Paul Robinson (Neighbours)

Infobox soap character
name = Paul Robinson
series = Neighbours
portrayer = Stefan Dennis
first = March 18, 1985
Episode 1
last =
cause =
creator = Reg Watson



caption1 = Stefan Dennis as Paul Robinson
image size = 300px
caption2 =


caption3 =
nickname = Stumpy (byBree Timmins)
Paulie (by Janelle Timmins)
alias =
gender = Male
born = 1963
death =
age = 45
occupation = Owner and editor of "Erinsborough News"
title =
residence = 22 Ramsay Street
parents = Anne Robinson (mother, deceased)
Jim Robinson (father, deceased)
siblings = Julie Martin (half-sister, deceased)
Glen Donnelly (half-brother)
Scott Robinson (brother)
Lucy Robinson (sister)
spouse = Terry Inglis (1985–1986, divorced)
Gail Lewis (1987–1989, divorced)
Christina Alessi (1991–2005, divorced)
Lyn Scully (2006, annulled)
romances = Susan Cole
Nina Williams
Liljana Bishop (2005)
Kirsten Gannon (2008)
Rosetta Cammeniti (2006-2007)
Pepper Steiger (2006)
Izzy Hoyland (2005-2006)
Rebecca Napier
(2007–2008)
children = Amy Robinson (daughter)
Andrew Robinson (son)
Robert Robinson (son)
Cameron Robinson (son, deceased)
Lucinda Robinson (daughter)
nieces/nephews = Hannah Martin
Daniel Robinson
Madison Robinson
grandparents = Gloria Simpson (great-grandmother, deceased)
Helen Daniels (grandmother, deceased)
William Daniels (grandfather, deceased)
James Robinson (grandfather, deceased)
Bess Robinson (grandmother, deceased)
aunts/uncles = Gwen Simpson (great-aunt)
Laura Simpson (great-aunt)
Thomas Dennison (great-uncle, deceased)
cousins = Tracey Dawson (adoptive cousin)
Hilary Robinson (first cousin once-removed)
Matt Robinson (second cousin)
aunts/uncles = Rosemary Daniels (adoptive aunt)
color = Television colour|Neighbours
color text =
species =

Paul James Robinson is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera "Neighbours", played by Stefan Dennis. He appeared in the first episode in 1985 that was broadcast on Seven Network, and was in the episodes that was broadcast on Network Ten up until 1992 and made a guest appearance in 1993. The character returned to the show in late 2004 when the Lassiter's complex caught fire and has remained a permanent cast member since. He was nicknamed Junior JR during the 1980s and 1990s for his resemblance to the "Dallas" character played by Larry Hagman.

History

Back story

Paul was born in 1963, the son of engineer Jim Robinson and his wife Anne. His sister Julie was born the year afterwards followed by brother Scott, half brother Glen and finally his beloved little sister Lucy Robinson in 1975. Anne died giving birth to Lucy, when Paul was only twelve. Paul's grandmother, Helen Daniels moved into the Robinson house and doted on all the kids. Paul was her self-confessed favourite.

1985–1993

As Jim Robinson's oldest child, Paul, to please his father, had followed his father's career and was studying engineering at university. During 1985 he grew rebellious and dropped out of the course against his father's wishes, in order to take a job as a flight attendant.

In 1985 Paul married Terry Inglis (Maxine Klibingaitis), apprentice to neighbour Max Ramsay (Francis Bell) in Max's plumbing business, but their happiness didn't last. Paul expected Terry to remain at home as an obedient housewife while Terry herself wanted to continue her career as plumber. Later Terry's criminal past came to light, and she ultimately shot Paul in their home, injuring him. Paul became embittered and when he was later given control of the Lassiter's complex by his Aunt Rosemary, he became a ruthless businessman. While in charge, Paul hired Gail Lewis, a former work colleague from the airline. They later married to enhance both their corporate images, despite not being in love. Later they fell in love for real.

After a few years their marriage collapsed due to Gail's emotional disturbance while pregnant with Paul's children (Cameron, Lucinda and Robert). After his divorce from Gail, Paul met and married Christina Alessi, then later had an affair with Christina's twin sister Caroline. Paul eventually left Ramsay Street in 1992 to run the Lassiter's hotel in Hawaii.

He returned in 1993 for Helen's birthday, but the celebration was ruined when he was forced to flee the country on fraud charges. Paul returned to Australia in 1997 after the death of Helen and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. In Helen's death credits he was shown in some pictures of him and Helen.

2004–

Return

He returned to Ramsay Street in the final episode of 2004, (after more than a ten year absence) watching Lassiter's Hotel burning down:

"The emergency services arrive. Lou directs the ambulance to Max. Karl wants Izzy out of danger but she doesn’t want to leave Max. The pub's one big flame ball by now. Max is put in the ambulance. Lou watches his livelihood go up in flames. Izzy pushes over to the ambulance to see Max, and Karl tries to comfort her. The pub roof caves in. Lou's distraught, Harold is very upset and Toadie is horrified, Karl and Izzy are upset. As the place burns, Paul Robinson joins the crowd. With no emotion on his face, there is a close-up shot of his face as he watches the whole place just burn."

It was later revealed Paul had started the blaze and had killed Gus Cleary in the fire. He exhibited some supposedly out-of-character behaviour compared to his much earlier stint; Paul later blamed these personality changes on his stay in prison. He met and befriended Dylan Timmins, taking him under his wing as a business partner. The two developed a father-son relationship over time. Paul plotted to destroy the marriage of David and Liljana Bishop. This entailed a scheme leading to the brief arrest of David on false fraud charges, and a short-lived affair with Liljana. After a deal with the developers Affirmacon fell through, Paul was chased off a cliff by their heavies. His leg was badly injured and Paul was informed that without amputation he would die. Paul stubbornly refused, but Dylan forged his signature in order to save his life. Rosemary and Lucy returned to Paul's side in the aftermath and supported him in his recovery.

Plane crash

For the anniversary of Lassiter's Complex in 2005, Paul organised a trip across Bass Strait to Launceston, Tasmania. The plane crashed and numerous popular characters such as Susan Kinski, Sky Mangel, Dylan Timmins, Connor O'Neill, Isabelle Hoyland, David, Liljana and Serena Bishop were lost at sea. Paul was the first survivor found. After no sight of Susan, Karl Kennedy (her then-ex-husband) lashed out at Paul telling him that he killed Susan and he would pay. Susan, Dylan, Sky, Isabelle and Connor were later turned up alive. David's body was found but Liljana and Serena's remains are yet to be found.

Paul later embarked on an ill-advised relationship with Izzy Hoyland, who tricked him into believing that she loved him so that she had a place to live. Izzy's plans then came under attack by the returning Lucinda (Elle) Robinson. The relationship with Izzy appeared to have come to an end in early November with Karl's revelation that Izzy phoned him a week before and declared he was her one true love. After the controversial plane crash, Paul decided to give Izzy another chance, knowing that she did not love him in return.

In the last episode of 2005, Paul was strangled by Harold Bishop (after Harold's loss of son, granddaughter and daughter-in-law in the plane crash). Although he survived with only minor injuries, he has sworn revenge on his unknown would-be murderer (Harold later confessed to Paul about what he did). Has since opened Lucinda's, a restaurant in the Lassiter's compound to try and ruin Harold’s business, as punishment for strangling him. He then received a threatening letter for which he blamed Harold, but was unaware that the mystery stalker was actually still at large. This mystery stalker has since been revealed as his long lost son, Robert.

Having briefly overtaken The General Store, following the opening of Lucinda's, which brought in a greater number of customers, he unwittingly handed it back after falling for a trick planted by Mishka Schneiderova and Lou Carpenter.

Paul vs. Robert

In 2006 he pretended to re-marry Gail in a fake ceremony to lure out his psychopathic son, Robert (who placed the bomb on the plane and trapped Paul in a mine). Robert came out in the open, shooting Paul in the chest but only minorly wounding him, as he was wearing a bulletproof vest provided by Senior Sergeant Allan Steiger. He shoved it back in Robert's face when he was arrested, as Robert had once again failed in killing his father.

June–December 2006

Paul's girlfriend Izzy has recently walked out on him, after realising he no longer loves her, however, Paul doesn't seem to care. Paul kisses Lyn Scully when she confronts him about her daughter Steph Hoyland's baby belt.

Paul convinces Elle to lie to Dylan (and, as it turns out, the rest of Ramsay Street) in order to "force" Dylan into staying with her. Elle tells Dylan that she has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, because she is frightened that she will "lose" him. This works, Dylan feels guilty and starts doting on Elle. When Dylan finds out that she has lied, he leaves her. Later Dylan comes to blame Paul and their relationship crumbles.

Paul's son, Cameron, gets hit by a car. He is in a coma for some time. He wakes up after Paul tells him if he wakes up, he'll change his "evil ways." Cameron makes Paul promise him he will change his ways. Paul begins seeing a counsellor. Cameron dies, and Paul becomes embittered.

Paul intends to shoot Max Hoyland (the man who accidentally hit Cameron). Max tells him this won't get his son back. Paul doesn't shoot Max, but frightens Lyn and Elle.

Paul has since embarked upon an uneasy relationship with Lyn Scully. When Lyn has to sell her house, Paul tells her that she and Oscar are welcome to move in with him, a first step in fulfilling his promise to Cameron. When their bond grows even stronger, Paul decides to sell 49% of Lassiter's to various companies so he can spend less time at the office. He does not realise that these are all dummy corporations for Loris Beaumont, mother-in-law of Janelle Timmins, who now owns 49% of Lassiter's, and is the equal of Paul.

Paul married Lyn Scully in the final week of 2006. Due to his obsession with a much younger woman, Paul left Lyn hours later. His daughter Elle Robinson found out and went to spend Christmas with her mother in Tasmania. On Christmas Day, Janelle Timmins made a toast that in the new year, Paul would see what was coming to him for what he did to Lynette. After finding that Sebastian Barnes had possession of 2% of Lassiter's (Paul had 49%, the Timminses also had 49%), Paul found out about his past and blackmailed him into using his 2% for whatever Paul wished. However, Sebastian eventually told Carmella his secret and ran off, meaning Paul was back to square one with the interference of the Timmins clan at his beloved Lassiter's.

January–April 2007

During a time of particular evil, Paul splits up his daughter Elle and her boyfriend Dylan so that he can have control over her. He also manipulates Ned into a position of great debt in a rigged game of poker and offers to pay the debt himself in exchange for Ned's "services", which include robbing the Timmins family and also Paul himself so that Paul can claim on the insurance for money he never lost.

Dylan later found out that Paul was responsible for dropping chemical waste into the wetlands through a company called Affirmacon, causing him to be treated for toxins in his body. He discovered that he could have passed it on to Kerry and confronted Paul about it. When Paul said he would give him money, Dylan lost control and punched him in the face.

After Stingray died from a complication in his surgery, Dylan went off the rails and kidnapped Paul, tying him up and gagging him with lots of duct tape. Later, when Paul woke up, he tried to get away from Dylan but Dylan continued to play a game of Cat and Mouse with Paul. Trying to scare him and eventually Dylan lost his mind and pushed Paul off a cliff. Paul grabbed onto a ledge, and Dylan eventually pulled him back to safety.

Paul's mistake

Realising that Oliver is the brother of Sebastian Barnes, Paul begins to dream of marrying Elle to him and uniting the two families corporate assets. He manipulates Elle into believing she loves oliver and then the pair devise a strategy to break up Oliver and Carmella. 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. The plan works and Oliver breaks up with Carmella, although the bomb goes off late and both Carmella and Oliver are very nearly killed. Elle begins to see that her father is going too far.

Ned decides to leave Erinsbrough and begs Elle to go with him. She laughs it off until Ned tells her that he split up her and Dylan on Paul's orders. This is the last straw for Elle who truly loved Dylan and can see that all Paul is interested in is the Barnes empire. She swears revenge and confesses everything to Oliver, except for her role in the bomb, and Oliver and Carmella reunite. However Elle tells them both that she has a plan and begs them to keep their relationship a secret.

Elle and Oliver soon go to Paul and tell him of their intention to marry. Seeing his plan move along perfectly, Paul begins to put his trust into Oliver like a son. After Elle is confident that enough ground work has been done, she presents to her father an ambitious idea for getting Lassiter's back from the Timmins clan. Janelle would never sell to Paul after what he did to Lyn, but if Paul were to sign his stock over to Oliver then he could be the one to buy from Janelle. After that Oliver could sign the full 98% over to Paul, along with the 2% owned by the Barnes clan. Naturally, Paul is not convinced, but after giving Elle the kind of masterclass in psychological analysis we expect from Paul just before the signing, he eventually completes the contracts and signs everything over to Oliver.

Paul decides that the wedding will be the suitable time to announce to Janelle that she had been conned. He begins to make his speech at Lassiter's in front of friends and family, but Elle cuts him off and reveals her true intention. The wedding is a sham and Oliver will not be signing Lassiter's back to Paul; it is going to Elle instead. She has done it because she believes that being rich is a cancer for Paul and that she is setting him free. Paul has lost everything as is thrown out of the house.

Fox

Infobox soap character
name = Fox
series = Neighbours
portrayer = Tim Phillipps
first = May 9, 2007
Episode 5208
last = May 29, 2007
Episode 5222
cause = Disappeared after Paul had his tumour removed
creator =



caption1 = Tim Phillipps as Fox


caption2 =


caption3 =
nickname =
alias =
gender = Male
born =
death =
age = Teens
occupation =
title =
residence =
color = Television colour|Neighbours
color text =
species = Imaginary beingPaul got a brain tumor, and started seeing things, like a homeless teenager called Fox, who didn't really exist. Paul met Fox while he was sitting outside the General Store. Fox mugged Paul of his lunch, and Paul chased after him. Paul begged Fox to give his food back, due to the fact that Paul was broke. Fox taunted Paul and disposed of the food himself. Paul continued to stay around Fox, and told Fox of his problems. Fox suggested that Paul gets revenge on Elle, as she was responsible for sending Paul to a breakdown. Paul and Fox returned to the Robinson house, and Fox smashed up the home, and then left, leaving Paul behind.

Fox later moved into Paul's apartment after Paul found him beaten up. Fox continued to look after Paul, however Paul turned him down when his head was in pain and required his medication. Fox harassed and taunted Paul and refused to let him leave the apartment. Paul later escaped while Fox was in another room. He walked as far as the car park when he had another attack, and he called for help from a passer-by. He is taken to the hospital, where he is told that he must have his brain tumour removed immediately, or die.

Paul returned to his apartment and decides to make amends with Elle. However, when she shows up, Fox lies to Paul, saying that he called Elle and she wants nothing to do with him. Paul tries to answer the door, but Fox holds Paul back. Paul and Fox start fighting, and Elle walks in. However, when Elle sees Paul, he is fighting thin air. Paul tries to tell Elle that Fox is fighting him, but Elle tries to tell him that there's no one there. Paul thinks that Fox and Elle are working together, but yet again Elle doesn't know what he's talking about. Paul was rushed into hospital to receive emergency treatment, unknown whether or not he would survive the operation, while Fox continued to taunt him. Fox was Paul Robinson's ego.

After the tumour

Elle feared for Paul's life, and blame for Paul's condition getting as bad as it did was put solely on fake doctor Charlotte Stone who was arrested at around the same time Paul went in for the operation. Paul came out of the operation about a week later and it was discovered that his memory has been wiped post-1989. He expected to see his father Jim and grandmother Helen Daniels but Elle had to break the news to him that they had both died several years before. Paul found it too difficult to believe that Elle was really his daughter and so asked her to call him Paul to her dismay. Elle then continued to lie to Paul about his past, in an attempt to protect him from his former evil self, which is speculated to have been caused by Paul's tumor. Paul, suspecting that Elle wasn't being entirely on the level with him, decided to call Gail behind Elle's back.

Gail soon returned to Ramsay Street to set things right. Elle managed at first to stop a determined Gail from telling Paul the truth of how he treated people, but then Paul overheard Elle and Gail talking about how Robert had hated Paul so much that he tried to kill Paul.

Meanwhile, Elle invited all of Ramsay Street to a welcoming home party for Paul, but begged them to keep quiet about his past in exchange for an apology from him to them. In hospital, Paul learnt that he hurt Pepper Steiger and apologised profusely, and was horrified to learn that he caused grief for Harold when Paul's own son Robert killed half of Harold's family (David being the only confirmed fatality) with a bomb meant for Paul, Elle and Izzy.

Paul apologised for what he caused and everyone was shocked at the genuine apology. Paul later forgave Elle and it was speculated, since the episode in which he and Gail share a kiss, that some kind of romance might be rekindled between Paul and Gail. However Gail decided to return to Tasmania, leaving Paul heartbroken.

Rebecca Napier

When Paul came across an old flame, Rebecca Napier (Jane Hall), whom he surprisingly remembered, she told him that Oliver Barnes (David Hoflin) was their child, conceived on a romantic weekend getaway. However, Oliver was dating Elle at the time. This caused much controversy, as this would have made Elle and Oliver half-siblings. They went as far as to get a blood test, and all were relieved when the test came back negative. However, Elle and Oliver could not forgive Rebecca, but Paul made them both see that Rebecca only said what she did as she was sure that they were siblings. Everyone has known Paul to be a sad lonely and deranged man but after the operation he stunned everyone by becoming a much more friendly and caring person.

Laura Davidson and Nick Thompson

When Paul attempted to threaten Richard Aaronow and warn him to stay away from Rebecca and Declan, he has a flashback to when he torched Lassiter's. The memory is too vague for him to realize that he started the fire. Later on, he realizes that he murdered Gus Cleary before starting the fire at the end of 2004. Elle tries to convince Paul that he was a lot of things but definitely not a murderer. However, Paul now knows he committed the murder and he confesses to the police. This latest revelation of Paul's past tears him and Rebecca apart. He then confesses his crime to Gus' sister Laura Davidson. Laura's boyfriend Nick talks Laura into making Paul pay for Gus' death and so they take advantage of Paul's wealth by staying at Lassiter's, since Laura leads Paul to believe that Nick is abusing her. Later on, Nick and Laura learn that Paul no longer owns Lassiter's and has no access to its account. However, they discover that Paul is closely associated with Rebecca Napier, the mother of Lassiter's owner and Barnes Corporation owner Oliver Barnes and younger sibling Declan Napier. They decide on kidnapping Declan to make Paul sweat and feel guilty and to get money out of Oliver. Luck plays into their hands when Declan goes on the run after being accused of the hit-and-run of Bridget Parker, since his car caused the accident. Nick invites Declan into their room at Lassiter's and then Laura and Nick phone Oliver, demanding $200,000 or Declan will pay with his life. However, Oliver doesn't know how he can get the money since his assets have been frozen in a dispute with Sebastian Barnes. Paul discovers that Nick and Laura are the kidnappers. The kidnappers escape with Declan in their car. When her conscience gets the better of her, Laura frees Declan and he runs into the bush. Nick, who is intent on getting the $200,000, wants to find Declan as he will give Declan up for the money. When Oliver finally gets the money and phones Nick, arranging to meet with no cops and no other interference, Nick and Laura agree to meet. Adam Rhodes and his partner Sophie follow Oliver and Rebecca, whilst keeping their presence unknown. Nick demands the money before he gives up Declan. However, Oliver demands to see Declan or no money will be paid. Nick calls Declan out of the car, however Rebecca realizes that it isn't Declan, but Laura, attempting to give the appearance of a guy under a hoodie. It is then that Oliver and Nick struggle over the bag of money and the police arrive. Nick and Laura are arrested and Sophie and Adam attempt to reason with Laura and try to get her to reveal where Declan is. She shows the police the spot where she last saw Declan but can't provide any further information to help with the search.

2008

Paul has since been given joint management of Lassiter's along with Oliver Barnes since Elle was forced to resign by Oliver's adoptive brother Sebastian Barnes. Paul has also managed to have a long lasting relationship with Rebecca Napier without cheating on her. Recently, with the wedding of Steph and Toadie coming up, it is revealed that Toadie invited Paul, knowing he is a changed man. However, Steph is determined that Paul should not come since her mother Lyn Scully, whom Paul hurt on the day they got married, will be there and it would be an awkward situation even though Paul has changed for the good. Rebecca and Paul discuss his past infidelity and he reveals that he threatened Elle's boss Brad Jordan in order for her to be fired and he enjoyed it. He explains that for a while since his operation he hasn't known himself but he's finally starting to know himself.

Paul's loyalty to Rebecca is at the moment questionable since he had a brief fling with Kirsten Gannon. Kirsten then blackmailed Paul and to avoid the truth getting out, Paul decided to meet Kirsten's demands of a top job at Lassiter's. Kirsten is determined to prove herself. However, Elle has started to suspect that something is going on between Paul and Kirsten since she notices that one minute he is giving her a top job without giving a second thought and the next minute he is giving her a hard time. Paul tries to convince Elle that he is just trying to give Kirsten a bit of a push into working hard and making a real career at Lassiter's. Due to Rebecca paying less attention to Paul and more attention to her job, Paul will be pushed back into the arms of Kirsten. At this point in time, it seems that a trace of the old villainous and more interesting Paul Robinson is coming back, perhaps suggesting that a small part of the brain tumor was not removed and is growing again.

Lyn Scully is due to return briefly and one of the first scenes with her return is when she talks to a changed Paul Robinson. Paul will propose to Rebecca out of guilt after his affair with Kirsten and she says yes but while sorting out Rebecca's mail he realises he has a blackmailer that was trying to send pictures of he and Kirsten to Rebecca. It was later Reveled that the blackmailer is his ex-wife Lyn Scully, and even so Rebecca has not found out. However, Susan told Rebecca and she left him straight away.

Since then, Paul was briefly believed to have started a bushfire that killed Marco Silvani. He was behaving as though he was guilty despite having saved Karl and Susan from the fire. He then revealed the truth of his guilt to Toadie when he took on Paul's case - that he saw Kirsten lying on the ground, hurt and instead of going to help her, he left her and drove to safety, saving Karl and Susan in the process. He claimed that he thought Kirsten was dead and that he was so scared that he acted like a coward and ran.

He finally confessed to Rebecca when she asked him, he expected her to treat him like a coward. However, she told him that he did what any human did - he ran to save himself - as a natural human instinct. However, Paul realizes that saving Karl and Susan isnt enough to get back in Rebecca's good books, although she does start treating him better.

He eventually reveals his secret to Kirsten who is not angry but instead drifts closer to her former lover. Paul took over the Erinsborough News from Brad Jordan and became determined to find the real arsonist that murdered Marco and badly hurt Kirsten. He believed Callum was the firebug after a lighter had been found in his clothing and his playhouse had been burnt down - an act committed by Jay Duncan to cover his tracks.

Paul eventually started to realize that Jay was behind the fires and found old articles about how he saved several different women and their children. Paul and Elle realized that the women all looked alike and shared similarities with Steph and the children were similar to Charlie. Since Jay and Steph were seeing each other, they realized that Jay was going to hurt Steph and Charlie and then pretend to save their lives.

Toadie and Nicola also moved in on Jay and his terrible secret and eventually discovered that he was behind the fire. They attempted to convince Steph of the truth, but it wasn't until Steph saw an article about Jay that Nicola left in the car that she realized Jay's intentions. When he hid her car keys and slashed the tyres on her car and started to act strange, she had to get her and Charlie away. However, he became more violent and angry and made things worse for Steph. Toadie and Nicola tracked down Jay and Steph and Jay fled.

Steph was shaken up and insisted that Toadie stay the night with her. Throughout the night, Callum wandered into the kitchen and discovered Jay talking to Charlie. Callum moved Charlie away before pushing Jay over. He alerted Toadie of Jay's presence, but Toadie wasn't sure if Callum was telling the truth since the police had claimed that Jay had bought a ticket to Sydney and the police had boarded the train at Albury, Wodonga. However, Jay was in the house and in a struggle with Toadie, Steph was stabbed.

Afterwards, Steph was rushed to hospital. Not far behind was Jay. Carmella, with Paul's help, entered Jay's room to confront Marco's killer. However, by this stage, Jay was a pathetic emotional mess.