UK/Aus exciting news: returning characters!

[Perdita]

Carla Bonner has revealed that she wouldn't rule out another return to the soap.

The actress recently filmed a two-month guest stint as Steph Scully, who is now back on screen in Australia after being released from jail.

Discussing her future plans, Bonner confirmed that she is open to the idea of more appearances - but only if show bosses can promise dramatic storylines for Steph.

She explained: "I would certainly consider it, however the story has to be heightened drama, not just a pop in to say hello. That's why I love this return storyline - it has everything!"

Steph's comeback sees her support ex-partner Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major) after he is diagnosed with testicular cancer. However, it's not long before she starts trying to stir up trouble for his new relationship with Vanessa Villante (Alin Sumarwata).

Asked whether there could be romance on the cards for Steph and Lucas, Bonner replied: "Let's just say there is a fine line between reality and fantasy for Steph."

Bonner originally left Neighbours in 2010 after 11 years playing Steph.

Reflecting on her time away from the show, she explained: "The first year I had off to spend time being a full-time mum, which was bliss. After that I travelled, did theatre, some short films and TV guest roles.

"I also wrote a book and worked closely with a friend who has created an incredible health protein bar allergen free, so I've done lots of different things."

Steph returns on screen in the UK in the week commencing Monday, May 13.

[Perdita]

Neighbours returnee Steph Scully will resort to underhand measures as she attempts to split up Lucas Fitzgerald and Vanessa Villante.

Steph strikes gold when she discovers a secret about her love rival's past and uses it to ensure that Lucas (Scott Major) calls off his plans to marry Vanessa (Alin Sumarwata).

Upcoming Neighbours episodes see Steph do some digging into Vanessa's background, as she is determined to reunite with Lucas herself. In doing so, she learns that Vanessa was once married to a guy named Alek Poccoli.

Realising that Lucas has no idea about this, Steph sneakily exposes the secret by setting up a fake Facebook profile as Alek and sending Lucas a message.

When Lucas finds out the truth, he can't believe that Vanessa (Alin Sumarwata) kept it a secret and declares that their own wedding is off.

Carla Bonner, who plays Steph, told TV Week: "Steph thinks Lucas calling it off is proof of their instability. If they were tight enough then none of this would actually matter or cause turbulence, but she's seen first-hand how this can derail them."

Steph is now back on screen in Australia and reappears on Channel 5 in the UK from Monday, May 13.

Her return storyline is expected to explore mental health issues as Steph's behaviour becomes increasingly erratic following her release from jail.

[Perdita]

Neighbours airs Steph Scully's return scenes on UK screens later this month as the popular character is released from jail.

Steph (Carla Bonner) has been behind bars for two and a half years, but finally gets her freedom when she is let out on parole.

Paul Robinson is the first to hear of Steph's release as his ex-wife Lyn reveals the news to him in a phone call.

The businessman is intrigued to hear that Steph is heading straight back to Erinsborough, as she is taking over as the manager of Harold's Store.


© Channel 5
Steph is released from prison.



© Channel 5
Steph is heading back to Erinsborough.


Steph's unexpected arrival causes a stir among some of the Ramsay Street residents, but her ex-boyfriend Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major) is pleased to see her.

However, as Steph starts to spend time with Lucas, she discovers by chance that all is not well with her former flame.

When Steph realises that Lucas is hiding something from new partner Vanessa Villante, the mechanic is forced to admit that he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer but hasn't told anyone about it.

Steph is quick to offer her support to Lucas, but when she advises him to continue keeping Vanessa in the dark, it's clear that she may still be holding onto feelings for her ex…


© Channel 5
Lucas turns to Steph for support.



© Channel 5
Steph is pleased that Lucas is confiding in her.



© Channel 5
Does Steph have an ulterior motive?

Neighbours airs these scenes on Monday, May 13 and Thursday, May 16 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.

[Perdita]

Jason Donovan has insisted that he would consider returning for Neighbours' 30th anniversary - but only if it was "a group effort".

The actor, who appeared in the Australian soap as Scott Robinson between 1986 and 1989, said on Loose Women that he may return if he were joined by former co-stars Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Craig McLachlan.

"The thing about something like that is that it's got to be a group effort," he said. "It can't just be one or two. Possibly if Kylie and Guy and Craig [returned], there's a bunch of them."

He was then questioned on whether Minogue's recent tweet about buying overalls signals a return for her character, Charlene Mitchell.

"It's quite ambiguous. She might have just bought them," the actor said. "The problem is the publicity would overshadow any contribution you would make. I don't know at this stage.

"Funnily enough my dad has been in Neighbours on and off for a few years so he's making my contribution."

Minogue recently denied that she will return to Neighbours, although she added that she has fond memories of playing Charlene.

[LostVoodoo]

Well it's not going to happen because Kylie is never going to do it - she's even been offered just filming a tiny scene saying hello from anywhere in the world in the past and still said no.

[Perdita]

Nine more returning stars have been confirmed for Neighbours' upcoming anniversary.

Original cast member Paul Keane will return as Des Clarke to mark the soap's 30th anniversary, alongside Alin Sumarwata as Vanessa, and Scott Major as Lucas.

Alin Sumarwata
© Channel 5
Alin Sumarwata

Lucas succumbs to his gambling addiction once more.
© Channel 5
Scott Major

Gary Files will appear as Tom Ramsay for the special episodes, with Andrew Williams back to play Lou's son Guy Carpenter.

Anne Scott-Pendlebury will make a special return as Aunt Hilary, after last appearing in Erinsborough in 2005.

Fans can expect to see Melissa Bell back as Lucy Robinson, alongside Stephanie McIntosh as Sky Mangel, who last appeared in 2007.

Following a seven-and-a-half year absence, Nell Feeney will also return as Janelle Timmins.

Melissa Bell as Lucy Robinson in Neighbours
© Channel 5
Melissa Bell

Stephanie Mcintosh
© Rex Features / Jim Smeal/BEI
Stephanie Mcintosh

The nine guest stars join already announced returnees Ian Smith and Anne Charleston, who will return as iconic couple Harold and Madge.

Meanwhile, it has also been announced that Delta Goodrem will star in three episodes as Nina Tucker.

Neighbours will air its 30th anniversary episodes in March next year, with the episodes currently being filmed.

[TaintedLove]

I`m so thrilled about Des Clarke returning. I liked Janelle and Sky too. I never was keen on Lucas and Vanessa though.
My hopes were dashed that Henry Ramsay and Clive Gibbons would return though. They were great characters.

[TaintedLove]

Double post

[gillyH1981]

Alan Fletcher has revealed that as well as the 11 returnees announced already announced, they are still more returnees to be announced for the 30th anniversary.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz-t...-Alan-Fletcher

[Perdita]

Neighbours schemer Paul Robinson will be given a surprise when his cousin Hilary arrives in Erinsborough next month.

Hilary, played by Anne-Scott Pendlebury, was last seen in 2005 and is one of the many former characters returning as part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations.

The story kicks off when the West Waratah Star newspaper releases an article that criticises Paul (Stefan Dennis) for cutting community services to fund the upcoming Erinsborough Festival.

Hilary Robinson played by Anne-Scott Pendlebury.
© Channel 5
Hilary Robinson played by Anne-Scott Pendlebury.

After Paul orders Naomi to fix it, she gives him a few choice words - insisting that everyone knows he's only in it for himself and the power.

Privately hurt by Naomi's character assessment of him, Paul orchestrates a photoshoot and article with the journalist who published the original piece to prove that he is capable of using his powers for good.

Unbeknownst to Paul, though, his cost-cutting measures have also disgruntled a familiar face from the past - his cousin Hilary Robinson. When Hilary makes her presence known to Paul, his stunned reaction is caught on camera!

Anne-Scott Pendlebury with Stefan Dennis and Tim Phillips.
© Channel 5
Hilary is back with a plan

Furious that Hilary has embarrassed him in front of the media, Paul whisks her back to his penthouse. Annoyed by Paul's reaction, Hilary complains to Daniel that she is upset with how he has treated her but Paul is unrepentant, prompting Daniel to offer to take her home.

When Daniel has to leave for a work emergency, Paul offers to take Hilary home instead, but she stubbornly declines and Paul is forced to order room service to shut her up.

Hilary later makes herself comfortable, and in a brief moment of vulnerability, reveals how her relationship with her son deteriorated as a result of an argument with his wife.

The civility between the pair is short-lived when Hilary starts to become irritating again. Unable to take anymore, Paul is adamant that he must find a way to make her leave, but will he succeed?

Paul is not happy to see Hilary.
© Channel 5
Paul is not happy to see Hilary.

Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday March 11 and Thursday March 12 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.