Elly Conway

Elly Conway
Neighbours character
Jodi Gordon as Elly Conway (2019)
Portrayed byKendell Nunn (2001–2002)
Jodi Gordon (2016–2023)
Duration2001–2002, 2016–2020, 2022–2023
First appearance13 December 2001 (2001-12-13)
Last appearance28 December 2023 (2023-12-28)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byStanley Walsh (2001)
Jason Herbison (2016)
In-universe information
Other namesElly Brennan
Occupation
  • Student
  • English teacher
  • Assistant principal
FatherIan Conway
MotherLiz Conway
Half-sistersBeatrix Nilsson
HusbandMark Brennan (2019)
WifeChloe Brennan (2023–)
DaughtersAster Conway
AuntsSusan Kennedy
Carmel Tyler
First cousins
Other relativesBen Kirk
Jackson Kennedy
Susannah Kennedy

Eleanor "Elly" Conway (also Brennan) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jodi Gordon. She was originally played by Kendell Nunn from her first appearance on 13 December 2001, until her departure in May 2002. Neighbours marked Nunn's first television role. The character was introduced as Susan Kennedy's (Jackie Woodburne) teenage niece, giving her instant connections within the show. Nunn said Elly had "a lot of attitude", while she was also billed as being rebellious and spirited. Elly did not like living in Ramsay Street, but she eventually befriends her neighbour Michelle Scully (Kate Keltie). A notable storyline for the character focused on her relationship with her estranged father Ian Conway (Peter Maver). When she gets in contact with Ian, he leads her to believe that Susan's husband Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) is actually her real father.

The character was reintroduced on 18 July 2016, with Gordon taking over the role. She was initially contracted for three years and chose not to relocate to Melbourne, where the show is filmed, as her family is based in Sydney. Gordon explained that since Elly's last appearance, she had trained as an English teacher. Elly is now portrayed as a feisty, unpredictable "free spirit". Gordon also said she used her outgoing persona to hide her insecurities. The character's early storylines saw her clash with her student Piper Willis (Mavournee Hazel) and later Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner) when she flirted with Steph's partner Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor). Later storylines saw Elly miscarry after being bitten by a venomous snake, and establish an on-off relationship with Ned Willis (Ben Hall). Elly's housemate Angus Beaumont-Hannay (Jai Waetford) develops an obsessive crush on her and takes advantage of her twice, which almost causes her to lose her job and home. Producers introduced Elly's former boyfriend Finn Kelly (Rob Mills) in March 2017, which led to further exploration of her background. In January 2020, Gordon announced that she would be leaving Neighbours. She filmed her exit scenes in April and Elly made her final appearance on 10 July 2020. Gordon reprised her role for the show's finale episodes in 2022, and returned again in November 2023. On 28 December 2023 Gordon left the show again after Elly's marriage to Chloe Brennan.