initially unknown, as he left the family following the death of his wife to [[long QT syndrome]].<ref name="Runaway">{{cite magazine|date=12–25 October 2002|title=Runaway dad|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=216|page=26}}</ref> Lovett said that Max "turns up out of the blue – it's a complete surprise to Rosie and the kids".<ref name="Runaway"/> After learning that Summer has the same heart condition as his late wife, Max wants to "take on his fatherly responsibilities again."<ref name="Runaway"/> He appears reluctant to talk about why he abandoned his children, but Lovett thought that viewers would see that his wife's death has had a big impact on him. He knows she was too young to die, so he is worried about Summer having the same condition. Max does not receive a warm welcome from Rosie and Boyd, so Max is determined to reconnect with them and moves into Number 32 Ramsay Street.<ref name="Runaway"/> Lovett added, "Max knows that he's got a lot of making up to do as far as the kids are concerned. But he tends to overcompensate and it all ends up kind of backfiring on him!"<ref name="Runaway"/>
⚫
Max's main relationship is with [[Steph Scully]] ([[Carla Bonner]]), whom he later marries. Their relationship later fails after Max runs away to a new family. Bonner said that their marriage was over because "It's been very badly damaged and a part of her feels that her husband doesn't know her at all, and doesn't trust her." Steph is "hurt" and sees "no way back from here".<ref>{{cite journal|title=No going back|journal=[[TV Week]]|date=18–24 February 2008|pages=30|accessdate=2 December 2011|publisher=[[ACP Magazines]]}}</ref>


Producers established a romantic relationship with [[Stephanie Scully]] ([[Carla Bonner]]). The pair were shown getting closer following Max's arrival, but Steph becomes convinced that Max is actually attracted to her workmate [[Joanne Blair]] ([[Nell Feeney]]), after she sees them talking.<ref name="Mixed">{{cite magazine|date=15–28 March 2003|title=Mixed messages|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=227|page=17}}</ref> She thinks they are planning a date, but Joanne is just asking for Max's advice about the right cricket bat for her son. Steph then decides to go on a date with Joanne's nephew Dennis.<ref name="Mixed"/>
⚫
==Storylines==
Max is the father of [[Boyd Hoyland|Boyd]], [[Summer Hoyland|Summer]], and [[Charlie Hoyland|Charlie]] and the son of [[Bobby Hoyland|Bobby]] and Rosie. His first wife Claire died several years earlier of [[heart failure]], later thought to be [[Long QT syndrome]] because of Summer's later development of the condition. This left him to raise Summer and Boyd on his own, until he married Steph in 2004.


⚫
Their relationship later fails after Max runs away to a new family. Bonner said that their marriage was over because "It's been very badly damaged and a part of her feels that her husband doesn't know her at all, and doesn't trust her." Steph is "hurt" and sees "no way back from here".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=No going back|magazine=[[TV Week]]|date=18–24 February 2008|pages=30}}</ref>
He used to co-own the pub "Lou's Place" (with Lou Carpenter), before it was [[arson|burnt down]]. He then went on to co-owns "Scarlet Bar" with his sister Izzy. His father Bobby returned to see Max and Izzy, and Max didn't want anything to do with him, but after he decided to accept him, Bobby ran away again.


⚫
==Storylines==
He and Steph were going to adopt a baby girl from Kayla Thomas ([[Virginia Ryan]]), a teenager that wanted to give up her unborn child, but Kayla eventually decided to raise the baby with her boyfriend (played by [[Adam Hunter (actor)|Adam Hunter]], who later played [[Robert Robinson (Neighbours)|Robert]] and [[Cameron Robinson|Cameron]]), the baby's biological father. Max was overjoyed to discover on his 40th birthday that his wife Steph was pregnant with their first child, Charlie Hoyland, who was born on 20 March 2006.
Max follows his children Boyd and Summer Hoyland to Erinsborough, where he reconnects with them and his mother, Rosie Hoyland. He buys into [[Lou Carpenter]]'s ([[Tom Oliver]]) pub, Lou's Place. He later rents Number 32. Max has a relationship with Steph Scully and they eventually marry. When the pub burns down in a fire at the Lassiter's complex, Max goes into partnership with his sister, [[Izzy Hoyland]] ([[Natalie Bassingthwaite]]) in the newly built Scarlet bar. Their father [[Bobby Hoyland]] ([[Andrew McFarlane (Australian actor)|Andrew McFarlane]]) returns to see him and Izzy, and Max initially does not want anything to do with him, but later warms to him. However, Bobby leaves again. Max and Steph plan to adopt a baby girl from [[Kayla Thomas]] ([[Virginia Ryan]]), a teenager that wants to give up her unborn child, but Kayla eventually decides to raise the baby with her boyfriend and the baby's biological father [[List of Neighbours characters (2005)#Anthony Johnson|Anthony Johnson]] ([[Adam Hunter (actor)|Adam Hunter]]). On Max's 40th birthday, he learns that Steph is pregnant with their first child. Steph develops breast cancer and decides to forgo treatment to protect the baby, causing tension between herself and Max. Steph gives birth to their son [[Charlie Hoyland]] (Aaron Aulsebrook-Walker).


Max is responsible for the death of [[Cameron Robinson|Cameron]] who he believed to be [[Robert Robinson (Neighbours)|Robert]] when he knocked him over with his car. [[Paul Robinson (Neighbours)|Paul]] almost murdered Max out of grief for his innocent son. After this, Max began to come to terms with the fact he killed Paul's son but Cameron's sister [[Elle Robinson]] could not stand seeing him going so well so she devised several schemes to make Max think he was going crazy, a technique known as [[Gaslighting]]. First she stole his football tickets, then she moved Charlie onto the road, then she kidnapped Charlie. She then forged Max's signature and made him buy unnecessary alcohol and stole his car. After this Max hired a [[private investigator]] who caught her stealing the car but Elle paid the guy off. When the report came back negative, Max admitted himself into a hospital. Not long after, he lost grip on reality and heard voices from his family members and friends saying he was insane. Not long after this, he walked out of the hospital and left Ramsay Street, leaving a family picture which he had torn up.
While rescuing [[Katya Kinski]] ([[Dichen Lachman]]), Max accidentally kills [[Cameron Robinson]] (Hunter), who he believes to be his twin brother [[Robert Robinson (Neighbours)|Robert Robinson]] (also Hunter) when he strikes him with his car. Cameron's father [[Paul Robinson (Neighbours)|Paul Robinson]] ([[Stefan Dennis]]) is inconsolable with grief and prepares to shoot Max, but [[Lyn Scully]] ([[Janet Andrewartha]]) stops him. Max begins to come to terms with killing Cameron but Paul's daughter [[Elle Robinson]] ([[Pippa Black]]) cannot stand seeing him getting on with his life, and begins [[gaslighting]] him. First Elle steals his football tickets, plays further mind games involving Charlie, and forges his signature, lumbering him with excess alcohol at the bar. Max hires a private investigator and Elle is caught, but the investigator is paid off by her. Max then admits himself to a hospital and begins to lose his grip on reality and sees visions of his family telling him he is insane. Max walks out of hospital and disappears for a while. He leaves a note for the family with [[Stingray Timmins]] ([[Ben Nicholas]]) who is passed out. Max later contacts the family via the [[Salvation Army]] and agrees to move on.


Max returns to stand trial for killing Cameron. Robert is put on the stand to give evidence, but Paul bursts in, screaming at the judge that Robert is unfit to testify. Max's lawyer [[Toadfish Rebecchi]] ([[Ryan Moloney]]) proves that Robert is aggressive. Max is given an eight-year prison sentence, which is suspended for five. After realising that his marriage to Steph is not going to work out, Max decides to return to the [[Oil platform|oil rig]]s at Sale, two hours from Melbourne. When Steph is sent to prison, Max gains full custody of Charlie and they move to Fiji. He later marries [[Philippa Hoyland]] (Wendy Bos) off-screen.
Shortly after, Max was supposedly seen by [[Stingray Timmins]] (who may have been drunk at the time ) Max gave a passed out Stingray a piece of paper and written on it was ''Tell Steph I love her''. Stingray later told the Hoylands but knowing about his recent troubles with alcohol they remained skeptical about his story. Max has recently made contact with his family via the [[Salvation Army]] by stating that he has a new life now, and suggest the Hoylands move on.


⚫
==Reception==
Max gets spotted by Elle when she returns and she learns that he has settled in with a new family. Elle told Janae about Max and his new family. She in turn went and confronted him about it. After the confrontation, Max came back to town. It's revealed that he actually went to the family for shelter. At first Steph couldn't take him back, but then she recanted her decision. Max was delighted to hear this. However after he learned that he was second choice, he said that either she choose him or he goes away forever.
⚫
Max became a popular character with some viewers.<ref>{{cite web|title=A neighbourly obsession|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/30/1096401704439.html|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|access-date=1 March 2011|date=30 September 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628200402/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/30/1096401704439.html|url-status=live|archive-date=28 June 2011}}</ref> Robin Oliver writing for ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' opined he was compelled to watch Max and Steph's wedding, describing it as 20 minutes of "good fun".<ref name=olro>{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Robin|title=Neighbours|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/20/1090089149038.html|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|access-date=1 March 2011|date=21 July 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629170051/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/20/1090089149038.html|url-status=live|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> Brian Courtis of ''[[The Age|The Sunday Age]]'' and ''[[The Sun-Herald]]'' also chose their wedding as their "Pick of the day".<ref>{{cite web|last=Courtis|first=Brian|title=Critic's choice|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SAG0407181E4GR3JSIEG|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|access-date=11 May 2011|date=18 July 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529222745/http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SAG0407181E4GR3JSIEG|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Courtis|first=Brian|title=Critic's choice|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SHD040718144GR1892EG|work=[[The Sun-Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|access-date=11 May 2011|date=18 June 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529222751/http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SHD040718144GR1892EG|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> Fergus Sheil of ''The Age'' said chose Max as the standout character from the episode airing on 21 April 2005, however was unimpressed by the lack of scientific knowledge in the episode. He quipped that Max "deserves a Logie" for his "attempts" to awaken a comatose Boyd, by withholding the outcome of a football match.<ref name=stands>{{cite web|last=Sheil|first=Fergus|title=Critic's view - Monday|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=max+hoyland&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=AGE050421KF3L96OHQ08|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|access-date=11 May 2011|date=21 April 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529222738/http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=max+hoyland&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=AGE050421KF3L96OHQ08|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 May 2012}}</ref>


Michael Idato writing for ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' disliked Max and described his appearance stating: "Max who, for the record, looks young enough to be hanging out with the gang rather than claiming fatherhood to at least two of them is dealing with the precociously slappable Summer and the hormonally simmering Boyd."<ref>{{cite web|last=Idato|first=Michael|title=TV previews|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH030127KFPFP1SVO0E|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|access-date=11 May 2011|date=27 January 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529222759/http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH030127KFPFP1SVO0E|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> In 2015, a writer for [[Tvnz.co.nz]] included Max in their list of the top 30 ''Neighbours'' characters. Praising him, they stated "One of the most memorable father figures, Max was headstrong and loyal, an all-round 'good guy' with a desire to protect his loved ones."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/neighbours/30-best-6240985|title=The 30 Best Neighbours|year=2015|publisher=[[Tvnz.co.nz]]|access-date=23 February 2016}}</ref>
Max then faced his court case, where [[Robert Robinson (Australian)|Robert Robinson]] is brought in to give evidence. [[Paul Robinson (Neighbours)|Paul]] burst into the court room and screamed at the judge saying Robert was not well to testify. After his lawyer, [[Toadie Rebecchi]] proved that Robert is aggressive, Max won his freedom.

After realising that his marriage with Steph was not going to work out he decided to return to the [[Oil platform|oil rig]]s at Sale, two hours from Melbourne.

When Steph is released two and a half years later, it is revealed that Max has full custody of Charlie and they are living in Fiji.

⚫
==Reception==
⚫
Max has become a popular character with some viewers.<ref>{{cite web|title=A neighbourly obsession|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/30/1096401704439.html|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=1 March 2011|date=30 September 2004<!--|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5wrRnlhqJ|archivedate=1 March 2011-->}}</ref> Robin Oliver writing for ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' opined he was compelled to watch Max and Steph's wedding, describing it as 20 minutes of "good fun".<ref name=olro>{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Robin|title=Neighbours|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/20/1090089149038.html|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=1 March 2011|date=21 July 2004<!--|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5wrQwNGOp|archivedate=1 March 2011-->}}</ref> Brian Courtis of ''[[The Age|The Sunday Age]]'' and ''[[The Sun-Herald]]'' also chose their wedding as their "Pick of the day".<ref>{{cite web|last=Courtis|first=Brian|title=Critic's choice|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SAG0407181E4GR3JSIEG|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=11 May 2011|date=18 July 2004<!--|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ybaGVpsb|archivedate=11 May 2011-->}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Courtis|first=Brian|title=Critic's choice|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SHD040718144GR1892EG|work=[[The Sun-Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=11 May 2011|date=18 June 2004<!--|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ybakMRlI|archivedate=11 May 2011-->}}</ref> Fergus Sheil of ''The Age'' said chose Max as the standout character from the episode airing on 21 April 2005, however was unimpressed by the lack of scientific knowledge in the episode. He quipped that Max "deserves a Logie" for his "attempts" to awaken a comatose Boyd, by with holding the outcome of a football match.<ref name=stands>{{cite web|last=Sheil|first=Fergus|title=Critic's view - Monday|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=max+hoyland&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=AGE050421KF3L96OHQ08|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=11 May 2011|date=21 April 2005<!--|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ybYlU1p8|archivedate=11 May 2011-->}}</ref> [[Michael Idato]] writing for ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' disliked Max and described his appearance stating: "Max who, for the record, looks young enough to be hanging out with the gang rather than claiming fatherhood to at least two of them is dealing with the precociously slappable Summer and the hormonally simmering Boyd."<ref>{{cite web|last=Idato|first=Michael|title=TV previews|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=Stephen+Lovatt&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH030127KFPFP1SVO0E|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=11 May 2011|date=27 January 2001<!--|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ybbIYxDv|archivedate=11 May 2011-->}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 58: Line 56:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20070427211812/www.neighbours.com/characters/maxhoyland/ Character profile] at the Official AU ''Neighbours'' website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070427211812/http://www.neighbours.com/characters/maxhoyland/ Max Hoyland] at the Official AU ''Neighbours'' website


{{Neighbours}}
{{Neighbours}}
{{Neighbours characters|past}}
{{Neighbours characters|former}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hoyland, Max}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hoyland, Max}}
[[Category:Neighbours characters]]
[[Category:Neighbours characters]]
[[Category:Fictional bartenders]]
[[Category:Fictional bartenders in soap operas]]
[[Category:Fictional characters introduced in 2002]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2002]]
[[Category:New Zealand male characters in soap operas]]

Latest revision as of 11:06, 25 November 2024

Max Hoyland
Neighbours character
Portrayed byStephen Lovatt
Duration2002–2007
First appearance22 August 2002 (2002-08-22)
Last appearance16 February 2007 (2007-02-16)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byStanley Walsh
In-universe information
OccupationOil rig worker
Bar co-owner
FatherBobby Hoyland
MotherRosie Hoyland
SistersIzzy Hoyland
Wife
SonsBoyd Hoyland
Charlie Hoyland
DaughtersSummer Hoyland
UnclesColin Barclay
NiecesHolly Hoyland

Max Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Stephen Lovatt. He made his first appearance on 22 August 2002 and departed on 16 February 2007.

Casting

[edit]

After his last appearance in 2007, Lovatt said that he did not know if he would be coming back to Neighbours.[1] However, he said that he would "consider any offer from its producers", but thought that characters like Max usually go for good.[1]

Development

[edit]

Network Ten describe Max stating: "Max always looked out for his little sister and cultivated a stern sense of responsibility." Describing his likeness to his mother Rosie Hoyland (Maggie Millar), they add: "Both headstrong and idealistic, they rub up against tradition and authority the wrong way and frequently find themselves taking opposite stances on big issues."[2] Tom Adair writing for The Age, has described his character as simply "decency personified".[3]

The character's mother, Rosie Hoyland, and children Boyd Hoyland (Kyal Marsh) and Summer Hoyland (Marisa Siketa) were introduced in early 2002. Max's whereabouts were initially unknown, as he left the family following the death of his wife to long QT syndrome.[4] Lovett said that Max "turns up out of the blue – it's a complete surprise to Rosie and the kids".[4] After learning that Summer has the same heart condition as his late wife, Max wants to "take on his fatherly responsibilities again."[4] He appears reluctant to talk about why he abandoned his children, but Lovett thought that viewers would see that his wife's death has had a big impact on him. He knows she was too young to die, so he is worried about Summer having the same condition. Max does not receive a warm welcome from Rosie and Boyd, so Max is determined to reconnect with them and moves into Number 32 Ramsay Street.[4] Lovett added, "Max knows that he's got a lot of making up to do as far as the kids are concerned. But he tends to overcompensate and it all ends up kind of backfiring on him!"[4]

Producers established a romantic relationship with Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner). The pair were shown getting closer following Max's arrival, but Steph becomes convinced that Max is actually attracted to her workmate Joanne Blair (Nell Feeney), after she sees them talking.[5] She thinks they are planning a date, but Joanne is just asking for Max's advice about the right cricket bat for her son. Steph then decides to go on a date with Joanne's nephew Dennis.[5]

Their relationship later fails after Max runs away to a new family. Bonner said that their marriage was over because "It's been very badly damaged and a part of her feels that her husband doesn't know her at all, and doesn't trust her." Steph is "hurt" and sees "no way back from here".[6]

Storylines

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Max follows his children Boyd and Summer Hoyland to Erinsborough, where he reconnects with them and his mother, Rosie Hoyland. He buys into Lou Carpenter's (Tom Oliver) pub, Lou's Place. He later rents Number 32. Max has a relationship with Steph Scully and they eventually marry. When the pub burns down in a fire at the Lassiter's complex, Max goes into partnership with his sister, Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaite) in the newly built Scarlet bar. Their father Bobby Hoyland (Andrew McFarlane) returns to see him and Izzy, and Max initially does not want anything to do with him, but later warms to him. However, Bobby leaves again. Max and Steph plan to adopt a baby girl from Kayla Thomas (Virginia Ryan), a teenager that wants to give up her unborn child, but Kayla eventually decides to raise the baby with her boyfriend and the baby's biological father Anthony Johnson (Adam Hunter). On Max's 40th birthday, he learns that Steph is pregnant with their first child. Steph develops breast cancer and decides to forgo treatment to protect the baby, causing tension between herself and Max. Steph gives birth to their son Charlie Hoyland (Aaron Aulsebrook-Walker).

While rescuing Katya Kinski (Dichen Lachman), Max accidentally kills Cameron Robinson (Hunter), who he believes to be his twin brother Robert Robinson (also Hunter) when he strikes him with his car. Cameron's father Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) is inconsolable with grief and prepares to shoot Max, but Lyn Scully (Janet Andrewartha) stops him. Max begins to come to terms with killing Cameron but Paul's daughter Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) cannot stand seeing him getting on with his life, and begins gaslighting him. First Elle steals his football tickets, plays further mind games involving Charlie, and forges his signature, lumbering him with excess alcohol at the bar. Max hires a private investigator and Elle is caught, but the investigator is paid off by her. Max then admits himself to a hospital and begins to lose his grip on reality and sees visions of his family telling him he is insane. Max walks out of hospital and disappears for a while. He leaves a note for the family with Stingray Timmins (Ben Nicholas) who is passed out. Max later contacts the family via the Salvation Army and agrees to move on.

Max returns to stand trial for killing Cameron. Robert is put on the stand to give evidence, but Paul bursts in, screaming at the judge that Robert is unfit to testify. Max's lawyer Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) proves that Robert is aggressive. Max is given an eight-year prison sentence, which is suspended for five. After realising that his marriage to Steph is not going to work out, Max decides to return to the oil rigs at Sale, two hours from Melbourne. When Steph is sent to prison, Max gains full custody of Charlie and they move to Fiji. He later marries Philippa Hoyland (Wendy Bos) off-screen.

Reception

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Max became a popular character with some viewers.[7] Robin Oliver writing for The Sydney Morning Herald opined he was compelled to watch Max and Steph's wedding, describing it as 20 minutes of "good fun".[8] Brian Courtis of The Sunday Age and The Sun-Herald also chose their wedding as their "Pick of the day".[9][10] Fergus Sheil of The Age said chose Max as the standout character from the episode airing on 21 April 2005, however was unimpressed by the lack of scientific knowledge in the episode. He quipped that Max "deserves a Logie" for his "attempts" to awaken a comatose Boyd, by withholding the outcome of a football match.[11]

Michael Idato writing for The Sydney Morning Herald disliked Max and described his appearance stating: "Max who, for the record, looks young enough to be hanging out with the gang rather than claiming fatherhood to at least two of them is dealing with the precociously slappable Summer and the hormonally simmering Boyd."[12] In 2015, a writer for Tvnz.co.nz included Max in their list of the top 30 Neighbours characters. Praising him, they stated "One of the most memorable father figures, Max was headstrong and loyal, an all-round 'good guy' with a desire to protect his loved ones."[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b "New season for Neighbours star". NZCity News. New Zealand City Ltd. 11 May 2007. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  2. ^ "Max Hoyland". Neighbours.com. Network Ten. Archived from the original on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  3. ^ Adair, Tom (6 December 2007). "The neighbourhood ain't what it was". The Age. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Runaway dad". Inside Soap. No. 216. 12–25 October 2002. p. 26.
  5. ^ a b "Mixed messages". Inside Soap. No. 227. 15–28 March 2003. p. 17.
  6. ^ "No going back". TV Week. 18–24 February 2008. p. 30.
  7. ^ "A neighbourly obsession". The Age. (Fairfax Media). 30 September 2004. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  8. ^ Oliver, Robin (21 July 2004). "Neighbours". The Sydney Morning Herald. (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  9. ^ Courtis, Brian (18 July 2004). "Critic's choice". The Age. (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  10. ^ Courtis, Brian (18 June 2004). "Critic's choice". The Sun-Herald. (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  11. ^ Sheil, Fergus (21 April 2005). "Critic's view - Monday". The Age. (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  12. ^ Idato, Michael (27 January 2001). "TV previews". The Sydney Morning Herald. (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  13. ^ "The 30 Best Neighbours". Tvnz.co.nz. 2015. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
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