Jackie Woodburne, a long-time character on Neighbours, is said to have been given the honour of directing the show’s final scene, which will air this summer.
In the final poignant moments of the show, the actress, who has played Susan Kennedy on the show for almost 30 years, is said to speak about ‘family and friendships,’ which is sure to add to the emotional impact of Neighbours ending after 37 years.
Jackie joined the soap in 1994 as teacher Susan, alongside Alan Fletcher as her husband Karl, Erinsborough’s GP with a wandering eye, when it first aired in March 1985.
The 66-year-old actress is said to reflect on her highs and lows before sending a message to all “good neighbours.”
‘Jackie is very much seen as the soap’s matriarch,’ a source told The Sun. It seemed fitting that hers would be the last words ever spoken.’
‘She gives a once-in-a-lifetime performance,’ they added.
Last week, the iconic soap’s final scenes were filmed, and the show’s executive producer, Jason Herbison, released a final cast photo alongside an emotional tribute, shocking fans online who rallied to share their love of Neighbours as well.
‘We all knew this day would come, but it was difficult to express how we would all feel until we were here in this moment when the very last scene was filmed,’ the producer said.
‘Of course, it’s sad, and we’ve shed tears, but we’re also extremely proud.’ 37 years is an incredible accomplishment that deserves to be recognised.
‘We’ve also been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our viewers around the world.’ For many people, Neighbours is more than just a television show.
‘They see us as family, and we feel privileged to have been invited into their homes, and I’m confident that the Neighbours legacy will live on for many years.’
Neighbors who are royalty For the final episode, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan reprised their roles as Charlene and Scott Robinson, while Hollywood actor Guy Pearce reprised his role as Mike Young.
Guy reflected on how his career in showbiz began on the set of the soap, saying, ‘It’s where it all started for me professionally.’ I’d been asked to return on several occasions over the years and debated whether it was the right thing to do, but once I realised the show was coming to an end, I knew I had no choice.
‘While I’ve seen many of the cast members I worked with on the show over the years, there’s nothing like being back here with everyone.’
The final episode of Neighbours will air on Channel 5 on Monday, August 1.