Riley Parker

Riley Parker
Sweeney Young as Riley Parker (2008)
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Sweeney Young
Duration	2007–08
First appearance	17 August 2007
Last appearance	23 May 2008
Introduced by	Ric Pellizzeri
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Occupation	Journalist
Mother Joanna Hale Adoptive father Steve Parker Adoptive mother Miranda Parker Sisters Bridget Parker Half-sisters Josie Hale Cara Hale Grandfathers Jim Parker Grandmothers Kitty Parker Yvonne West Uncles Stuart Parker Ned Parker Aunts Nicola West Nieces India Napier First cousins Mickey Gannon

Riley Parker (né Hale) is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Sweeney Young. He made his first on-screen appearance on 17 August 2007. He was involved in various storylines most notably an incest plot. The character was axed in 2008 and departed on 23 May 2008.

In 2007 Neighbours suffered one of its worst decline in ratings and several key changes took place, including the introduction of a new family.Network Ten drama executive Dan Bennett revealed that the show would return to the focus on relationships and family dynamics Several regular characters left the show to make way for the Parker family. Australian drama actress, Nikki Coghill was cast as matriarch of the family, Miranda Parker and Steve Bastoni was cast as her husband Steve Parker.Eloise Mignon was also cast as sister Bridget Parker. Sweeney Young received the part of Riley. Young revealed he auditioned alone for throughout the audition process, whereas Mignon and Coghill both auditioned together in later stages through screen tests. The Parker family made their first appearance on-screen in July 2007, marking the start of the show's renovation.

In 2008 Riley was axed from the soap opera, in which Young stated: "I’m incredibly excited, I can’t wait to take all the stuff I’ve learnt at Neighbours and apply it to other productions."

Riley is mysterious and has a dark past. During an interview with entertainment website Last Broadcast Young described Riley stating: "He’s a little dark, but a good guy. He has a bit of trouble expressing himself, particularly where his parents and his past are concerned, but at the same time he’s very genuine." Riley's adoption has affected his persona, of this during a separate interview with Last Broadcast, Young said: “The problem is, he feels sensitive about being given up for adoption because it‘s like a rejection to him. He’s also insecure about his adoptive parents and feels unsure about whether they really love him.” Riley also had a distinguished laugh which was created by Young. Young's unshaven look was also a concept incorporated into Riley's appearance, with Young stating he auditioned with long hair and a noticeable beard, subsequently producers liked his appearance, thus using it for the Riley. Producers also incorporated a hair cut, in which saw Young reduce his hair length, to complement his character. Of the producer's control over Young's appearance, he was asked if he would change his hair after filming his final scenes, he stated: "I want Definitely shorter hair, long hair is annoying. As soon as work permits I’m going to cut my hair really short."