During a January 2012 interview with a TV Week writer, Neighbours executive producer Richard Jasek commented that viewers would see more of Kyle Canning's (Chris Milligan) family, starting with the introduction of his grandmother later in the year.

[4] Mann previously appeared in the show in 1995 and 1996, when she temporarily took over the role of Cheryl Stark for eight weeks when Caroline Gillmer fell ill.[4] She was one of three actresses who auditioned for the part.

[8] When asked if she had put her own stamp on Sheila, Mann explained that playing a regular character meant that she got to know them better than anyone and she had subconsciously added layers.

[14] Mann later told TV Week's Andrew Mercado that Sheila's arrival would be like "a galleon in full sail" and that she loved injecting some humour into the show.

[8] After accusing Georgia of leading Kyle on, Sheila encourages her grandson to pursue a relationship with Jana Noviac (Kyrie Capri).

[20] Sheila developed a rivalry with Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), but when questioned about a potential romance between the characters, Mann thought it would be best if they stayed "at each other's throats".

"[8] In June 2013, Walter Mitchell (Chris Haywood) was introduced to the show and Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly reported that one of the local Ramsay Street residents would become "smitten" with him.

Walter later packs his bags and departs Erinsborough, leaving his niece Sonya Rebecchi (Eve Morey) and Sheila devastated.

[25] As their romance progresses, Kyle worries that his grandmother will get hurt, while Tyler Brennan (Travis Burns) is not happy that his father is planning to stay around for longer.

[25] Sheila later suggests that Russell buys the local garage Fitzgerald Motors and offers to lend him the money he needs, causing concern from her family and friends.

[39] Mann said the producers were "starting to bring in her family over the next six months", and added that "hopefully there'll also be... an older male (coming in)", but warned that Sheila does not get on with him either.

[41] Although bonding with Gary again initially, like she had done with Naomi, Sheila later realised he was intent on fleeing Erinsborough, leaving her to pick up the pieces with Kyle.

[44] On 9 February, Mann confirmed her departure from Neighbours by saying "Looks that way" on social media when asked by a fan if she had left permanently, after her final scenes aired in the UK the previous day.

Sheila takes Rhiannon Bates (Teressa Liane) under her wing, when she briefly moves into Number 26, and help her change her image and get a job.

Paul pays him for the attack on the condition he leaves Erinsborough immediately, but the exchange is witnessed by Sheila and she confronts him, telling him to turn himself into the police.

Naomi asks Sheila and Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) to act as judges for the Erinsborough Festival's baking competition, but they soon decide to enter and a rivalry begins.

Alistair attempts to sue Sheila for defamation, but later backs down when the full clip, featuring his homophobic words towards Nate, is published.

Jimmy Williams (Darcy Tadich) blackmails Sheila into giving him treats after he finds a letter detailing her feelings for Paul.

Gary's daughter Xanthe Canning (Lilly Van der Meer) arrives, and Sheila decides to take care of her after learning her mother is missing.

After Fay leaves for Adelaide, Toadie persuades Terese and Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano) to rehire Sheila, as she is not happy working for him.

After Gary is murdered by Finn Kelly (Rob Mills), who also previously tried to run Xanthe over in a car, Sheila begins struggling.

Sheila's grandson, Levi Canning (Richie Morris), is planning a road trip with his girlfriend, Bea Nilsson (Bonnie Anderson).

Sheila is opposed to Levi's new polyamorous relationship with Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton), who is concurrently dating Ned Willis.

Sheila springs a surprise visit on Kyle (Chris Milligan), but ruffles feathers when she takes an instant dislike to Jade (Gemma Pranita).

"[52] An Inside Soap columnist stated "It's been a while since Ramsay Street was home to a good old stickybeak, but that changes when Sheila Canning arrives".

[18] Geoff Shearer from The Courier-Mail commented "Former Prisoner Colette Mann is continuing to delight since joining the series as Kyle's grandmother Sheila late last month.

"[57] During his end-of-year review, Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy praised Mann as being one of the better additions to the cast and observed that Sheila "has lightened up the Street with wit, warmth and some memorable one-liners.

"[58] While reviewing a January 2015 episode, Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun quipped "And how good is it when Sheila announces herself as a 'beloved local colourful identity'.

[12] Adam Beresford of HuffPost placed Sheila at number twenty-three on the "35 greatest Neighbours characters of all time" feature as part of the serial's 35th anniversary.

[62] Journalist Adam Beresford described her, stating "this Aussie battler takes no prisoners, is fiercely protective of her family and is also prone to being a bit of sticky beak.