Angus Henderson

Infobox soap character
colour =Television colour|Neighbours
name = Angus Henderson
series = Neighbours


first = 19 November 2007
last = 15 August 2008
cause = Leaving for a job in Adelade.
nickname = Hendo
alias =
species =
gender = Male
age = 22
born =
death =
occupation = | title =
family =
romances = Rachel Kinski
children =
relatives =
episode =
portrayer = Jonathan Wood
creator =

Angus Henderson is a fictional character on the Network Ten soap opera "Neighbours", portrayed by actor Jonathan Wood.

Character's background

Angus met Rachel Kinski (Caitlin Stasey) at the local swimming pool when he debuted on "Neighbours". They were instantly attracted to each other, and he later gave Rachel his phone number, when they "bumped" into each other at Charlie's. Later, they went out together, to a gig sharing a kiss there. The next day Angus went to Erinsborough High to fill in for Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) as a teacher, but he was shocked to discover Rachel was his student. He treated her harshly throughout the day, and was very changeable towards her throughout his time a temporary teacher, as he struggled with his emotions for her. Rachel wanted their relationship to continue, but Angus refused.

Their relationship was later discovered by Jessica Wallace (Heidi Valkenburg), who threatened to go public. After the end of term, Jessica and several other students attended an illegal dance party at a warehouse, but the warehouse collapsed, trapping many people including Jessica and Rachel's brother Zeke (Matthew Werkmeister). Jessica was killed, and Rachel and Angus's affair remained a secret. Rachel meanwhile had left the party early and went to Angus' flat. She insisted there was no reason why they should not be together and kissed him. Angus immediately relented, and they spent the night together.

Once term started, Angus returned to Erinsborugh as a permanent teacher, and did not end his relationship with Rachel. However, Angus came under investigation when Dan Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker) caught Bridget (Eloise Mignon) at Angus' house attempting to warn Rachel of Mr. Fitzgerald's impending arrival. Eventually, Bridget lied and said she had a crush on Angus. However, Declan (James Sorensen) soon realised that Bridget was merely covering for Rachel, and announced as much to Mr. Fitzgerald and the rest of Erinsborough High. Mr. Fitzgerald then started an investigation into Rachel and Angus.

While interviewing her, Mr. Fitzgerald fooled Rachel into admitting to the relationship, by lying Angus had described her as immature. After the interview Rachel met Angus in the corridor and began shouting at him, admitting to the friends and family there that they had had a relationship. Angus then told Rachel that he hadn't said anything to Mr. Fitzgerald.

Angus was promptly arrested and bailed by police, and there was a court order restricting his movements. Between this and the resulting trial, their relationship caused much controversy in the Erinsborough community, making headlines in the local newspaper and causing heated debate amongst neighbours. Rachel has struggled to cope with this intrusion into her life, and her relationship with friends and family has been very strained. However, she is slowly rebuilding these relationships.

Angus was out of Neighbours for much of the time he was on bail, but he did visit Erinsborough High briefly. Rachel ran into him there, however she was quickly led away by Steve and Miranda Parker. During the trial, Rachel made a Victim Impact Statement, which she initially refused to write as she didn't consider herself a victim. In it, she said that she couldn't understand how her feelings for Angus could be wrong, and that in another time and place their relationship would've been supported. However she admitted that their relationship was wrong, though they shared the responsibility of that wrong. She also apologised to her friends and family for the hurt they had caused them.

When summing up the case, the judge stated that Angus took full responsibility, and that he admitted his loss of judgement. However, she also stated that his breach of trust was a betrayal of his honour, his profession, his students and the community, and thus sentenced him to six months in prison. Outside court Rachel and Angus met again while he was being led away, and he managed to secretly pass her a note. Later Rachel opened the note, and found inside it a silver ring and a photo of them. On the back he had written: "Only love matters. Forever yours, A."

A "behind the scenes" video on the Neighbours website showed Jonathan Wood on the Neighbours set, and the show then confirmed that Angus would be returning to Erinsborough once he as released from jail.

Whilst in prison, Angus wrote letters to Rachel in which he reaffirmed his feelings for her. He was visited in prison by both Rachel and Susan. During this meeting, Susan gave her permission for the relationship to continue upon Angus' release from prison, on the agreement that if the relationship ended up hurting Rachel, he will leave and never come back. The relationship resumes the moment Angus returns to Erinsborough, despite objection from elements of the Erinsborough community and Rachel's siblings and friends.

Angus moves into a small flat in the neighbourhood and Rachel son decides to move in with him, despite objections from Susan and Karl. It is clear they are not the only ones opposed to their relationship when Angus' flat is vandalised and a brick is thrown through the window, cutting Rachel's leg. They also receive bad press in the Erinsborough Newspaper. Believing Rachel's safety is threatened by him, Angus leaves temporarily, only to return to Rachel and apologize during Declan Napier's party. Upon discovering that no one will employ him due to his criminal record, Angus encourages Rachel to do an interview with the paper as a way for them to stay afloat financially. She does an interview with Elle Robinson, but her words are twisted by Paul Robinson and the resulting article is not flattering.

During parent teacher interviews, Rachel is accused by her teacher, Daniel Fitzgerald, of plagiarizing an essay, believing that she had Angus write it for her. Susan is quick to agree with this and Angus and Rachel are hounded by photographers on their way out of the school. When the pictures are published the next day, Angus realizes that the community will never accept him and accepts a job in Adelaide. While Rachel initially agrees to go with him, she later changes her mind. Angus returns her to Susan's house, and drives away.