Neighbours 30th Anniversary

[Perdita]

Alin Sumarwata has spoken about her return to Neighbours as Vanessa Villante.



The Iranian-born actress, who left the soap in 2013 with her on-screen husband and co-star Scott Major while pregnant, will come back for next month's 30th anniversary - expecting a baby once again.

She said of working again with Major: "For a couple that went through so much tragedy and heartache, it's so nice to see a happy ending for Lucas and Vanessa, and adding to their family which is growing rapidly."

Sumarwata will be joined by fellow returnees Delta Goodrem, Anne Charleston, Paul Keane, Stephanie McIntosh, Andrew Williams, Nell Feeney and Melissa Bell.

"It's lovely to be part of an exciting milestone in Australian television history. It was wonderful to see the cast and crew again, old faces and new ones alike," she added.

Sumarwata also said that she was delighted to meet one Neighbours legend in particular.

Speaking about Harold Bishop actor Ian Smith, she declared: "Ian is easily one of the most lovable and memorable characters on Neighbours, definitely a favourite of mine from when I first started watching the show."

Neighbours celebrates turning 30 on March 18.

[gillyH1981]

Alin is pregnant in real life, so they wrote it in.

[Perdita]

Channel 5 has revealed plans to celebrate Neighbours' 30th anniversary with a special companion show and repeats of two classic episodes.

Neighbours reaches its milestone on March 18 with a number of big storylines planned to mark the occasion, including the returns of 12 past characters.

Neighbours 30th anniversary cast picture

As well as the celebrations in the main show, Channel 5 will be airing a one-off special titled Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite, which will celebrate the soap's ongoing success and take a look back at some of the most colourful cast members.

Hosted by current Ramsay Street regulars Stefan Dennis and Tim Phillipps (Paul and Daniel Robinson), the programme will bring together a number of the most popular faces past and present - including Ian Smith (Harold Bishop), Anne Charleston (Madge Bishop), Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi), Mark Little (Joe Mangel), Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy Hoyland) and Craig McLachlan (Henry Ramsay).

Channel 5 will also be airing the first ever Neighbours episode from 1985, allowing fans to take a look back at a young Paul Robinson. Episode one also introduces Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy), who became one of the show's most-loved characters.

The iconic 1987 episode which saw Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell (Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue) tie the knot will also be repeated.

Channel 5 will air the extra shows in the week commencing Monday, March 16. Exact airdates and times will be confirmed next week.

On screen in Neighbours itself, the 30th anniversary is being marked by the inaugural Erinsborough Festival, which brings a large number of former residents back to the Street.

As there is still a two-week gap between Neighbours' UK and Australian broadcasts, show chiefs have planned two dramatic episodes airing two weeks apart - meaning that the anniversary can be celebrated on March 18 in both countries.

The UK anniversary episode will feature the opening day of the Festival, which doesn't go smoothly when returnee Harold Bishop accidentally drives into the marquee.

Harold's mistake sparks bedlam at the event, causing a plumbing problem and minor flooding - as well as leaving the first aid station swamped with injured festival-goers.

When Harold regains consciousness in the car, he is stunned to find his late wife Madge sitting next to him in the passenger seat - marking the beginning of a storyline which sees Madge back as a figment of his imagination.

Along with Madge and Harold, other familiar faces back for the Festival include Janelle Timmins, Lucas Fitzgerald, Vanessa Villante, Nina Tucker, Des Clarke, Sky Mangel, Guy Carpenter and Tom Ramsay.

[LostVoodoo]

Really looking forward to all this - nice to see so many people returning.

[Perdita]

Channel 5 has confirmed the schedule for the special programmes planned to mark Neighbours' 30th anniversary.

The Australian soap reaches its milestone on Wednesday, March 18, when there will be a night of Neighbours nostalgia to celebrate.

At 10pm on March 18, Channel 5 will air 90-minute special Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite, which will toast the soap's ongoing success and take a look back at some of the most colourful cast members.

Hosted by current Ramsay Street regulars Stefan Dennis and Tim Phillipps (Paul and Daniel Robinson), the programme will bring together a number of the most popular faces past and present - including Ian Smith (Harold Bishop), Anne Charleston (Madge Bishop), Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi), Mark Little (Joe Mangel), Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy Hoyland) and Craig McLachlan (Henry Ramsay).

The Stars Reunite will be followed at 11.30pm by a repeat of the iconic 1987 episode which saw Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell (Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue) tie the knot.

At 11.55pm, Channel 5 will finish off the celebratory night with a repeat of the first ever Neighbours episode from 1985 - allowing fans to take a look back at a young Paul Robinson.

Channel 5 announced the special programmes last week, but final schedules were only released today (March 4).

March 18 will also see Neighbours' 30th anniversary marked in the main show itself, with the opening day of the inaugural Erinsborough Festival in the regular 1.45pm and 5.30pm airings. The festival will bring a number of past residents back to Ramsay Street.

The event's launch doesn't run smoothly when Harold Bishop accidentally drives into the marquee, sparking bedlam all round.

When Harold regains consciousness, he is stunned to find his late wife Madge sitting next to him in the passenger seat - marking the beginning of a storyline which sees Madge back as a figment of his imagination.

The celebrations will also play out on screen beyond that, as the festival runs over a two-week period. As there is still a two-week gap between Neighbours' UK and Australian broadcasts, this allows the anniversary to be marked on the same date in both countries - with two dramatic episodes airing two weeks apart.

[Perdita]

Neighbours returnee Harold Bishop will cause havoc at the Erinsborough Festival later this month, before seeing his late wife Madge as a figment of his imagination.

The Australian soap celebrates its 30th anniversary on Wednesday, March 18, with the inaugural Erinsborough Festival kicking off to mark the occasion.

As the Erinsborough residents busy themselves with their festival duties, a distracted Harold (Ian Smith) finds his thoughts are continually returning to his soul mate Madge.

Harold drives into the marquee
© Channel 5
Harold drives into the marquee

With Erinsborough history all around him, Harold has trouble staying in the here and now and he even starts to believe he can smell Madge's perfume and hear her voice.

Disturbed by this, he is uncharacteristically brusque with Susan, Karl and Lou, who all worry about his behaviour.

With Paul in full mayoral dress, a brass band playing and VIPs assembled, the festival is officially open. However, just as the event's quiz winner is announced, Harold experiences more intense visions while returning from an errand in his motorhome.

Will Harold be alright?
© Channel 5
Will Harold be alright?

With the out-of-control van heading towards the stage, people are forced to leap for safety as Harold swings the wheel and spectacularly crashes into the marquee.

As chaos ensues, a dazed and confused Harold hears a familiar voice and as he looks across at the passenger seat, he sees Madge sitting beside him.

Madge appears in front of Harold
© Channel 5
Madge appears in front of Harold

Later at the hospital, Harold wakes in his room to find Madge by his bedside.

Harold learns that she has come because he needs her, and he is so delighted to see her that he doesn't probe for further answers.The pair soon start to reconnect, but as a number of visitors interrupt Harold, Madge starts to slip further away.

Later, a distraught Harold is convinced that Madge is gone for good, but is relieved when she appears in his room again.

Madge is quick to reassure him that she is here for as long as he needs her, and they settle in for a good catch-up.

Harold sees Madge as a figment of his imagination
© Channel 5
Harold sees Madge as a figment of his imagination

Madge and Harold are united
© Channel 5
Madge and Harold are united

Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.

[lellygurl]

Truly heartbreaking...

[Perdita]

Neighbours' 30th anniversary celebrations will include the return of Janelle Timmins later this month, as she arrives back to take part in the Erinsborough Festival's bake-off.

As the residents enjoy the festival, the impending baking competition brings out the competitive side in Susan Kennedy and Sheila Canning when they learn that a high-profile chef will be judging.

However, the feuding pair are also threatened by an impressive last-minute entry, whose creator turns out to be former Ramsay Street resident Janelle (Nell Feeney).

Janelle is back in town after learning about the bake-off and the old rivalry between her and Susan instantly reasserts itself.

Janelle returns for the bake off
© Channel 5
Janelle returns for the bake off

When Susan accidentally sneezes all over Janelle's cake, Janelle reads it as a direct attack and chaos ensues, eventually resulting in a room full of ruined cakes.

When celebrity judge Matt Preston walks in on all of the mess, the only entry remaining unscathed is Karl's wonky trifle.

As Karl is announced as the winner of the bake-off, Susan, Sheila and Janelle are surprisingly united in their outrage at the injustice of it all.

However, when they are announced as the winners in a three-way tie for People's Choice Award, it seems that all is forgiven...

Susan ruins Janelle's cake
© Channel 5
Susan ruins Janelle's cake

There is chaos at the bake off
© Channel 5
There is chaos at the bake off

Matt Preston arrives amid all the chaos
© Channel 5
Matt Preston arrives amidst all the chaos

Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday, March 25 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.

[Perdita]

Neighbours celebrates its 30th anniversary in style over the next few weeks, with a number of familiar faces returning to our screens to help mark the special occasion.

While the birthday episode itself arrives this Wednesday (March 18), show bosses have gone all-out with four weeks of unmissable storylines which launch on Channel 5 from today.

Regular viewers will know that much-loved character Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) is already back in Erinsborough, while Hilary Robinson also recently made a brief return.

Here, Digital Spy presents a one-stop guide to Erinsborough's other returnees so you can keep track of who else will be back and when!

Lucas Fitzgerald and Vanessa Villante (Scott Major and Alin Sumarwata)

Last seen: 2013
UK return date: Wednesday, March 18

After various trials and tribulations in their final months on screen, Lucas and Vanessa received the happy ending they deserved when they departed Erinsborough in late 2013. This week, viewers will discover that they've managed to stay on the right track since leaving, as they are still united and very much in love when they return for the opening day of the Erinsborough Festival.

Vanessa was pregnant with her second child when she left, so her return gives her a chance to introduce baby Sebastiana to her old friends for the first time. She and Lucas also make a claim for the title of Erinsborough's most fertile couple by revealing that they are already expecting baby number three!

Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston)

Last seen: 2001
UK return date: Wednesday, March 18

In one of the most surprising returns in Neighbours history, the late Madge Bishop arrives back on screen on the opening day of the Festival this week. She appears in front of her soulmate Harold after he accidentally drives into the event's marquee, sparking chaos all round.

While it might initially sound like a plot better suited to online spinoff Neighbours vs. Zombies, Madge isn't really 'back from the dead' as she is only returning as a figment of Harold's imagination at a troubled time in his life. Fans are in for a treat as she sticks around for a number of episodes, giving the show a unique chance to revisit one of the best partnerships of its 30-year run.

Janelle Timmins (Nell Feeney)

Last seen: 2007
UK return date: Wednesday, March 25

Janelle is well-remembered for being bold and brash but with a heart of gold, so she gets a warm welcome from the local residents when she arrives back in Erinsborough as a surprise entrant to the Festival's bake-off competition next week.

Despite this, the fierce rivalry surrounding the competition soon takes over and Janelle ends up going head-to-head with her old friend Susan Kennedy. Both are vying to be named as the best baker, and with tensions running high, Janelle's friendship with 'Susie-Q' may temporarily be put to one side!

Nina Tucker (Delta Goodrem)

Last seen: 2005
UK return date: Monday, March 30

Nina returns to Erinsborough with a heavy heart towards the end of this month, as she has recently split from her partner Jack Scully after more than ten years together. The heartbreak hasn't only affected the talented singer's personal life but also her career, as she is struggling to muster up any inspiration to write music following the break-up.

Some time in Erinsborough allows Nina to reconnect with her roots and she later pens a new song called 'Only Human', which she performs at the Festival's closing ceremony. In real life, Delta has recently released 'Only Human' as a new single in Australia and the UK.

Des Clarke (Paul Keane)

Last seen: 1990
UK return date: Tuesday, March 31

Des hasn't been seen in Erinsborough for many years, but he makes a return on the eve of Daniel and Amber's wedding after being invited by his old friend Paul Robinson.

True to form, Paul has an ulterior motive for inviting Des back as he continues his attempts to derail his nephew's big day. Paul prompts Des to tell Daniel the story of his failed wedding to Lorraine 30 years ago, hoping that it will make Daniel realise that Amber isn't really the right girl for him. Will this tale of past heartbreak be enough to make Daniel have second thoughts about the marriage?

Tom Ramsay (Gary Files)

Last seen: 1991
UK return date: Wednesday, April 1

Daniel and Amber's wedding may have some notable relatives missing - not least Scott and Charlene! - but Tom Ramsay does manage to make it to Erinsborough for the big day.

Tom also has some vital information to share, as he arrives back just after Daniel, Amber and Imogen have become intrigued by a Robinson family mystery. Daniel's great grandma Agnes Robinson once lost a pearl ring in mysterious circumstances, but it seems that Tom may know what happened to the missing heirloom when he reveals that it is down an abandoned well in the area.

Unfortunately, this revelation soon leads to disaster when Daniel goes in search of the ring on his wedding day with help from Imogen and they both get trapped down the well, leaving an oblivious Amber standing at the altar...

Guy Carpenter (Andrew Williams)

Last seen: 1992
UK return date: Wednesday, April 1

Guy is the other main returnee for the wedding day itself, arriving at the Turner house on the morning of the ceremony.

While they've remained in contact off screen, Guy's return gives fans a chance to see him interact with his father Lou for the first time in 23 years - as well as sharing his first ever scenes with his on-screen sister Lauren.

Sky Mangel (Stephanie McIntosh)

Last seen: 2007
UK return date: Friday, April 3

Sky doesn't actually return to Erinsborough itself for the anniversary episodes, but she does make an appearance via Skype to chat to her grandfather Harold when his return stint draws to a close.

As they catch up, it soon becomes clear that Sky could do with some help from Harold - could this be the new focus he needs after his trip down memory lane?

[alan45]

Neighbours celebrates its 30th anniversary in style over the next few weeks, with a number of familiar faces returning to our screens to help mark the special occasion.

While the birthday episode itself arrives this Wednesday (March 18), show bosses have gone all-out with four weeks of unmissable storylines which launch on Channel 5 from today.


© Channel 5

Regular viewers will know that much-loved character Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) is already back in Erinsborough, while Hilary Robinson also recently made a brief return.

Here, Digital Spy presents a one-stop guide to Erinsborough's other returnees so you can keep track of who else will be back and when!

Lucas Fitzgerald and Vanessa Villante (Scott Major and Alin Sumarwata)


© Channel 5

Last seen: 2013
UK return date: Wednesday, March 18

After various trials and tribulations in their final months on screen, Lucas and Vanessa received the happy ending they deserved when they departed Erinsborough in late 2013. This week, viewers will discover that they've managed to stay on the right track since leaving, as they are still united and very much in love when they return for the opening day of the Erinsborough Festival.

Vanessa was pregnant with her second child when she left, so her return gives her a chance to introduce baby Sebastiana to her old friends for the first time. She and Lucas also make a claim for the title of Erinsborough's most fertile couple by revealing that they are already expecting baby number three!

Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston)


© Channel 5

Last seen: 2001
UK return date: Wednesday, March 18

In one of the most surprising returns in Neighbours history, the late Madge Bishop arrives back on screen on the opening day of the Festival this week. She appears in front of her soulmate Harold after he accidentally drives into the event's marquee, sparking chaos all round.

While it might initially sound like a plot better suited to online spinoff Neighbours vs. Zombies, Madge isn't really 'back from the dead' as she is only returning as a figment of Harold's imagination at a troubled time in his life. Fans are in for a treat as she sticks around for a number of episodes, giving the show a unique chance to revisit one of the best partnerships of its 30-year run.

Janelle Timmins (Nell Feeney)


© Channel 5

Last seen: 2007
UK return date: Wednesday, March 25

Janelle is well-remembered for being bold and brash but with a heart of gold, so she gets a warm welcome from the local residents when she arrives back in Erinsborough as a surprise entrant to the Festival's bake-off competition next week.

Despite this, the fierce rivalry surrounding the competition soon takes over and Janelle ends up going head-to-head with her old friend Susan Kennedy. Both are vying to be named as the best baker, and with tensions running high, Janelle's friendship with 'Susie-Q' may temporarily be put to one side!

Nina Tucker (Delta Goodrem)


© Channel 5

Last seen: 2005
UK return date: Monday, March 30

Nina returns to Erinsborough with a heavy heart towards the end of this month, as she has recently split from her partner Jack Scully after more than ten years together. The heartbreak hasn't only affected the talented singer's personal life but also her career, as she is struggling to muster up any inspiration to write music following the break-up.

Some time in Erinsborough allows Nina to reconnect with her roots and she later pens a new song called 'Only Human', which she performs at the Festival's closing ceremony. In real life, Delta has recently released 'Only Human' as a new single in Australia and the UK.

Des Clarke (Paul Keane)


© Channel 5

Last seen: 1990
UK return date: Tuesday, March 31

Des hasn't been seen in Erinsborough for many years, but he makes a return on the eve of Daniel and Amber's wedding after being invited by his old friend Paul Robinson.

True to form, Paul has an ulterior motive for inviting Des back as he continues his attempts to derail his nephew's big day. Paul prompts Des to tell Daniel the story of his failed wedding to Lorraine 30 years ago, hoping that it will make Daniel realise that Amber isn't really the right girl for him. Will this tale of past heartbreak be enough to make Daniel have second thoughts about the marriage?

Tom Ramsay (Gary Files)


© Rex Features / FremantleMedia Ltd

Last seen: 1991
UK return date: Wednesday, April 1