Matt Robinson (Neighbours)

Matt Robinson
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Ashley Paske
Duration	1989–1991
First appearance	22 May 1989
Last appearance	19 March 1991
Classification	Former; regular
Created by	Ray Kolle[1]
Introduced by	Don Battye
In-universe information Other names Matt Williams (adoptive name)[2] Occupation Student Mechanic Barman Family Robinson Father Barry Dwyer Mother Hilary Robinson Adoptive mother Margaret Williams Other relatives Jim Robinson Paul Robinson Scott Robinson Glen Donnelly Lucy Robinson

Matthew "Matt" Robinson (also Williams) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ashley Paske. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 22 May 1989. Paske secured the role after Neighbours' broadcaster, Network Ten wanted him to remain on their network after they cancelled the show Richmond Hill, which he had appeared in. Matt was introduced during a time Neighbours producers were creating new characters to rejuvenate the show. Matt was created by a team of several writers headed by Ray Kolle. They wanted to include a teenager unlike the others previously portrayed in the show. Producers also needed to fill the void met with the departure of popular character Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan), with Matt debuting a couple episodes after Scott departed. Kolle branded Matt a "cool" yet "remote" character who is "disinclined to be involved" with others. They also created a backstory in which he is revealed to be the long lost son of Hilary Robinson (Anne Scott-Pendlebury). Writers implemented a dyslexia story for Matt and they used this to create further issues between Matt and Hilary.

Paske has described that character as "dry", "dull" and "ordinary" in various media interviews. Matt's relationship stories have featured Lee Maloney (Maree Ackehurst) and Gemma Ramsay (Beth Buchanan). While paired with Gemma, writers added in a motorcycle crash stunt, which resulted in Gemma nearly having her leg amputated. Paske later left the series and Matt's exit story saw him moving back to Adelaide. He last appeared during episode broadcast on 19 March 1991.