Neighbours Spoilers 25th - 29th July 2022

Well, sadly & unfortunately, these are the final ever Neighbours Spoilers! I hope you all enjoy finale week. All the best to everyone & hopefully I will see some of you in the Home & Away thread...

(I will still post the DS expanded spoilers & any relevant final stories/articles when they are available) :



Monday 25th July (UK) / Tuesday 26th July (Aus)

- Refusing to be pushed around by Izzy, Susan put her own plan in motion.

- Already juggling some major life decisions, Chloe is reeling from her surprise visitor.

- Jane's encouraged not to give up on Clive.


Tuesday 26th July (UK) / Wednesday 27th July (Aus)

- As Byron reveals all, Nicolette and Jane find themselves back at odds.

- Susan regrets her ultimatum.

- Toadie makes a bold choice to allow him and Melanie to look forward to their future.


Wednesday 27th July (UK) / Wednesday 27th July (Aus)

- Both packing up to move, Terese and Paul are once again thrown into each other's orbits.

- Toadie is surprised by a visit from an old friend.

- Jane is upset to discover Nicolette's plans to move to New York.


Thursday 28th July (UK) / Wednesday 27th July (Aus)

- Glen comes to a painful realisation.

- Leo joins David and Paul in deciding to move to the US.

- Dazzled by his wealth, Izzy soon crosses a line with Shane Ramsay.


Friday 29th July (UK) / Thursday 28th July (Aus)

- As Karl and Susan prepare for confrontation, Izzy's next move surprises everyone.

- Toadie and Melanie are thrilled when Callum arrives, but Amy is still missing.

- Clive's grand gesture is thwarted by the return of Mike Young.


Friday 29th July, 9pm (UK) / Thursday 28th July (Aus)

- Jane and Mike embark on a sentimental journey through time.

- Susan grapples with the departure of all her neighbours.

- Toadie and Melanie's wedding gets underway.

- Old feelings are confronted.


Friday 29th July, 9pm (UK) / Thursday 28th July (Aus)

- The past and present collide as we say goodbye to Ramsay Street.


BTTB

A couple of early articles:

Neighbours announces Paul and Terese storyline for final ever episode
Is there still a future for them?

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...final-episode/


Neighbours confirms big new Izzy Hoyland shock in show's final week
She's up to her old tricks.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ck-final-week/

Thank you for all the spoilers and information you have posted here over the years, still deep down hope some other channel will bring Neighbours back.. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Perdita

Thank you for all the spoilers and information you have posted here over the years, still deep down hope some other channel will bring Neighbours back.. :)

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Thanks Perdita. Much appreciated. It is indeed a sad day for Australian Television. We can always live in hope, but I fear this is the final farewell for Neighbours....

Some more articles:


Neighbours teases show ending in 90 new spoiler pictures
Your full collection of photos showing what's ahead on Ramsay Street in the soap's final ever week.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...s-show-ending/


Mike and Jane reunited! Neighbours reveals first look pictures as Guy Pearce returns after 33 years for show?s final week

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/17/mike-...o=newsnow-feed

And:
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-return-story/


Neighbours final week spoilers: First look at Joel Samuels? comeback as he and Toadie reunite after 20 years

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/17/neigh...o=newsnow-feed

And:
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-return-story/


Neighbours final week spoilers: Susan distraught as Ramsay Street as we know it comes to an end

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/17/neigh...o=newsnow-feed


Neighbours final week spoilers: Chris Pappas? return storyline revealed

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/18/neigh...o=newsnow-feed


Scott and Charlene reunite with good friends as Neighbours goes out with a bang after 37 years

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/18/neigh...ends-17016045/

DS expanded spoilers:


UK airdate: Monday 25 July 2022 at 13:45 and 18:00 on Channel 5

Australian airdate: Tuesday 26 July 2022 at 19:30 on 10 Peach


https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...rs-susan-plan/

Refusing to be pushed around by Izzy, Susan has put her own plan in motion.

Izzy has a run-in with another former Ramsay Street resident. She soon gets wind of Susan's plan, and refuses to take it lying down.

Meanwhile, Chloe's reeling from her surprise visitor, unsure if it's too good to be true. Already juggling several major life decisions, she decides to take some time to be sure she makes the right choice.

Elsewhere, when Jane finds Byron giving Clive the watch he left at Danielle's place, she berates them both. Byron sets her straight, and encourages her to work things out with Clive, before dropping another bombshell on his mum.



UK airdate: Tuesday 26 July 2022 at 13:45 and 18:00 on Channel 5

Australian airdate: Wednesday 27 July 2022 at 18:30 on 10 Peach


Jane's disapproval of Byron stirs up old resentments for Nicolette, and mother and daughter soon find themselves back at odds.

With all the change occurring around her, Nicolette is left to wonder where her own future lies.

Meanwhile, Susan insists Malcolm makes a choice, but to her dismay, he chooses Izzy. Has Susan made a terrible error in judgement?

Elsewhere, as wedding plans continue apace, Melanie and Toadie are excited for their upcoming nuptials. But it brings to the forefront moments of their past they both struggle to reconcile. Toadie realises he needs to make a bold gesture for both to look forward to the future.



UK airdate: Wednesday 27 July 2022 at 13:45 and 18:00 on Channel 5

Australian airdate: Wednesday 27 July 2022 at 19:00 on 10 Peach


With both packing up to move, Terese and Paul are once again thrown into each other's orbits.

A surprise discovery leaves Terese emotionally overwhelmed and primed to blow up at Glen.

Meanwhile, Toadie is visited by an old friend who wants to wish him luck for the wedding, and who learns about the estrangement with Amy.

Elsewhere, Jane is upset to discover Nicolette's plans to move to New York and fears she has driven her daughter away by acting like Mrs Mangel.



UK airdate: Thursday 28 July 2022 at 13:45 and 18:00 on Channel 5

Australian airdate: Wednesday 27 July 2022 at 19:30 on 10 Peach


Glen continues to struggle with Terese's allegiance to Paul.

Despite Terese's attempts to reassure him, he comes to a painful realisation.

Meanwhile, Lucy is thrilled when Chris and Annie arrive from New York. Warmed by the Robinson family reunion, Leo joins David and Paul in deciding to move to the US.

Elsewhere, Izzy has another chance encounter with Shane Ramsay. Dazzled by his wealth, Izzy soon crosses a line.



UK airdate: Friday 29 July 2022 at 13:45 and 18:00 on Channel 5

Australian airdate: Thursday 28 July 2022 at 19:30 on Channel 10 and 10 Peach


Karl and Susan learn that Izzy has been up to no good behind Mal's back.

They prime themselves for a confrontation, however Izzy's next move surprises everyone.

Meanwhile, Toadie and Melanie are thrilled when Callum arrives for the wedding. The only thing missing is Amy ? will her return lead to closure or chaos?

Elsewhere, Clive makes a grand gesture to try and win Jane back. But in an unexpected twist, his efforts are thwarted by the return of Mike Young.



UK airdate: Friday 29 July 2022 at 21:00 on Channel 5

Australian airdate: Thursday 28 July 2022 at 20:00 on Channel 10 and 10 Peach


Hour-long series finale

Jane gives Mike a tour of all the Ramsay Street houses before they go under the hammer.

As old feelings stir, Clive's jealousy leads to a shocking confrontation.

Meanwhile, Harold asks Karl and Susan to be the custodians of the history book. Faced with her beloved friends and neighbours leaving, Susan struggles with her feelings.

Elsewhere, as Toadie and Melanie's wedding gets under way, Terese and Paul confront their unresolved feelings.

Later, as friends and family gather for Toadie and Melanie's wedding, Ramsay Street has some magic in store for everyone.

Surely Bouncer comes running up the street being chased by Lou Carpenter.

Thank you so much for the spoilers. I can?t wait to see these episodes in action but also saddened that is has already reached the end. Time to sell the TV cause it?s the only thing I watched on it!

Thanks very much for all the spoilers Pantherboy!

What can l say but a big thank you panther boy for all the neighbours gossip, lived your threads gossip everything, l would always know you would tell me it if l miss anything big virtual hug to you.
Your number one fan x

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joaardvark

What can l say but a big thank you panther boy for all the neighbours gossip, lived your threads gossip everything, l would always know you would tell me it if l miss anything big virtual hug to you.
Your number one fan x

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Many thanks for those kind words joaardvark. Much appreciated. A big virtual hug right back to you. I am glad you enjoyed all the spoilers/info/gossip over the years, as I hope everyone has...Once again, Neighbours ending is a sad day for Aust (& UK) television. All the best to you!

Pantherboy (Mike)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ruffed_lemur

Thanks very much for all the spoilers Pantherboy!

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yes thank you Pantherboy

a huge thank you PAntherboy!
The end of an era, so very sad and an unnecessary loss ...boo to Channel 5!!

The Official Neighbours Facebook page has just confirmed that Jesse Spencer, Delta Goodrem, Margot Robbie, Kym Valentine and Carla Bonner will all be appearing in the finale.

Articles re some more returnees for the finale:


Chicago Fire star Jesse Spencer returning to Australian soap Neighbours for final episode
Jesse starred as Billy Kennedy

https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/2...eloved-series/


Highest paid Hollywood actress Margot Robbie returns to Neighbours for final ever episode as soap ends after 37 years

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/23/margo...o=newsnow-feed


Margot Robbie will return to Neighbours alongside four other famous co-stars in axed soap's grand finale episode

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...ous-stars.html


Delta Goodrem and Libby star Kym Valentine return to Neighbours as more major comebacks confirmed for final episode

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/24/delta...o=newsnow-feed



Also:

Ramsay St to the world: The Neighbours who owe their careers to a TV soap

https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-an...19-p5b2vm.html

it's nice to see the bigger stars are returning for the end

More returnee articles:


Natalie Imbruglia and Holly Valance join Margot Robbie in huge Neighbours returns for epic final episode

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/24/natal...o=newsnow-feed



Madge Bishop returns to Neighbours as a ghost in the final episode

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/24/neigh...o=newsnow-feed



Former Neighbours star Madeleine West gets emotional as she discusses show axe
"It was such an honour to be part of such an iconic show."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...sses-show-axe/



Neighbours announces seven more returnees for final ever episode
"You didn't think we were done did you?!"

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...margot-robbie/


Donna's back! Margot Robbie is confirmed to be starring in this week's Neighbours finale
The actress is the latest ex-castmate to return for the show's finale.
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...s-return-74158


EDIT:
And another:

Remembering Neighbours' Paul Robinson

https://www.msn.com/en-au/entertainm...4ec139b0d215e3

Nowtolove.com.au article:


EXCLUSIVE: Toadie and Mel tie the knot on Neighbours - but their big day doesn't go according to plan
It wouldn't be a Neighbours wedding if there wasn't a dramatic setback.

https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...-wedding-74112

Toadie has been unlucky in love.

His first bride, Dee Bliss (Madeleine West) faked her own death moments after their wedding; he married his friend and long-term crush Steph Scully (Carla Bonner) in an elaborate plot to cover up her pregnancy; and his third wife, Sonya (Eve Morey), died in his arms.

But now, Toadie (Ryan Moloney) is overjoyed to be tying the knot ? again. However, it wouldn't be a Neighbours wedding if there wasn't a dramatic setback.

In the lead-up, Mel (Lucinda Cowden) gets cold feet.

"A part of her wonders if she can live up to the memory of Sonya," Lucinda, 57, tells TV WEEK. "And, let's face it, Sonya is a constant reminder."

Mel decides it's best to stall the engagement ? until Toadie makes a grand gesture, proposing again in their living room to prove he's fully committed to her and their life together.

"Toadie realises Mel is the most kind, authentic and beautiful soul," Ryan, 42, tells TV WEEK.

"It's quite spontaneous, but what are they waiting for?"

For once, Mel is speechless.

"It's not what she was expecting, but she knows Toadie wouldn't have asked her if he didn't really mean it," Lucinda explains.

For Toadie, the day is perfect.

"It's exactly how he wanted it to be," Ryan shares. "He's surrounded by the people who have moulded him into the man he is. And it's a full-on love-fest!"

DS article:


Neighbours' Susan Kennedy caught out by Izzy Hoyland as tensions rise
The row over Izzy's move continues.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-izzy-hoyland/

Neighbours spoilers follow.

Neighbours favourite Susan Kennedy is wrong-footed in today's UK episode (July 25) as her arch-nemesis Izzy Hoyland discovers what she's up to.

Susan is currently locked in a new battle of wills with Izzy, who's now in a surprise relationship with Malcolm Kennedy.

Izzy and Mal have announced their plans to move back to Ramsay Street and live in Number 24, which has recently been put up for sale by Chloe Brennan.

Susan can't accept her son's relationship with Izzy and has asked Paige Smith, who's overseeing the sale of the house, to find another buyer.

In Monday's episode on Channel 5, which kicks off the show's final week, Susan remains adamant that she's doing the right thing for her family.

However, when Izzy gets wind of Susan's plan, she refuses to take it lying down and a new showdown follows.

With Susan caught out for a rare incident of scheming, will Izzy keep the upper hand?

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, who plays Izzy, recently spoke about reprising her role for the soap's final episodes.

Natalie said: "It's so surreal to be back and so incredibly beautiful and amazing. I was a bit nervous at first but it's a moment I didn't want to miss.

"Izzy is up to the same old shenanigans. I love this character so much. She is complex and loves to make trouble, and this time is no exception."

Asked how fans are likely to react to Izzy's antics, Natalie replied: "Oh gosh! I think they'll secretly love it, bring it on!

"They are so loyal to Karl and Susan. I'm sure there will be a bit of groundswell of not messing with the Kennedys. Hopefully, they're going to go with it."

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. The series finale will air in the UK on July 29 at 9pm on Channel 5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play. The series finale will air in Australia on July 28 at 7.30pm, simulcast on 10 and 10 Peach.

Ch5 finale trailer:

https://youtu.be/fhcdt1ySSzU

Also BBC Breakfast tweet:

https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/sta...NBeeHg26s%3D19


And DS article:


Neighbours shares new look at Kylie and Jason's return in trailer for finale
G'day!

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...on-first-look/

The Neighbours finale is just days away, and as we continue to emotionally prepare for the end of an era, the Aussie soap has released another teaser trailer.

Following a recent glimpse of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan's return as Neighbours legends Charlene and Scott Robinson, the series has dropped another new look at the beloved couple's Ramsay Street re-visit.

Alongside another sneak peek at Scott and Charlene, the new Neighbours teaser ? which you can watch above ? gives fans a look at Erinsborough residents past and present, as the characters embark on a new chapter in their lives.

Meanwhile, the series recently confirmed the return of fan-favourite Madge Bishop, despite her on-screen death way back when in 2001.

Ahead of the soap's last-ever episode this Friday (July 29), Neighbours has revealed that Anne Charleston will be reprising her role as Harold's adored wife before the show comes to an end after 37 years.

This isn't the first time Madge has returned to Erinsborough ? she appeared as a figment of Harold's imagination for the soap's 30th anniversary in 2015 ? but it's not yet known how she'll make it back to Ramsay Street one last time.

What we do know, however, is that we're going to need a lot of tissues.

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. The series finale will air in the UK on July 29 at 9pm on Channel 5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play. The series finale will air in Australia on July 28 at 7.30pm, simulcast on 10 and 10 Peach.

the Robinsons leaving for NYC is a good ending for all of them. Whenever one needed to go somewhere for a while it was always NYC (London or most recently Singapore also get mentioned).

Still not buying Toadie and Melanie as a couple though, despite all this.

Oh, and the way they were referencing Madge yesterday (Tuesday 26 in Aus) it sounded like Anne Charleston, the actor, had died.. glad to see she is in fact very much alive and it was just the character. For some reason I thought she was much older than she is.

Nowtolove.com.au article:


EXCLUSIVE: As the iconic Australian soap Neighbours prepares to say goodbye, we take a look back at some memorable moments and cast members
''Everybody needs good Neighbours.''

https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...t-scenes-73967

In my younger years ? long before I got a job in TV, first behind the scenes and later as a presenter and commentator ? I was an obsessed kid who hijacked family holidays so I could visit real-life TV locations.
There was the Number 96 building in Sydney, the Homicide headquarters in Melbourne's Russell Street, and Wentworth Detention Centre from Prisoner, which you could just make out through barbed wire fencing.

These days, I get invited inside the wire fencing; something a younger me could never have foreseen in his wildest dreams.
And the brick walls of Wentworth are still there in Nunawading, but today it is surrounded by numerous outdoor sets for Neighbours, the iconic Aussie drama which is coming to an end after a 37-year run.
My final set visit here starts with a COVID test, a reminder that Neighbours was the first soap in the world to resume production after the first lockdown in 2020.
It led to a story in The New York Times and other shows took note, replicating the Aussie stalwart's safety measures to keep cast and crew safe.
Upon getting an all-clear, I am warned that the Neighbours family is still coming to terms with the show's axing, with emotions still running high.
When I ask long-time director Chris Adshead what it was like when the shock news was broken to everyone, there is a pause before he emits a groan of sadness.
"A lot of the crew have worked on Neighbours for years and years. Some are of a certain age, which makes them unlikely to leap into something else."

Chris, who has been directing Neighbours since 1989, is now prepping for the last-ever episodes which will see the return of several heritage characters, including Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene (Kylie Minogue).
Creator Reg Watson had wanted Neighbours to be like his own suburban childhood.
It was to be a new kind of Aussie drama, where people would be kind to each other. But, in eschewing the soapie melodrama of his previous hit shows, including Sons and Daughters, Reg struggled to come up with storylines that captured people's attention.
Neighbours began on the Seven Network in 1985, but after just four months on air it was axed for not rating well enough in Sydney.
Network Ten swooped in and bought the show, and when told that all the sets had been "accidentally destroyed in a fire", they built colourful new ones to give the show a fresh look. Unfortunately, Sydney viewers still weren't looking.
On the verge of being cancelled for a second time, Ten publicist Brian Walsh began "tapping into the popularity of the young cast".
He sent them out to meet fans, with an "onslaught of competitions and Westfield in-store appearances".

As the hysteria grew, Brian would film the mayhem and send it to newspapers.
"The editor of the Daily Mirror, Roy Miller, called me to say he'd taken the tape home to show his daughter, and she said 'Dad, the man from Ten is right, all the kids at school love Neighbours, and especially Scott, Charlene and Mike',"
Brian ? now an executive director of Foxtel ? tells me today.
"A week later we had our very first front page." And, thanks to headlines like: "TV Shock ? Teen Sex On Ten", Sydney viewership finally began to rise.
Within 18 months, over two million Aussies were glued to the wedding of Scott and Charlene in what became Neighbours' most iconic moment.
At the time nobody knew it was about to become a worldwide sensation, with another 20 million viewers to follow.
Neighbours was sold to the BBC, who considered it a cheap and cheerful show to air around lunchtime.
Aussie soaps, like The Sullivans and A Country Practice, had previously screened in daytime slots, and nobody was expecting much more than that for Neighbours.
But when the teenage daughter of the BBC's controller, Michael Grade, told him all her friends were wagging school to watch it, he moved the show to 5.35pm. Within a month, it had skyrocketed into the top 10.

Neighbours' winning strategy of five episodes a week forced UK soaps like EastEnders and Coronation Street to pick up their game.
Each only made two episodes a week, but competition from the Aussie upstart forced them to more than double their own output.
Before the internet, and when episodes screened in the UK 18 months behind Australia, UK fans would do anything for plot spoilers.
Cabbies sold bootleg VHS copies from their taxis, and every Aussie who set foot on English soil was expected to dish the dirt on what would happen next in Ramsay Street.
Neighbours' appeal in the northern hemisphere has often been attributed to its summery, year-round vibe, even though it's filmed in not-so-warm Melbourne.
At its peak in the late 1980s, Neighbours was screening in over 60 countries and characters like patriarch Jim Robinson (Alan Dale), his wily son Paul (Stefan Dennis) and mother-in-law Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy) turned into household names.

Fans wept when the show had its first major death, Daphne (Elaine Smith), and while no couple could match the phenomenal popularity of Scott and Charlene, Madge (Anne Charleston) and Harold (Ian Smith) came close.
Many fans wrote in to say they wished they had grandparents just like them.
Therefore, it was sad when Harold was swept off rocks and presumed drowned.
But, disappearing into an ocean never meant you were dead on Neighbours, and five years later Harold was back.
Similarly, Toadie (Ryan Moloney) accidentally drove his newlywed wife Dee (Madeleine West) off a cliff in 2003, and although she too disappeared into the drink, she returned 14 years later, with an evil twin sister in tow.
Neighbours might have stretched believability with its more outrageous plots, but it has always respected its history and loved to welcome back former characters.
Shaunna O'Grady, who played local GP Beverly Robinson, left the show in 1990 and scored herself a husband in director Chris Adshead.
"I directed her farewell scene, and she's still upset with me for not giving her a better close-up," he laughs.

Nearly 30 years later, when the show required a new medical expert, Dr Beverly (still played by Shaunna) returned and found herself in the thick of several major storylines, including a relationship with another returnee, former gorilla-grammer Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine).
Their romance didn't last, and today Clive is dating another heritage character who once had the nickname "Plain Jane".
Jane (Annie Jones) was the granddaughter of Mrs Mangel (Vivean Gray), the prim and proper neighbour who drove everybody crazy with her busybody ways.
Mrs Mangel never did approve of Jane dating their hunky neighbour Mike (Guy Pearce), but there was no way teenage romance could ever be thwarted, especially in the early years when Neighbours was dominated by the fabulous foursome of Charlene, Scott, Mike and Jane.
Kylie, Jason and Guy all left Neighbours to become international superstars, but the show proved it had a knack for discovering fresh talent ? Margot Robbie, Daniel MacPherson, Natalie Imbruglia, Jesse Spencer and Delta Goodrem all started out there, too.
While others moved to Tinseltown, Annie stayed on to look after her ailing mother, but she's never had any regrets and says today:
"I had watched the first episode of Neighbours as a fresh young actor and loved it, so being in the show has always been a dream come true for me".

Annie is honoured to be there for the final episodes, even though nothing can ever top going to London in 1988 to perform at The Royal Variety Performance.
Neighbours-mania was in full swing, and the cast had a baptism of fire when they did a media call at The Dorchester Hotel, with a wall of photographers two to three deep screaming at them.
Annie and the cast met the Queen Mother, who said to them: "Ooh my goodness, there certainly are a lot of you."
It was said at the time that the Queen, Princess Diana and Prince William were all watching Neighbours, although Prince Charles was not.
Earlier that year, on meeting Kylie Minogue for the first time at Sydney's Royal Australian Bicentennial Concert, he promised her: "I'll have to make a point of watching it."
Richard Huggett joined Neighbours in 1990 after playing bad boy Sonny Bennett in E Street, where he had killed off several cast members:
"Not surprisingly, some actors were a bit concerned about my arrival, but of course, Neighbours was not as edgy as E Street, so everyone was safe."

Richard played Glen, the long-lost son of Jim Robinson, his life forever marked with delight at "working with actors I'd watched on TV as a kid".
Recently returning to the show after nearly 30 years away, he jokes, "Now, I'm the old bloke who can't remember his lines!"
Neighbours has always been a family-friendly show, so it was no surprise that during their summer hiatus cast members would fly to the UK to appear in Christmas pantomimes.
"When you walked out on stage, the audience screamed like you were a rock star," Richard says. "Sometimes it would take five minutes for the applause to die down so you could say your first line, and we were mobbed everywhere we went."
As the years rolled on new characters came and went, but some became mainstays.
Toadie had fans crying with joy when he cut off his infamous mullet hairstyle, and they squealed with delight at Dr Karl's (Alan Fletcher) cheating ways.
His affairs, which included Sarah (Nicola Charles) and Izzy (Natalie Bassingthwaighte), earned him several well-deserved slaps from wife Susan (Jackie Woodburne) who got retrograde amnesia, multiple sclerosis and was nearly buried alive.

Neighbours has weathered many peaks and troughs, "regime changes and revamps", and Chris has been there, as director, through them all.
One low point was in 1993 when Julie Martin (Julie Mullins) accused the newly arrived Lim family from Hong Kong of eating a neighbourhood dog. Not surprisingly, they fled Ramsay Street six weeks later.
This disastrous attempt at diversity resulted in Neighbours sticking to its all-white roots for many more years. But, with more and more critics and fans questioning why it wasn't moving with the times, executive producer Susan Bower introduced an Indian family, the Kapoors, in 2008.
Two years later, she also brought on teenager Chris Pappas (James Mason), the show's first regular gay character.
"Neighbours used to be incredibly naive," Chris says. "The subject matter was, frankly, not that critical."
Today, under executive producer Jason Herbison, Neighbours is more pacy, and leaves the airwaves as the most inclusive show on Australian TV.
"I think it's really great now," Chris adds, "because more diversity opens the door to more interesting stories."
Neighbours now has a full range of multicultural and LGBTQI+ characters, and has gone out of its way to cast actors with a disability.

Behind the scenes Neighbours has been a training ground for anyone wanting to change careers or break into the industry.
Actors like Kate Kendall (Lauren), Scott Major (Lucas) and Gold Logie nominated Eve Morey (Sonya) have gone behind the camera to work as directors.
Recently, there's been a push to train more female directors, and many of its current scriptwriters started off as young fans of the show.
Neighbours has also shown what can be achieved with collaboration.
When teen transgender activist Georgie Stone wrote to Jason to explain why seeing yourself on TV was important, the producer called her in for a chat, gave her a screen test and then announced she could play the role herself.
She debuted on screen a year later in 2019, after she'd worked with scriptwriters to make her character, Mackenzie, as authentic as possible.
Mackenzie has gone from shy schoolgirl to now studying law, but it's Georgie who's been on a real journey:
"Neighbours has been a wonderful experience. I've gained expertise from the best people in the industry, and it's also been an opportunity for me to raise awareness about the trans experience. It's been empowering, and made me much more confident."

For all its diversity though, Neighbours is still a soap, and has never looked better.
The resort set from failed soapie Holiday Island has been transformed into a giant backlot that houses several backyards, a restaurant and the hotel, Lassiters, which has survived a tornado and being blown up.
Neighbours is leaving at the top of its game, but like all those Ramsay Street characters who left, only to return, many fans believe that good neighbours, and good friends, will always be worth revisiting.
The final episode of Neighbours airs on Thursday July 28 on 10 and 10 Peach

Well, the final episode has just finished here in Sydney, as I write this with a tear in the eye. Absolutely sensational, in my humble opinion! Thanks for all the memories Neighbours - goodbye, farewell & amen!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pantherboy

Well, the final episode has just finished here in Sydney, as I write this with a tear in the eye. Absolutely sensational, in my humble opinion! Thanks for all the memories Neighbours - goodbye, farewell & amen!

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Starting to well up reading this, will be a very sad day tomorrow. I still do not understand why after so many years this has been pulled despite its popularity :crying: :(

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!! A couple of early articles following the Aust finale, so please do not read on past this point yet if you haven't watched the finale or don't want to know some of what happened etc:







Neighbours finale: How did Ramsay Street say goodbye?
After 37 years and 8903 episodes, Neighbours finally drew to a close in a tear-jerking finale. So where did Ramsay Street?s residents end up?

https://www.news.com.au/entertainmen...a43f257a7ede15


Neighbours has come to an end after 37 years. Here are the key moments from the star-studded finale

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/austr...ebbbcaec7d030f



Holly Valance and Natalie Imbruglia?s surprise Neighbours return
Perhaps the best-kept secret of the Neighbours finale was the surprise return of Holly Valance, now married to a London billionaire.

https://www.news.com.au/entertainmen...c3133489a27081

Enjoyed the finale. If the past several years had been as entertaining as the last week or so, maybe it would still be going. The writing was much better, more fun, and far more interesting - overall.

Shame, had a good run.

A few articles:


11 easter eggs, throwbacks, questions and references you might have missed in Neighbours? huge finale

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/29/neigh...o=newsnow-feed



Neighbours? finale is the perfect end, but its axing is a huge TV mistake

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/29/neigh...o=newsnow-feed



Neighbours goes off the air forever after poignant final episode: ?Together, we have been the perfect blend?

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/29/neigh...o=newsnow-feed



16 Neighbours Easter Eggs in final episodes ? did you spot them?
The show has been having fun with the fans.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...r-eggs-finale/



Neighbours' Australian network discusses "slim" hope of return for soap
The soap has come to an end after 37 years.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...m-hope-return/

And:


Neighbours fans react to emotional finale as the show comes to an end
Lots of cameos. Lots of tears.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...act-emotional/


How Neighbours tricked fans with its emotional finale storyline
It's all over.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...pisode-review/


Neighbours fans ?sobbing? over ?perfect? finale as soap ends forever after 37 years: ?It couldn?t have ended better?

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/29/neigh...o=newsnow-feed

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Perdita

Starting to well up reading this, will be a very sad day tomorrow. I still do not understand why after so many years this has been pulled despite its popularity :crying: :(

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Popular like Toys R Us. Everyone went at one point but not enough people kept going to keep it in business. The finale was the highest rated episode since 2009.


Cut and paste from the Sydney Morning Herald:

Neighbours drew its biggest audience in 13 years and was the most-watched program in Australia?s five mainland capital cities on Thursday night as 873,000 people tuned in to bid Ramsay Street farewell.
---
Before the move to Eleven (now called 10 Peach), Neighbours had been averaging between 500,000 and 600,000 viewers a night. When it launched on Eleven in 2011, it drew an audience of just 254,000 viewers. Its viewership since has bounced around, but has generally headed only in one direction ? the wrong one.

The show typically managed to draw about 300,000 viewers per half-hour episode until 2016, when it dropped to about 200,000. Over the past year, it had typically drawn half that number of viewers in Australia.
---
Despite massive coverage of the show?s imminent demise, viewers stayed away. On March 3, the day the news broke, the number of viewers was in line with previous episodes. Over the past few months, numbers remained at their relative lows, hovering around 100,000 viewers.
---
Thursday night?s finale was broadcast on the main channel, and preliminary figures show it drew 215,000 regional viewers in addition to the 873,000 in the cities, for a total audience of 1.09 million.


https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-an...29-p5b5lg.html

Articles about some 'missing scenes' in the UK finale:


Neighbours script producer reveals ?beautiful? moment cut from finale that has fans crying all over again

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/30/neigh...o=newsnow-feed



Neighbours fans notice missing returnee and cut moments in UK version of finale
Spot the difference.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ut-moments-uk/



Neighbours script producer reveals touching moment cut from finale
"This was my favourite moment to write."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ing-scene-cut/



Neighbours boss explains missing footage in UK series finale episode
The fan confusion is cleared up.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...age-explained/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pantherboy

More returnee articles:


Natalie Imbruglia and Holly Valance join Margot Robbie in huge Neighbours returns for epic final episode

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/24/natal...o=newsnow-feed



Madge Bishop returns to Neighbours as a ghost in the final episode

https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/24/neigh...o=newsnow-feed



Former Neighbours star Madeleine West gets emotional as she discusses show axe
"It was such an honour to be part of such an iconic show."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...sses-show-axe/



Neighbours announces seven more returnees for final ever episode
"You didn't think we were done did you?!"

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...margot-robbie/


Donna's back! Margot Robbie is confirmed to be starring in this week's Neighbours finale
The actress is the latest ex-castmate to return for the show's finale.
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...s-return-74158


EDIT:
And another:

Remembering Neighbours' Paul Robinson

https://www.msn.com/en-au/entertainm...4ec139b0d215e3

---

Thank You

I have liked seeing Shane Joel and Mike again

DS article - big interview with Jason Herbison, with great incites into the finale:



Neighbours boss Jason Herbison addresses finale mysteries in big interview
"I never considered everyone moving away."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ale-mysteries/

It's fair to say that Neighbours' nostalgic finale episode was a huge hit. The Australian soap pulled in its highest ratings in years ? on both sides of the world ? for the last ever visit to Ramsay Street.

With fans still continuing to discuss the show's emotional conclusion, Digital Spy put some questions to executive producer Jason Herbison ? who penned the finale ? to hear the inside scoop.

Read on for all the behind-the-scenes gossip in our exclusive chat.

You've spoken in the past about how you had a vision for the finale quite early on. Can you tell us which bits were there in your mind straight away, and which bits developed over time?

"I always had the vision of the very end. The joyous street party, Susan's voiceover, the characters no longer with us, the balloon, the original theme song and the message to audience. I knew I wanted to have everyone on the street for these final moments.

"The other elements developed at different times. As I've said, I wanted the finale to be a celebration of the past and the present. I wanted to ensure the big four all had a major storyline ? Susan, Karl, Paul and Toadie. I wanted the stories to provide natural opportunities for other characters to appear, which of course the wedding did.

"I also wanted a threat to the street without repeating the old 'a developer is taking over' story. By everyone moving and leaving the Kennedys behind, I knew I had my emotional anchor and I was able to bookend the hour with Susan. I wanted to tug at the heartstrings as much as I could.

"I also had other things I wanted to squeeze in, such as a goodbye tour of the houses and a good old fashioned Ramsay Street squabble. Everything fell into place and a few things went to God for time or production reasons, too."

Presumably, the final episode would have been quite different if Guy Pearce hadn't agreed to return. Did you have a Plan A, B, C etc in case certain people didn't come back? Or did you just hold off writing the script until the last minute when you knew definitively who'd return?

"I stopped the plot room for five weeks while I tried to figure out all the moving parts. I left it as long as possible and then alongside the wonderful [script producer] Shane Isheev and [story consultant] Sarah Mayberry, plotted the remaining two weeks. It was a really beautiful few days, us three superfans together.

"By then, we had locked all the major names. That said, after plotting the penultimate episodes, I peeled off to do the finale. I had way too much story so I kept having to double back and revise the earlier episodes.

"I over-edited the last four blocks which I hadn't done for years, which allowed me to cut things that were no longer important or plant things that would help set up the end. It was a wonderful effort from everyone in the team.

"Guy was brilliant. We had a shape for the story, which of course involved revisiting Mike and "plain" Jane. But he brought so much more to it. It was his idea that Mike turn out to be Sam's father, which we all felt was one of the most touching elements of the finale."

How much back and forth was there with Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan in terms of what they'd be doing? Channel 5's Greg Barnett mentioned in his recent Digital Spy interview that they didn't want to overshadow the long-serving cast. Did you think this was for the best, or would you have secretly wanted them to have more scenes?

"They were both amazing. Absolutely correct ? they didn't want to overshadow everyone else. There was one day where they could be in Melbourne together and they cleared their schedules to make it happen.

"I hadn't even written the finale at that point, so I could only vaguely tell them how their scenes would fit in. It was a classy and respectful move on their behalf. It didn't matter to me how much dialogue they had. It was just so special that they wanted to be a part of it and to say thank you.

"It was a very happy day when I was able to tell Greg they were on the street. He has been a massive supporter over the years and I loved delivering such special news."

Susan's moving monologue, delivered perfectly by Jackie Woodburne, has arguably had the biggest reaction. Can you tell us about the thought process behind having Susan close off the show in that way?

"Susan is the heart of Ramsay Street so it was always in my mind to close the show with her. How could I end the show without letting Jackie give us one more performance of a lifetime?

"It was actually the easiest part of the script to write. I just thought about how I felt about the show and put it into Susan's voice. I have to give huge props to director Scott Major and our production designer Peta Lawson for bringing it all to life.

"I remember telling them about the balloon and they looked at me like I was slightly crazy ? but everyone supported the vision and made it happen."

Was the nod to Tom Oliver (Lou Carpenter) on Terese's letter an acknowledgement that he was someone you would have ideally wanted to have in the finale?

"We have nothing but love for Tom at Neighbours. I called him personally and invited him back for the finale. We had a lovely chat but I understood he's at a different stage of life now. We made sure to include him in the flashbacks, the final photo montage and as you note, the envelope reference."

Was there anyone else you really wanted back but couldn't make it happen?

"I would love to have brought many, many more people back. I was inundated with requests, including some I only heard about later. However, it just wasn't possible to include everyone.

"COVID also played a huge part in our plans. Unlike in the UK, we still have strict 7 day isolation rules, which included close contacts at the time of filming. We were lucky not to lose key cast but we had to replace many crew. This put a huge strain on the production so I had to be careful how many cast I added.

"Right up until a couple of days before I was still adding and seeing how far I could go. I also wanted a white Labrador to run through the street ? but I realised it was too much to ask! It's a huge testament to the incredible crew that we got everything shot.

"This also feels like a good time to give props to my producing team, Andrew Thompson, Katja B?uerle and Chris Donis, and all my heads of department. There were so many moving parts but the team held it together.

"The work didn't end when the cameras stopped rolling ? there was so much to do afterward. Andrew and I have been rattling around the building these last few weeks, he's the unsung hero of Neighbours? an absolute rock to me."

In classic soap style, some things were left as a mystery - notably Amy's 'donor'. Viewers are debating whether it might have been Joel or Lance. Did you always want to leave a few loose ends like this?

"Absolutely. I wanted to resolve most questions, or at least leave them in a satisfying place. I didn't want people to feel short changed. However, I felt we should include a small mystery or two. I loved the way Jacinta performed that. For the record, I don't know the answer!"

On a similar note, Clive received a call from Sheila earlier in the week and mentioned in the finale that he was going to LA. Are we to assume these two things are connected?

"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."

Did you ever consider an ending where everybody genuinely left Ramsay Street, or was it always the intention to lead us up the garden path and have everyone stay at the last minute?

"I never considered everyone moving away. However, as the stories began to wind down, I realised nearly everyone had a natural reason to be moving on. I loved the idea of Karl and Susan walking out their door and seeing all the for-sale signs.

"Admittedly it happened very quickly and it's the perfect example of trying to balance story ambition with time. I originally envisaged a few more twists and turns to get everyone in the selling spirit, including the Rodwells. David's recent conviction was another area we didn't have time to explore.

"In the end we landed where we did, which I think still worked. Actually I saw it as a little Easter Egg in itself. It's not the first time in Neighbours characters have packed up their lives and left in a hurry! I bargained on the audience going with it and I think they did."

Fans seemed split over Paul and Terese in the final months. There were dedicated shippers who wanted them back together, and other fans who felt Terese deserved better after the way Paul had treated her. Are you glad you reunited them at the end? Do you think Paul would have changed after having this second chance?

"I totally understand the mixed feedback. In a perfect world we would have taken longer to reunite them. But with Paul, I think it's a case of better the devil you know.

"Terese hasn't always walked a straight line and they are each other's equal. I'm glad I reunited them and I don't think Paul will ever change. But as Terese wrote on her note, she accepts that. That doesn't mean she won't end up ripping up the note!"

ou've set tongues wagging by confirming the unseen 15 minutes from both finale edits. Were there more returnees and video messages that we didn't get to see? Is there anything else you can tease about the missing scenes?

"Big episodes often run over time and this one was no exception. There was a lot of little trims on the floor but they don't make a huge difference to the final story.

"I scripted about a page of dialogue for each video returnee, so obviously there's a lot unused, but we did see everyone.

"There was also material we didn't end up filming because we ran out of time. For example, I'd love to reinstate a package of the street being set up for the party in record time!"

We've heard a lot in recent months about plans for the show if it had continued ? including big plans for the Rodwells, Byron being a regular, Nicolette's father arriving, a huge season finale episode, and possible exits for some of the big characters like David and Mackenzie.

Are there any other stories you're disappointed you didn't get a chance to tell?

"Neighbours has never been more healthy or vibrant, in my incredibly biased opinion. So there's a lot of stories that we could have done. The examples you mentioned were on our horizon and we had other thoughts for down the track. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to tell the stories we did tell."

Do you think the buzz, high ratings and media coverage from the last week proves there's still life in the Neighbours brand and provides hope for the future? Or do we just need to move on?

"We've always said we are resting the show so anything is possible. I don't want anyone to move on from the love they have for the show. I hope the fan communities continue and people continue to discuss the past characters and storylines.

"Ramsay Street is eternal and I meant what I said in Susan's monologue. We need to keep celebrating it, including those who have watched us from afar?"

Neighbours has now come to an end, but catch-up episodes are available via My 5 (UK) and 10 Play (Australia).

In my opinion, they should have left Paul and Terese alone. Happy but not together. It has been clear over the last X years that they are not compatible. The affairs, the affairs with relatives (eew), the betrayals, the lies, the scheming. It's just a huge turn off (to me) as a viewer. Should have let them part amicably, instead of trying to portray a happy ending which, given the history, seems completely unlikely - unless there is some major personality u-turn in both parties.


And this: 'Neighbours has never been more healthy or vibrant, in my incredibly biased opinion. So there's a lot of stories that we could have done. The examples you mentioned were on our horizon and we had other thoughts for down the track.'

Respectfully disagree. On both parts.
It isn't healthy or vibrant, which is why viewers tuned out until the finale. Young actors leave and were not replaced, more often than not. Relying on guest sports, cameos and then returning favourites. They were leaning on nostalgia. That is not healthy or vibrant.

It also suggests they do in fact not have a lot of stories or thoughts for down the track because either: plans change and they have to adapt, or they have no ideas and have to keep recycling plot points because they can't build the show around young characters for very long. The show, or rather the production of the show, was struggling - either with talent or budget (probably both, tbh) and then creativity within the parameters. And covid, of course.

If they had gone through with the house sales, it could have been a nice symbolic transition to a brand new street as the characters move on to new chapters of their lives. This 'Neighbours' era of Ramsay St is over, and now there are new residents (but no new show...) rather than a rug pull where so many consider moving then decide not to at the last moment - not that it really matters or was a bad ending, it definitely was not, and there is nothing more to be seen so we can just assume the street remains the same for now.

And for what it's worth, I thought it was pretty clear that Amy's donor was pointing towards Joel. They had met up, after all.

DS article:


Neighbours finale tops 4 million viewers in consolidated ratings
The emotional episode was Channel 5's top broadcast of the week.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...llion-viewers/

Neighbours' final episode was watched by over 4 million viewers on Channel 5, new data has revealed.

The long-running show went out on a high last month, as the hour-long finale featured the much-hyped returns of Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue as Scott and Charlene Robinson.

When overnight ratings were released the next morning, it was revealed that 2.5 million viewers had tuned in ? an impressive 17% share of the audience.

However, new data released by BARB ? which measures UK TV ratings ? has confirmed that this number increased to 4.02 million viewers once recordings and catch-up were taken into account.

The Neighbours finale was the most-watched show of the entire week on Channel 5.

It was also the 17th most-watched programme of the week for all channels, even outranking Thursday night's visit to Emmerdale and every episode of EastEnders that aired that week.

The Neighbours figure does not include viewers who caught the Saturday afternoon repeat screening the next day. The ratings may also increase further when the final 28-day figure is released at a later date.

In Australia, the Neighbours finale consolidated to 1.38 million viewers. This was the first time the show had topped the 1 million mark in Australia for 13 years ? helped by being moved back to mainstream broadcaster Channel 10 for the final episode.

Last week, when Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison spoke to Digital Spy, we asked whether the buzz surrounding the finale had left him hopeful for a future revival.

Herbison replied: "We've always said we are resting the show so anything is possible. I don't want anyone to move on from the love they have for the show. I hope the fan communities continue and people continue to discuss the past characters and storylines.

"Ramsay Street is eternal and I meant what I said in Susan's monologue. We need to keep celebrating it, including those who have watched us from afar..."

Neighbours has now come to an end, but catch-up episodes are available via My 5 (UK) and 10 Play (Australia).



And:

Neighbours finale was Channel 5?s most watched show of the year with 4,000,000 viewers

https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/08/neigh...o=newsnow-feed