Olivia Bell, played by
Alyce Platt, made her first screen appearance on 22 October 2012. The character and Platt's casting was announced on 9 August 2012. The actress previously appeared in
Neighbours from 1995 to 1996 as medical student,
Jen Handley. She stated, "I've gone back to Ramsay Street; I'm doing a little bit on
Neighbours at the moment, which is wonderful. I'm enjoying it a lot, actually." and her return scenes aired on 6 May 2020. Platt reprised the role again for another guest stint in February 2021. Olivia meets Karl Kennedy in local
Erinsborough bar Charlie's for a date. They get on well and Olivia tells Karl about her job as a writer. Their date is interrupted by
Natasha Williams (Valentina Novakovic), who explains that her mother is a huge fan of Karl and his music. Olivia is impressed and believes that kind of thing happens to Karl all the time. Olivia admits her profile was a little embellished and she actually published her books herself, selling only fifteen. Karl then admits that his profile was a little exaggerated too, calling Natasha over to explain how she wrote it for him. Olivia decides that they should start the date over. On their second date, Olivia comes to Karl's house for dinner. He reveals that he has cooked a seven course meal in the style of
Heston Blumenthal, as he remembered Olivia liked him. Olivia finds the gesture too much and states that she is only just getting back into dating. She then tells Karl that there will not be a third date for them. Eight years later, Olivia goes to The Waterhole and meets Karl. She tells him she has moved to Eden Hills and is still writing, while Karl reveals that he is back together with his wife. Olivia learns that his marriage is going through a rough patch and says that he can talk to her. They meet each other again the following day and Karl apologises for burdening Olivia with his problems, but she tells him that she loved catching up and is available if he needs to talk. Karl continues to spend time with Olivia talking about his marital problems and
Finn Kelly (
Rob Mills), who terrorised his family. Karl's wife
Susan Kennedy (
Jackie Woodburne) catches them together at Harold's Cafe and publicly confronts Karl. He later thanks Olivia for listening to him and tells her that they cannot see each other anymore, as he needs to lean on other people. Olivia hopes that he and Susan can work things out and Karl agrees that he needs to save his marriage. The Kennedys learn Olivia has written a book about Finn when she promotes it at the local Writers Festival. Karl realises Olivia used their conversations to gather more details on Finn and his crimes for her book. Months later, Olivia returns to Erinsborough and tells Susan that she wants to write a revised version of her book from Susan's perspective. Susan and
Bea Nilsson (
Bonnie Anderson) later learn that Finn's mother is suing Olivia's publisher, which means that her book cannot be published overseas. Olivia says she wants to make up for the hurt she caused and allow Susan's truth to be told, but Susan warns her against contacting her or her family. Karl also reacts badly upon seeing Olivia and tells her she has wasted her time returning. Olivia later speaks with Finn's doctor
David Tanaka (
Takaya Honda). Olivia comes to the Kennedy's home to ask if Susan has thought about her proposal, but Karl tells Olivia that she is not welcome there. She ignores him and tells Susan that she will get full editorial approval, but Susan says that she has not made a decision and does not appreciate Olivia pressuring her. Olivia later tells Susan that she will write the book regardless of her input, and Susan eventually agrees to take part. However, after realising that it is taking a toll on her health, Susan tells Olivia that she can no longer contribute to the book. Olivia repeatedly calls Susan and later informs her that her publisher's advance was tied to Susan's involvement in the book. Olivia asks
Ned Willis (
Ben Hall) about a rent reduction on her space at The Hive, but Ned tells her that it is not possible. Noticing Bea nearby, Olivia comments that she needs Susan back, but Bea tells her that Susan has made her mind up. Karl sees them together and warns Olivia about harassing his family. Olivia claims her reputation is on the line, which incenses Karl, who tells her that he will not allow her to get away with causing his family more pain. Later that day, Olivia goes to the high school to see Susan. She is initially stopped by
Hendrix Greyson (
Ben Turland), but ignores him and goes inside, where she meets Karl. They argue on the landing and he demands that she stops torturing his family. He turns to leave and Olivia falls down the stairs. When she regains conscious at the hospital, Olivia accuses Karl of pushing her. Karl confronts her and begs her to tell the police the truth, but she accuses him of threatening her and he is asked to leave the hospital. ==Father Guidotti==