View source for Sky Mangel

{{Short description|Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox soap character
|series = Neighbours
|image = Sky_Mangel_2020.png 
|imagesize = 200px
|caption = Stephanie McIntosh as Sky Mangel (2020)
|name = Sky Mangel
|portrayer = Miranda Fryer (1989–1991)<br />[[Stephanie McIntosh]] {{nowrap|(2003–2024)}}
|creator = Ray Kolle
|introducer = {{plainlist|
*[[Don Battye]] (1989)
*Ric Pellizerri (2003)
*[[Jason Herbison]] (2015, 2020, 2022, 2024)
}}
|years = 1989–1991, 2003–2007, 2015, 2020, 2022, 2024
|classification = [[List of former Neighbours characters#M|Present; regular]]
|first = {{start date|1989|02|01|df=yes}}
|last = 4 July 2024
|alias = Sky Bishop
|occupation = {{plainlist|
*High school student
*Waitress
*Cartoon writer
*University student
*DJ
*Telemarketer
*Senior detective
}}
|father = [[Eric Jensen (Neighbours)|Eric Jensen]]
|adoptivefather = [[Joe Mangel]]
|mother = [[Kerry Bishop]] 
|stepmother = [[Melanie Pearson]]
|brothers = [[Toby Mangel]] (adoptive)
|aunts = [[Liljana Bishop]]
|sons = Scotty
|daughters = [[Kerry Mangel]]
|wife = [[Lana Crawford]] (2020–)
|grandfathers = [[Harold Bishop]]<br />[[Len Mangel]] 
|grandmothers = Mavis Bishop<br />[[Nell Mangel]]
|uncles = [[David Bishop (Neighbours)|David Bishop]] 
|cousins = [[Serena Bishop]]<br />[[Jane Harris (Neighbours)|Jane Harris]]
}}
'''Sky Mangel''' (also '''Bishop''') is a fictional character from the Australian [[soap opera]] ''[[Neighbours]]''. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 1 February 1989. The character was originally played by Miranda Fryer until 1991. When Sky was reintroduced on 13 August 2003, [[Stephanie McIntosh]] took over the role. She departed on 3 August 2007. McIntosh reprised her role as part of the show's [[Neighbours 30th Anniversary|30th anniversary]] celebrations on 20 March 2015. She returned for a longer stint as part of the [[Neighbours 35th Anniversary|35th anniversary]] on 13 March 2020, and made an unannounced cameo appearance in the [[Episode 8903|final episode]] on 28 July 2022, though her appearance was only broadcast in the Australian cut of the episode. McIntosh reprised the role again on 3 July 2024 before departing again on 4 July 2024.

==Casting==
Miranda Fryer was cast in the role of an infant Sky after being spotted in a supermarket.<ref name="Morrison">[[#refmorrison|Morrison 1991]], p.15.</ref> She was 18 months old when she began playing the role and was the first child actor to be contracted to the show.<ref name="Moss">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/neighbours/miranda-fryer-dead-neighbours/|title=Former Neighbours star Miranda Fryer dies suddenly, aged 34|last=Moss|first=Molly|date=11 January 2022|work=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=23 June 2022}}</ref> When the character was brought back in 2003, [[Stephanie McIntosh]] was cast in the role.<ref name="Gallagher">{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=Stephanie+McIntosh&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SAG050529DO3I54EK9RM|title=Stephanie McIntosh|last=Gallagher|first=Heather|date=29 May 2005|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=24 July 2013}}</ref> Her casting was confirmed in March 2003 and she was offered a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A98876891/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=c6296b7b|title=Good tip|date=19 March 2003|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=14 March 2024|via=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]]|url-access=subscription}}</ref> McIntosh told Heather Gallagher from ''[[The Age]]'' that she had completed a term of Year 12 when she was offered the part of Sky. She made the decision to leave school because the role was "just too good to refuse."<ref name="Gallagher"/> McIntosh made her first appearance as Sky on 13 August 2003.<ref name="Oliver"/>

==Development==

===Characterisation===
McIntosh described Sky as being "a lot of fun, intrigued about life and very positive."<ref name="Gallagher"/> She said that her character likes to shock people, and they find it hard to see past her "tough exterior", but she is "quite a nice girl".<ref name="Herbison"/> She also called Sky "pretty out there", more than herself, but said she could not ask for a better character to portray.<ref name="Gallagher"/> The actress also thought that a lot of viewers would be able to relate to Sky, who had endured the tragedy of her mother's death and bullying at school.<ref name="Gallagher"/> McIntosh stated, "She's shown you can stand up for yourself and that's OK."<ref name="Gallagher"/> For the role, McIntosh, who is a natural [[blond]]e, had to cut her hair short and dye it black and blue.<ref name="Gallagher"/> The actress told Gallagher that she hated Sky's hair and it made things difficult for her in real-life, saying "A couple of times I walked into a shop and people watched me, waiting to see if I was going to steal anything."<ref name="Gallagher"/> At McIntosh's suggestion, Sky's hairstyle later became long and blonde, which was also in keeping with the character's evolution.<ref name="Gallagher"/>

===Reintroduction===
The character was reintroduced to the serial in 2003. A now teenage Sky returns to [[Erinsborough]] to visit her grandfather [[Harold Bishop]] ([[Ian Smith (actor)|Ian Smith]]).<ref name="Herbison">{{cite magazine|last=Herbison|first=Jason|date=4–10 October 2003|title=Sister act!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=40|pages=40–41}}</ref> McIntosh commented that Sky is now a "sophisticated young woman with an alternative streak."<ref name="Herbison"/> She explained that off-screen Sky's father and step-mother divorced when she was five, so she has struggled without a female influence in her life. After growing tired of living in the country, Sky comes to see her grandfather and find out more about her mother, who died when she was very young.<ref name="Herbison"/> Harold is "quite shocked" by her arrival and "outrageous appearance". He later thinks she is smoking marijuana when he smells incense coming from her room. He accuses Sky of taking drugs, which leads to a big argument between them.<ref name="Herbison"/> McIntosh stated that Sky just wants her grandfather's respect and she is hurt that he has judged her already.<ref name="Herbison"/>

===Relationship with Boyd Hoyland===
Producers soon established a relationship between Sky and fellow teen [[Boyd Hoyland]] ([[Kyal Marsh]]).<ref name="Crazy">{{cite magazine|last=Herbison|first=Jason|date=8–14 November 2003|title=Crazy for you!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=45|page=30}}</ref> Boyd is attracted to Sky, but her "fiery" personality and appearance leads him to keep his distance. Sky is seen as "the school freak" by some of the other students, and Boyd worries about his reputation if they date. Marsh explained that they have a great time together outside of school, but Sky is not mainstream and "rubs people up the wrong way", which could see him labelled uncool if they are seen together.<ref name="Crazy"/> Harold worries that Sky is being bullied and asks Principal [[Susan Kennedy]] ([[Jackie Woodburne]]) to keep an eye on her, which makes the situation worse, as Sky decides to "get up people's noses" and earns the nickname "Freak" from the other students.<ref name="Crazy"/> Marsh said that Boyd tries to avoid being seen in public with her, which Sky notices and is hurt, as she feels that Boyd is ashamed of her. Boyd later sides with some students over Sky, and she drags him into a shed to demand that he stands by her if he really is her friend.<ref name="Crazy"/> The students soon bang on the door and demand to know who is inside with Sky, which leads Boyd to kiss her in front of them. This incident prompts the pair to begin a relationship.<ref name="Crazy"/> Marsh thought Sky was a good match for his character, as Boyd is not very experienced with girls and he thought Sky would lead the way.<ref name="Crazy"/>

===Friendship with Lana Crawford===
{{Quote box|width=20%|align=right|bgcolor=#E6E6FA|quote="I was really taken aback when I heard about it, because I thought I knew my character back to front and then this was thrown at me! It was a bit of a shock, but I'm an actor and it's my job to take on challenging storylines!"<ref name="Girl"/>|source=—McIntosh on her reaction to Sky and Lana's storyline. (2005)}}
In 2004, producers introduced the soap's first lesbian character [[Lana Crawford]] ([[Bridget Neval]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/gallery-e6frer9x-1111120519505?page=5|title=Galleries: Decades of Neighbours|work=[[The Courier-Mail]]|access-date=24 June 2010}}</ref> Sky and Lana are initially hostile to one another and they get into a physical fight, which lands them both in detention. There, the characters bond over their mutual interest in art.<ref name="Art">{{cite magazine|date=27 November – 3 December 2004|title=Art attack|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=48|page=31}}</ref> Neval said, "it soon becomes harder for the two of them to maintain the façade of not liking each other, especially when they are so similar. Lana reveals her true self to Sky, and Sky begins to forget that she actually hates Lana. But neither of them admit it!"<ref name="Art"/> The pair begin a friendship after Sky draws a [[caricature]] of Lana and calls her "The Enigma". Neval admitted that Lana is "intrigued" by Sky, as she is the type of person she is attracted to.<ref name="Art"/>

McIntosh explained that Sky is initially oblivious to Lana's sexuality, so when Lana spontaneously kisses her, it comes as a shock and Sky does not know how to handle it. McIntosh also stated that when Lana tries to laugh it off, Sky is understanding and just worries that Lana is hurt.<ref name="Girl">{{cite magazine|last=Herbison|first=Jason|date=4–17 December 2004|title=Girl trouble!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=49|page=23}}</ref> The kiss leads to the [[outing]] of Lana and the break up of Sky's relationship with Boyd. McIntosh told ''Inside Soap'''s Jason Herbison that Sky tells Boyd about the kiss, thinking that he has a right to know, but expects him to keep it quiet. However, he then tells [[Stingray Timmins]] ([[Ben Nicholas]]), who spreads the news around the school, leading to students calling Sky and Lana "lesbian lovers".<ref name="Girl"/> Of Lana's reaction, McIntosh said "Lana accuses Sky of breaking her confidence, and runs off. Sky feels terrible because all this is due to her. She's angry with Boyd too, because she confided in him and he's let her down."<ref name="Girl"/> Sky ends her relationship with Boyd, and tries to stop Lana from proving her heterosexuality by having sex with a boy from their class.<ref name="Girl"/>

Neval attributed Sky's support and friendship to the reasons why Lana gains the confidence to [[come out]].<ref name="Light">{{cite magazine|date=1–7 January 2005|title=A new light|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=53|page=37}}</ref> Following this, Sky is shown questioning her own sexuality as she works on a project with Lana. Neval told another ''Inside Soap'' columnist that Lana is unaware that Sky's attitude could be changing, but the viewers would get that sense.<ref name="Light"/> As the storyline progresses, Lana receives mixed signals from Sky, who is starting to wonder is her connection with Lana could also be physical. Neval said that Sky was going on a journey of her own, which her character thought she understood.<ref name="KissKiss">{{cite magazine|date=29 January – 4 February 2005|title=Kiss kiss!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=4|page=33}}</ref> When Lana informs Sky that her family are moving back to Canada, they carry out some late night "guerilla gardening" around Lassiters Hotel, which Neval thought was "a very Sky and Lana thing to do".<ref name="KissKiss"/> As they enjoy the reaction to their efforts, Sky kisses Lana.<ref name="KissKiss"/>

The second kiss between the characters attracted attention from the press, who named it the serial's first on-screen lesbian kiss.<ref name="TheAge">{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/26/1096137096696.html|title=Soapie kiss sparks outcry|date=27 September 2004|work=[[The Age]]|first=Kenneth|last=Nguyen|access-date=12 June 2010}}</ref> As it was shown during a G-rated timeslot, it provoked a strong reaction from radio callers and conservative groups, who accused ''Neighbours'' of "making homosexuality look cool".<ref name="TheAge"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/tv/take-2-neighbours-lesbian-scene/story-e6frexlr-1225711622640|title=Take 2: Neighbours lesbian scene|date=13 May 2009|work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=12 June 2010}}</ref> Peter Stokes, the chief executive of Christian group Salt Shakers, commented "It just saddens me that we give our young people the message that these relationships are OK".<ref name="TheAge"/> The show's executive producer Ric Pellizzeri's response was that ''Neighbours'' was reflecting reality by becoming more contemporary. He said, "We are not condoning or promoting homosexuality...ultimately, we're telling a story about tolerance".<ref name="TheAge"/> Pellizzeri also added that the kiss was as far as the show would go, but it would not be "dissuaded from telling stories about homosexuality".<ref name="TheAge"/> Neval added that the storyline was not sensationalist and she thought the writers had explored all the emotions involved, so viewers understood where the characters involved were coming from.<ref name="KissKiss"/>

===Departure and returns===
On 24 December 2006, Fiona Byrne from the ''[[Herald Sun]]'' reported that McIntosh was to leave ''Neighbours''. McIntosh told the show's producers that she wanted to move on when her contract expired in early 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/sunday-heraldsun/shake-up-on-ramsay-st/story-e6frf92x-1111112734280|title=Shake-up on Ramsay St|last=Byrne|first=Fiona|date=24 December 2006|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref> She decided to leave the show to concentrate on her musical career.<ref name="Change"/> McIntosh commented that she was sad about leaving, but added "I kind of feel it's been a really great four years, but I'm ready for new challenges."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=10–16 March 2007|title=Steph's Big Move|magazine=[[TV Week]]|pages=24–26}}</ref> She asked producers to give Sky a happy ending, instead of killing her off, saying "I think Sky's been through enough." McIntosh did not rule out a return to ''Neighbours''.<ref name="Change"/> McIntosh's departure coincided with Marsh's (Boyd) own exit and their characters left together.<ref name="Change">{{cite magazine|last=Brygel|first=Jackie|date=28 July – 3 August 2007|title=Sky and Boyd's sea change|magazine=[[TV Week]]|issue=31|pages=16–17}}</ref> Sky, her daughter and Boyd left Erinsborough for Port Douglas.<ref name="Change"/> Marsh commented "I think Boyd does have a lot of regret that things didn't work out on a romantic level between him and Sky. But in the end, there's a mutual understanding between them – and they'll always have that bond."<ref name="Change"/>

On 28 November 2014, it was announced that McIntosh had reprised her role for [[Neighbours 30th Anniversary|''Neighbours''' 30th anniversary]] celebrations in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tenplay.com.au/channel-eleven/neighbours/show-news/more-neighbours-icons-return-for-30th-anniversary|title=More Neighbours icons return for 30th Anniversary|date=28 November 2014|publisher=[[Network Ten|Tenplay]]|access-date=28 November 2014}}</ref> Sky appeared on-screen via a [[Skype]] call on 20 March.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Wulff|first=Alana|date=26 February – 11 March 2015|title=Out of control|magazine=[[TV Week Soap Extra]]|issue=16|page=7}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=12–25 March 2015|title=The guides|magazine=TV Soap|page=40}}</ref>

On 21 November 2019, David Knox of [[TV Tonight]] reported that McIntosh would reprise the role again, after she confirmed that she was in Melbourne, where ''Neighbours'' is filmed, on her [[Instagram]] account.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/11/stephanie-mcintosh-heading-back-to-neighbours.html|title=Stephanie McIntosh heading back to Neighbours|last=Knox|first=David|date=21 November 2019|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref> McIntosh returns as part of the serial's [[Neighbours 35th Anniversary|35th anniversary]] in March 2020.<ref name="DKnox">{{cite web|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/11/melissa-bell-stephanie-mcintosh-for-neighbours-35th-anniversary.html|title=Melissa Bell, Stephanie McIntosh for Neighbours 35th anniversary|last=Knox|first=David|date=25 November 2019|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref> She expressed her delight at being asked to return to ''Neighbours'' for the milestone, and stated: "I can't wait for fans of the show to see what Sky has been up to and to have the opportunity to reconnect with her, as will I! It's all very special and the storyline is awesome, remaining true and authentic to who Sky has been and is!"<ref name="DKnox"/> Shortly after, it was confirmed that Bridget Neval was reprising her role as Lana Crawford, and that Sky and Lana were to be married in the show's second same-sex wedding.<ref name="RomanticReturn">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a31273423/neighbours-spoilers-sky-mangel-lana-crawford-wedding/|title=Neighbours reveals romantic return storyline for Sky Mangel|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=9 March 2020|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported that the couple reconnected off-screen. Sky returns to Erinsborough seeking [[Toadfish Rebecchi]]'s ([[Ryan Moloney]]) help in telling her former partner Dylan Timmins of her news. Dylan also returns to Erinsborough hoping to reconcile with Sky, but he ultimately gives her and Lana his blessing.<ref name="RomanticReturn"/>

The character continues to appear after the anniversary episodes, and it emerges that she is now a police detective. Sky leads the investigation into [[Finn Kelly]]'s ([[Rob Mills]]) death and [[Elly Conway]]'s ([[Jodi Anasta]]) involvement. Kilkelly reported that Sky is "under pressure" to make sure everything is done properly due to all the public attention.<ref name="Aftermath">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a31911934/neighbours-spoilers-finn-kelly-death-aftermath/|title=Neighbours reveals big aftermath from the show's third death|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=24 March 2020|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref> She urges Elly to cooperate and admit to murder, bringing Sky into conflict with fellow detective [[Mark Brennan (Neighbours)|Mark Brennan]] ([[Scott McGregor (actor)|Scott McGregor]]). The storyline also sees Sky go up against Toadie, who decides to represent Elly.<ref name="Aftermath"/> McIntosh's final appearance aired on 20 April 2020.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=27 April 2020|title=Arrivals & departures lounge|magazine=TV Soap|issue=9|page=41}}</ref> McIntosh makes a cameo appearance as Sky in the show's finale, which aired on 28 July 2022. However, her appearance was cut from the UK broadcast by [[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Channel 5]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/neighbours/neighbours-finale-scenes-missing-channel-5-newsupdate/|title=Neighbours finale viewers spot scenes cut from Channel 5 broadcast|last=Tobin|first=Christian|date=30 July 2022|work=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=30 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Neighbours boss explains missing footage in UK series finale episode|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a40761093/neighbours-finale-missing-footage-explained/|date=30 July 2022|access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> On 24 May 2024, it was announced that McIntosh had reprised the role of Sky. She will return to visit her grandfather, Harold, who recently moved back to Erinsborough.<ref name=insta1>{{cite instagram|user=neighbours|postid=C7V5Bd0x-4w|title=Sky Mangel returns to Ramsay Street! Hot on the heels of Harold… Sky will be dropping by to visit her dear old grandad. But what else has brought her back to Erinsborough? Stephanie McIntosh will be reprising her much loved role in the coming weeks.|date=24 May 2024<!--https://www.instagram.com/p/C7V5Bd0x-4w-->}}</ref> Sky will return during the episode broadcast on 3 July 2024. Her initial scenes see her inspecting Eirini Rising, the retirement complex Harold lives in. She also reconnects with her old friends.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Neighbours confirms return date for Sky Mangel |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a61040970/neighbours-spoilers-sky-mangel-return-date/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=7 June 2024 |date=7 June 2024}}</ref>

==Storylines==

===1989–1991===
When Sky is two years old, her mother [[Kerry Bishop]] ([[Linda Hartley-Clark]]) takes her to Erinsborough to meet her grandfather, Harold Bishop. Kerry had been estranged from her father for a number of years. Harold is shocked to see Kerry and Sky, but is happy to have a granddaughter. He invites Kerry and Sky to move in with him and his wife [[Madge Bishop|Madge]] ([[Anne Charleston]]).

A few months after moving into Ramsay Street, Kerry marries [[Joe Mangel]] ([[Mark Little (Australian actor)|Mark Little]]) and Sky gains a brother, [[Toby Mangel|Toby]] (Finn Greentree-Keane; [[Ben Guerens]]), when Joe and Kerry officially adopt each other's children. During a picnic with Harold and Kerry, Sky is bitten by a [[Redback spider]]. She is rushed to hospital and recovers. A few months later, Madge is knocked unconscious while she is looking after Sky, and a chip pan catches fire. Sky and Madge are saved by the family's pet dog, [[Bouncer (Neighbours)|Bouncer]], who answers the telephone and barks for help. A pregnant Kerry is killed by a stray bullet while protesting against duck hunters. Sky is too young to know exactly what happened to her mother.

Shortly after Kerry's death, Sky's father [[Eric Jensen (Neighbours)|Eric Jensen]] (John Ley) shows up wanting custody of Sky. Joe fights Eric for Sky, but the court awards custody to Eric. Joe takes Sky and Toby, but realises that he cannot live his life on the run and returns Sky to Eric. Eric later allows Sky to live with Joe. Sky gains a mother figure in the form of Joe's new wife, [[Melanie Pearson]] ([[Lucinda Cowden]]). Joe, Melanie and Sky move to the countryside. Joe and Melanie later divorce.

===2003–2007===
After Joe gets engaged to his pregnant girlfriend, Sky has difficulty coping with the new additions to the family. She decides to visit Harold. Harold initially mistakes Sky for a burglar, after she lets herself in through his back door. He barely recognises her as she is now a teenager. However, once Sky reveals her true identity, Harold invites her to stay. He grows concerned when he believes Sky has been smoking [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]], but Sky assures him it was only [[incense]]. Sky is hurt that Harold suspects her of taking drugs. Harold introduces Sky to Boyd Hoyland and they become good friends. Sky has a hard time settling in at Erinsborough High School as her blue hair and dress sense make her stand out. [[Erin Perry]] ([[Talia Zucker]]) bullies Sky about her appearance. Erin and her friends later knock over a portable toilet that Sky is in at the school formal. Sky and Boyd's friendship causes embarrassment for him at school and he denies he is friends with her. Sky is hurt, but Boyd later kisses her in front of their peers. Sky and Boyd eventually lose their virginity to each other.

Sky's uncle [[David Bishop (Neighbours)|David Bishop]] ([[Kevin Harrington (actor)|Kevin Harrington]]), his wife [[Liljana Bishop]] ([[Marcella Russo]]) and their daughter [[Serena Bishop]] ([[Lara Sacher]]) move in with Sky and Harold, while their new house is being built. Sky tries to stop Serena sneaking out to a night club, but ends up going with her. Sky and Serena argue and Sky is followed by a guy who makes advances towards her. Sky runs home and is caught and grounded by Harold, while Serena watches. Sky comes face to face with [[John Swan (Neighbours)|John Swan]] (David Murray), the duck hunter who shot her mother. She follows him to the wetlands to confront him. David goes with her and she attacks John. John explains that he does not hunt anymore and returns to the wetlands to remember Kerry. Sky decides to change her image and reverts to her blonde hair. Sky fights with new student Lana Crawford and they are placed in detention together. Sky and Lana gradually get to know each other better and they become friends. During a sleepover, Lana, having read too much into Sky's friendly feelings for her, kisses Sky. Sky is shocked and Lana runs away. Lana later admits to Sky that she is a lesbian.

Sky and Lana create a cartoon strip together and sell it to an underground gay magazine. When Lana tells her she is leaving, Sky impulsively kisses her. Boyd finds out about the kiss and breaks up with Sky. They get back together with the help of Serena. Lana leaves for Canada, but stays in touch with Sky. Sky and Boyd's relationship breaks down when Sky finds out that Boyd kissed Serena. Sky then begins dating Dylan Timmins. Sky and Dylan work together to stop corporate giant Affirmacon from turning Erinsborough into a giant shopping mall. Sky joins Dylan, David, Liljana and Serena in a [[The plane crash (Neighbours)|joy flight]] to celebrate twenty years of Lassiter's. While the plane is crossing the Bass Strait, a bomb goes off and the plane goes down. Sky and Dylan survive, but David, Liljana and Serena are killed. Sky attends art classes at Eden Hills University and is attracted to her teacher, [[List of Neighbours characters (2006)#Jean-Pierre Valasco|Jean-Pierre Valasco]] (Steven Cabral). She has sex with him and when Dylan finds out, he ends their relationship.

A depressed Sky has a one-night stand with [[Stingray Timmins]] ([[Ben Nicholas]]). Shortly after, she discovers that she is pregnant. Sky realises that the baby could be Stingray's. Sky asks Dylan if they can get back together and he tells his girlfriend, [[Elle Robinson]] ([[Pippa Black]]), that he is thinking of reconciling with Sky. Elle then fakes an illness, so Dylan stays with her until he discovers the truth. Sky makes herself ill with worry about the baby's paternity. Dylan proposes to Sky and she accepts. She later faints and tells Dylan the truth about the baby, causing Dylan to end their engagement. Dylan then gets back together with Elle. While Sky is in hospital, she shares a room with [[Teresa Cammeniti]] ([[Hannah Greenwood]]), who plots to steal her baby. Sky gives birth to a daughter, who she names [[Kerry Mangel|Kerry]] after her mother. Teresa sets fire to the hospital and while Sky is moved to another wing, Kerry goes missing. It soon emerges that Stingray took Kerry and passed out because he was drunk. Dylan finds them and he takes Kerry, but Elle returns her to Sky anonymously.

A DNA test later proves Dylan is Kerry's father. Sky begins a relationship with Stingray and when Kerry is diagnosed with leukaemia, Stingray donates his bone marrow to her. Sky has visions that Stingray is going to die and she organises a commitment ceremony for them. Stingray later dies from an [[aneurysm]]. Sky starts seeing spiritualist, [[Terrence Chesterton]] ([[Scott Johnson (actor)|Scott Johnson]]), but when she suspects he is scamming her, she tells him a fictional story about Stingray. Terrence responds as if it really happened and Sky confronts him. When he grabs her, she hits him over the head with a sugar dispenser. He falls unconscious and Sky runs off. Terrence's partner [[Charlotte Stone]] ([[Rachel Gordon]]) kills him, framing Sky. Sky is jailed for murder, but is freed after Boyd tricks Charlotte into confessing. Sky meets the recipient of Stingray's heart, [[List of Neighbours characters (2007)#Caleb Maloney|Caleb Maloney]] (Nick Russell) and grows close to him. She decides to move to Port Douglas, so that Kerry can be closer to Dylan and Boyd decides to go with her. Harold later mentions that Sky is pregnant and she gives birth to a son, Scotty.

===2015–2022===
A few years later, Sky, pregnant with her third child, contacts Harold via Skype to ask if he will move to Port Douglas to help her out with her children and provide support. After Sky mentions Madge came to her in a dream, Harold agrees to give up his nomadic lifestyle for her.

Sky returns to Erinsborough five years later to take part in the Lassiters Wedding Expo. She asks her cousin [[Jane Harris (Neighbours)|Jane Harris]] ([[Annie Jones (actress)|Annie Jones]]) to keep her engagement a secret, as she tries to meet with Toadie Rebecchi. Jane accidentally tells [[Shane Rebecchi]] (Nicholas Coghlan) and [[Dipi Rebecchi]] (Sharon Johal) that Sky is marrying Lana Crawford, whom she reconnected with six months ago. Sky admits that she has not told Dylan and wanted Toadie's help, but as he is away, Shane offers his help instead. Dylan arrives and hopes to reconcile with Sky, but she finally tells him about Lana. When Sky and Lana's wedding venue is destroyed, Sky wants to cancel the wedding, but [[Terese Willis]] ([[Rebekah Elmaloglou]]) arranges for them to marry at The 82, a former tram turned restaurant. Dylan gives them his blessing and Sky and Lana are married by [[Jack Callahan (Neighbours)|Jack Callahan]] ([[Andrew James Morley|Andrew Morley]]). Now a senior detective, Sky remains in Erinsborough to investigate the death of [[Finn Kelly]] ([[Rob Mills]]), insisting upon the arrest of [[Elly Conway]] ([[Jodi Anasta]]) for his murder. Sky reveals to [[Mark Brennan (Neighbours)|Mark Brennan]] ([[Scott McGregor (actor)|Scott McGregor]]) that her own false imprisonment previously caused her to believe in the innocence of a guilty woman, leaving her determined not to discount the evidence against Elly. Sky also investigates a break in at Number 28.

After speaking with the [[Director of Public Prosecutions (Australia)|OPP]], Sky tells Elly that she is being offered a plea deal, whereby she pleads guilty to downgraded charges of voluntary manslaughter and receives a suspended sentence, which Elly accepts. Sky leads a police raid on an apartment where [[Mannix Foster]] (Sam Webb) has been living, but only succeeds in scaring [[Harlow Robinson (Neighbours)|Harlow Robinson]] (Jemma Donovan) and [[Mackenzie Hargreaves]] ([[Georgie Stone]]). As they are questioned, Sky goes to track Mannix's phone. At Elly's hearing [[List of Neighbours characters (2020)#Judge Joseph Vagg|Judge Joseph Vagg]] (Rick Burchall) gives her a three-year custodial sentence. Sky apologises to Elly for how things have turned out, but she is confident an appeal will lead to a suspended sentence. Elly asks Sky's advice about taking her young daughter [[Aster Conway]] (Isla Goulas) inside with her. Sky tells her that it is her decision, but not to let Aster out of her sight. Before leaving, Sky asks Toadie to keep an eye on Finn's mother [[Claudia Watkins]] ([[Kate Raison]]), who she suspects had a hand in the custodial sentence. Sky's theory is later proven correct when it emerges Claudia blackmailed the judge, as part of her bid to get custody of Aster. Two years later, Sky appears in a video message congratulating Toadie and Melanie Pearson on their wedding.

==Reception==
For her portrayal of Sky, McIntosh received a nomination for the [[Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent]] at the [[Logie Awards of 2004|2004 ceremony]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/16/1082055630329.html|title=2004 Logies nominations|date=16 April 2004|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref> The following year, Boyd and Sky were nominated for Best Couple at the [[Inside Soap Awards|''Inside Soap'' Awards]].<ref>{{cite magazine|date=6–12 August 2005|title=Support your favourite stars!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=31|page=44}}</ref> In 2006, she received the Fave Female Hottie award at the [[Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.awn.com/news/awards/simpsons-are-top-toon-nick-s-australian-kids-choice-awards|title=Simpsons Are Top Toon at Nick's Australian Kids' Choice Awards|last=DeMott|first=Rick|date=16 October 2006|publisher=[[Animation World Network]]|access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref>

Upon Sky's 2003 return, Robin Oliver from ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' quipped "Watching ''Neighbours'' since way back? You may recall Sky, the cheeky young daughter of the greenie martyr Kerry Bishop (who was killed during a duck hunt). Sky is now a rebellious teen (Stephanie McIntosh) and drops in on her grandfather, Harold (Ian Smith), and Lou (Tom Oliver)."<ref name="Oliver">{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=Stephanie+McIntosh&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH030811BU91M3U3I7E|title=TV previews|last=Oliver|first=Robin|date=11 August 2003|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=24 July 2013}}</ref> Larissa Dubecki from ''The Age'' praised McIntoshs performance, and said "I also love that her alter ego Sky accessorises her 1980s-wear with miscellaneous bits of material, wears coloured hair extensions in her knotty blonde locks and is a bit of a proto-feminist in the Erinsborough High yard, the kind of forthright suburban bogan with a heart of gold who is destined to break the heart of new bad boy Dylan."<ref name="Dubecki">{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=Stephanie+McIntosh&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=AGE050519JR3L97CDTOG|title=Critic's view – Monday|last=Dubecki|first=Larissa|date=19 May 2005|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=24 July 2013}}</ref> Dubecki thought Sky was the "perfect antidote" to [[Delta Goodrem]] and added that "the fabulous Sky" would probably get to the bottom of Paul's latest plot.<ref name="Dubecki"/>

A columnist for ''Inside Soap'' enjoyed the scenes in which Sky and Libby joined forces, writing "Gutsy girls are rare in ''Neighbours'' – most of Ramsay Street's female residents are too wrapped up in their love lives to make a stand for anything serious. So I'm glad to see two girls with gumption – Libby Kennedy and Sky Mangel – buddying up."<ref name="SL">{{cite magazine|date=20–26 November 2004|title=Soap and lather|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=47|page=98}}</ref> The columnist also thought Sky's mother would be proud of her.<ref name="SL"/>

A [[BBC Online]] writer stated that Sky's most notable moment was "Coming face to face with John Swan – the man who killed her mother."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?content/_skybishop/page1|title=Character: Sky Mangel|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614025957/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?content%2F_skybishop%2Fpage1|archive-date=14 June 2006|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Describing Sky, a writer for media company [[Virgin Media]] said "As Harold's eccentric granddaughter, Sky Mangel spent her time on Ramsay Street dating Boyd Hoyland, becoming an artist and having a baby with Stingray Timmins. Phew."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/neighbours-ruined-my-life.php?ssid=12|title=Neighbours ruined my life – Stephanie McIntosh – Sky Mangel|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|year=2009|access-date=28 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322194722/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/neighbours-ruined-my-life.php?ssid=12|url-status=live|archive-date=22 March 2010 }}</ref> In a separate feature, Sky's 2003 return to the show was placed at number Ten on Virgin's "Soap Comebacks" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/galleries/soaps/best-comebacks.php?ssid=10|title=Soap comebacks|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref> In 2007, readers from the ''Herald Sun'' placed Lana and Sky's kiss at number nine on the list of ''Neighbours'' Top Ten moments.<ref name="Moments">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/your-all-time-favourite-moment/story-e6frf99f-1111113933908|title=Your all-time favourite moment|date=11 July 2007|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=11 June 2010}}</ref> A reporter said "It's rare that ''Neighbours'' attracts the attention of the shock jocks around the country, but that's what happened when Sky Bishop, played by Stephanie McIntosh, gave Lana, played by Bridge Neval, a kiss. Sky was exploring her sexuality and the scene was one of the most talked about ever in the press. Lana left Erinsborough and Sky has gone on to be an unmarried mum".<ref name="Moments"/>

In 2010, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ''Neighbours'', a reporter for ''[[British Sky Broadcasting|Sky]]'' profiled 25 characters of which they believed were the most memorable in the show's history.<ref name="a">{{cite news|url=http://tv.sky.com/neighbours|title=Neighbours: 25 Top Characters|publisher=[[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky Digital]]|year=2010|access-date=26 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323092809/http://tv.sky.com/neighbours|archive-date=23 March 2010}}</ref> Sky was included on the list and the reporter commented "Sky was a classic soap child who left for a few years and came back far more attractive. It's little wonder that she became the focus of a teen brigade including Dylan, Stingray, Boyd and Serena, not to mention that brief lesbian period with Lana. With her beloved Grandpa Harold on hand to dispense advice when she variously lost her family, got pregnant, and lost the father of her baby, Stingray, she brought sunny confidence to her regular visits to the funeral home".<ref name="a"/> To celebrate ''Neighbours''' 6000th episode in August 2010, ''[[TV Week]]'' put together a list of the top 25 ''Neighbours'' characters. Sky was included in the list and a writer for the magazine commented "With a teenage pregnancy, a penchant for activism and a same-sex affair, Sky was never boring".<ref>{{cite journal|date=23–27 August 2010|title=Top 25 Characters|journal=[[TV Week]]|pages=5}}</ref>

A ''[[Herald Sun]]'' reporter included Sky's 2015 return in their "Neighbours' 30 most memorable moments" feature.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A404194093/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=8eb6037c|title=Neighbours' 30 most memorable moments|last=Rigden|first=Clare|date=7 March 2015|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=10 May 2024|via=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]]|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Following her brief 2022 return, Laura Denby from ''[[Radio Times]]'' praised Sky's return, saying "With Sky's dad Joe (Mark Little) making a second cameo too, it wouldn't have felt right without a few words from Sky – and it was great to see McIntosh in her memorable role one last time".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Denby |first1=Laura |title=Neighbours finale cameos as fan-favourites make surprise returns |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/neighbours/neighbours-finale-unexpected-cameos/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=28 June 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite book|title=Neighbours: The Official Annual 1992|last=Morrison|first=Ian|year=1991|publisher=[[Hamlyn (publishers)|The Hamlyn Publishing Group]]|isbn=978-0-600-57311-1|ref=refmorrison}}

==External links==
*[http://tenplay.com.au/channel-eleven/neighbours/characters/past-characters/sky-mangel Sky Mangel] at the Official AU ''Neighbours'' website
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060614025957/http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/neighbours/whoswho/characterbiogs/index.shtml?content%2F_skybishop%2Fpage1 Sky Mangel] at [[BBC Online]]

{{Neighbours characters|former}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mangel, Sky}}
[[Category:Neighbours characters]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 1989]]
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[[Category:Bishop family (Neighbours)]]
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