Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera that was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1987, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's executive producer Reg Watson. The third season of Neighbours began airing on 5 January 1987. arrived during the same month. February saw the introductions of and , son of established character Madge Mitchell. In March, Fiona Corke began playing and Ernie Bourne took on the role of Gail's adoptive father, . April saw the arrival of businessman . Anne Scott-Pendlebury began appearing as in June. The following month saw the first appearances of new doctor Beverly Marshall, played by Lisa Armytage, and Melanie Pearson. July also saw the birth of , son of Des and Daphne Clarke. Briony Behets began playing in August. Russell Crowe was introduced as the following month. October saw the arrivals of and . Des and Sally's father, , played by Noel Trevarthen, made his first appearance in November and Nick Carrafa began playing mechanic the same month.