Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few months, you’re probably aware that one of Australia’s most beloved and, yes, iconic, soap operas — Neighbours — is ending tonight, after 37 years on the air.
The show’s cancellation was announced earlier this year, when the UK’s Channel 5 decided not to renew its contract with the Aussie soap. For many years, Neighbours had been airing on Channel 5, and was receiving a significant chunk of its funding from the source. Without Channel 5’s support, the show was unable to continue shooting.
“Despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show,” Neighbours execs said in a press statement at the time.
“To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.”
Now, the show, which wrapped filming on June 10, is set to air its final episodes this week, and the guest cast is absolutely STACKED with Ramsay Street’s most iconic names.
Leading the charge, of course, is Australia’s princess of pop, Kylie Minogue, along with Jason Donovan. Minogue and Donovan played Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson, Neighbours‘ golden couple of the 80s.
More recently announced, though, is two-time Academy Award nominee Margot Robbie, who played Donna Freedman from 2008 to 2011 on the series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Robbie filmed her scenes in Los Angeles, though, so there’s no word on how Donna will be integrated into the plot, or how much screen time she’ll have.
⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
We've got a few more familiar faces making an appearance in the finale 😍🤫
Don't miss the #Neighbours finale on 10 and 10Peach on Thursday, July 28 at 7.30pm and a one-hour primetime finale episode on Friday, July 29 at 9.00pm on Channel 5 pic.twitter.com/TCF1DQ3pFd
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 23, 2022
Also making appearances during the show’s final week is Ian Smith, who played the one and only Harold Bishop. Other stars from the ’80s lineup who’ll be returning to Ramsay Street include Guy Pearce as Mike Young, Peter O’Brien as Shane Ramsay, Mark Little as Joe Mangle and Paul Keane as Des Clarke.
Moving into the ’90s, teen heartthrob Jesse Spencer, who played Billy Kennedy, will be returning alongside Kym Valentine, who played Billy’s sister, Libby Kennedy.
Also returning will be Daniel MacPherson as Joel Samuels, Benjamin McNair as Mal Kennedy, Melissa Bell as Lucy Robinson and Lesley Baker as Toadie’s mum, Angie Rebecchi.
From the ’00s, baby, we’d be lost without her! That’s right, Delta Goodrem will be making an appearance as Nina Tucker. Also on the lineup is Carla Bonner as Steph Scully, Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Izzy Hoyland, Pippa Black as Elle Robinson, Morgan Baker as Callum Rebecchi, Jordan Patrick Smith as Andrew Robinson and James Mason as Chris Pappas.
Finally, fans of the 2010s-era won’t be left disappointed as Olympia Valance will return as Paige Smith, Jodi Gordon will return to play Elly Conway, and there’s also Zoe Cramond as Amy Williams, Kate Kendall as Lauren Turner and Olivia Junkeer as Yashvi Rebecchi.
Also returning are Chris Milligan as Kyle Canning, Zima Anderson as Roxy Willis and Ben Hall as Ned Willis.
In a statement, Neighbours’ Executive Producer, Jason Herbison, said that “whether the eighties, nineties, noughties or teens is your favourite decade, we will be delivering something for everyone as Neighbours draws to a close.
“Alongside the current cast, we will be celebrating the most memorable characters from across many eras, with a few surprises up our sleeve.”
Neighbours final episode will air tonight, Thursday, July 28 at 7.30pm on 10 and 10 Peach in a 90-minute finale.
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