Harry Ramsay is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by William Moore. The character made his first screen appearance on 18 May 2009. Harry departed on 11 June 2010 after accepting a Basketball scholarship in Sydney.
Harry has been portrayed as having a unique persona, being a loner refusing to accept help from others and rebelling against those around him. The character has been involved in storylines including being orphaned, plots involving the Department of Human Services and his subsequent time in foster care. Moore revealed that some viewers became angry at some of the things Harry did during his time on the show.
Creation and casting
In February 2009, it was announced that Neighbours producers were introducing a new generation of the Ramsay family to the show, more than a decade after the family had last appeared. Executive producer Susan Bower said the introduction of the new characters was based on the American drama series Party of Five. She added "We have three orphans, basically. That, as you can imagine, has a tremendous amount of story material with it and they're fabulous! Wait until you see this cast. They just clicked". Bower introduced the new characters despite the show receiving criticism because they did not have a nuclear or a "normal" family. Bower said that where she lives, in the suburbs, "there's not a lot of your mum, dad and two kids". Actress Ashleigh Brewer was cast as older sister Kate Ramsay. It was after this Will Moore was cast as Harry, and Kaiya Jones was cast as Sophie Ramsay, completing the family unit. Speaking of his character being part of the Ramsay family Moore said "At first I thought "Oh my God, am I supposed to do something special?" Everyone said "Your character's Harry Ramsay? Like Ramsay Street?" So I have those connections, but I got used to playing it after a while. It's pretty cool to be playing a part that has so much history and it's cool that we're related to so many of the original characters – Anne Robinson and Max Ramsay had an affair and had our mum."
In March 2010, it was announced that Moore and Harry were to leave Neighbours in June. Bower said that she was aware that viewers would be disappointed that one of the Ramsays was leaving already. She added "We were very saddened too, because we fell in love with Harry, but Will had a one-year contract and he decided he didn't want to continue. I believe he's furthering his school studies." Bower also added that there were no plans to recast the role, because the character of Declan Napier had just been through a recast. Harry departed for a Basketball scholarship in Sydney on 11 June 2010.
Development
Harry has been described as a loner, an outcast and unlucky in love. Speaking of his character during an interview with Last Broadcast, Moore said "Harry is a confused teenager trying to figure out who he is. He's a bit of a loner and doesn't have too many friends. He puts up a facade of confidence and toughness, but really underneath he is a sensitive dork. All he really wants is to be accepted and fit in, but nothing seems to work for him. He also finds it hard to score with girls." Moore has also compared the character to himself commenting that he is a rebel.
During an interview with Channel Five's soap opera reporting site, Holy Soap, Moore revealed an insight into his character and how his storylines have had a direct effect on his personality stating:
Network Ten state on the series official website that Harry only has a close relationship with Kate. They call him a "shrewd judge of character" and he makes "whip-like observations" of everything. He has a "reflective soul." Also describing him as an accomplished musician who meditates with music. Harry feels like he needs no one in his life but his sisters, playing a loner. He masks who he really is, a laid back character that tests everyone he meets fearing he cannot trust them, making harsh observations. They add he is hard to shock and likes children for their honesty and lack of guile which he applies to himself. They also state that due to his complex personality that other people think he is "aloof" and "withdrawn".