Next week sees Neighbours air its final ever episodes, bringing to an end 37 years of Ramsay Street drama. The final week sees Toadie and Melanie tie the knot surrounded by their loved ones and a number of returnees.
Although it’s unlikely that anyone could have guessed it, a lot has changed in the previous year, including the fact that Jarrod Rebecchi and Melanie Pearson’s (Ryan Moloney and Lucinda Cowden) wedding would be Neighbours’ last-ever nuptials.
The show’s cancellation, which was first hinted at in February when Channel 5 decided not to air it and later confirmed in March, made international news. It also meant that the show’s writers only had a few months to come up with an ending that would tie up previous plot lines and send the show off in style.
The final plot points have now been disclosed, along with a gallery of images from Toadie and Mel’s big day.
Erinsborough has seen some 63 weddings over the past 37 years, and Toadie has partaken in a disproportionate number.
His first marriage, in 2003, to Dione Bliss (Madeleine West), ended tragically when their automobile plunged off a cliff, leaving Dee missing for about 14 years.
Following their fake wedding in 2010, there was the almost-marriage to Steph Scully (Carla Bonner) in 2008. He wed Sonya (Eve Morey) in his fourth marriage, and she brought him happiness up until her passing from ovarian cancer in 2019.
He had unsuccessful relationships with Rose (Lucy Durack), Audrey (Zahra Newman), and almost Angela Lane (Amanda Harrison), but now he has found happiness once more in Melanie Pierson (Lucinda Cowden).
They’ve experienced their fair share of ups and downs, but Toadie’s discovery that Melanie had a history of dating her employers was particularly noteworthy because at the time they first met, she was Toadie’s PA, and he was concerned he was just another of her conquests.
But Melanie is dedicated to him and his two children, Hugo (John Turner), a son he had with Andrea Somers, and Nell (Scarlett Anderson), a daughter he had with Sonya (Madeleine West).
After Hendrix passed away, Toadie popped the question, but Melanie said “not now,” fearing that it was an impulsive proposal brought on by sadness.
Instead, she relocated to Number 30, where she struggled with the home’s numerous echoes of Sonya. Toadie reassured Mel that while he would always love Sonya, he also loved her and was fully devoted to her after learning about her worries. After receiving a second proposal, the couple became engaged.
Although they were both content with a lengthy engagement, Callum’s (Morgan Baker) work schedule left them with only two options: a year or three weeks. It’s fortunate that they went with the latter option because it fits in well with Neighbours’ last episode.
Consequently, the final wedding on Neighbours will be featured in the finale.
In the days leading up to the wedding, Toadie is delighted when his old friend Joel Samuels (Daniel MacPherson) makes a surprise appearance.
They fill him in on the recent issues with Amy (Jacinta Stapleton), and the fact that she has disappeared just days before the wedding.
Will the arrival of Joel – with whom Amy once shared a kiss – be enough to bring her back to Erinsborough?
Their wedding day arrives on Neighbours‘ final day – Thursday 28th July in Australia, and Friday 29th July in the UK.
It’s a beautiful, stripped-back ceremony at Lassiters lake, and the rotunda is decorated with fairy lights, flowers and lace netting.
Toadie and Mel are flanked by Callum, Nell and Hugo, with Susan (Jackie Woodburne) as their celebrant.
Watching on are some of their closest friends, including a number of returnees.
Harold (Ian Smith), who initially had his doubts about their pair, is delighted, as is Karl (Alan Fletcher).
David (Takaya Honda) is free to relax, his ordeal now over, and he and husband Aaron (Matt Wilson) can sit back and enjoy the nuptials.
While they’ve had their ups and downs, Levi (Richie Morris) and Freya (Phoebe Roberts) end on a high, and they’re more loved up than ever as they watch their neighbours get married.
There are plenty of returnees for the big day – expectant parents Kyle (Chris Milligan) and Roxy (Zima Anderson) have flown in especially.
While they’ve had their ups and downs, Levi (Richie Morris) and Freya (Phoebe Roberts) end on a high, and they’re more loved up than ever as they watch their neighbours get married.
There are plenty of returnees for the big day – expectant parents Kyle (Chris Milligan) and Roxy (Zima Anderson) have flown in especially.
There are also Des Clarke (Paul Keane) and Malcolm Kennedy (Benjamin McNair), as well as the newest residents of Ramsay Street, Andrew (Lloyd Will) and Wendy Rodwell (Candice Leask).
With everyone in place, it’s time for the happy couple to get married.
Susan gets ready to do her thing for the final ever time.
A kiss seals it – they’re husband and wife!
Congratulations!
Although Toadie is happy to wed Melanie, they both still have Sonya’s memory looming over them. The events from their past that they both find difficult to move behind have come to the fore as they prepare for their big day.
Toadie then decides to place Number 30 on the market as a daring move to ensure his and Melanie’s future together.
It’s a sad day since Toadie has lived in the former House of Trouser, afterwards known as House of Blouser, since 1998, but he knows it’s time to move on and begin a new life with Melanie and the kids.
The sale of Number 30 is added to the list of Ramsay Street houses that Paige and her estate firm have already handled.
After the ceremony, everyone returns to Ramsay Street for a huge party. As past and present clash, we bid our final farewells to our neighbours.
Neighbours’ final ever episodes air in Australia in a three-part special on Thursday 28th July, simulcast on 10 and 10 Peach from 7:30pm.
