Anyone know what's happening next year, yet?? :)
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Anyone know what's happening next year, yet?? :)
I have heard that Sonya will have a miscarriage and Jack will learn that Paige is pregnant with his child so he will have to choose whether or not to leave the church and Typer will be torn apart early next year after Brad and Terese find out about them
It's been a pretty epic year for Neighbours, with big events like the Lassiters explosion and the devastating hot air balloon crash helping the show to compete with the bigger soaps for our attention. And let's not forget the big announcement we've all waited years for – Dee Bliss is (somehow!) still alive.
Of course, along with that healthy dose of soapy craziness, the show has continued to deliver its usual "perfect blend" of humour, warmth and community that has kept Neighbours going strong for 31 years.
But what's ahead for Ramsay Street's residents in 2017? To find out, Digital Spy recently caught up with Neighbours producer Jason Herbison for all the gossip. And it sounds like Dee's shock return from the dead is just the start...
Looking back over 2016, what are you most proud of and what could have worked better?
"I'm very proud of the balloon crash episodes. We do big stunts once or twice a year, and we always ask ourselves, what haven't we done and what isn't being done on the other soaps? A balloon crash was different and I think we spun great story out of it, as well as achieving production value.
"I also think the hotel explosion provided us with many exciting twists and turns, but if I had my time again I'd confirm that Julie Quill was the culprit sooner. I wish we'd given the audience superior knowledge and spent less time on red herrings, however still kept the Father Jack twist a mystery.
"The two storylines I just mentioned are quite high concept and create a lot of interest, but we know we have to do them sparingly or they lose impact. The real strength of Neighbours is the day to day, the sense of community, the warmth and familiarity of the characters. The best episodes for me are the ones that capture this and have a bit of drama, a bit of humour and a bit of romance.
"I'm also very proud of the cast and crew. We write, film and post produce six episodes of Neighbours every week and I'm thrilled that our show made in the Melbourne suburbs is often the fourth most-watched soap in the UK."
What are your main aims for the 2017 season?
"In terms of storytelling, the challenge is always to hit the right balance and keep the characters interesting, truthful and empathetic. We've already plotted the first six months and I'm excited by what's ahead. There are some big, dramatic story arcs to power the show along.
"Everyone knows about Dee – that's going to be huge. We also have a massive story arc around a new teacher, Finn Kelly. We will see the mystery around the Tanaka boys' past solved. I see these sorts of stories as big anchor points that you can wrap everything else around.
"In production terms, we are continuing to shoot more off-site locations, which is opening up the world again. We are also enhancing our sets and back lot. A number of environments will be getting a spruce up, including two houses. We have new work spaces for the hotel and motel coming too, as well as additional outside playing areas."
The Channel 5 lunchtime screening is currently bringing in some of its highest ratings in years. Do you think anything in particular has caused the rise?
"I'm thrilled to see the show doing so well at lunchtime. We're achieving some of our highest shares ever, which is just fantastic. It goes to show the characters and the storylines are resonating. We've also had some great uplifts at teatime and online, particularly around the hotel explosion and balloon crash storylines. Channel 5 are brilliant in their promotional and editorial support of the show."
It's the big question: what can we expect from Dee's return?
"Dee's return is the holy grail of Neighbours storylines. The biggest priority was to find a fresh take on it, as so many characters have come back from the dead over the years. We also had to make it worth Madeleine West's while to return, as she really wanted something she could believe and sink her teeth into. I think viewers are going to run the gamut of emotions when they see it."
Tyler and Piper have proved incredibly popular with the social media audience. Can you tell us what's ahead for them in the New Year?
"Tyler and Piper have committed to their relationship, despite the age difference. This means taking a stand against their families and taking a risk to be together. Travis and Mavournee have great chemistry. We see them as a long term couple."
We ended the 2016 season with Sonya and Paige's pregnancy bombshells. What's next for the two of them?
"The two stories are very juicy. Sonya's pregnancy is a pressure cooker situation. I think it speaks very much to her character that she'd want to do this for Steph and Mark and convince herself everyone is on board. Naturally it will have huge implications for Toadie, who has been internalising his own sadness over not being a father again. We are not trying to present it as a positive or negative thing, but rather viewers can debate for themselves.
"Paige's pregnancy is also going to be a rock in the pond for all concerned."
Are the rumours true about Callum's ex-girlfriend Josie Lamb returning with her family next year?
"Josie will be back on the show. Unfortunately, there are challenging times ahead for the Crabb/Lamb family with Ellen and Victoria facing relationship problems. But it's wonderful to see Josie back for the storyline. I think of her and her mums as part of a big extended world that sits just outside the regular characters. They, and others, can pop in and out as the storyline warrants."
Do you have any more returning characters or new regulars up your sleeve for next year?
"We are reintroducing a character from the 1986/87 regular cast on a recurring basis, which has been a lot of fun. This person returns in a work environment and my hope is to see them pop in and out.
"We'll also be seeing at least three characters who only ever appeared briefly in the past, from a variety of eras. It would also be terrific to see Hilary again if the actress is ready to come back."
Your spoiler strategy has changed recently, with less information revealed before transmission and more surprises within the episodes, such as the Father Jack priest reveal. Is this a deliberate change and do you think it's working well?
"The wonderful thing about Australia and the UK being day and date is that we can pull off some genuine surprises. So yes, it has been deliberate, although it has meant some sleepless nights as I've fretted over spoilers getting out. In this spoiler-heavy world, I think our audiences do enjoy being taken by surprise and we really appreciate the media working with us on protecting some of these big shocks."
As you mentioned, the show has felt less claustrophobic recently, with some of the location shoots taking us out of Erinsborough. Are there more of these storylines on the way which take characters away from home turf?
"Absolutely. I was able to bring on a fantastic new producer, Natalie Lynch, at the start of the year. One of our priorities was to rethink the production model and bring off-site location shooting back into the show. We do have an amazing back lot and our crew are experts at utilising every square inch of it, but it's also great to venture out to the wider world.
"Natalie has been instrumental in us filming around Melbourne and beyond, and you will see this increase in 2017. We've also been filming in the UK, which is a treat. The cast are always lined up to go!"
Ben Hall has proved incredibly popular as Ned Willis, but there's been no word on him joining the cast more permanently. Is this something you'd consider?
"Absolutely. We explored making Ben a regular early on, but at the time he wasn't keen on making a long commitment. However we agree he's a fantastic actor and we've loved all of his three stints."
Some fans criticised the "stunt casting" of well-known faces this year, who didn't necessarily have an acting background. Do you have any thoughts on this?
"There is always an imperative to create interest and bring brand new viewers to the show. I don't think it's a new concept. We always audition and we've never given a role to someone who hasn't impressed us on tape."
Are the rumours true that Lou Carpenter's recent return storyline was the last time we'll see him?
"Tom Oliver is a true Neighbours legend and I very much hope we will see him again. I adored his recent return and the chance to bring Lou and Kathy back for a reunion. Tom and Tina have fantastic chemistry and I could watch them all day."
It felt as though Daniel Robinson left the show with untapped potential this year. Looking back, why was that decision made and would you bring him back?
"The decision was driven by the writers and I very much think of it as a resting of the character, rather than not seeing him again. Tim [Phillipps, who played Daniel] is a fantastic actor and Daniel will always be connected through Paul. There's lots more we can do with him and I hope we get the chance one day. I would put this one down to timing."
The strategy for the hotel explosion, with the UK getting the world premiere and a more gory 10pm edit on Channel 5, seemed to work really well. Is this a tactic that will be repeated in 2017 or beyond?
"We don't have any immediate plans but anything is possible. Neighbours remains a G rated show [the equivalent of a U rating in the UK] and we are very mindful of looking after the needs of both our markets."
Would you ever go the whole hog and do a Hollyoaks Later-style late-night Neighbours?
"I think I would have to clone myself and everyone around me to pull off the workload! Again, anything is possible but there are no plans as yet. We definitely do like to think outside the box."
Has a live episode ever been considered?
"We've talked about it a number of times. The fact that we are now day and date is helpful, but there are still significant technical issues involved with booming the show to the other side of the world – and potentially done three times with the various broadcasts. Anything is possible. I'm sure the cast would relish it."
And some final teasers...
"Susan will have her hands full with her niece Elly and the new teacher, Finn Kelly."
"Karl and Ben end up at odds with the Cannings in the wake of Brooke's visit."
"We haven't seen the last of Brooke!"
"The Tanaka boys will see the answers to their questions about their past resolved."
"For Aaron, a slow burn romance and a returning love interest from the past awaits."
"Old feelings will reawaken between Paul and Terese, but there will be a giant obstacle in the form of Gary..."
Neighbours returns for its 2017 season on Monday, January 9 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
Digital Spy
Wonder who the 86/87 regular is and is it the original actor.
New sets are always interesting but what happened to the Gym set ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perdita
It hasn't been officially confirmed by the show as far as I know, but rumours are that the recurring returning character from 1986/87 is Dr Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine).Quote:
Originally Posted by Aussieguy
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ve_Gibbons.JPG
Wikipedia states it's true and contains a citation from Geoff's management that appears to confirm it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_...urn_.282017.29
(It's also rumoured that he will turn out to be the Tanaka twins' father!)
I hope his return turns out to be true because it would be very good news for those of us who watched Neighbours all those years ago. Clive was a very likeable and entertaining character. :D
I loved clive ,I hope it is him!
Oh no not more brooke !!
Clive hey ,interesting. Remember his character but don't remember much about him. The Tanaka's father? I can see the family resemblance!
I was wondering who it might be too, looking forward to finding out. The storylines for 2017 are going to be good too.
Clive Gibbons http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/s...510#post868510Quote:
Originally Posted by pyrocanthus
Has now been confirmed :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Dazzle
msn.com article:
Brendan Fevola joins Neighbours
Footy star and former king of the jungle Brendan Fevola will be making a cameo appearance in everyone’s favourite Melbourne-based drama.
Fev’s coveted spot on Neighbours means he’ll get to act alongside very good friend and radio co-host Fifi Box..........
http://www.msn.com/en-au/entertainme...cid=spartandhp
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neig...adie-spoilers/
Neighbours has released an exciting new trailer teasing what's still to come after today's highly dramatic episode (March 22).
The Aussie soap aired a deeply upsetting storyline twist during Wednesday's visit to Ramsay Street, with Sonya and Mark losing their unborn child after two shock bombshells left her deeply distressed.
Upcoming scenes will see the Rebecchis' marriage tested to its limits in the aftermath of his shock betrayal as Toadie races back from London to be with Sonya, who is preparing to say goodbye to baby Caitlin in a memorial service.
However, despite the truth about Dee being out in the open, it looks like Toadie will still face some further obstacles as a mystery character arrives in Erinsborough looking for him – and Susan Kennedy voices her disappointment over his cheating actions.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/17/10/...ie-cheat-3.jpg
Sonya Rebecchi witnesses Toadie cheating on her in Neighbours
© CHANNEL 5
Steph can be seen greeting the unknown man in the trailer, but little else is known at this stage about who he is and what he wants with Toadie.
Toadie can also be seen having a charged heart to heart with Susan – who has some strong words for him over the way he has treated his poor wife Sonya.
Toadie certainly has a turbulent few weeks ahead, but he isn't the only one as the trailer also previews Brooke Butler's surprise return.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/29/...-july-2016.jpg
Fifi Box as Brooke Butler in Neighbours
© CHANNEL 5
Fans saw Brooke, played by Fifi Box, arrive in Ramsay Street last year where she caused a world of trouble for her daughter Xanthe and the Canning family.
Show producer Jason Herbison previously told Digital Spy that we hadn't seen the last of the troublesome character – but Brooke's comeback can only mean more drama in store.
The trailer also previews new problems for Typer, pregnancy drama for Paige, and Elly and Finn's explosive showdown which leads to a shock incident.
Neighbours may have aired Fake Dee's final scenes (we're missing her already), but you can bet your bottom dollar that the repercussions from her deceitful actions will be felt far and wide over the next few weeks.
With the Aussie soap's special London Week now over, we're revealing the juiciest spoilers on what's coming up next for Sonya, Toadie and Mark as the dust settles.
1. The Rebecchis split up
Sorry, Toadie and Sonya shippers – there'll be no easy way forward for the troubled couple after this week's devastating events. When Toadie returns home from London and comes face-to-face with his wife again, she firmly refuses to forgive him for cheating on her with Fake Dee.
Our insiders have told us that there's a long journey ahead for Toadie and Sonya, but they won't be getting back together anytime soon. Expect some heartbreaking scenes next week as they sort out the details of their break-up, which will include making the decision to live apart. We can't wait to find out what Nell has to say about it all, now that she actually gets lines...
2. Sonya's downward spiral
There's a particularly tough journey ahead for Sonya over the coming weeks and months as she struggles badly after Toadie's betrayal. She also starts to realise that she played her own role in causing problems for her marriage, especially when she kept cutting Toadie out of the surrogacy arrangements.
Episodes airing in a couple of weeks' time will see Sonya succumb to temptation by hitting the bottle as she looks for a quick fix to solve her problems getting to sleep at night. When Sonya wakes up the next morning, she has no recollection of what she did the night before.
We all know Sonya has a history of addiction issues, but will this just be a one-off relapse or the start of something more serious?
3. Mark's anger levels rise
Mark also runs the risk of going off the rails in upcoming episodes, as he takes the loss of baby Caitlin particularly badly. Rather than just being upset, Mark is also wrestling with feelings of intense anger – and it's all directed towards Toadie.
Before Toadie returns from London, Mark makes it clear to everyone that he blames him for the stress Sonya was under when she lost the baby. Paige, Steph and Elly are alarmed by his destructive attitude, but that doesn't stop Mark from having his say when Toadie does come home – harshly declaring that the loss of Caitlin is all his fault.
Dr Karl later confirms to Toadie that the baby tragedy was purely a medical issue and had nothing to do with him, but will a grief-stricken Mark be able to accept that?
4. Susan speaks out
Neighbours legend Jackie Woodburne always shines in dramatic scenes, especially when playing against the cast members that she's worked with for years. So fans should definitely watch out for the moment that she gives Toadie some home truths over his recent behaviour – and we reckon he really needs to hear them!
Of course, Susan doesn't go in all guns blazing as soon as Toadie returns home, as he's clearly too upset for an argument. However, when Toadie begs Susan for her help in saving his marriage, she shares some harsh realities with him about the impact his infidelity will have on Sonya. And it's partly based on her own experiences, so we'd advise Karl to cover his ears...
5. Mark loves Sonya?
We recently saw Mark surprise even himself when he had an unexpected dream which showed him enjoying a happy life as Sonya's other half. Over the next few weeks we'll see Sonya repeatedly turn to Mark for support, keeping them in each other's orbits.
When everyone starts to wonder about the nature of their relationship, Mark insists that his feelings for Sonya are platonic – but we reckon he's only fooling himself. In fact, Mark later tells his younger brother Tyler the truth by admitting that he's actually pretty confused about his growing attachment to Sonya. Will he act on his feelings?
6. Toadie's mystery visitor
Neighbours' latest trailer showed (yet another) shock arrival at the Rebecchi house as a mystery man came calling for Toadie. Show bosses are leaving us guessing over who he is for now – but eagle-eyed fans online have already spotted that he's played by Nicholas Coghlan, who's previously starred in Australian dramas Nowhere Boys and House Husbands.
We can confirm that Toadie's visitor has nothing to do with Fake Dee, but he does bring some big news with him. Let's just hope it's good news, as Toadie could really do with a break right now...
7. Callum returns!
Okay, so Neighbours star Ryan Moloney actually announced this big spoiler ages ago, but so much has happened since then that we'd nearly forgotten. While over in the UK in January, Ryan confirmed that we'd see Toadie and Sonya's son Callum again as part of the aftermath to the Fake Dee storyline.
It seems likely now that Callum's reappearance will explore his reaction to the news that Sonya and Toadie have split, but so far there's no word on when he'll actually appear. Or whether he'll join the queue of people wanting to have a go at Toadie...
Digital Spy
Did anyone notice Neighbours didn't receive any Logie nominations? Pretty disappointing I think.
not surprising. it hasn't for years. It's actually not that much of a popular show in australia these days like it used toQuote:
Originally Posted by PennyMartin
Home and Away seems to do better with Logie nominations