Since its premiere in 1985, Neighbours has gained a devoted following across generations in both the UK and Australia. But the television series that gave us characters like Harold Bishop, Scott and Charlene, and Bouncer the dog is coming to an end.
Later this month, the serial will end its run after filming its final episode earlier this year. But what can audiences anticipate?
Here, we look back on Neighbours’ history, its illustrious past cast members, the plot of the show’s final episode, and the tragic reason it is ending.
What time and how do I view the most recent episode?
On Friday, July 29, at 9 p.m., Neighbours’ final episode will premiere. UK fans may watch the hour-long finale on Channel 5. The day after, between 1.45 and 6 o’clock on Channel 5, the penultimate episode will air.
Are any former stars returning for the penultimate episode?
After being absent for several years, it has been reported that Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue will return for the program’s finale. Another noteworthy addition was revealed last month when Guy Pearce (Mike) said he would appear in the finale.
Pearce went on to make appearances in Hollywood movies like The Kings Speech and LA Confidential after Neighbours. There might also be a few surprises since the episode’s creators are working to keep as much of it a secret as they can.
What is known about the ultimate plot?
Since the announcement of Neighbours’ termination date, rumours about how the programme would conclude have run rampant. Regarding how the show might be cancelled, the producers have stayed mum.
Nothing specific has been confirmed, but there are rumours going around based on a leaked script that Charlene and Scott Robinson (Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan) may return to Ramsay Street as the programme comes to a close. We are aware that the celebrities are returning.
Neighbours is ending; why?
Fans were curious as to why the beloved soap opera was ending after it was announced earlier this year that it would be ending. The UK broadcaster of the programme, Channel 5, indicated it will reduce its budget so that more money could be invested in original UK programmes.
Neighbours made the announcement that its journey would finish this year after failing to acquire adequate new funding.
When did Neighbours debut, and what were the show’s most significant plotlines throughout its run?
Neighbours is the longest-running drama on Australian television, having first aired in 1985. Up until 2008, it was broadcast on BBC One before switching to its current home on Channel 5.
There is no better place to begin thinking back on the most memorable episodes of the programme than with Scott and Charlene’s 1987 nuptials. The weddings of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, whose characters appeared on Neighbours, were seen by 19.6 million people in the UK.
Other noteworthy events include the passing of Helen Daniels, known as “the mother of Neighbours,” in 1997 and the first same-sex marriage to appear on Australian television in 2018, following the legalisation of same-sex unions in that country.
Which well-known actors have made appearances in Neighbours?
The television show Neighbours has produced a number of celebrities throughout the years who first featured on the show before going on to have successful careers. Here are a few examples:
Kylie Minogue
Neighbours discussions are incomplete without bringing up Kylie Minogue. From 1986 to 1988, she portrayed Charlene Robinson, a mechanic. In the show, her character began dating Scott, who was portrayed by Jason Donovan, another well-known actor.
The Melbourne-born actress later went on to release several hit singles, including Can’t Get You Out Of My Head and I Should Be So Lucky, in both the UK and Australia.
Jason Donovan
Jason Donovan, another actor who later became a singer, portrayed Scott Robinson from 1986 to 1989. He began his acting career in front of the camera and has since moved on to the stage.
Donovan performed in a number of theatre productions, including Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway in pantomime. He has sold more than three million records in the UK, and he has had a tremendous career in music as well.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie played Donna Freedman in Neighbours from 2008 until 2011. She may be less well recognised for this role. Robbie, who is best recognised for her work in The Wolf of Wall Street, Ted, and Suicide Squad, also spent three years as a child actor on Neighbours.
Liam Hemsworth
Liam Hemsworth’s stay in Neighbours was brief—he only made 19 episodes. From 2007 to 2008, he portrayed Josh Taylor on television.
He has since made appearances in The Hunger Games, Independence Day: Resurgence, and The Last Song after his brief run on the soap opera.
