Kirsten Gannon is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Nikola Dubois.
Kirsten was introduced into the series as the mother of Mickey Gannon (Fletcher O'Leary) and former partner of Ned Parker (Daniel O'Connor).
Kirsten's stories have included a custody battle over Mickey and her subsequent feud with Janae Timmins (Eliza Taylor-Cotter).
Dubois has stated that her relationship with Paul showed her character to be a "lonely woman" rather than a "home wrecker".
Dubois recounted, "It was a strange audition because I remember reading the scene and I just understood where this poor woman was coming from.
"[1] Dubois was originally only contracted for three works of filming as the character was only intended to guest in the series.
"[1] Kirsten was portrayed as a scheming, at times desperate character who tried her best to achieve high, but often failed due to her bad choices.
I think Kirsten was really misunderstood on Ramsay Street – she never found a place where she belonged... and she so desperately wanted to fit in.
[2] Writers showcased Kirsten's manipulative persona as she tries to make Ned and Janae appear unable to cope with Mickey.
"[2] Kirsten's lawyer Tim Collins (Ben Anderson) convinces her to carry on antagonising Janae to get a reaction.
Kirsten decides to show affection towards Ned and brands the Timmins family as criminals, knowing Janae is watching.
Despite his rejection, Kirsten carries on to Oakey with Ned, when they arrive at the reunion they are crowned "King and Queen" of the event.
The actress said that "in front of everyone she accuses Ned of cheating - and gives Kirsten a shove she won't forget.
"[4] Kirsten continues to causes problems and later witnesses Janae kissing Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald).
Taylor-Cotter explained that "Kirsten tells her she'll keep her secret on one condition - that Janae talks Ned into giving her more access to her son, Mickey.
"[6] Writers soon created a story in which Kirsten has an affair Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who is in a relationship with Rebecca Napier (Jane Hall).
They developed an increasing attraction between the two, with Paul finding it more difficult to resist temptation when Kirsten explains the damaging repercussions an affair would have.
Rebecca begins to prioritise work before her relationship with Paul, which makes him act on his feelings and start an affair with Kirsten.
[7] Paul's daughter Elle Robinson (Pippa Black) discovers their affair and tries to protect Rebecca.
[8] Dubois defended her character's actions and believed that Kirsten was a "lonely woman" rather than a "home wrecker".
The actress told a writer from Inside Soap that "Kirsten thought Paul and Rebecca were history when they first slept together.
[11] On-screen Kirsten helps with the bush fire rescue operation but becomes trapped and succumbs to the flames, but is ultimately saved by Ned.
[11] Natalie Blair who plays Carmella Cammeniti, told an Inside Soap' Jason Herbison that the other characters do not realise Kirsten has returned to the fire zone to search for Ned.
Kristen's parents died just before she gave birth to Mickey (Fletcher O'Leary) and she moved in with her grandparents.
When Ned discovers Kirsten attempts to unfairly woo Mickey, he launches a bid for custody.
When Kirsten returns she goes straight to Number 22 intending to tell Rebecca she has ended the relationship with Paul.