Previously on Neighbours
- Colton, Terese and Susan discuss a possible buy- in by the Sunset Group to Eirini Rising
- Colton later confirms that the Sunset Group is willing to invest in Eirini
- Colton will be joining the Eirini team as Sunset's representative; Susan and Terese are thrilled
- Max invites Colton to come and see the No 32 spare room with a view to him renting it
- Krista tells Holly about how much bigger her workload is since ousting Paul as co- manager
- Holly tells Max it would be best if they have a clean break rather than trying to remain friends
- Holly and Andrew continue their affair with a motel hookup
- Sadie is convinced there's something wrong with Holly as she is distancing herself
- Later, Sadie's shocked and hurt when Holly suggests they stay out of each other's lives
No 26
Sadie is telling Max and Taye about Holly deciding she doesn't want to be friends with her anymore because of Holly's split with Max - Sadie simply doesn't understand it. Taye tries to cheer them up with the thought of Colton moving in at No 32, but this doesn't make Sadie and Max look any less glum! We learn they're headed to the beach for the day, so Taye suggests they put what's happened with Holly to one side and enjoy it.
Neither Max nor Sadie look especially enthused, but they nonetheless follow Taye out of the house.
Melbourne Museum
Colton is sitting on a bench in a paved area, when a man in a suit turns up with luggage. They hug, and the stranger apologises for having taken so long to get here from the airport.
COLTON: Are you back home here from a trip?
MAN: Uh, technically, no. I don't live in Melbourne yet, but I'm hoping to very soon. Actually, I have a job interview this morning.
COLTON: Oh. Well, I hope you get it. Melbourne's great.
MAN: So I've heard. I was born here, actually.
COLTON: Born in the south, but lives in the north? You should've put that in your profile.
It seems they're on a first date (weird time for it, in a morning before a job interview!) and they quickly get onto complimenting one another on their looks. The man seems very confident he'll get the job, and Colton teases him about his 'crushing lack of confidence'.
Lassiter's Hotel
Krista is in her office when Leo comes in with coffee and pastries, clearly keen to spend some time with Krista. But she's a bit too embroiled in work to notice, and asks him to leave them on her desk, before rebuffing his advances as she doesn't have time for distractions! Leo sulks that he's noticed - it's the third time this week that she's left the penthouse before he'd even woken up.
Krista apologises and says she knows it's a big adjustment while she's getting to grips with the new work responsibilities, but adds that she's 'loving it'. She promises she'll make it up to him, but Leo continues his seduction attempt - unsuccessfully, as Krista has a meeting to prepare for.
LEO: Ugh, boring.
KRISTA: Hey, I am interviewing a potential new 2IC. So the sooner I can get somebody in here to help, the sooner I can tear myself away from the office.
LEO: Okay, well, in that case, I'll leave you to it.
KRISTA: Thought you might see it that way!
Leo announces he's going to catch up with Colton and see how he's settling in. Krista asks him to send her regards, and suggests they all grab a drink sometime soon. Leo then tries to convince Krista to keep herself free for a nice dinner this evening. She agrees, saying she'll hopefully have someone to share her workload with by then.
The Beach
Max, Sadie and Taye are sitting on the beach. Max and Sadie are still looking peeved, and Taye laughs.
TAYE: Is this a competition? Like, who can be the most dejected person at the beach?
Sadie moans again about Holly full- on rejecting her, and Max glumly says he knows the feeling. Taye tells them the topic of Holly is off- limits while they are here.
A ball rolls over from some folk playing beach volleyball, and a woman comes to collect it, apologising. She quickly gets to flirting with Max, who either thinks she's hitting on him or hopes she will if he accuses her of it. They seem very attracted to one another, and when Max starts telling her about volleyball technique, the woman invites him to prove his credentials by joining the game. He agrees. Sadie looks excited for Max.
Melbourne Museum
Colton and the stranger continue their weird morning date in the museum forecourt. Colton is moaning about his new housemates (Max and Taye) being messy. He admits to the stranger that he's new to Melbourne too, and originally from Queensland. Colton explains about the 'love triangle situation' (with Aaron and Rhett) and that he was the one who lost out. But he stayed in town for a new job opportunity.
MAN: Your profile says you work in aged care.
COLTON: Yeah. I love it.
MAN: I've got some family in the same business.
COLTON: Yeah? Another thing we have in common.
The newcomer has to leave in order to make his interview in time.
COLTON: Can I see you again?
MAN: Absolutely.
He kisses Colton on the lips, before rushing off with his cases. Colton looks pleased.
The Beach
Max and his new friend, Jayda, are playing beach volleyball and beating their opponents. They continue to flirt with one another while Sadie and Taye watch from their spot nearby. They are both surprised by how quickly Max forgot about Holly when Jayda came over. They agree that it's good to see Max happy.
SADIE: Do you know what time it is in Paris?
TAYE: No. Why?
SADIE: Oh, it's just, I think I need some advice from Mack. Her and Holly had this love triangle sitch with Haz, and they managed to stay friends.
TAYE: And you're wanting to rehash that, why?
SADIE: Well, it's just, that was way messier than me being in the middle of Holly and Max. I just think she can help me figure out how to handle it.
The moment Sadie has finished texting Mackenzie, Taye grabs her phone off her and announces that they are joining the volleyball game. Sadie objects that she's not in the mood, but Taye isn't taking no for an answer.
Harold's Café
Krista is looking at her tablet while having a coffee. Terese appears behind her and notices what she's looking at.
TERESE: You know, you won't find anyone better for the job.
KRISTA (laughs): Can I make up my own mind about that?
TERESE: Hmm. Proven track record for the company - check. Family connections for a family- run business - check. And, uh, smart, keen and ambitious - check, check, check.
KRISTA: It's a very impressive CV, I will admit.
TERESE: Speak of the devil - come here, you!
The candidate in question has walked through the door, and Terese greets him with a hug - it's Colton's date from the museum.
MAN: Hey, Auntie T.
TERESE: Hello! Krista, can I introduce you to my amazingly brilliant, talented nephew, Zac Willis?
Zac shakes Krista's hand. Shortly afterwards, Krista goes off to her office to prepare for the interview, leaving Zac and Terese to talk. Terese wants to know why Zac is staying at the hotel and not with her. Zac says he didn't want to impose, but Terese tells him not to be silly, he's family. She invites him over this afternoon to take a look at the place.
TERESE: How's Gaby? Was she okay with you leaving Lassiter's Darwin?
ZAC: She knows I need to spread my wings.
TERESE: You know, you've given up a good position.
ZAC: It was time to move on. And Roxy talked this place up, so I thought, why not?
TERESE: Well, I can only imagine what your cousin's said.
ZAC: All good when it comes to you.
TERESE: So, hang on - you've quit and you've come here with no job?
ZAC: I'm taking a risk. Anyway, what about you? Whatever happened to that Blowfish guy?
TERESE: ... Well, that's way too long a story for the time we have.
ZAC: Sometimes it's best not to go there.
TERESE: Yeah, exactly. Moving onwards and upwards.
Terese tells Zac to make her proud in the interview, and he heads off for it.
Penthouse
Colton and Leo are catching up over a coffee. Leo tells Colton about Krista's proposal that they all go for a drink, and Colton tells Leo he's free tonight. Leo says yes, but only if it's before dinner, explaining about his plan to take Krista to Lanzini's! He's palming Abigail off on someone for a sleepover, and Colton gets the gist that Leo's hoping for an early night with Krista.
LEO: TMI?
COLTON: No, not at all, man. I don't think you should apologise for being happy. More of it, I say.
LEO: Yeah. And how about you? Are you feeling ready to get back out there?
Leo correctly guesses from Colton's reaction that he already has. But Colton gets all shy and doesn't want to talk about it - he's scared he'll jinx what happened this morning, but he hopes there's something in it.
Lassiter's Hotel
Krista is interviewing Zac, who explains how he 'basically grew up in Lassiter's' in Darwin - he'd go there after school and follow his mum Gaby (the sister of Terese's ex- husband Brad) around the place, learning from a housekeeper how to fold bed linen when he was seven (!) Krista is impressed with his CV to date - he worked across all the various departments before entering the management team.
Zac butters Krista up further by congratulating her on winning the Bronze Bell award and praising the jewellery expo.
KRISTA: Somebody's done their homework.
ZAC: I want this job. Of course I have.
Krista looks impressed.
The Beach
Max, Jayda, Sadie and Taye are now playing volleyball together. It gets competitive between Max and Taye, but eventually Max and Jayda win. Sadie goes to check her phone and has had a reply from Mackenzie.
SADIE: Okay, this is not good (...) Mack said that Holly's not returning any of her calls or messages either. Does this mean she's ghosting all of us?
Lassiter's Hotel
As the interview continues, Krista asks Zac if there's anything he wants to ask her. He makes it clear he doesn't want to be a 'nepo baby' and get the job off the back of his family connection with Terese; he wants the job only if it's on merit. Krista tells him that he's safely managed that - she wants to offer him the position, saying he's 'more than qualified' to be assistant manager. He's thrilled, and they shake on it.
The Waterhole
Colton, Leo and Krista are having drinks and toast to Colton's return to Erinsborough, and Krista finding an assistant manager. Leo lets slip to Krista that there might be someone new in Colton's life but that he's not giving much away about it. Zac walks in and heads to the bar; Krista tells them that's her new assistant manager, and Colton's surprised to see Zac again.
Krista introduces them but Colton says they've already met, and Zac looks a little awkward to have run into Colton here. Colton says he's new to the neighbourhood just like Zac. As Krista and Leo rush off to Lanzini's for dinner, Colton asks Zac if he has time to grab a drink. Zac looks awkward again and says he can't, as he's visiting family tonight. Colton suggests rescheduling for sometime soon; Zac says he'd like that.
The Beach
Max and Jayda are sitting on a wall eating ice- creams. They continue to flirt. Nearby, Sadie is still moaning to Taye about having lost her 'bestie' Holly.
TAYE: Who cares. I'll be your bestie.
He says he'll take it as a win if he only managed to cheer Max up today, but Sadie looks happier once he starts putting snacks in her mouth.
Back on the wall, Jayda makes an attempt to kiss Max, but at this point he backs off, saying he's sorry but he can't.
JAYDA: Am I being too full- on?
MAX: No, no - not at all. Umm...
JAYDA: Okay, don't tell me - you have a girlfriend?
MAX: No, but, umm... I did, and I... I'm still not over her. I wish I could be, honestly, with you here. I wish that so much.
JAYDA: That sounds rough.
MAX: Yeah. Yeah, it is.
JAYDA: Look, whoever this girl is - I hate her.
MAX (laughs): Yeah, I wish I could, too.
Jayda looks disappointed as they stare out to sea.
No 22
Zac comes in and announces to 'Auntie T' that he got the job. Terese is thrilled, and gives him a hug.
ZAC: Krista says you gave me a pretty good rap.
TERESE: Well, I told the truth. Nothing more, nothing less. But I can be very persuasive when I want to be. Now, on that note, surely this place is nicer than a hotel room.
ZAC: Are you asking me to criticise my place of work?
TERESE: Yeah, and, uh... full disclosure. Paul's daughter Elle is staying here at the moment, and, uh... there's been some issues.
ZAC: Sounds juicy.
TERESE: Yeah. Even more reason why I need a Willis with me, to back me up.
Terese says Paul will be fine with Zac staying, and he's not back for a few weeks anyway.
ZAC: You know, when I was a kid, I remember you used to make the best chocolate- chip pancakes.
TERESE: Oh... well, umm, I'll fill you in on a little secret. They were pre- made from the supermarket. So I'll give you as many as you want.
At this offer, Zac decides to move in straight away!
At this point, a phone begins to ring. Both of theirs are on the table, but it transpires that the ringing is coming from Zac's second phone, which is in his pocket. Zac looks a bit shifty, and Terese asks why he has two - he silences the phone, and claims it's his old Lassiter's phone which he forgot to return. He heads off to the hotel to collect his things.
TERESE: I'll order some takeaway to celebrate!
Ramsay Street
As Zac leaves the house, his second phone rings again. He rejects the call a second time... and is then surprised to see Colton taking out the bins across the road. Colton smiles and walks over.
COLTON: This is so weird. Three times in a day?
ZAC: What are you doing here?
COLTON: This is my place. I just moved in.
ZAC: I was just visiting my aunt.
COLTON: Terese?
ZAC: You know her?
COLTON: We're colleagues. The company I work for just went into partnership with Eirini Rising... This is the rello that works in aged care? (...) If I didn't believe in fate, I do now.
Colton seems pleased by the coincidence - but Zac doesn't look so happy.
COLTON: I, umm... I have the place to myself for a while, if you want to come in for a swim?
ZAC: No, I can't.
COLTON: Okay. Let's do that drink sometime.
ZAC: Look, it was really nice to meet you this morning, but... I don't think there was a spark. At least not for me. I think it's... best just to be honest.
Colton looks disappointed as Zac walks away.
Harold's Café
Max is looking sad as he sits on a sofa on his own. Sadie comes in and sits next to him. He apologises for leaving the beach suddenly.
MAX: I just really hate where I'm at right now.
SADIE: Well, it's not like there's a switch you can flick. Even if a super hot girl basically just falls into your lap.
MAX: It's just so frustrating having so many questions. Like, if I don't get it, how am I supposed to get past it?
SADIE: It's hard accepting something that makes no sense (...) We'll get through it, though. Together.
MAX: Maybe with less of those face masks next time?
SADIE: You're saying that you didn't enjoy having avocado porridge on your face?
They laugh.
Lassiter's Lake
Night has fallen, and Zac is walking by the lake when he gets a message on his second phone - the secret one he keeps in his pocket. He glances around furtively before taking a look. It's from 'Anton', asking, 'Did you leave Darwin? What are we going to do without you?'
Zac throws the second phone into the lake, then looks around again, before walking away.
There's a change to the closing credits today, as Zac Willis (Alex Kaan) is immediately added to the main cast list.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Karl shows Susan another article by 'Elle Muck- Raking Robinson' about corruption at the council
- Elle tells Cara and Greg that she's uncovered some new information in relation to 'Jonesy'
- But Cara dismissively replies that she's not interested in Elle's discoveries
- Cara tells Nicolette that Greg shuts her down every time she asks about his life; Nic says she'll get there
- Krista tells Zac that HR has sent his photo through for the website; worried, he says it needs to come down
