Last Autumn, the Australian serial recorded sequences starring Amanda Holden and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
It’s been three years since Australian soap Neighbours filmed sequences in the UK, but a new London-filmed storyline starring Amanda Holden, Jemma Donovan, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor premiered this week. However, opinions on the new scenes were mixed, and some were perplexed by Amanda’s accent.
On Monday, March 28, the first of the soap’s London scenes aired, just weeks after it was announced that Neighbours would be canceled after 37 years on the air. Fans started a petition, which gathered over 65k signatures, however on March 3, the show’s official Twitter page revealed that it would be canceled in the summer.
Jemma’s character Harlow Robinson has traveled to London to meet her Aunt Harriet, played by Amanda Holden. Harlow is visiting to try to uncover a family mystery involving her mother and Harriet’s late sister, Prue, who was played by Denise van Outen in the 2019 soap.
Who else is loving these London scenes?! ??
— Neighbours (@NeighboursTV) March 29, 2022
We quizzed superfan and guest star @AmandaHolden on all her #Neighbours favourites!
Catch more of Amanda as Harlow's Aunt Harriet today at 1:45 and 6pm on @channel5_tv. #UKPace pic.twitter.com/7hPbcD3l8O
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a singer-songwriter, also appeared in the episode. She was briefly seen sitting on a bench by the River Thames in one of the moments when Harlow tries to steal her notepad, thinking it for her mother.
Fans of Neighbours took to Twitter to discuss the current episode, with some enjoying the UK scenes. “How beautiful did London appear in today’s Neighbours episode #London #Neighbours” “Actually liked seeing @AmandaHolden and @SophieEB in #Neighbours today,” Catherine Oliver said, while @Chasserbox2018 added, “Actually loved seeing @AmandaHolden and @SophieEB in #Neighbours today.” Still heartbroken that it’s coming to an end.”
“Wonderful to have Amanda and Sophie guesting on the show, as well as the wonderful Jemma who is a first grade actor as well as being quite pretty,” Artful Dodger remarked, while Steve Richards said, “Good episode, did enjoy Sophie’s “dance floors can be brutal!”
Dancefloors can be brutal… ?
— Neighbours (@NeighboursTV) March 28, 2022
An absolute pleasure to have @SophieEB on today's #Neighbours! ? #UKPace pic.twitter.com/81Tthr3eSy
But others weren’t as impressed saying the London trips had become ‘predictable’. Justin Anthony posted: “After five years of nothing but Melbourne, Karl and Susan went to London and those scenes were very well received. Now that international trips have been happening every year, it’s become predictable and boring. #Neighbours” another viewer, Sarah, tweeted: “I always just hang out by the Thames when meeting folks in London #Neighbours” and Christie added: “I love London scenes but I wish they’d film somewhere else in the UK, Australians seem to think the UK is London #neighbours #saveneighbours”
Many fans were also questioning Amanda Holden’s “strange” accent. Michaela Hoskins said: “Is that Amanda Holden in Neighbours with a strange accent #Neighbours” and Leighton Martin tweeted: “Why is it both Denise van Outen and Amanda Holden sound(ed) like they’re doing fake British accents on #neighbours despite both being British?” and Katie posted: “Do we all sound this horribly posh and put on around non Brits? I hate it. My accent is awful but it’s preferable to that #Neighbours”.
