Gemma "Gem" Reeves is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kathryn Beck. The actress's casting was first announced in September 2013, while a promotional trailer for the character was also released. Beck commented that she loved playing Gem because she pushed boundaries. The character made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 October 2013. She departed on 10 January 2014, with series producer Jason Herbison commenting that she could return in the future.
Gem was introduced as the cousin of established characters Georgia Brooks (Saskia Hampele) and Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). She was portrayed as "a schemer", "cunning", manipulative and having "a nasty streak". Using her position as a biology teacher, Gem sabotaged some of her students, while also encouraging Bailey Turner's (Calen Mackenzie) crush on her. Gem later used Bailey to achieve her own needs. Gem's obsession with Georgia led her to manipulate and isolate her from her friends and fiancé. After showing her true colours, Gem attacked Georgia and left her for dead.
Critical opinion on the character has been mostly positive. She has been described as someone "viewers love to hate", a "superbitch" and a "fun whacko", but Gem also been called "one of the soap's most irritating characters". One critic thought Beck was doing "an excellent job" and the character's appearance and introduction also received positive attention.
Casting
In September 2013, the show's then executive producer Richard Jasek teased Gem's introduction, saying established character Georgia Brooks (Saskia Hampele) would have "a relative coming to visit, who's going to cause absolute merry hell for everyone." That same month a promotional trailer previewing Gem's arrival was released. The character had previously been mentioned on-screen by her family members, but had never been seen before. It was also announced that actress Kathryn Beck had been cast in the guest role of Gem. Beck commented "I loved playing Gem because she pushes all the boundaries and just when you think she has gone too far, she goes further." The actress made her first screen appearance as Gem during the episode broadcast on 7 October 2013.
Development
Introduction and characterisation
Gemma, better known as Gem, is the cousin of Georgia Brooks and Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). She comes to Erinsborough to catch up with Georgia, who is her favourite cousin and someone she has idolised since they were children. Shortly after arriving in town, Gem literally bumps into Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan) and he spills coffee down herself. Unaware that Kyle is Georgia's boyfriend, Gem flirts with him and makes advances towards him. Beck explained "Gem comes on to him not realising who he is. It's very awkward!" A TV Week writer stated that the incident would not be the last time Gem would display strange behaviour and Beck added that when it becomes clear Gem is here to stay, things would get interesting. Georgia is happy to see her cousin and wanting her to stay around permanently, Georgia convinces Toadie to let Gem move into his house.
Gem settles in well and tries to forge friendships with some of her new neighbours. Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that just as things appear to be going well, it would become clear that Gem is keeping secrets surrounding her past. Gem was also billed as "a schemer" who would "rock Erinsborough to its core". Kilkelly also said that Gem seems obsessed with her cousin and would try to "divide and conquer" anyone who is close to her. Of her character, Beck commented "While Gem is cunning, she isn't necessarily convincing – so a lot of people have worked out Gem has an agenda. But, I think viewers will still feel some sympathy for her." When Gem eavesdrops on a private conversation between Kyle and Georgia's best friend, Kate (Ashleigh Brewer), Beck explained that this was a sign the layers were being pulled back to reveal Gem's real agenda and viewers would not be expecting it at all.