Neighbours introduces Vanessa's mum

Actress Carmelina di Guglielmo has joined the cast of Neighbours taking on the role of Vanessa’s feisty mother Francesca.

Francesca will be shocked to learn of her unmarried daughter’s pregnancy and will initially presume that the baby’s father Lucas is Vanessa’s landlord, reports TV Week.
Vanessa believes she has kept her baby bump hidden until Francesca overhears a conversation about her daughter’s pregnancy.

Alin Sumarwata, who plays Vanessa, revealed: “Vanessa planned to turn up on her mum’s doorstep after the baby was born.
“So that all the shame, blame and judgement about getting pregnant before marriage would just dissolve when the family saw the baby.
“This way she has a lot of explaining to do.”

Francesca will make her debut on Australian screens next week, while UK viewers will see the character for the first time in November.