Mark Brennan (Neighbours)

Development

McGregor described Mark as a no-nonsense type for whom work is life, and he researched police officers to prepare for the role. The character is a perfectionist who prioritizes his job over everything else, making it difficult to maintain relationships. McGregor noted similarities between himself and Mark and enjoyed portraying him.

McGregor expressed interest in seeing Mark either advance in his career or be tempted by the wrong side of the law. Mark develops friendships with other male characters, though they remain wary of his profession. During an illegal street racing storyline, Mark shows interest in buying a motorbike, and McGregor enjoyed the opportunity to ride one.

Storylines

Mark is assigned to investigate Paul Robinson's fall from Lassiter's mezzanine. He interviews suspects including Paul's wife Rebecca and son Andrew, and Kate Ramsay. Paul later implies Diana Marshall pushed him, and she flees the country.

Mark asks Kate out, and they begin a relationship that faces obstacles including her jealous ex-boyfriend and Mark's work focus. After Rebecca admits to pushing Paul, Kate confesses to providing a false alibi, leading to their breakup. Mark later has a one-night stand with Jade Mitchell. He arrests corrupt policeman Wes Holland after witnessing a bribe, causing colleagues to turn against him.

Mark is targeted with acts of revenge and enters witness protection until Holland's trial. Kate agrees to go with him but misses the deadline, and Mark leaves without her. Toadfish Rebecchi later learns Mark has been killed.

Other appearances

To coincide with Mark's return in February 2014, Neighbours released a series of webisodes titled Brennan on the Run focusing on his time in witness protection. A trailer was released the day before his return. Viewers could choose the outcome of the story and take control of Mark as he faces challenges and encounters romance.

Each webisode ended with a yes or no answer leading to a different video. The series featured off-screen character Sienna Matthews, Mark's girlfriend during his first return stint. The webisodes were shot with a Red Scarlet camera for a different look and feel.

Reception

Mark proved popular with viewers and critics for his aesthetically pleasing looks. A Daily Star reporter said McGregor's contract was extended because female viewers went mad for him. Nate Micó of SX News praised the casting, calling Mark a welcome dose of eye candy. Television critic Andrew Mercado called him a hunky new investigative cop.

Alan Fletcher said McGregor is fantastic as Mark, both handsome and a fine actor. Holy Soap said his most memorable moment was his first kiss with Kate at the police station. In March 2011, Mark came second in an Inside Soap poll for favourite hunky soap detective with 31% of the vote. A Buzz magazine writer became bored with the repetitive nature of Mark asking Kate out and later called him one angry man during the police corruption storyline.

TV Week described his departure episode as edge-of-your-seat. A Daily Record reporter said goodbye to Brennan and his hunky good looks. Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun commented that Mark left just as he was starting to get less wooden.

Did You Know?

• McGregor was originally given a four-week guest contract, later increased to six months, then to twelve months.
• McGregor said Mark is his first decent part after bit roles in other Australian dramas such as Underbelly.
• McGregor did not realise how full-on working on Neighbours would be.