Vanessa Villante

Vanessa Villante
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Alin Sumarwata
Duration	2012–2013, 2015, 2019
First appearance	14 March 2012 (2012-03-14)
Last appearance	11 March 2019 (2019-03-11)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Susan Bower (2012) Jason Herbison (2015)
In-universe information Occupation Chef and waitress Father Tony Villante[1] Mother Francesca Villante Husband Alek Pocoli (until 2013)[2] Lucas Fitzgerald[3] Children 3 Sons Patrick Villante Daughters Sebastiana

Vanessa Villante is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Alin Sumarwata. The actress's casting was announced on 5 December 2011, though she began filming the week before. Sumarwata and her family relocated to Melbourne and purposely moved near to the studio, so she could manage work and be close to her daughter. The actress stated that she was excited about the role, while the show's executive producer Richard Jasek commented "She's a wonderful actor and we think her character has so many exciting possibilities for us." Sumarwata made her debut screen appearance as Vanessa during the episode broadcast on 14 March 2012.

Before her arrival on screen, Vanessa was described as someone who embraces life to the full. She is Italian and a professional chef. A TV Week writer called Vanessa "volatile", while an Inside Soap columnist said was "fiercely independent". Sumarwata described her character as being someone who wears their heart on their sleeve. The actress stated that Vanessa's background would be explored in the future, adding a new dimension to the character. Vanessa's early storylines focused on a one-night stand with Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major), which resulted in pregnancy. Sumarwata thought the storyline was a great way to get viewers talking about the character.

Producers soon established a relationship between Vanessa and Rhys Lawson (Ben Barber). The character's mother was also introduced, leading to a sham wedding storyline. Vanessa gives birth to a son and reunites with Lucas. In August 2013, it was revealed that Sumarwata had been written out, and she departed alongside Major on 24 September, as their characters' moved to the countryside. Sumarwata has reprised her role for various guest returns with Major. They returned for the show's 30th anniversary celebrations on 4 March 2015. She then appeared in additional episodes and departed the show on 16 November 2015. Sumarwata made a one episode appearance as Vanessa on 11 March 2019.