Neighbours' Santo actor played a major Ramsay Street villain - but do you remember?

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours introduced a new guest character for Melanie Pearson's storyline this week, but long-term viewers immediately recognised him as a familiar face.

As Melanie vowed to start dating again so that she could finally move on from her ex-husband Toadie Rebecchi, she arranged to spend the evening with fruit man Santo Oliveira.

But when had the actor who plays Santo appeared before? Here's a quick refresher, just in case it passed you by.

Who did Neighbours star David Serafin previously play in the show?

toadie rebecchi, santo oliveira and melanie pearson in neighbours
Amazon Freevee / FremantleMedia Australia

David Serafin has taken on the role of Santo Oliveira for Melanie's new storyline, but it's not his first time walking the streets of Erinsborough.

In 2004 and 2005, David played two separate guest roles – accountant Barry Dundis and garage owner Rex Colt respectively.

In January 2015, David was introduced yet again, this time in a higher-profile part as Dennis Dimato. Ruthless Dennis was a local business owner who became one of the show's biggest villains for the year.

Dimato's first storyline saw him approach Paul Robinson as he hoped to sponsor the Erinsborough Festival. Paul was tempted by the offer, but pulled out when he learned that Dimato had a bad reputation. (Although, let's face it, is anyone's reputation worse than Paul's?)

dennis dimato and naomi canning in neighbours
FremantleMedia Australia

Not one to give up easily, Dimato tried to bribe Paul's assistant Naomi Canning to convince Paul to change his mind again.

When Naomi tried to expose Dimato's corrupt behaviour, she received a worrying threat from the newest villain in town.

This set the tone for further dastardly behaviour from Dimato in the weeks and months that followed.

Dimato employed local resident Matt Turner as a private security guard. When Matt discovered that Dimato was stealing cars, the schemer blackmailed him into keeping quiet.

mark brennan and dennis dimato in neighbours
FremantleMedia Australia

Dimato also drew fan favourite Tyler Brennan into his dodgy dealings, employing him to strip stolen cars for parts.

With Tyler's policeman brother Mark Brennan investigating Dimato's illegal activities, the saga of the stolen car ring became a long-running storyline for the show, eventually incorporating other characters like Paige Smith.

In a second chapter of the storyline which aired in early 2016, Nate Kinksi also found himself embroiled in the Dimato dramas when he befriended the schemer's accomplice Michelle Kim.

Nate was appalled after spotting Dimato hitting Michelle, but when he tried to protect her, he realised that his intervention could put the Kennedys at risk.

Fortunately, the schemer's games finally came to an end in late January 2016 when Paul found a way to blackmail Dimato into leaving town for good.

David's Neighbours return as Santo Oliveira

santo oliveira and melanie pearson in neighbours
Amazon Freevee / FremantleMedia Australia

David Serafin's Neighbours comeback aired in Thursday's episode (January 25) when he was revealed as Santo Oliveira, the man who provides fruit supplies for Melanie Pearson's Drinks Divas van. Let's just hope he's not Dimato using a fake identity.

Melanie went on a date with Santo as she hoped to move on with her life now that her ex-husband Toadie Rebecchi seems happily settled with Terese Willis.

There was no chemistry between Melanie and Santo, so they quickly ruled out a second meeting. However, when Terese accused Melanie of still being in love with Toadie, she responded by claiming that things with Santo had gone brilliantly.

Next week, we'll see more of Santo as Terese is baffled to find him on a date with Vera Punt. Expect confusion and crossed wires aplenty as Melanie's lies threaten to be exposed.

Neighbours releases new episodes from Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. In Australia, the show airs from Mondays to Thursdays at 4pm on Channel 10, with a 6.30pm repeat screening on 10 Peach.

Read more Neighbours coverage on our dedicated homepage

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