[2] Straub told Amanda Ruben of TV Week that she felt embarrassed by what had happened, but considered it the break she needed.
[4] Jason Herbison of Inside Soap noted that at 21, Straub was barely old enough to have achieved a teaching qualification in real life.
[4] Producers decided not to renew Straub's contract, and Herbison reported that her lack of training contributed to their decision.
Lisa is the target of several pranks by her students, including boot polish on her bike seat.
Billy proves that Lisa has not been reading the student's essays and Susan launches an investigation.
[6] Tim was a high school student, who was a friend of Michael Martin (Troy Beckwith).
[6] Tim was a shy boy, who was befriended by his school teacher Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne).
An Inside Soap reporter observed that it was clear Tim confused her friendly gestures for something more.
He tells Michael's sister, Hannah (Rebecca Ritters), that he had to drop out of school when his dad got sick.
Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) takes Tim aside and tells him that he knows all about his crush on Susan and warns him to back off.
He sends her a love letter and Susan's husband, Karl (Alan Fletcher), confronts Tim.
Ben Atkins (previously Christopher Wilkinson), played by Brett Cousins, made his first screen appearance on 9 April 1997.
[10] Ben's arrival won an AFI Award and Piper said the episode was "beautifully written", allowing her and Cousins to feed the characters and not just the plot.
[13] A reporter from The Age branded Amy "Ramsay Street's wild child turned party, fashion and gossip queen".
[15] Kovac was working at Melbourne's Crown Entertainment Complex when he saw and greeted the Neighbours casting agent.
"[15] Matt was introduced as a love interest for Sarah Beaumont, after actress Nicola Charles complained about a "lack of success" in her character's romantic life.
[16] Kovac found his first storyline "pretty nerve-racking", adding "It is hard enough just acting, let alone being thrown into a romance.
[15] Charles was pleased that her character had finally been given a love interest, but she did not want Sarah to settle into a long-term relationship.
[17] Kovac admitted that the kissing scenes were initially hard to do in front of the crew, but he praised Charles for helping him.
[17] Matt applies for the spare room at Number 30 Ramsay Street and is interviewed by Sarah Beaumont and Ben Atkins.
[19] A reporter for the Illawarra Mercury observed, "Caitlin Atkins manages to stir up trouble in Ramsay Street, hiding her inner feelings under an air of tough bravado.
[18] Caitlin was a competitive swimmer, who developed a romantic interest in her training partner Billy Kennedy (Jesse Spencer).
[21] Paul was best friends with Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton) and dated Hannah Martin (Rebecca Ritters).
[23] Godbold was initially shocked after hearing a message from her agent telling that she had the role, before she ran around her flat screaming.
[23] Sondra causes trouble after she is left in charge of a house that Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald) is renovating.
[23] Sondra meets with Darren Stark and introduces herself as Martin Pike's (Fletcher Humphrys) sister, who will be joining them on their house renovation.
After Darren's girlfriend Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine) leaves, Sondra asks him to attend her father's party with her or she will replace him on the renovation project.
When they return, Sondra mentions that her father thought they would make a great couple, but Darren tells her that they only have a working relationship.
Sondra later tells Libby that Darren is not her type, however, she soon makes it clear that she is romantically interested in him.