Libby Kennedy

Libby Kennedy
Neighbours character
Kym Valentine as Libby Kennedy (2009)
Portrayed by	Kym Valentine Michala Banas (2008)
Duration	1994–2005, 2007–2011, 2014, 2022
First appearance	3 October 1994 (1994-10-03)
Last appearance	28 July 2022 (2022-07-28)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Ian Bradley (1994) Ric Pellizzeri (2007) Jason Herbison (2014)
Book appearances	Facing Tomorrow
In-universe information Occupation Student Newsagency assistant Journalist Barmaid Waitress Carpenter's Mechanics owner Teacher Family Kennedy Father Karl Kennedy Mother Susan Kennedy Brothers Malcolm Kennedy Billy Kennedy Half-sisters Holly Hoyland Husband Drew Kirk (2001–2002) Daniel Fitzgerald (2009–2010) Sons Ben Kirk Grandfathers Ronald Davies-Smythe Tom Kennedy (adoptive) Grandmothers Molly Kennedy Grace Smith Aunts Liz Conway Carmel Tyler Jemima Davies-Smythe Nephews Jackson Kennedy Nieces Susannah Kennedy First cousins Darcy Tyler Elly Conway Bea Nilsson Trudy Callhoun Other relatives Aster Conway Jasper Callhoun

Libby Kennedy (also Kennedy-Fitzgerald) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kym Valentine. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 October 1994. Valentine auditioned for the role when she was 15, and upon being cast as Libby, she relocated from Sydney to Melbourne, where the show is filmed. Libby was introduced along with her parents and brothers during a period of low ratings for the show. Valentine departed on 2 October 2003, before returning for six months the following year and a single episode on 27 July 2005. She returned on a permanent basis on 12 November 2007.

Libby's storylines have included being involved in a motorbike accident, the loss of her husband Drew Kirk, giving birth to Ben Kirk, marrying Daniel Fitzgerald and subsequently separating from him. In 2008, Valentine was forced to take sick leave for one month and executive producer, Susan Bower, made the decision to temporarily recast McLeod's Daughters actress Michala Banas in the role for a month. Valentine temporarily left Neighbours in 2010 due to ill health and, after returning to filming briefly, took indefinite leave the following year. Valentine's contract with the series lapsed later in 2011, with Libby having not appeared on-screen since 26 May. Valentine reprised the role for a three-week guest appearance in June 2014, and for the show's then final episode on 28 July 2022.