Daphne Rose Clarke (previously
Lawrence) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera
Neighbours, played by
Elaine Smith. Daphne was created by
Reg Watson as one of
Neighbours' twelve original characters. The producer had originally wanted
Rebecca Gibney to play the role, but she joined the cast of another television series. When Smith came in to audition for a guest part, her appearance, particularly her short haircut, caught the attention of the casting director, who had been looking for an "outrageous image" for the character of Daphne. Smith won the role and she made her on-screen debut in the soap's first episode, which was broadcast on 18 March 1985.