‘Neighbours’ update: Fifi Box joins Aussie show as Xanthe’s unruly mum

It’s about to get even more exciting on Ramsay Street, as a new character is set to bring mayhem on the set. Australian radio presenter and television personality Fifi Box has signed up appear in “Neighbours” starting in September.

The 39-year-old celebrity will give life to the character of Brooke Butler, the controversial mother of Xanthe Canning (Lilly Van der Meer) and estranged girlfriend of Gary Canning (Damien Richardson). Brooke’s image is basically unpleasant – in some episodes of “Neighbours,” she’s painted as someone who can be a bit shallow, putting too much attention on looks and expecting her daughter to do the same.

In one episode, Xanthe almost underwent a breast augmentation surgery because she was feeling insecure about her appearance. Her friends Piper Willis (Mavournee Hazel) and Ben Ian Kirk (Felix Mallard) came just in time to stop her. Xanthe’s grandmother, Sheila Canning (Colette Mann), gave her a pep talk and encouraged her to love herself. Xanthe hasn’t exactly been trouble-free – in addition to the surgery, Xanthe stole money from the Lassiters and used her tutoring fees to “borrow” a dress for the formal, only to ruin it during the dance. She’s also getting behind school and has blacklisted her friends Piper and Ben.

Gary tried to be a good parent ever since he was released from prison, but it seems he’s not doing a swell job. He bribed Ben to take Xanthe to the formal, which of course did not sit well on his teenage daughter when she found out. It would be interesting how Brooke would play out as Xanthe’s mother and whether she would be able to correct her daughter’s behaviour.

“I'm so excited to be heading to Ramsay Street to join theNeighboursfamily,” Fifi told TV Week. “Acting has been a lifelong dream of mine and to get this opportunity on Australia’s most loved and popular show has blown my mind. I'm too excited for words!”

Find out what happens next on “Neighbours,” which airs Monday to Friday at 6.30pm on Network Eleven in Australia. In the UK, “Neighbours” airs during weekdays on Channel 5.