We already know about the return of Neighbours’ king and queen Scott and Charlene – and now Channel 5 has revealed the other beloved characters set to return to Ramsay Street for the show’s series finale.
The last episode of Neighbours, set to air in August, will see fan favourites popping back to Australia’s most famous cul-de-sac to bid it farewell after 37 years on screen.
The soap opera, which first aired in 1985, follows the lives of those living and working in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough – and has helped launch the careers of stars including Margot Robbie, Russell Crowe, Natalie Imbruglia, Guy Pearce, Liam Hemsworth, Holly Valance and of course, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
Image: Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue WILL return as Scott and Charlene
After much speculation, the announcement in April that Minogue and Donovan would reprise their roles as the much loved Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson sent the internet into a frenzy.
Dr Karl Kennedy star Alan Fletcher – the show’s longest-serving actor – told Sky News in a recent interview that it is going to be an “emotional” final day on set.
Now, Channel 5 has announced the other stars who will be taking part, saying the soap’s series finale will celebrate “the most memorable characters from across many eras”.
So which other names will be on the credits of the last ever Neighbours?
Joining Minogue and Donovan from those who joined in the 1980s will be Peter O’Brien, who appeared in the show’s first episode as Shane Ramsay, Ian Smith who played Harold Bishop, Mark Little as Joe Mangel and Paul Keane, who played Des Clarke.
Smith – who as Harold famously returned from the dead in one storyline – said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back.”
Referring to himself as a “sook” – Australian slang for crybaby – he said: “I’m the biggest sook under the sun. I’m going to be shocking on the last night that Neighbours airs.
Image: Ian Smith (right), who played Harold Bishop, will make another Neighbours comeback
Image: Guy Pearce as Mike, Elaine Smith as Daphne and Paul Keane as Des – Keane is among those taking part in the final episode
“It really will be an end of an era and I am so proud to have been a part of it.”
Stars from the 1990s include Daniel MacPherson, who played Joel Samuels, Benjamin McNair as Malcolm Kennedy, Melissa Bell who played Lucy Robinson, and Lesley Baker as Angie Rebecchi.
“Joining Neighbours at age 17, little did I know, was going to kick start a career that continues to be the adventure of a lifetime,” MacPherson said.
“To go back and play Joel one more time was a small way to show my enormous gratitude to cast, crew and fans of the show.”
Read more: Karl Kennedy star Alan Fletcher on the final goodbye
Image: Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne are Neighbours’ longest-serving stars, having played Karl and Susan Kennedy for 28 years
And among those returning from the Noughties era are Chris Milligan who played Kyle Canning, Morgan Baker as Callum Rebecchi, Natalie Bassingthwaighte who played Izzy Hoyland and James Mason as Chris Pappas.
Pippa Black who played Elle Robinson and her on-screen brother Jordan Patrick Smith, who played Andrew Robinson, will also return.
From the show’s latest era, Olympia Valance will return as Paige Smith alongside Jodi Anasta as Elly Conway, Zoe Cramond who played Amy Williams and Kate Kendall as Lauren Turner.
Ben Hall as Ned Willis, Olivia Junkeer as Yashvi Rebecchi and Zima Anderson as Roxy Willis will also take part.
Image: Neighbours helped launch the careers of Hollywood stars Russell Crowe and Margot Robbie (below)
Neighbours’ executive producer Jason Herbison said: “Whether the ’80s, ’90s, noughties or teens is your favourite decade, we will be delivering something for everyone as Neighbours draws to a close.
“Alongside the current cast we will be celebrating the most memorable characters from across many eras, with a few surprises up our sleeve.”
It was announced earlier this year that Neighbours will cease production in June after failing to secure new funding since being dropped by its broadcaster.
Filming has begun for the final month of the programme, with the final episode airing on 1 August.
