After filming on the final scene of the long-running Australian soap drama, Neighbours tweeted a final photo of its cast and crew.
Although tears were shed on the final day of production, the show’s chief producer believes the show’s 37-year run is a “great success” that should be celebrated.
The popular soap opera originally aired in 1985 and followed the lives of those who lived and worked in Erinsborough, a fictional Melbourne suburb.
“We all knew this day was coming,” executive producer Jason Herbison stated, “but it was hard to articulate how we would all feel until we were here in this moment when the very final scene was filmed.”
“Of course, it’s sad, and we’ve shed tears, but we’re also quite pleased.” Thirty-seven years is a tremendous accomplishment that deserves to be recognised.
“We’ve also been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our viewers all over the world.”
“To many individuals, Neighbours is more than a television show. They consider us family, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been accepted into their homes, and I am confident that the legacy of Neighbours will continue on for many years.”
In an interview with the Australian breakfast show Studio 10 on Friday, Stefan Dennis, who has played the wicked Paul Robinson on and off throughout the show’s existence, described the final day of production as “a bittersweet day.”
The actor admitted that he “surprised himself” by feeling quite upset while filming the last sequences, and that he had to maintain a “very low profile” to avoid being “an absolute mess.”
He also said that Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Queen Mother were huge Neighbours fans who would request recordings from the BBC to catch up on episodes missed while on royal engagements.
The last episode, set to air on August 1, will see fan favourites throughout the show’s history return to the cul-de-sac neighbourhood of Ramsay Street to say their goodbyes.
The reunion of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, who played power couple Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson on the show in the 1980s, was previously announced.
Guy Pearce, who rose to fame as Mike Young in the Australian serial, announced he would be resuming his role after sharing photographs of the cast and crew reconnecting in recent days.
Peter O’Brien, who portrayed Shane Ramsay in the first episode of the show, will join them, as will Ian Smith, who played Harold Bishop, Mark Little, who played Joe Mangel, and Paul Keane, who played Des Clarke.
Chris Milligan, who played Kyle Canning in the 2000s, Morgan Baker, who played Callum Rebecchi, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, who played Izzy Hoyland, and James Mason, who portrayed Chris Pappas, are among those who have returned.
Elle Robinson’s on-screen sister Pippa Black and Andrew Robinson’s on-screen brother Jordan Patrick Smith will also return.
Jodi Gordon (née Anasta), who portrayed Elly Conway, Zoe Cramond, who played Amy Williams, and Kate Kendall, who played Lauren Turner, will all return.
Ben Hall will reprise his role as Ned Willis, Olivia Junkeer will reprise her role as Yashvi Rebecchi, and Zima Anderson will reprise her role as Roxy Willis.
