Last night on the Gold Coast, it was lovely to see the Logies again after a three-year hiatus, and there was a true sense of camaraderie in the room.
It put a spring in everyone’s step to see friends from opposite networks rubbing shoulders and catching up after a rough year.
But there was one scene in particular that the Logies wanted to nail last night… a genuine tribute to Neighbours.
Only a week ago, the show came to an end after 37 years of production, a record in Australian drama.
That cast should have taken a bow and been on stage.
They would have received a standing ovation from the entire audience. On the night, their biggest supporters would have been the Home & Away team.
Instead, Dan MacPherson and Natalie Bassingthwaighte acknowledged the programme in a brief video package as part of the Most Popular New Talent Award. It didn’t come close to the reel that aired during the British Soap Awards last week.
The cast, led by Stefan Dennis and Ryan Moloney, were forced to watch from tables with blocked views due to the cameras.
I feel bad for the cast since none of them deserved a spectacular send-off.
I know it’s going to be a long night. I’m aware that Neighbours has previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame. But a bow in front of their peers should have been the very least we could have done to express our gratitude for an incredible run.
