Declan Napier is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by James Sorensen from 2007 to 2010, and Erin Mullally from 2010 to 2011.

In January 2010 it was announced that Sorensen had quit the role of Declan and the decision to recast was taken, with Mullally making his first on-screen appearance on 3 May 2010.

He has been involved with some of the series' most controversial storylines including teenage pregnancy which caused an upset among conservative family groups, coping with his wife's death and a relationship with fellow character Kate Ramsay which was initially received as distasteful and unbelievable with Australian viewers.

Declan has also been popularised whilst Sorensen played him for his 'good looks' and physical appearance, subsequently being branded as one of the show's most popular characters.

In 2007, Neighbours suffered a significant decline in ratings[1] and plans were made to take the series into a 'back to basics' approach where storylines would become less controversial and return to the focus on relationships and family dynamics.

[1] It was at this point that the character of Declan was created and actress Jane Hall would play his on-screen mother Rebecca Napier.

After he had played the character for nearly three years Sorensen decided to quit the series to pursue a career outside of acting.

[10] In October 2010, it was announced that Mullally was to leave Neighbours along with three other members of the cast, Matthew Werkmeister (Zeke Kinski), Jane Hall (Rebecca Robinson) and Alia and Gabriella De Vercelli (India Napier).

I've made so many new friends but it will be my 'daughters' Alia and Gabriella (de Vercelli) I'll really miss, it has been wonderful to watch them grow and develop and be a part of their lives.

He was once a "teenage tearaway" but over time had to face the harsh realities life has thrown at him, subsequently maturing.

[14] The official website also states that they portrayed the character in his early stages as a "modern day Robin Hood", as he would commit petty crimes and gain finances to help his mother run her household.

This caused controversy and an 'outcry' from conservative family groups in Australia who accused the programme of using the characters to normalise teenage pregnancy.

[15] The storyline continued regardless of the controversy and Declan became a father, and shortly after Bridget died in a car accident.

The character later became the center of disapproval from viewers, who felt Declan was moving on too fast after Bridget's death when he developed feelings for Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer).

"[17] After the couple began dating it attracted a bigger mixed response from viewers, many felt it was still too soon after Bridget.

[18]The storyline then carried on progressing and viewers saw the two characters grow closer until they started a relationship, despite the mixed response received from fans of Declan and Bridget.

[19] Declan goes to Ringo Brown's (Sam Clark) bucks night where he meets Kate's rival, Candace Carey (Sheona Urquhart), who makes it clear that she is attracted to him.

Mullally said "Candace gets talking to Declan and is there for him, he wants comfort and makes that split-second decision to kiss her.

They moved around a lot as Rebecca was running away from her abusive partner, and Declan's father, Richard (Blair Venn).

Rebecca starts dating Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) and she and Declan move into Ramsay Street.

He is kidnapped by Nick Thompson (Marty Grimwood) and Laura Davidson (Jodi Flockhart), who want money from Paul.

Bridget believes Declan cannot handle her disability and she starts dating Josh Taylor (Liam Hemsworth).

When Declan tries to rescue Elle Robinson's (Pippa Black) cat, he receives an electric shock.

Bridget gives birth to her and Declan's daughter, India (Alia and Gabriella De Vercelli).

Declan initially blames Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner) for not fixing the Parker family's car properly.

However, he discovers that Johnno Brewer (Damien Aylward) tampered with the car thinking it belonged to Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major).

Donna is injured at the site and Paul decides to frame Declan by doctoring the CCTV footage.

Nick Levine of media reporting website Digital Spy claimed in a section aimed specifically at gay readers, that Declan (played by Sorensen at the time) was one of the main reasons to tune into Neighbours after its move in the UK to Five.

[22] ATV New Network also said that the reason Declan is so popular with viewers was because of Sorensen's acting abilities and good looks.

[23] Ruth Deller of entertainment website Lowculture included Declan in her February 2009 feature about soap characters she loathes because of his behavior upon finding out Bridget is pregnant.