Shannon Reed

Shannon Reed was a fictional character on the Australian television soap opera series Home and Away. She appeared between 1994 and 1997. The character was played by actress Isla Fisher.

Background
Shannon arrived in Summer Bay as a foster child along with her foster brother (and boyfriend) Curtis Reed. She was fostered by Michael and Pippa Ross while Curtis went to live with Alf and Ailsa Stewart. At first her relationship with Curtis caused controversy as people assumed that they were biological siblings, but the fuss died down when it was revealed that they were foster brother and sister. Shannon soon settled in Summer Bay and became best friends with Selina Roberts.

In 1995, memories of sexual abuse at the hands of her "Uncle Timmy" resurfaced and greatly affected her. She split up with Curtis and found a job as babysitter to Angel and Shane Parish's son Dylan. During this time Shannon developed a deep crush on Shane and pretended that they were having an affair. Her deception almost led to the breakdown of Angel and Shane's marriage and also almost cost Angel's life. Convinced that Shane had cheated on her Angel left the Bay but her plane crashed although she was later rescued.

A guilty Shannon then developed anorexia and almost drowned when she passed out while swimming. At the insistence of her foster family and friends she eventually sought help for her condition.

Out of hospital Shannon developed an interest in writing but her relationship with Angel and Shane was distinctly frosty. When Angel was stalked by her ex-boyfriend, Paul Harris (Dylan's biological father), Angel initially accused Shannon of being the culprit. Ironically, Shannon saved the pair from Paul and their friendship was slowly rebuilt.

A pivotal moment in her life came when she invited author Amanda "Mandy" Thomas to stay in Summer Bay. Shannon greatly admired Mandy and they began spending a lot of time together. It quickly became apparent that Shannon was developing a crush on Mandy. When Mandy's female editor (who was also strongly implied to be her lover) arrived Shannon was extremely put out and started to avoid Mandy altogether. However, Shannon and Mandy made up at the cruise to raise money for victims of the recent bush fire. Shannon and Mandy openly danced with each other concerning both Pippa and Selina. Indeed, Selina showed borderline homophobic attitudes to Shannon.

Mandy quickly left the Bay after reading a love story Shannon had written - although not stated on-screen it was strongly implied that the characters were based on Shannon and Mandy. It was also implied that Mandy had now developed feelings towards Shannon and possibly because of the age difference was scared of what would happen if she stayed. Shannon was devastated by her sudden departure but soon started a relationship with local artist Alex Bennett.

Shannon stood by Alex when he was a suspect in the investigation into Chloe Richards' rape.

Mandy entered Shannon's life again when she returned to tell her that she wanted to dedicate her next book to her. Alex was jealous of their closeness but developed a friendship with the author. It was also revealed at this time that Shannon and Mandy had unconsciously plagiarised each other, a fact uncovered by Donald Fisher. This led to Shannon sacrificing an award in order to save Mandy's career. Flashbacks to the time of Mandy's original visit implied a much closer relationship between her and Shannon.

Shannon soon learned that her real mother was a ruthless politician and they had a very antagonistic relationship.

Alex left Shannon to live in Paris and she started dating the violent Kye, moving to the city to live with him and his lecherous housemate. After leaving him he sought revenge and attacked Pippa, putting her in a coma.

Shannon then dated new doctor Lachlan Fraser and he asked her to marry him. However, Mandy returned and asked Shannon to come to Paris with her (ironically where Alex now lived).

After much soul searching Shannon decided her future was with Mandy and the pair left in 1997. Although never stated outright on-screen (thanks to ITV's censorship of Home and Away), Isla Fisher has stated in newspaper interviews that the pair were lovers. The biggest on-screen clue that Shannon and Mandy were involved intimately was when Shannon was seen wearing a t-shirt early one morning that Mandy had been wearing the previous evening.