It all happened so quickly didn't it? Like Aliens had swapped Declans! :D Would have been better if the character had gone away for a while.
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It all happened so quickly didn't it? Like Aliens had swapped Declans! :D Would have been better if the character had gone away for a while.
Exactly! Its all wrong the way they have gone about doing it
Neighbours has suffered from its lowest-ever ratings in Australia.
The long-running soap, which celebrates its 25th anniversary and 6,000th episode soon, has dropped 20% from having 1.2 million viewers in 1991 to a record low audience of 618,000.
A spokesperson for the network told The Daily Telegraph: "Most of the show's budget is covered by its UK deal with Channel Five and the 50-odd other countries it is seen in, so it's not a financial problem for Ten despite the low ratings.
"And Ten needs the show to score the Australian content and drama points required for it to hold on to a broadcasting licence."
The Aussie TV show launched the careers of stars such as Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia and Kylie Minogue.
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has encouraged fans to step up their support for the soap amid its current ratings slump in Australia.
In recent months, the Ramsay Street serial has been attracting some of its lowest ever figures on Channel Ten, despite the current build-up to the show's milestone 6,000th episode.
Writing on the drama's official website, Bower remarked: "You may have read in the paper that Neighbours is not enjoying the popularity that it once did so it's time all you loyal fans band together to celebrate this wonderful show.
"Why don't you write some emails to your favourite cast? Tell them how much you like their characters and why. They'd love it."
Speaking about what the future holds for Erinsborough's residents, the show boss teased: "Over the past few months we've been filming some 'must see' episodes. The whole Steph and Toad secret just keeps getting more and more complicated. It's only a matter of time before the whole thing explodes.
"I've seen what happens, and believe you me it's shocking. I was holding my breath whilst watching it and I knew what was coming! I must applaud the cast for outstanding performances. They put their hearts and souls into it. The actors love to get their teeth into this amazing drama."
Reports recently stated that Neighbours' future on Ten is secure as the network needs to keep transmitting the soap to meet its Australian content quotas. Additionally, most of the programme's budget is covered by deals with international broadcasters.
Paul Robinson is to play a central role in Neighbours' milestone 6,000th episode, executive producer Susan Bower has confirmed.
Writing on the soap's official website, Bower announced that the forthcoming special edition will feature a twist involving the Ramsay Street villain, marking the long history that his portrayer Stefan Dennis has had with the programme.
The show boss explained: "Last week I saw episode 6,000. This marks Australian television history. The 6,000th episode falls on a Friday so the whole week is a special one.
"As Stefan Dennis - Paul Robinson - was in the first episode 25 years ago, it was decided that his character play a most important role in this very special event.
"Paul Robinson, or P.R as we like to call him, has been up to his usual tricks over the past few weeks and everyone on Ramsay Street is becoming really sick of him. What will they do about it?"
Bower had previously hinted at a storyline involving Paul for the 6,000th episode, but had not officially confirmed the plot until now. Additionally, Alan Fletcher - who plays Karl Kennedy - has teased that the instalment sees "something rather unpleasant" happen to an iconic character.
Neighbours' 6,000th edition will also see on-off lovers Ringo Brown (Sam Clark) and Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie) tie the knot.
Neighbours star Sam Clark has announced that he is leaving the soap to concentrate on his music career.
The actor will film his final scenes later this month after three years in the role of Ramsay Street's Ringo Brown.
Speaking of his forthcoming departure, Clark told the Herald Sun: "I love acting and I'm definitely going to strive for further success in that part of my life, however music has always been a passion and I want to give it my all right now."
The 22-year-old has already released two singles in Australia - 'Broken' and 'Send Me A Sign' - while his third, titled 'Devastated', will follow later this year.
News of Clark's upcoming exit comes just a few months after he admitted that his musical ambitions had left his future with Neighbours uncertain.
Reports suggest that the star will fly out to the UK to promote his new career soon after he films his last scenes.
Alan Fletcher has said that he hopes Neighbours bosses bring in more members from the Kennedy family.
Fletcher's character Karl currently has only one child residing in Ramsay Street, Libby Kennedy.
Fletcher told Inside Soap: "It would be fantastic to have any Kennedy back - there are an awful lot of them now!
"I keep expecting to open my scripts and read that there's a knock on my door, and Karl finds his little daughter Holly outside with a note from Izzy asking him to look after her!"
Holly Valance has revealed that she turned down the opportunity to return to Neighbours.
The 27-year-old, who originally played Felicity 'Flick' Scully between 1999 and 2002, refused to accept an invitation from show bosses to be part of the show's 25th anniversary, says The Daily Telegraph.
She stated: "They're always going to have the anniversaries, so they'll probably call again for the 30th."
Valance added about her recent lack of work: "I'm being naughty and unemployed and not worrying too much about it."
Natalie Bassingthwaighte has become a mother for the first time.
The award-winning Australian singer, television presenter and former Neighbours star, whose partner is former Rogue Traders bandmate Cameron McGlinchey, welcomed daughter Harper Rain Sinclair McGlinchey yesterday afternoon.
According to the Herald Sun, the baby was born at a private hospital in Melbourne weighing 3.22kg.
Her manager Mark Byrne said last night: "Natalie Bassingthwaighte is a mum. Mum and daughter are both perfect."
Bassingthwaighte admitted last year: "Starting a family is one of my biggest goals. I would love that, it would complete everything."
McGlinchey recently said: "For us, it was always about the time being right. Now the time is right. It's an opportunity to bring something good into the world."
Neighbours star Blake O'Leary has left the soap after three years in the role of Ramsay Street youngster Ben Fitzgerald.
Australian viewers will see the actor's alter ego bow out next month as he leaves his old life behind to attend a boarding school for the gifted.
Ben's departure storyline comes after his mum Libby (Kym Valentine) makes the surprise discovery that he is a genius.
According to a report on the Perfect Blend fansite, while there are currently no plans for the character to return, there is a possibility that he could be recast in the future.
A spokesperson for Neighbours' UK broadcaster Five today confirmed to DS that O'Leary has left the show.
O'Leary's real-life brother Fletcher - who played Ned Parker's son Mickey - was also written out of the programme last year.
Stefan Dennis has revealed that he originally did not want to play Paul Robinson in Neighbours.
The Australian actor, who first played the character in 1985, is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary and the 6,000th episode of the show with the rest of the cast.
Dennis told Woman's Day magazine: "I was actually very reluctant to take the role. I was waiting for a role in a film, which I was positive I was going to get. But it was the old story of 'a bird in the hand' from my agent that convinced me to do it."
He also said that he still loves playing the soap's resident villain.
Dennis also remembers starring in the show at the same time as Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, saying: "Going to do shopping centre appearances with the cast was unbelievable.
"They would expect maybe 1,000 people, but anything between 5,000 and 10,000 people would turn up and all it would be was a cacophony of noise - just squealing and screaming. It was the Kylie and Jason show back then."
Kylie Minogue once attempted to block broadcasts of episodes of Neighbours which she appeared in, it has been claimed.
The singer rose to fame playing Charlene in the Australian soap. According to the Daily Mail, Reg Grundy - one of the programme makers - has claimed that Minogue tried to ban repeats of her on-screen wedding to Jason Donovan's Scott Robinson
"That marriage probably got the highest ratings of any marriage in Australia," he said. "She went on to great success and I applaud that."
He continued: "She said we couldn't use the tapes because she didn't want us to use them. And we said, 'No, we own the tapes'. And she had to accept it.
"It was like, our lawyers versus their lawyers," he said. "But I think she felt as her career grew, she didn't want to be remembered for being on a soap."
He added: "That's understandable I think. But it did give her the break and I think now she does acknowledge that."
As the 6,000th episode of Neighbours airs in the UK this week, there's a sinister event in store for the soap's legendary character Paul Robinson when he is pushed from the mezzanine level of Lassiters. The dramatic incident occurs after tempers on Ramsay Street reach boiling point due to Paul's constant lies and manipulation. As the ruthless businessman fights for his life in the aftermath of the shock attack, almost everyone on the Street becomes a suspect - leaving viewers to ponder the all-important question: who pushed P.R.? Paul's portrayer Stefan Dennis recently caught up with us to reveal more about the storyline.
Episode 6,000 is a very important milestone for Neighbours. What was the atmosphere like on set when it was being filmed?
"To be honest, on the day, it was really no different from another day of shooting on Neighbours - and remember we shoot three months in advance. It was more the surrounding events and celebration after when it hit home that this really is an amazing milestone."
How did you feel about Paul playing such a central role in the 6,000th episode week?
"Without sounding like I have a big head, I think it was fitting for the longest-running character on the show. I felt very privileged and thought it was a nice compliment."
As we all know, the main event of the week is Paul being pushed from the mezzanine level of Lassiters, but can you tell us a bit about the build-up to this?
"I can't give too much away! However, each night of the 6,000th episode week focuses on a suspect and presents their motive, I guess. But you're definitely left guessing…"
When you filmed the 6,000th episode, did you already know who the culprit was?
"Yes, I did, however I was the only cast member who did know for quite a while. I was sworn to secrecy - and for the first time ever, I had to actually fib to other cast members that I didn't know!"
Do you think viewers will be surprised when they discover who was responsible?
"The person who it is is very good - it's not at all what you expect, so I think viewers will be taken by surprise - it's great storytelling."
What kind of impact will this event have on Paul in the long-term? Would you like to see him change his ways and become a good guy as a result of it?
"Oooh, I can't say too much, otherwise I will give it away - but it does change him significantly. But I never want to see Paul change his ways - I like playing the bad guy, it's much more interesting!"
Did you enjoy working with Jane Badler, who's currently appearing as Paul's nemesis Diana?
"Yes, I did! Jane is a lot of fun and has a very naughty sense of humour!"
The UK fanbase has always been an important part of Neighbours' success. Is there anything you'd like to say to the British fans as the show reaches Episode 6,000?
"Thank you of course for all your continued support. It never ceases to amaze me how supportive you guys have been to us for so many years, and I'm delighted that we have kept you entertained. And there are even more amazing stories coming up in 2011, so stick with us."
This year is a year of celebration for Neighbours, but it's also the end of an era as the show is moving from Channel Ten to digital station Eleven in Australia next year. What are your thoughts on this?
"Australian audiences have really embraced the digital TV age, so I think it's very exciting for the show to be part of a brand new station and the promotion and attention that goes along with that. We're still on free-to-air in the same timeslot, just one notch up on the remote, so we're certainly not hard to find."
Long-standing Neighbours character Steph Scully is to face fresh heartbreak when her young son Charlie is snatched, it has been revealed.
According to TV Week, Charlie will go missing in mysterious circumstances in episodes which are soon to air in Australia - leaving Steph panicked as she wonders what could have happened.
It is understood that the storyline kicks off as Charlie is enjoying some Halloween festivities with Steph's stepdaughter Summer Hoyland (Jordy Lucas) and her friends. After Summer takes her eyes off Charlie for only a split second, she is horrified to discover that he is nowhere to be found.
Reports suggest that the shock storyline will tie in with the return of a character who wants to cause pain to both Steph and Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine).
However, the identity of the person in question is yet to be confirmed, while details of what they want with Charlie are also currently unknown.
Carla Bonner - who plays Steph - announced back in June that she had decided to leave the soap. Producers have promised that Steph's forthcoming exit storyline will "do the character proud".
Is this not a spoiler rather than general news?
Jason Donovan has admitted that he would pass up the opportunity to return to Neighbours.
Speaking on This Morning, the star - who first made his name along with Kylie Minogue on the Australian soap - insisted that he will never reprise his role as Scott Robinson who he played between 1986 and 1989.
Describing his time on the show, he said: "It's like wearing a pair of old shoes - they're a bit smelly and there's a bit of sentimental value in there as well and you don't know whether to throw them away or not.
"But Neighbours is a wonderful Australian export and I'm very proud to have been part of it… it changed my life."
However, when host Phillip Schofield asked whether he would be tempted to return, Donovan said: "No!"
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower has insisted that there is no link between the soap's forthcoming channel change and a recent batch of cast departures.
Jane Hall (Rebecca Robinson), Matthew Werkmeister (Zeke Kinski), Erin Mullally (Declan Napier), Sam Clark (Ringo Brown), Margot Robbie (Donna Freedman) and Carla Bonner (Steph Scully) have all quit the long-running show this year ahead of its shift from Channel Ten to digital station Eleven.
However, in an interview with TV Soap, Bower dismissed talk of poor morale on set and pointed out that cast departures are nothing new.
She explained: "When I first arrived here, there were four people who all left at the same time and there was all this negative press. It happens all the time. It's unfortunate that everybody's decided to leave at once. We wish everyone well. We only want the best for our people who have served us so well.
"None of these people are leaving because of Eleven or anything like that."
Bower also refuted speculation that Neighbours will be sexed up once it moves to Eleven next year.
She said: "There's this bloody rumour going around that because we're on Eleven it's going to be raunchy. I'm not going to do that. Why would I do that? England loves us the way we are. Australia loves us the way we are. Yes, we've taken a hit in the ratings, but so has everybody else."
Neighbours is currently struggling to attract an audience above the 600,000 mark in Australia.
Neighbours star Ashleigh Brewer has revealed that she is currently exploring another side to Kate Ramsay's personality thanks to the character's new romance.
Kate's latest love interest is Detective Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor), who was introduced as part of the soap's 'Who Pushed P.R?' storyline before producers decided to keep the character in Erinsborough for a longer stint.
Fans in the UK have yet to see the pair get together, but the relationship is already blossoming in episodes currently airing in Australia.
In an interview with Holy Soap, Brewer said of Kate: "I'm really happy with the path she's gone down. She's really happy in this new relationship.
"And the audience is going to see a new side to Kate. She lets go a bit and starts acting a bit younger, which I was really hoping for!"
Since joining the show last year, Brewer's main screen love interest has been Declan Napier, originally played by James Sorensen and now portrayed by Erin Mullally.
Simone Buchanan has admitted that she would not rule out another Neighbours return for her character Sam Fitzgerald.
The actress's alter ego has recently been causing more trouble on Australian screens in a four-week guest stint, which starts airing in the UK early next month.
Speaking to TV Soap about whether Sam could make another comeback next year, Buchanan explained: "Let's just say that anything's possible and I can't really say too much about that, but it's definitely a possibility I think with Sam.
"You can just throw her in and let her go and it's a great storyline… She's great stuff! I'm sure whenever they want something stirred up they'll bring her in."
UK fans will soon see Sam set the cat among the pigeons in Erinsborough yet again as she takes on the role of prosecutor in Steph Scully's (Carla Bonner) culpable driving case.
Buchanan made her first Neighbours appearance in 2008, when her character was introduced as Dan Fitzgerald's ex-partner.
Former Neighbours stars Margot Robbie, Caitlin Stasey and Dichen Lachman all live in the same apartment block in Los Angeles, it has been revealed.
Lachman, who played Katya Kinski in the programme, was the first to move to the area, while Robbie (Donna Freedman) now lives in the same flat as Stasey (Rachel Kinski).
Australian actress Trilby Glover, who appeared in the film Righteous Kill, told The Herald Sun: "Dichen lived here first and then everyone else just flocked to this apartment block.
"My apartment door is literally one metre from Dichen's, so I can actually lean through my window and chat with her. Caitlin lives across the garden and Margot's staying with her at the moment - it's like an Aussie Melrose Place.
"All of Ramsay Street pretty much comes through."
Alan Fletcher has revealed that an upcoming Neighbours storyline will "shake" the whole of Ramsay Street.
Fletcher, who plays Dr Karl Kennedy, said that Steph Scully's court case is to cause a divide between the Kennedys and the Scullys.
He told Holy Soap: "The ramifications of Steph being guilty or not guilty is going to shake the entire street and the relationships between the characters.
"Karl's relationship with Steph will become very strained and the relationship between the Kennedys and the Scullys will become very strained."
However, Fletcher insisted that the episodes will be the most entertaining in years.
He added: "For anyone who loves watching Neighbours I can say the next few weeks contain some of the best acting I've seen on the programme and some of the strongest storylines ever on the show. It's 'do-not-miss television'."
Neighbours was rocked by real-life drama when a roof collapsed on one of its sets.
According to the Herald Sun, the incident took place at the shows headquarters in Nunawading, Melbourne, last Friday.
It is thought no one was hurt in the incident.
Builders were on site at the time of the collapse, but no cast members were present as the show is on its annual break from filming until January 24.
The newspaper reports that the set will now have to be rebuilt from scratch.
But a spokesman for the show said it would not affect filming.
"It was not going to be in use straight away," he added.
PA
Tottie Goldsmith has denied carrying drugs.
The 48-year-old Australian actress, who is best known for playing Cassandra Freedman in Neighbours, was allegedly caught with illicit substances in her bag while entering a music festival on Saturday.
Goldsmith's representatives released a statement to the Herald Sun saying: "Tottie wishes to express her total disapproval and embarrassment that drugs belonging to other people were found in her beach bag. The drugs were not hers nor were they for her use.
"She thanks Victoria Police for their professionalism and courtesy and strongly encourages them to continue the fight to protect the youth of Victoria."
Police reported that they found an "extraordinary" amount of drugs at the event.
DS
Former EastEnders actor Michael Greco has revealed that he is keen to land a part on Neighbours.
The star, who played Walford's Beppe di Marco between 1998 and 2002, is currently in the soap's home city of Melbourne for the Aussie Millions Poker Championships.
Although he now has a full-time poker career, Greco told the Herald Sun that he would like to make a soap comeback by arriving on Ramsay Street.
Discussing Neighbours, he confessed: "I am desperate to get on that show."
Greco also called for a special "character swap" episode which would see EastEnders characters visiting Erinsborough and Ramsay Street residents descending on Walford.
The ex-soap actor has played professional poker under the nickname 'The Godfather' for several years.
DS
HUNK Zeke Kinski makes the mistake of telling his friends about Sophie Ramsay’s schoolgirl crush.
And the pretty teen ends up being publicly humiliated.
She vows never to leave the house again. But devastated Zeke decides to try to make things better by going to see her.
A Neighbours insider said: “Sophie is humiliated and ends up running away to hide from everyone. Zeke feels terrible and is determined to help her.”
Fans of the hit Channel 5 soap can watch the storyline unfold this spring.
Tottie Goldsmith has spoken out about her recent drugs "nightmare".
The 48-year-old Australian actress, who is best known for playing Cassandra Freedman in Neighbours, said that police found drugs in her bag at a music festival earlier this year because she was "set up".
Goldsmith told The Daily Telegraph: "I was caught between a rock and a [hard] place. The hardest thing was relinquishing control.
"I could fight it and go to court on the grounds I was set up - very public and hard to prove - or take the possession and not have it recorded. I desperately want to tell my story but I just can't. It's been a nightmare."
Goldsmith walked away from the incident with a clean criminal record after admitting her guilt and undergoing a drug diversion programme, despite always insisting that the drugs were not hers
DS
ACTOR Sandy Winton reckons his character will find love again despite his doomed affair with Rebecca Robinson.
The hunk, right, who plays *Erinsborough High principal Michael Williams in the hit Channel 5 soap, admitted it was hard saying goodbye to his former co-star Jane Hall, who played Rebecca.
Sandy, 40, said: “Michael isn’t coping with Rebecca’s departure. He’s pretty devastated, lonely and trying to find his way again.
“He thought he had found the one. But give it time and I reckon he will love again.”
He added: “I really miss Jane. She has been gone a few months now and she was a lot of fun and brought a lot of energy to the studio.”
Michael and daughter Tash have been in the thick of it since they moved to Ramsay Street last year.
And with their relationship further strained by Tash’s baby lie, Sandy is now hoping it will get back on track.
He said: “Michael just wishes she would stop lying to him and get her act together so they can have a proper father-daughter relationship.
Daily Star Sunday
Neighbours has secured a nomination for 'Best TV Drama' at the Seoul International Drama Awards.
:thumbsup:
The long-running soap has been put up against entries from a variety of countries, including Brazil's Passione, Korea's Twinkle Twinkle, China's Three Kingdoms and Argentina's Left on the Shelf.
The other nominees are fellow Australian drama Dance Academy, Romania's In The Name of Honour and Canada's Little Mosque 5.
Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower joked: "I suspect the Neighbours sense of community resonated with the judges or they really love Dr Karl's singing as much as the other characters do - a close call!
"Needless to say, we're very proud to be acknowledged on an international scale."
The winning programme will be announced at the end of August.
Well done!
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has named screen son Jesse Spencer as his dream returnee for the soap.
Spencer played the role of Billy Kennedy between 1994 and 2000 before later finding international fame with his part as Dr Robert Chase in US TV show House.
Fletcher, who plays Kennedy patriarch Karl, told Channel 5's Neighbours site: "My great wish is that one day Jesse Spencer will finish working on House, because he has sort of suggested that when he is free of his contractual obligations he might be tempted to put in at least a guest appearance on Neighbours.
"I couldn't think of anything better than to have Billy turn up."
Asked what storyline he would like to see for the return of some old faces, the actor replied: "I think it would be quite lovely if they turned up for a major event, because I think for a lot of viewers it is very frustrating that, when there are weddings and funerals, not all the family can be there.
"It's obvious why they can't, and I think it would be quite extraordinary if there was an event. I think maybe what would be really cute is if we had a surprise birthday for one of the characters that everybody turned up at."
Benjie McNair is currently back on screen in Neighbours as the Kennedys' eldest son Malcolm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perdita
Shame, I prefer Home and away, think its far better and its been doing much better in ratings
Neighbours bosses have said that they would like Sheree Murphy to star in the soap.
The actress, who has had roles in both Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, is preparing to move to Australia after her footballer husband Harry Kewell was signed to Melbourne Victory.
"We heard a few months ago that she would love to have a role on Neighbours, but there has been no contact from her agent as yet," a show spokesman told the Herald Sun.
"If we could find a role for her that would be appropriate, we would, of course, consider her for the role. Our UK audience is massive, so to have somebody like Sheree would be great as she would be instantly recognisable to viewers over there.
"I suspect she grew up watching Neighbours in the UK, so I'm sure she would be open to the idea of joining the cast."
Murphy recently announced that she is expecting her fourth child with Kewell.
Channel 5 has launched a new Neighbours competition for UK fans, offering up a one-week trip for two to sunny Queensland, Australia.
The lucky winner will also be awarded £1,000 spending money, accommodation - and the chance to meet members of the Neighbours cast.
Channel 5's competition ties in with some special Neighbours episodes which are being filmed on-location in Queensland in October.
When Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) makes a mistake which causes her to lose her job and friends, she decides to spend time away from Erinsborough and heads to Far North Queensland.
Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) later becomes involved in the storyline when more trouble at home leads to him embarking on a desperate mission to bring Kate back to Ramsay Street before it's too late.
All details of the competition are on the Channel 5 Neighbours website.
Former Neighbours star Craig McLachlan paid a visit to the soap's set today after more than 20 years away from Erinsborough.
The actor, who played the role of Henry Ramsay in the '80s, was at the show's studios in Nunawading, Melbourne to record an interview for a forthcoming documentary.
Although McLachlan is not returning to Neighbours, he agreed to pose for pictures on set outside Harold's Store.
Channel 5 has confirmed that the documentary in question will air in Australia, looking back on iconic '80s moments.
Henry Ramsay was last seen on screen in Neighbours in 1989, when he bowed out after nearly three years on the programme.
McLachlan has since appeared in a number of other Australian shows and he competed in the sixth series of ITV1's Dancing On Ice earlier this year.
Neighbours star Jordan Smith has landed a new deal with the soap.
The actor, who plays student Andrew Robinson, recently signed a contract which will keep him in Erinsborough for another two years, TV Tonight reports.
Confirming his intention to stick with Neighbours for the foreseeable future, Smith told the website: "There's so much to learn. I learned more in my first week here than I did in any acting course.
"If I can keep learning and not slack off and just keep getting into it, then when I leave be financially stable and know that I've tried things with acting and know what works and what doesn't - and getting paid to do it - then it's not bad."
The 22-year-old also predicted that there could be interesting times ahead for Andrew's relationship with dad Paul (Stefan Dennis) once he graduates from school.
Smith explained: "Andrew is pretty ambitious, so whatever he does he will always be making money. Even though he wants to be Paul, I think he wants to be equal with Paul.
"Eventually they will have to clash or start taking from each other. Whatever he does, he'll go hard at it."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 in the UK and weekdays at 6.30pm on Eleven in Australia.
Neighbours cast members and executive producer Susan Bower have released a video wishing fans of the soap a merry Christmas.
James Mason (Chris Pappas), Jordan Smith (Andrew Robinson), Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi), Tom Oliver (Lou Carpenter), Christopher Milligan (Kyle Canning), Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) and Kaiya Jones (Sophie Ramsay) all feature in the video, which was recorded behind the scenes on the set of the show.
Neighbours airs its 2011 season finale on Eleven in Australia on Friday. The programme remains on air on Channel 5 in the UK until December 16 before taking a four-week break.
Here's a first look at Neighbours guest star Toby Wallace, who'll soon be making an appearance as newcomer Corey on the soap.
As reported earlier this week, Corey is a mysterious but charming guy who Sophie Ramsay (Kaiya Jones) meets at a gig in a forthcoming episode.
Sophie is going through a rebellious phase when she meets Corey, and as they get to know each other, it's not long before they share a kiss.
http://i1.cdnds.net/12/02/618x861/to...ys-corey_2.jpg
© Channel 5
Pictured: Toby Wallace as Corey.
We hear that Corey will only appear in a handful of episodes, but it should be interesting to see how he fits into Sophie's rebellion following her troubled times with Noah and Kate. Will there be more heartbreak ahead for the teen?
Neighbours airs Corey's first scenes next week on Eleven in Australia and in February on Channel 5 in the UK.
Neighbours boss Richard Jasek has joined the debate over alleged racism in Australian TV casting.
The soap's executive producer, who took over from Susan Bower earlier this year, said that the show needs to reflect the diversity of the community more than it has in the past.
He told The Age: "Our instincts as storytellers is to tell a story about the world as we know it. There's never been pressure that we should or shouldn't have any kind of story.
''It's in our interests to keep the accent of the show current. It would be stupid to cast Anglo characters only. It's not a numbers game, it's about remaining in line with contemporary reality that has been put through our perspective."
Neighbours has previously faced criticism for a lack of ethnic diversity in casting choices, and Home and Away star Jay Laga'aia recently accused his show of racism in casting.
However, Jasek said that changes - driven by storytelling requirements - are taking place on Neighbours.
A family of Indian and Sri Lankan heritage recently moved into Ramsay Street, and there are guest roles played by actors of Chinese, Greek, African and Thai descent.
Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis has revealed that he is "thrilled" that co-star James Mason has been nominated for a Logie Award.
The long-running cast member, who plays Paul Robinson in the Aussie soap, joked that the only downside to Mason receiving the nod for 'Most Popular New Talent' might mean that the 22-year-old is not scared of him anymore.
Dennis told Channel 5: "'He may be 'Freckles' to Paul; however, I'm thrilled for James and it's well-deserved recognition for the hard work he has put in. However, nothing is going to change on set; I still want him to be afraid of me."
Mason said that he is "very grateful to everyone who voted" for him, adding: "Mum has been a bit like a campaign manager and I seriously thought she was going to hurt herself when she found out. The whole family are rapt and as I keep saying, just to be nominated is fantastic."
The actor made his Neighbours debut in 2010 but only became a cast regular last year. His alter ego Chris Pappas is the soap's first regular gay character.
Other nominees in the 'Most Popular New Talent' category at the Logies include Dan Ewing and Steve Peacocke from Home and Away, Winners and Losers star Tom Wren and Peter Kuruvita.
The Logie Awards take place on April 15.
Former Neighbours actor Guy Pearce has joked that the Australian soap's character Mrs Mangel was more terrifying than any aliens in Prometheus.
Pearce, who played Mike Young on the show between 1986 and 1989, laughed and replied "never" when asked whether encountering interfering Erinsborough resident Nell Mangel could ever match any encounters with aliens experienced by his character Peter Weyland during the forthcoming Ridley Scott movie.
"Funnily enough, the actress who played Mrs Mangel - Vivean Gray - was the most sweet and delightful lady you could ever come across," added the Lockout star. "So it was an amazing testament to her acting ability that she played one of the most harrowing characters on Australian television."
Gray left Neighbours in late 1988 - following repeated abuse from members of the public who associated her with the divisive Mrs Mangel - and reportedly resides in England.
Neighbours star Ben Barber has revealed that his character Rhys may finally get together with Vanessa (Alin Sumarwata).
Medic Rhys has been attracted to Vanessa since she arrived on Ramsay Street, and Barber explained that the pair will soon share a kiss.
"As Rhys loves to make the first move, he goes in for the kiss," he told TV Week.
Vanessa is currently pregnant with Lucas's (Scott Major) baby, which Barber explained has not put Rhys off her.
"Rhys is attracted to Vanessa because of her fire and passion. She also doesn't play games and she says what she thinks.
"Rhys loves that about Vanessa and sees her as someone he can trust, which is rare for him."
When asked if he could handle the pregnancy situation in real life, Barber added: "I would be conflicted, definitely.
"But if it was the right girl, I'm sure you could make it work."