Riley Parker (Neighbours)

In 2007 Neighbours suffered one of its worst decline in ratings and several key changes took place, including the introduction of a new family.[1] Network Ten drama executive Dan Bennett revealed that the show would return to the focus on relationships and family dynamics[1] Several regular characters left the show to make way for the Parker family.[2] Australian drama actress Nikki Coghill was cast as matriarch of the family, Miranda Parker, and Steve Bastoni was cast as her husband Steve Parker.[2] Eloise Mignon was also cast as sister Bridget Parker. Sweeney Young received the part of Riley.[3] Young revealed he auditioned alone for throughout the audition process, whereas Mignon and Coghill both auditioned together in later stages through screen tests.[3] The Parker family made their first appearance on-screen in July 2007, marking the start of the show's renovation.[4]

In 2008, Riley was axed from the soap opera, in which Young stated: "I'm incredibly excited, I can’t wait to take all the stuff I've learnt at Neighbours and apply it to other productions."[5]

Riley was introduced in August 2007, when he moved to Erinsborough and reconciled with his adopted parents, Miranda Parker (Nikki Coghill) and Steve Parker (Steve Bastoni), with whom he had had a falling-out. Riley previously had been doing a course for Veterinary Science and had stated that he had been getting distinctions but near the end of the course decided he didn't want to become a Veterinarian.

He met Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) at Charlie's Bar and the two became friends. After falling for her he competed for her affection with Oliver (David Hoflin). Riley gained a cadet-ship at the Erinsborough News, and shared it with Elle as a result of her losing her old job and finding an interest in journalism. Riley helped his sister Bridget cope with the disability she suffered after a car accident.

Riley and Elle had secretly gone to an illegal dance party to report for Erinsborough News even though they had clear instructions not too, in the end (after the roof collapsed) they both made it out. Riley then revealed his feelings to Elle through a draft of a news article. Elle saw it, blushed and told Riley that she wasn't ready to be involved in a relationship, which Riley didn't believe. After revealing his feelings for Elle, Riley caught the eye of his new coworker Heather and developed a relationship, however Elle reacted a little jealous but Riley and her agreed to be friends.

In early May 2008, Miranda's sister Nicola arrived in Ramsay Street and it was revealed that she and Riley have a past romantic history. When she kissed him, Heather saw and was disgusted Riley would cheat on her, with his aunt. They kept up the affair and tried to keep it from Miranda and Steve. After Bridget discovered Riley and Nicola's relationship, he became worried and was desperate to get away from Nicola, so he decided to go to the Middle East to be war correspondent against his parents will. While the family were out for dinner, Riley packed his bags and left leaving a note in an envelope for Steve and Miranda labelled 'Mum and Dad' on it. However, after he walked out Nicola took the envelope and put it in her pocket. Miranda later saw it and was very annoyed with Nicola. Later on, when Miranda and Steve found out that Nicola had been sleeping with him, they tried to get him to come back but they were unsuccessful.

Riley has a unique laugh that has been noted in media sources, of this Last Broadcast branded his laugh as an 'awesome' creation.[5] In 2007, Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture gave Riley a mixed review. She said "Riley is decent enough eye candy, but he needs to take his shirt off a bit more, get screwed over by Elle Robinson and go all dewey-eyed with tears. And get a plotline".[8] Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap said that Riley is no bad boy and acted "so nice that he makes cuddly Harold look like a criminal mastermind".[9]