After 37 years, the Australian soap opera Neighbours was officially cancelled, and the cast shot their final scenes.
And 65-year-old actor Alan Fletcher, who has played Dr. Karl Kennedy on the show for 28 years, said filming his final scene was “emotional.”
Former performers Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Guy Pearce will momentarily reprise their iconic roles while the final plot twists are being kept a secret.
The actor admitted, “It was quite difficult to hold back tears while we were reciting the dialogue for what was going to be the closing minutes of the programme,” in an interview with The Mirror.
“Hundreds of people saw that final bit of filming in the studio. We had some speeches, and I spoke briefly. Some tears were shed. There were various events to celebrate.
Due to the pop princess’ busy schedule, Guy (Mike Young), who played Scott Robinson in the movie Memento, went back to Melbourne while Kylie and Jason, who played Charlene and Scott Robinson, were filming their scenes away from the set.
“Guy Pearce was one of my favourite actors. There wasn’t a single individual who was asked to help out and was available who declined, according to Alan.
It happens at the same time as Channel 5 announced that the final episode of the soap opera will air on Friday, September 29.
On Friday, July 29, at 9 p.m., viewers in the UK may see the venerable Australian soap opera air its final two episodes.
It will air in its customary TX timeslots at 1:45 p.m. and 6 p.m., followed by the historic conclusion that same night.
Fan favourites from the past will be returning to Ramsay Street to celebrate with Erinsborough locals in what is sure to be a suspenseful and dramatic conclusion.
From the opening scene in 1985 to the final episode in 2022, the send-off promises to include something for every age group and decade.
In order to send goodbye the venerable soap opera in style, Channel 5 suggested that more announcements about other surprises will be made in the upcoming weeks.
The loss of its primary UK broadcast partner, Channel 5, led to the Australian serial opera’s cancellation in March of this year.
The Neighbours cast is supposedly going on a “farewell tour” of the UK after the series conclusion, according to a previous source. This new information about the finale air date follows that claim.
According to Digital Spy, important cast members will travel to eight cities in England, Scotland, and Wales in March 2023: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
Prior to Covid, the soap opera had planned a “in dialogue series” for 2020, which would have coincided with its 35th anniversary.
These plans have reportedly been revived as a “farewell tour,” although no ‘important stars’ have been identified to take part in the rumoured tour.
It follows comments by executive producer Jason Herbison that suggested Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue would play a larger part in the finale than had been previously indicated.
According to Mr. Herbison, a recent plot “leak” did not completely explain how the Ramsay Street’s golden pair from the 1980s will return.
“It’s amazing that what I read doesn’t match reality. It hasn’t been released yet,” he stated.
Mr. Herbison remained mum regarding the specifics of their presence, but he did mention that the performers found the cameo to be “emotional.”
It was amazing to see Kylie in the role of Charlene again. Very special, and I believe it was a true full circle for them as well, he remarked.
22 million people in Australia and the UK saw Kylie and Jason’s wedding on the show 34 years ago.
Neighbors: The Finale will run on Channel 5 on Friday, July 29, at 9 p.m.
