Latest (non-photoshopped) photo of the 'new' cast:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?v...00&vt=2&sim=11
Printable View
Latest (non-photoshopped) photo of the 'new' cast:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?v...00&vt=2&sim=11
New trailer/promo video (which confirms a two-year time jump):
Neighbours: A New Chapter | Trailer | Coming 18 Sept:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzzqf_qx_5Q
EDIT: And now this article:
Neighbours to fast-forward by two years
It's been off air a year, but two years will have passed in soapie land when Ramsay Street storylines resume in September.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/08/nei...two-years.html
Following on from the previous post.
DS article:
Neighbours teases huge new storylines in extended trailer for show return
Drama is on the horizon.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ended-trailer/
Neighbours has teased several new storylines in the extended trailer ahead of the show?s return.
Amazon Freevee?s reboot of the Australian soap will hit the small screen next month, and fans now have their first lengthy glimpse at the new developments on Ramsay Street.
The 90-second trailer confirms that the new series will be set two years after the events of Channel 5 ?finale?, with Susan Kennedy stating that ?a lot has happened? in the meantime.
Byron Stone, who is now played by Xavier Molyneux, can be seen in his romance with newcomer Reese Sinclair (The OC?s Mischa Barton), but it looks like there could be trouble ahead as he accuses her of ?keeping secrets.?
Reese might not be the only one harbouring secrets, with Mike Young (Guy Pearce) telling Jane Harris that he had been ?keeping something? from her.
Whilst there could be trouble for those two pairs, it looks like love is in the air for one mystery couple, with a lavish wedding being teased at the end of the trailer.
Elsewhere, Sadie Rodwell is spotted snooping around the hotel, newcomer Haz Devkar has a romantic connection with Mackenzie Hargreaves, and it looks like Toadie Rebecchi?s children ? Nell and Hugo ? have been recast.
Related: Neighbours' Barry Conrad on new projects and Kane future
Whilst fans don?t have to wait long for the reboot to premiere, Stefan Dennis and Rebekah Elmaloglou teased that there would be some ?mind-blowing? storylines on the horizon.
?We're having a big meeting with our executive producer, Jason [Herbison] to find out what is going on,? said Elmaloglou, who plays Terese Willis. ?Oh my god. Mind blown,? she said after the meeting.
Dennis, who made his first appearance as Paul Robinson in 1985, added: ?I didn't think that was going to happen,? with the pair looking gobsmacked at what they?d been told.
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
For anyone interested. DS article:
Neighbours announces Neighbours Experience which fans can visit in London
Fans can grab a coffee in Harold's Caf? or have a chat in the Kennedys' living room.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...rience-london/
Neighbours fans rejoice ? a new immersive UK experience is coming your way.
Ahead of the soap's anticipated return next month, Amazon Freevee has announced that parts of the famous Ramsay Street set will be recreated in London to give fans the "ultimate immersive experience."
The Neighbours Experience, which will bring to life Harold's Caf?, Lassiters, Karl and Susan Kennedy's living room and more, will be based at Protein Studios in Shoreditch from September 15 until September 17 from 8am-8pm on Friday, 9am-8pm on Saturday, and 9am-7pm on Sunday.
Visitors will have access to the cast's wardrobe during the experience, including Charlene Mitchell?s wedding gown, Harold Bishop?s Salvation Army suit and Mike Young?s leather jacket from the series finale.
Fans might even find themselves immersed in famous Neighbours scenes as "some of the most iconic moments from the soap's history come to life on screen, and in person, throughout the experience."
To visit Ramsay Street and experience life as a neighbour for the day, fans can secure their free ticket here.
he upcoming Neighbours revival will be set two years after the events of the Channel 5 'finale', and according to Stefan Dennis and Rebekah Elmaloglou, there are plenty of "mind blowing" twists to come.
"We're having a big meeting with our executive producer, Jason [Herbison] to find out what is going on," Elmaloglou, who plays Terese Willis, said in a video posted to social media last month. "Oh my god. Mind blown," she teased after the meeting.
Meanwhile, a gobsmacked-looking Dennis, who plays Paul Robinson, added: "I didn't think that was going to happen."
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
Also:
The Neighbours set is coming to the UK and you can be on Ramsay Street for free
https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/16/neigh...o=newsnow-feed
DS article:
Neighbours producer Jason Herbison teases new season and returning characters
"It's an exciting new world."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...on-new-season/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
The big day is getting closer. Neighbours returns for its new season on September 18, kicking off a fresh chapter of Ramsay Street drama.
Fans can expect an exciting mix of the familiar and the new, as classic characters mix with a batch of fresh faces in Erinsborough.
Long-serving executive producer Jason Herbison recently caught up with Digital Spy and other press to share new teasers of what's in store.
When you wrote the 2022 finale, did you approach it with this potential revival in mind?
"We very much thought it was the end and worked very hard to make it feel fitting, rewarding and satisfying. I always hoped that maybe the show would come back one day, but I certainly didn't think it would happen so quickly. That's all power to the audience, the fans and of course Amazon Freevee, who came along and are bringing back the show.
"So I didn't want to close off the possibility and I wanted doors to be left open, but certainly had not set my mind to what the next chapter could be, because we wouldn't have even known when that would be and who might be involved. It was not in my mind during the finale."
How did the first conversations with Amazon come about?
"It was after the finale and the incredible response that we saw the finale get. Obviously, all those wonderful cast came back and I think everyone was reminded of the great love that is still out there for Neighbours. Then it was November 2022 that everything came together and we made our announcement."
The new season is set two years after the finale. Why did you decide on that time jump?
"That was decided very early on, when we were having talks with Amazon. We knew there was going to be a transmission gap, so life for the audience would have gone on and time would have passed for them too.
"It just felt like a one-off opportunity. In serial dramas, there aren't a lot of things you can do for the first time. Of course, other soaps have done time jumps, but in our case, we were actually going to have been off air as well. We felt that it was a great opportunity ? and two years felt like a really nice timeline."
How and when did you decide which characters you'd bring back?
"It was very, very quick. I was thinking about it in isolation for a little while, but then when we got the green light and sign-off, I went and visited the four heritage cast [Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Jackie Woodburne and Ryan Moloney]. We talked to them and very quickly got them all on board for an announcement.
"I had a bit of an idea of the other characters that I'd been thinking about, so we very quickly and urgently got on the phones and in a couple of weeks, pulled together the cast that we needed for the return."
Did you approach everyone, or just people you felt you could play exciting character arcs with?
"Well, with the decision to do a time jump, that meant that some people naturally would have moved on. There were people who were unavailable as they had moved on to other projects, so we had decisions to make over whether or not we might want to recast those roles, or whether or not we might move them on from the show.
"But I will say that, just because a character is not back in episode one, it doesn't mean they may not return in the future. Certainly, there's a lot of love from the actors who have been on the show."
How has the collaboration with Amazon been going?
"They've been amazing. From the get-go, we've had nothing but love for the show from them. It's been a collaboration and it's a big deal for them too ? they know that it's a big thing to be bringing Neighbours back.
"I visited their offices in February and just met everyone, and we've had the pleasure of having several of them come out to set as well. They've just been great. They've got a lot of respect for the brand. They know how much the audience misses the show and wants it back."
Are you pitching the revival to the existing audience or to a new one too?
"Well, it is very much that 'perfect blend'. We are wanting everyone that knows and loves the show, everyone that watched that finale, to come back and to see the Neighbours that they know, love, remember and are missing. We want them to feel as though they've got their show back.
"I always said the finale was a hug to the audience ? a goodbye hug ? and I want this to be a 'welcome back' hug. But at the same time, we did want the show to be accessible to a new audience.
"The time jump is helpful there too. Very naturally, with new characters coming into the show, there are natural organic ways to bring a new audience up to date on what might be going on.
"I think if you've watched the show before, then you'll be able to pick it up straight away. If you haven't watched it for a few years, you'll be able to pick it up straight away. But alternatively, if you haven't watched the show at all, you'll also be able to get into it."
With the show now airing on a streaming service, have there been many conversations about how that might change your approach?
"It's an exciting new world. I think there's been so much conversation about streamers and serial dramas. We're leading the way now and it's going to be really exciting to see this launch.
"In terms of how we plot the show and how we structure the show, I don't think it's changed our approach at all. We are still very much making the show that we were making before, but obviously, we want to be making the show better.
"We're always doing that. We're always looking at the production model, looking at our technology, always trying to make it as good as it can possibly be."
Are you planning to revisit any of the storylines you didn't have time for in 2022?
"Well, we always had a lot of ideas on the table. I did notice some of them sneak out, so I'm certainly not doing anything that got revealed.
"We did bring in the Rodwell family just before the show ended, and because the show was ending, we didn't really get the chance to tell as many stories as we'd hoped. So we've got the Rodwell family back. We've also got a new family as well, who are great."
What was the thinking behind the new Varga-Murphy family?
"Well, we're a very progressive show and I really wanted to bring in a same-sex couple with older children. We played out those storylines with Aaron and David and a younger child, but I was really keen to see it in an older, grown-up family with teenage kids.
"Our motto is 'everyone is welcome on Ramsay Street'. I think there is a little bit of us saying, 'This is the future'. A little bit of us staking what we're about on day one. But they're terrific characters, and we've gotten terrific storylines out of them."
Is it important to you that the show is progressive in that way?
"I just think it's contemporary and real life. I never like to think of it as 'an agenda' or anything like that. I think we're reflecting real life. We've all had so much incredible feedback over the years from people who are marginalised or not represented on television. It's so powerful to hear people say how meaningful it is to them to see themselves on television.
"We've also seen a huge change in the last decade. We used to do a lot of focus groups and I remember in the early years ? I've been here for 11 years ? maybe in a group of 10 people, you might have one person going 'I'm not sure about Aaron or David' or 'I don't think they should be on at teatime'.
"Then a couple of years later, you know that one or two people, maybe it was one every now and then. Then the last time we did them, not one. People would say, 'They're just characters we love in the show'.
"That really showed me the power of a show like Neighbours to change, to normalise, to evolve and also ? why wouldn't you want diverse progressive characters because they give you great stories?"
Is there anything else that you can tease about future stories?
"We've got wonderful new characters. I think one of the many beauties of Neighbours is that it has always been multi-generational. With this next chapter of the show, it's starting afresh and it was a great chance as well to just reset that.
"We have our wonderful grandparent figures like Karl and Susan, we have characters like Toadie and then the new family ? the parents with the kids. And then the 20-somethings, who live in a share household, and then the teenagers and then the young children. I think it's a really nice balance of characters."
What can you tell us about Guy Pearce's return as Mike Young?
"We're very excited that Guy Pearce has been back and done some stuff for us too. That's wonderful and I think people will really enjoy seeing Mike and Jane together again.
"It's more than a moment and it's very meaningful. What happens beyond that will play out. But Guy has been wonderful, and he's very engaged as well in the characters and their future happiness."
Can you share any teasers about Mischa Barton's character, Reece?
"Like with the new family, she's a newcomer to town, so she's another great person for a new viewer to see the world through. But in the tradition of many characters, she's a bit of a mystery woman.
"Reece has got a suitcase of secrets! It's an interesting journey. Has she come for something? Is she running away from something? It's a combination of both, so I think she's got some twists and turns.
"Her character herself goes on a journey. She is touched by the lives of everyone here in Erinsborough and then ultimately, down the track finds out much more, that she was never expecting to ever find there."
Would you bring in more US stars if the show takes off in America, where Freevee is also available?
"I think we're open to anything. We are absolutely a show about Australians living in an Australian suburban street. But we do have a lot of Brits, a lot of Americans, a lot of people from many different countries, just like real life. So I think we're very open to it. We've had many British characters over the years pop through on the show."
Who are your sights on?
"Oh, many, many, many! I will say that we have approached some pretty good names who are very open and it's always a question of timing.
"I do want to put one thing out to the universe. I want Hugh Jackman to appear in Neighbours. Hugh famously almost did a two-year run on the show. He tells the story many times and you can see it online where he had the choice between two years on Neighbours or going to WAAPA, which is a very renowned film acting school in Perth.
"To the despair of his family in the UK, he chose WAAPA so I think it's time that he fulfilled his destiny. His wife Deborra-Lee Furness was directing here in 2020 and he was going to pop to set, but then it was the week of COVID and we had to shut."
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
Also:
Devastating hint that a Neighbours legend is set to die when the show returns
https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/29/sad-h...o=newsnow-feed
And:
11 Neighbours spoilers for show?s return confirm devastating death fears, Susan?s life changed forever, secrets explode and more!
https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/29/11-ma...o=newsnow-feed
DS article:
Neighbours star Annie Jones breaks silence on Jane and Mike's new scenes
"I think the fans are going to be really happy."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...nes-jane-mike/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours surprised fans this year with the big news that Hollywood star Guy Pearce had signed up to film new episodes for the revival season, reprising his role as Mike Young once again.
Mike returned to Ramsay Street and reunited with Jane Harris in the show's heartwarming finale episode last year, but the couple's well-received reconciliation ultimately left the writing team with a dilemma when Neighbours was resurrected by Amazon Freevee.
As seen in a recently-released trailer, fans can now expect to see Jane and Mike sharing the screen again in the new season, but the exact outcome for their relationship remains a closely guarded secret.
Annie Jones, who plays Jane, recently caught up with Digital Spy and other press to share some teasers of what's in store.
How did it feel to get back on set and start filming again?
"Just fantastic. It was such a dream come true for all of us. It's like we never left. But then again, there's been quite a refresh. We have a lot of new crew, because a lot of the older crew have either retired or they've just moved on to other shows. We've got a lot of the same characters and actors back, as well as a whole bunch of new ones."
When you were approached to return, did you have to give it much thought?
"No, not really. I was thrilled to hear that the show was coming back ? for myself and for my fellow actors and crew, but also for the fans. I know how much it means to a lot of our fans, especially in the UK. That became blatantly obvious when we were over there doing the Celebration Tour ? just how loved the show is. I'm super excited to be back."
How was it to get that direct interaction with the fans on the Tour?
"Well, they had us crying a lot of the time because we did four hours of meet and greet before each show. We heard first-hand just how much the show had meant to people and how devastated they were when it had finished. We also heard how generational it is. It tended to be grandma, that was the first viewer, and then at least three generations and counting."
When the show returns, how are things going for Jane?
"It's Jane and her ongoing relationship with Mike and Sam. They're all living in Number 24 together, so it's happy, happy Jane. She's got her man and a new step child, so it's all happy families.
"The house is looking a little bit different ? I think the cupboards have had a bit of a change and the furniture is different. It's a more 'country cottage' look that she's gone for. And of course, Mrs. Mangel's painting follows Jane everywhere she goes."
When you heard that Neighbours was returning, did you have a chat with Guy Pearce about how it was all going to work in terms of Jane and Mike's relationship?
"We did have a bit of a chat. We just threw up a couple of ideas and possibilities of what could have happened. Then we shared those with the writers and the producers and came up with a solution."
Guy didn't want to just walk away after his finale return, did he?
"Absolutely. He's such a beautiful person. He wants to do right by Mike ? and by all of the fans that seemed to have loved the Mike and Jane story in the last episode so much.
"I actually had already shot stuff with Guy before we did the Celebration Tour. It was in the UK in a secret location. We filmed for quite a few days."
Will those be the first few episodes back?
"You'll get to see!"
Can you tease how it's going to play out?
"Well, Jane and Mike are together. Mike has fitted into the neighbourhood. He's great friends with Karl ? he and Karl jam together a lot. They've got a bit of a Ramsay Street Band kind of thing going on. So he really loves living there.
"I think the fans are going to be really happy. I think what happens is very satisfying. I think you guys are going to be delighted ? I hope so anyway!"
How do you feel about Xavier Molyneux taking on the role of Jane's son Byron?
"He's great. Apart from being incredibly handsome, he's really switched on and he wants to be good. So that's what you want ? someone who is keen to learn.
"Things were tense between Jane and Byron last time we saw them together because of his escorting, but their relationship is really good and he's living in a share house across the road. So Jane's loving that."
How is Jane and Paul's friendship after the rocky time they've had?
"Jane and Paul's relationship when we come back again is good. Mike's around too so that's a nice buffer and they all get along. Of course, there's always going to be drama!"
What were you up to after the show finished and you didn't know about the revival?
"Well, my husband and I bought an old house in the country. Our plan was to renovate it, grow vegetables and semi-retire a bit. But now I'm back at work, which is really good."
How do you feel about the show airing on a streaming service and being available to watch in more countries?
"It's so exciting! We're going to be on in America, Canada and New Zealand. It's incredible. Hopefully, they enjoy the show as well. That'd be amazing.
"But it's still the same show. We didn't change it to appeal to the UK audience ? they loved us for who we are ? so we're hoping that the Americans feel the same way. It's a little slice of Australia. Maybe it's novel to them, I don't know."
Is there anyone else you'd like to bring back?
"Any of the older characters that were in the show decades ago would be fun. The best thing now is being on Amazon Freevee and having all of those old episodes that are available to watch. We can bring old characters back, because people know who they are ? it's not just a memory thing, you could watch old episodes and then see them in the new ones too. That's an exciting thing that we can do."
Is there's anything else you can tease about what's coming up for Jane?
"Well, Jane is very involved with the school these days. That's her great passion at the moment, apart from her darling Mike. She's really focused on making the school as fantastic as it can be. So there's a few ups and downs with the school, let's say.
"We have New Year's this year ? we celebrate New Year's on screen, so that's exciting. There's lots of good things coming up!"
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
DS article:
Neighbours releases first listen to the show's new theme tune
♫ That's when good neighbours become good friends... ♫
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-first-listen/
Neighbours has unveiled its new theme tune for the upcoming series.
The hit Australian soap was recently revived by Amazon Freevee after its previous cancellation ? and with a new era comes a fresh incarnation of the iconic theme.
The show's cast unveiled the latest version, sung by Chris Sebastian, on social media, as various stars of the show listened to the song for the first time in a video clip.
https://twitter.com/neighbours/statu...irst-listen%2F
Of course, the theme has gone through many versions over Neighbours' run, starting with Barry Crocker's, with The Voice Australia 2020 winner Sebastian the latest star to take on the task.
"When I was told the Neighbours team were going to use my voice for the new season theme song, I was shocked and of course over the moon," the singer said (via TV Tonight).
"I have grown up with that soundtrack and I still can't quite believe that this is real. Neighbours, we are all so glad you are back, it hasn't been the same without our friends. I hope you guys love my version of the theme song as much as I loved recording it for you."
It comes after Neighbours legend Jason Donovan recently revealed that he was approached to record the new version of the theme for the revival, though he decided to turn it down.
"They asked me about recording the Neighbours theme for the new version, and I declined, because I felt the moment had happened," he told Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2 show. "I don't know what [the new version] is."
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
And:
Listen to Neighbours? brand new theme tune which has been unveiled ahead of show?s return ? and we?re in love
https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/31/neigh...o=newsnow-feed
Tvtonight.com.au article:
Guy Pearce, Annie Jones secretly filmed new Neighbours scenes in February
Scenes filmed in Surrey, UK, ahead of production resuming in Melbourne have been kept under wraps until now.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/09/guy...-february.html
EXCLUSIVE:
Filming of Neighbours scenes with Guy Pearce and Annie Jones took place in February in the UK.
Executive producer Jason Herbison told TV Tonight how scenes were shot ahead of production in Melbourne in April and kept secret from media.
?When the news of the show?s return was announced, one of the big questions was, what will happen with Mike and Jane?: he explains.
?Fortunately, Guy was very committed to seeing the storyline through and absolutely wanted to honour their relationship and their romance, and the fact that the show had ended, with Mike and Jane together buying a house. So we came up with a storyline.
?It was the very first time the cameras rolled for the new series of Neighbours and it was actually in the UK, back in February. We shot for a couple of days with with Mike and Annie at a beautiful estate in Surrey.?
Pearce was open to scenes which revisited the Mike & Jane storylines after his appearance in the 2022 finale resonated so well with viewers.
The show?s unexpected revival meant scenes would need to pick up where the two were last seen given the practicalities of Pearce?s other work commitments.
Herbison credits Pearce for being so accommodating.
?He?s incredibly generous and very invested in the characters and their story. As he himself said, it was very emotional for him to return to the show. He?s always spoken fondly of his time on Neighbours. With this unexpected situation, he definitely didn?t hesitate to come in and see the storyline through. I think the viewers understand that Guy?s on the other side of the world and he?s very busy actor. He?s probably not going to be on the ground here week in, week out in Ramsay Street in our next series.
?But I think where we do land with Mike & Jane is a very elegant way to see them again, and honour the characters and also, sort of, set up for the future.
?It was very, very special. We were shooting at this English manor house in Surrey. It was very, very cold but it was just magical. I wrote a storyline which will play out over a number of episodes. It was just very, very special to be there with the two of them and our British crew.?
Mike Young?s screen daughter Sam (Henrietta Graham), also returns to the revived series.
According to Herbison, the secret filming across two days managed to stay under wraps from media for 7 months.
?We?ve shown we can keep some things under wraps. Other things not!? he laughs.
?We were very discreet about it. Guy even had a suggestion of shooting outside of London. I think he very quite rightly thought that we should get away from the crowds. We stayed at a quintessential British hotel out in the countryside and then shot at this amazing old house and property. We were there on our own. It was us and the birds with the odd overhead plane flying by. We kept it very quiet!?
What does it mean for Mike?s character moving forward? Does Herbison rule Pearce in or out in for future episodes?
?We definitely don?t rule out. It may not be the last you see of him, but we?ll have to let that unfold.?
Neighbours returns 4:30pm Monday September 18 on 10 (Sept 25 on Prime Video).
DS article:
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher to release Susan Kennedy tribute single
He's got a crush on Susie K.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ribute-single/
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher is celebrating the soap's return to our screens in the most fun way possible.
The actor, who is also a singer/songwriter, is releasing a musical tribute to his on-screen wife Susan Kennedy, played by Jackie Woodburne.
Fletcher, who has played Dr Karl Kennedy on the soap for 28 years, is releasing the single '(I've Got a) Crush on Susie K' on September 8, just over a week before Neighbours returns on Amazon Freevee.
The single will be released on all streaming platforms. It's also included in Fletcher's album The Lighter Side of Alan Fletcher, available on his online shop.
Announcing the song's release, Fletcher said: "I sang the song every night on the Neighbours Celebration tour and fans loved it! I was overwhelmed with the number of requests to record and release the song."
Meanwhile, Neighbours' return will see the soap revisit a Karl and Susan storyline that was dropped ahead of the show's cancellation by Channel 5.
Early last year, the couple's marriage was tested when Susan found out Karl had gone behind her back to invest in Montana Marcel's doomed business plans.
Speaking earlier this month about the couple's return storyline, Fletcher teased: "They're not actually in a remarkably different place. I mean, having lost $200,000 is not something that Karl's going to get away with lightly! But when we come back, the Kennedys are surrounded by drama ? more so than causing it."
He continued: "[Executive producer] Jason Herbison's brilliance ?and the whole story department's brilliance ? is that they never forget anything. So what they can do is they can bring back things from the past.
"In our case, the fact that Karl lost $200,000 is still not wasted on Susan. That's good because you shouldn't go through those sorts of things and then suddenly everyone goes: 'Oh, let's pretend it didn't happen'. It's huge."
Woodburne also shared: "Susan does start to act out in a way that is completely out of character. By spending an awful lot of money on tat, really! She doesn't know why she's doing it and doesn't really want it.
"But it's because she's still carrying anger about Karl losing that $200,000. It's an interesting story to tell about how we repress stuff. We think everything's okay and we've moved on, but sometimes we haven't. So that's an interesting story."
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
Some new articles:
Neighbours spoilers: A shock kiss and a beautiful wedding
Neighbours is premiering with a bang!
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...-wedding-78758
Neighbours revival shakes up show's happy ending ? but you won't be disappointed
It's back with a bang.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...isodes-review/
Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher on Neighbours? surprise resurrection ? and what?s next for them
'Our little show matters'
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...fletcher-78750
Ramsay Street is back, but this is not the Neighbours you remember
How an iconic Australian soap came back from the dead ? and reinvented itself for a new era.
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-an...07-p5e2s8.html
Neighbours star Stefan Dennis reveals how long he'd like to stay for
"My idea was I?d gone into semi-retirement."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-long-revival/
Neighbours fans spot another returning cast member in on-set video
Who is returning to Ramsay Street?
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...rennan-return/
Neighbours star Tim Kano addresses surprising time jump twist
"I?m really happy about how we?ve jumped in time."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...me-jump-twist/
Neighbours cast reunite at London event ahead of soap's return
Several cast members attended The Neighbours Experience.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ondon-reunion/
DS article:
Neighbours star Joy Chambers-Grundy dies, aged 76
She played Rosemary Daniels on the soap.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-dies-aged-76/
Former Neighbours star Joy Chambers-Grundy has died at the age of 76.
The actor, who played Rosemary Daniels on the Australian soap, passed away yesterday (September 16), with her family confirming the news in a statement.
"Joy has passed away in her sleep early this morning surrounded by loved ones," read the statement (via OK! Magazine).
"Joy will be remembered as a Logie award-winning actress, a best-selling author, a poet, a philanthropist and an exceptional businesswoman who worked alongside her husband to build one of the largest independent production companies in the world," it continued.
The actor appeared as Rosemary in several stints on Neighbours, making her debut in 1986 and her final guest appearance in 2010. Stars of the soap have paid tribute to the late actor, with Stefan Dennis describing her as "exceptional".
"Very sad to hear of darling Joy's death when I woke this morning," wrote Dennis on Instagram. "She was an exceptional woman and very dear to me as a friend and 'Aunt Rosemary' on Neighbours. Bless you Joy and rest in peace with your best friend/husband, Reg. X".
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxSJE08s2Vk/
Dennis recently previewed the upcoming revival of the soap, which will see the star reprise his role as Paul Robinson in Amazon Freevee's reboot.
"There isn't much of a change, which is really good ? it's a really good sign for us. We did want to go back to the same thing," teased Dennis. "It's exactly the same ? we didn't want to see Neighbours go broke because of too much Americanisation or changes full stop."
"They vowed to keep it the old way. We're an Australian show. The reason we're iconic and the reason we're unique to the rest of the world is because we are the quirky Australian show, so don't change it," he added.
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
Tvtonight.com.au article:
?It?s a miracle it gets to air?: Behind the scenes of Neighbours
150 people under one roof make Neighbours from start to finish. TV Tonight spent a day with the Production team to learn how.
EXCLUSIVE: In August TV Tonight went behind the scenes for a day embedded within Neighbours production team to learn how key departments kept the show humming as its third chapter begins on air.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/09/its...eighbours.html
DS article:
Neighbours - where are all of the missing characters?
And who might return?
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ng-characters/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours has now aired four episodes of its new season, reintroducing some much-loved characters and bringing in some new faces too. But what about the characters who are missing?
With the shock wedding twist dominating attention and a two-year time jump to contend with, you may have missed some off-hand explanations over the characters who are no longer living in Erinsborough.
Here's a guide to the 2022 regulars who are currently absent ? and the chances of seeing them back for a shock return.
Melanie Pearson
Melanie appeared in one scene during the season premiere, but the show messed with our minds in episode two by revealing that this was a flashback as Toadie was reflecting on a memory of their time together.
In the 2022 finale episode of Neighbours, Melanie was over the moon after tying the knot with Toadie, but it seems that their marriage turned sour a year later. After a rough patch, Melanie departed Ramsay Street and left a note behind, claiming that she wasn't cut out to be a stepmum to Nell and Hugo.
Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie, previously confirmed that she'd be a regular cast member in the new season of Neighbours, so we'll definitely see her back in Erinsborough in future episodes. Phew.
When fans on social media expressed confusion over Melanie's scene this week, Lucinda reiterated her earlier revelations by promising: "It takes a while but she will return."
Nicolette Stone
Nicolette's absence was explained in the season premiere, as her mum Jane became reflective in a chat with Byron. Jane expressed how happy she was to have Byron back in her life, especially as Nicolette had left the Street with Isla.
Charlotte Chimes, who plays Nicolette, previously ruled herself out of the Neighbours revival. However, during a livestream with fans on social media, she let slip details of a return by revealing that producers were recasting Nicolette.
Aaron Brennan and David Tanaka
Aaron and David were referenced in the same conversation between Jane and Byron. Jane indicated that they'd left the Street sometime after Nicolette had.
Jane said: "When Nicolette and Isla moved away, and then Aaron and David too, it was such a loss."
Meanwhile, Paul later revealed that his decision to leave Terese standing at the altar had sparked a rift with David and Aaron.
He mused: "I will always regret the way that I behaved this time last year. And I'm sad that it cost me the support of Aaron and David as well. But I'm not cut out for marriage and it's good to finally be honest about that."
Matt Wilson, who plays Aaron, was recently spotted on a 10 News First report that went behind the scenes at the revival of Neighbours.
Rumours have also been rife over a potential comeback for David, so it seems that we haven't seen the last of him either.
Chloe Brennan
While most residents abandoned plans to leave the Street in last year's finale, Chloe appeared likely to depart for a new life in Sydney with her partner Elly.
The good news is that Chloe and Elly will both be returning to Ramsay Street in a few weeks' time. April Rose Pengilly and Jodi Gordon have already filmed their comeback stints as guests.
Kiri Durant and Glen Donnelly
At the end of last year's season, Glen was at a crossroads after splitting from Terese, while Kiri had agreed to stay in town with her then-girlfriend Nicolette.
Glen and Kiri were both mentioned in the second episode this week, as they'd sent well wishes to Toadie and Terese on their wedding day. The father-daughter duo were revealed to be on Magnetic Island, off the coast of Queensland.
There was no explicit mention of Kiri and Nicolette's relationship, but reading between the lines, it appears that the pair may have broken up.
So far, there have been no indications that Glen and Kiri will be appearing in the new season.
Amy Greenwood and Zara Selwyn
my and Zara were both close to Toadie in the final months of Neighbours, but seemingly left Ramsay Street during the two-year time jump.
Both characters were mentioned in episode three, as they'd sent their own well wishes to Toadie for his wedding to Terese. There was no reference to the outcome of Amy's baby plans ? the main unresolved mystery from last year's finale.
Freya Van Dyke, who played Zara, confirmed earlier this year that she wouldn't be part of the new Neighbours season.
She told her Instagram followers in March: "I know a lot of you have been asking: 'Is Zara coming back to Neighbours? Are you going back to Neighbours?' First of all, thank you so much. It's insane to me that you all are so supportive and you want to see Zara back.
"At this stage, no, Zara is not going back. It's nothing to do with anything beyond what storylines they've decided to go with.
"I am so, so happy for all of the cast who are going back. It's going to be absolutely incredible and there are going to be some incredible storylines. I can't wait for you guys to see it."
Jacinta Stapleton, who played Amy, is not part of the revival cast either and there has been no word over whether we'll see her again.
Levi Canning and Freya Wozniak
Levi and Freya were loved-up in the finale last year after a dramatic few months for their relationship, but as with the other characters on our list, they left Ramsay Street during the time jump.
Fans can expect a small mention of the pair next week, showing that they're still out there somewhere.
Judging by his Instagram, Richie Morris ? who played Levi ? has been travelling this year. He appeared in Channel 5 drama Heat this year, produced by the Neighbours team, so perhaps the bosses will be able to tempt him back in the future.
Phoebe Roberts, who played Freya, showed her support for the soap by attending the big launch of the Neighbours Experience in London this week, but there has been no word on whether we'll see her again.
Clive Gibbons
Clive revealed plans to visit Los Angeles in last year's finale episode, having received a surprise call from his ex-partner Sheila.
Shortly after the finale aired, Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison told Digital Spy: "There was more dialogue in Clive's final scene that we had to cut for time. He explained to Mike and Jane that he was going to see Sheila in LA. Not to reconcile, but to try to understand his previous relationships better.
"Just as Jane had been re-evaluating her past, he was off on a voyage of discovery to do the same thing."
Geoff Paine, who played Clive, is another former cast member who isn't thought to be returning at this stage.
DS articles:
Neighbours star Tim Kano calls for Leo Tanaka wedding storyline
"Leo deserves a long-term love interest."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...anaka-wedding/
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher discusses future of emotional Harold Bishop storyline
"It's a lot more complex than at first we think it is."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...harold-bishop/
Some interviews (hopefully the links work!)
https://youtu.be/FXXcYFEPKRw
https://youtu.be/fbGwFxsbpW8
https://youtu.be/tejtOg9_a7I
https://youtu.be/5pb-5bALdmE
https://youtu.be/wax1j0xaemE
https://youtu.be/XVwGLtI7fXg
A couple of articles:
Neighbours future clarified as Amazon addresses Freevee rumours
"There are no changes to Freevee."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...eevee-rumours/
Neighbours? future ?confirmed? as Amazon addresses reports of Freevee closure
https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/21/neigh...o=newsnow-feed
Tvtonight.com.au article. No details as yet of course, but producers have begun planning for Neighbours 40th anniversary in March 2025:
Neighbours planning 40th anniversary
Ramsay Street will turn 40 in March 2025, with producers already beginning to craft storylines.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/02/nei...niversary.html
Neighbours producers have begun making plans for the soap?s 40th anniversary.
The series began in March 1985 on the Seven Network where it ran for just four months before its cancellation.
It moved to Network 10, after Seven infamously binned the sets, and debuted in January 1986.
While it was again cancelled in 2022, the show was revived in 2023 by Amazon Freevee and Network 10 for two years.
That means it will still be on air in March 2025 and with the lead time required for writing and production plans are underway to mark another anniversary for Australia?s longest running drama.
Executive Producer is known amongst Neighbours fans for bringing back classic cast, and while those such as Guy Pearce, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan recently returned (the latter has ruled out any future appearances), they will have to wait to see what?s in store in about a year?s time.
DS article. Interview with Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison:
Neighbours boss Jason Herbison shares more 2024 spoilers
What's ahead for the residents of Erinsborough?
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...2024-spoilers/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Eight months on from Neighbours' big relaunch on Amazon Freevee, it's like the iconic show was never away from our screens.
The popular series has delivered the 'perfect blend' of high drama, romance and soapy silliness this year. Darker plots like David's death and Krista's baby tragedy have been balanced out by Sadie and Byron falling in love, Harold making a heartwarming return ? and of course, the long-running Dr Pooper scandal.
Neighbours has also achieved recognition in the US, scoring nominations in the Daytime Emmy awards for the first time ever.
Delving back into recent highlights and looking ahead to coming weeks, Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison recently caught up with Digital Spy for an exclusive chat.
How has the new season been going from your point of view?
"I'm very happy with how the show is going. It was a huge undertaking to get Neighbours back up and running, both from a creative and a production standpoint.
"We had new characters to introduce and new story arcs to get under way, along with many technical advancements behind the scenes. We work closely with Amazon and all indications are that the new chapter is tracking very well.
"Our recent US Emmy nomination was the delicious icing on the cake and it's wonderful to see some new viewers popping up Stateside. I also love that some of our long running viewers are engaging with the new viewers and helping them to fill in the gaps."
There's now five or six months between filming and transmission, which is longer than it used to be. Has that provided any challenges when it comes to acting on fan feedback?
"The show has always been a mix of what our audience tells us, what our broadcast partners want and what our own instincts are. Audience feedback is the hardest of all because it's so varied. There is no Facebook post or Twitter thread that gives a definitive picture.
"For example, a story or character that might seem negatively received on one forum might be embraced in audience research. We try not to make knee-jerk decisions, so the TX difference hasn't impacted much at all. It's still modest compared to many shows."
How is the collaboration with Amazon working?
"I'm pleased to say we have developed a wonderful working relationship with Amazon. They are very engaged in all aspects of the process. One difference is that we also receive audience research from Amazon, which is very insightful."
Which episodes are you most proud of from the new season so far?
"There have been many episodes that I've loved. I was happy with Flashback Week due to the sheer ambition of it all. There were a lot of moving parts but I love that it was something different, which is hard to pull off on a show that has done just about everything.
"David's death episode was another favourite. Deaths of long running characters are a gift because the audience are so invested. I think we do them well.
"We've actually just filmed a huge week of episodes that count as some of our most ambitious ever. I can't wait for everyone to see them."
The Varga-Murphy and Rodwell family stories have been warmly received by the fans. Can you share any future plans for those two families and will they stay prominent in the coming months?
"I'm so happy that viewers have embraced the new families, although we did meet the Rodwells last season.
"There were a lot of new characters to get used to and it's a testament to the writers and the actors that they settled in so quickly. We wanted to put them at the forefront and we have long story arcs planned for both families."
Speaking of the Varga-Murphys, are their unseen enemies the Linwell brothers still out there somewhere?
"Of course the Linwell brothers are still out there. Don't you know that if a character gets a name in Neighbours, it's a safe bet you will meet them one day!"
The show seems committed to Toadie and Terese as a couple after their wedding twist in the return episode. Do you see them as a long-term match or could the original Terese/Paul and Toadie/Mel pairings still have a chance?
"One of the great challenges of legacy characters is to keep them fresh and surprising. The Toadie and Terese pairing was the ultimate rock in the pond. It gave us a reset on all the characters.
"It's great that many viewers have embraced it but it's equally great that many want the old pairings back. Some viewers would like the characters to go in totally new directions, which is interesting too.
"In the case of everyone, the new pairings have impacted not just their romantic lives but their work lives and their living situations, which continues to give us a lot of great material."
Was introducing the Eirini Rising retirement complex always part of your masterplan when the show returned?
"It was part of the plan. I love older characters and I believe they have a lot to give society. Workplaces in general are incredibly important to serial dramas as they bring so much story. I've tried a few different ones over the years with varying success.
"With Karl, Susan and Terese working at Eirini Rising, I think we have a great playing area and it's certainly been generative so far."
Are there plans for other returns in that space, beyond Harold and Hilary?
"Harold and Hilary will indeed be joined by further faces from the past, but it will happen organically. I didn't want to open the doors and suddenly bring back every older character imaginable.
"I also love that we might revisit some characters who weren't regulars in the past but have aged in the community."
We recently saw a trailer featuring Logan, a possible new love interest for Aaron. Can you tell us a bit more about him?
"Melanie has a chance meeting with Logan during her travels and this becomes the catalyst for him to travel to Erinsborough. There's more to him than meets the eye and he hones in on Aaron, but it's not a conventional romantic storyline.
"Aaron certainly isn't in the market to meet anyone. The story takes some very unexpected turns, which I don't think the audience will see coming."
How will you approach the 'Mike dilemma' moving forwards? Is there a chance we could see Guy Pearce in person again?
"It's a wonderful dilemma to have. We're very grateful to Guy for continuing his association with the show. Anything is possible but of course it depends on his schedule.
"That said, the distance will soon prove difficult for Mike and Jane and they will need to reassess their future."
Which other characters should we be keeping an eye on?
"We have a very big storyline coming up soon that will take us away from Erinsborough and into some unchartered territory. In some ways it's a companion piece to Flashback Week and some of the characters and themes will be revisited, but in a very different way.
"We also have a few events coming up at Lassiters, including one that's a little nod to the past. We are also establishing a new playing area at the hotel, which will be exciting.
"There will also be another two hander episode before the year is out though I can't say with who!"
With the show plotting so far in advance, can you tell us how plans for the 40th anniversary next March are going?
"We always go big with our anniversary milestones and the 40th will be no different. It will be a week-long celebration with huge story arcs playing out in every direction.
"My hope is that our audience will watch it and say ?that's everything we love about Neighbours'."
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.
TVtonight.com.au article:
Freevee streaming to close in UK
Changes are afoot abroad for free streaming, but Neighbours looks to be safe.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/11/fre...ose-in-uk.html
Amazon will close its ad-supported Freevee streaming service Freevee in the territories where it is available: the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Austria.
But the content will remain free on under a Watch for Free tier on Prime Video.
This means Neighbours, which was recommissioned for Freevee and Network 10, will remain free to audiences in the UK and elsewhere. Viewers will be required to register a free Amazon account.
?We have built Prime Video into a first-stop entertainment destination where customers can personalise their viewing experience by streaming exclusive Prime member entertainment produced by Amazon MGM Studios, licensed movies and series, content from other services as an add-on subscription, live sports, blockbuster movies and series to rent or buy, FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV) channels and the complete Amazon Freevee content offering.
?To deliver a simpler viewing experience for customers, we have decided to phase out Freevee branding.?
Neighbours has regularly topped Freevee since its 2023 launch, and is now more than half way through the originally ordered 400 episodes.
Actress Lucinda Cowden, recently addressed the show?s future after confirming her departure.
?At the moment at Neighbours, they still don?t know whether they?re being renewed, so I don?t think I?m really at the top of their needs and thoughts because they?ve all got a lot on their plate.?
Other Freevee titles have included Jury Duty, Bosch: Legacy, Alex Rider, Leverage: Redemption and Judy Justice featuring Judge Judy Sheindlin.
Neighbours continues in Australia on 10 and Prime Video.
Following on from the previous post.
Neighbours to take a two week break over Christmas.
Metro.cop.uk article:
More bad Neighbours news as iconic show is pulled for Christmas
https://metro.co.uk/2024/11/14/bad-n...o=newsnow-feed
This year?s festivities just won?t be the same, as Neighbours have confirmed the show will take a Christmas break.
The Amazon Freevee soap aired episodes regularly throughout the holiday period between 2018 and 2020, resuming the tradition in 2023 following a revival on the streaming service.
Traditionally, the show took an extended, 4-6 week break that allowed an epic season finale to play out in early December, before resuming in January.
Dramatic cliffhangers over the years have seen Sonya Rebecchi (Eve Morey) going into labour with baby Nell, Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) dangling from the side of the Lassiters rooftop and Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) throttling Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).
In 1989, the cast even released their very own Christmas album.
With the drama ramping up, the much-loved Aussie show is lining up another intense episode that will leave us desperate to catch-up with the residents of Ramsay Street.
Metro can confirm that this episode will air on Thursday, 19th December.
A Neighbours spokesperson told us: ?This year, everyone?s favourite Neighbours will also be having a break for the holidays.?
?The last episode of the daily drama in 2024 will air on Thursday, 19th December 2024 and the series will return to screens on Monday, 6th January 2025.?
The episodes have already been hosted there since September 2023, though some may have believed there was a fee due to its integration alongside subscription-required content.
Moving forward, there will be no fee to watch all new episodes of the beloved soap, but you will have to watch on Prime Video instead as the Freevee platform is wound down.
Next week, show legend Lucinda Cowden bows out of her Melanie Pearson role after 37 years, whilst later in the month we see Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) make a grand return.
It?s set to be a busy few months Down Under!
It is assumed that Australian broadcaster Channel 10 will follow suit with the break, meaning that there will be no confusion for viewers across the globe. In the 80s, there was an 18 month gap in transmission for us Brits.
Imagine having to wait that long to find out what our favourite Erinsborough friends are up to?
The news comes just days after it was revealed that Freevee will close.
With the service set to shut down, Neighbours will transfer permanently to a new home on Amazon Prime Video.