Nell Worthington
| Nell Mangel | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighbours character | |||||||||||||
 Vivean Gray as Nell Mangel. | |||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Vivean Gray | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 1986–1988 | ||||||||||||
| First appearance | 29 April 1986 | ||||||||||||
| Last appearance | 25 October 1988 | ||||||||||||
| Classification | Former, regular | ||||||||||||
| Created by | Ray Kolle | ||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Eleanor "Nell" Mangel (later Worthington) is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Vivean Gray from 1986 until 1988.
She was known almost exclusively to others as "Mrs Mangel". The chartacter caused controversy among some of the public, who in turn abused Gray constantly because of Nell. In the short time she was in the series her constant sparring with Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston) was a focal point in her storylining, as well as being a continual annoyance among her neighbours with her nosy, interfering and nasty attitude. She is often described as one of the series most iconic characters and often referred to as one of their greatest villans.
Casting
Gray decided to quit the series in 1988,[1] one of the main reasons which helped her reach the decision was due to high amounts of abuse received from the general public who failed to distinguish Gray from her character,[1] often taunting her for her character's cantankerous personality.[1] After leaving Gray quit acting all together and moved to the United Kingdom.[2] Co-star Ian Smith who played Harold Bishop also passed comment on the sitation stating that it was mainly young youths who used to hound Gray, because of their dislike of Nell.[3]
Storylines
Her nosy and pious views were a constant source of annoyance for her neighbours, in particular Madge Bishop, Charlene Robinson (Kylie Minogue) and Daphne Clarke (Elaine Smith). Notable storylines included the suspected murder of her husband Len (who was never seen on screen, in an in-joke move) although it was later found that he had left her, her amnesia after falling off a ladder, resulting in her living in the past, her accidentally taking alchohol and getting tipsy with Harold Bishop, having a heart attack after the stress of being sent to coventary by the other neighbours, and having her portrait painted by neighbour and artist Helen Daniels only to discover it was a hideous representation of her personality. (Although she later became very proud of the painting and hung it above her telephone table) A catchphrase was used during her early days in the series, her usual order when she went to Daphne's coffee shop: "A glass of water.... iced, not from the tap!"
Nell's rivalary with Madge reached a new high after it became clear that her new lodger, Harold Bishop, had the hots for Madge, Nell constantly tried to ruin their romance.[2] Not accepting that she hadn't managed to split Madge and Harold up, she managed to spoil things on their wedding by playing the church organ badly on purpose.[2]
In the 20th anniversary episode in 2005 it was revealed, through her granddaughter Jane that she is still alive and living in England.
Reception
Although at the time Nell was disliked by some of the viewers, she later became remembered as an iconic character. Comedy Central a Satellite television station which airs in the UK, commented on Nell, branding her as one of the series most iconic characters,[1] they also added: "Nell Mangel was a woman who infuriated nearly everyone she encountered. She lived in 32 Ramsay Street from 1986 to ’88 and was interfering, nosey and self-righteous. If ever there was an opportunity to ruin people’s fun, be it rescuing Lucy Robinson from a well, Des and Daphne having a barbeque or Helen having another stroke, Mrs. Mangel would be promptly on the phone to report it to the police, the school or the parent concerned. Ooh, she was a cow!"[1] Also adding Gray's abuse from the public in their opinion was because her portrayal was so convincing.[1]
A scottish national newspaper, The Scotsman has also praised the character for her nasty streak saying: "Vivean Gray made more of an impact in that short time on the Aussie soap than most actors manage in their entire careers. As the cantankerous Mrs Mangel – arch nemesis of feisty Madge Ramsay – Gray played one of the most detestable villains ever to set foot in Ramsay Street. Her nosiness and holier-than-thou-ness were bad enough, but it was in her dealings with Madge where she really raised the hackles of the Neighbours faithful."[2] Media brand Orange have commented that Nell was interfering and nosy.[4] To celebrate Neighbours' 25th anniversary, Yahoo conducted a poll to find out who was the viewers favourite character of all time, in the results Nell came in joint third place along with Charlene.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Where are they now - Mrs Mangel From Neighbours". Comedy Central. 2005. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
- ^ a b c d "What's happened to... Vivean Gray?". The Scotsman. 17 January 2009. Retrieved 2010-04-013.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Hilton, Beth (21 February 2008). "'Neighbours' actor claims co-star was bullied". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
- ^ Parkhouse, Will (22 February 2008). "Neighbours star 'was bullied'". Orange.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
- ^ "Steph Scully voted fave character". Metro.co.uk. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-13.