With the renowned Australian soap Neighbours set to end in August, we take a look at some of the stars that could appear in the final episode, from Kylie Minogue to Natalie Imbruglia.
After nearly 40 years on our television screens, Neighbours, the show that launched a thousand careers, has been canceled. With the series’ final episode set to air in early August 2022, who knows who might be returning to Ramsay Street for a reunion?
Many fans want to see Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan revive their on-screen romance, while famous names like Margot Robbie, Russell Crowe, and Liam Hemsworth might also make a comeback.
It’s incredible to think that the Channel 5 soap spawned so many Hollywood careers, and it’s even more incredible to imagine that it’ll be over in a matter of months.
And Dr. Karl Kennedy’s actor Alan Fletcher has already teased the return of a few old faces, saying: “Someone from Karl’s sordid past is definitely coming back, and there are many, many other names in the pot.”
“I can assure you that the producers are working very, very hard to try and entice some of the most loved characters from Neighbours to at least make some appearances.”
We take a look at all the stars that could return for the finale to commemorate Kyle Canning and Roxy Willis’ departure this week.
Peter O’Brien
Peter O’Brien earned his reputation as Shane Ramsay in the first-ever episode of the soap in 1985, and it appears that he will return before the show is canceled.
He was a two-year series regular who was involved in several key plotlines, including vehicle accidents and a manslaughter charge.
“There is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to make the final few weeks of Neighbours truly special,” a source told The Sun of his return.
“They are still waiting to hear back from a number of former stars but Peter has agreed to return and will start filming in May.”
Ian Smith
Ian Smith, 83, has also agreed to return to Ramsay Street as Harold Bishop, with Karl actor Alan confirming: “I do know that the brilliant Harold Bishop will return to Ramsay Street towards the end of the show.”
Neighbours have already teased his return on social media as part of a special birthday homage to the show, indicating that he has likely already begun filming his scenes.
“Happy Birthday Neighbours,” Ian remarked in the short film. “We can’t think of a better day to have a #Neighbours LEGEND return to Erinsborough than your 37th birthday!” tweeted the official show account.
Over the years, Harold was involved in a number of dramatic plot arcs, including being assumed dead by his family and a fight with Paul Robinson.
Natalie Imbruglia
Natalie Imbruglia, star of Masked Singer and Torn, has revealed she would “consider” returning to Australia for a soap revival after the news of its cancellation made headlines.
Natalie gained to popularity as Beth Brennan, who had a son, Ned Willis, who was played by Ben Hall, but who was never seen on-screen in the old days.
Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “I’d consider it, yeah.
“I would consider going back, I think it would be lovely to walk through those doors. I mean, I probably won’t recognize anyone – not even my [on screen] son.”
On the show’s axe, she told Heart Breakfast: “I think at this point we just thought it was gonna go on forever so, you know, people are petitioning. Here’s hoping they pull it off.
“There’s a character on the show who’s my son! I mean, I think it’d be devastating. What’s going to happen to my son?”
Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan
Even Jason Donovan can’t deny that he and Kylie Minogue may make a triumphant comeback.
In the show, they were known as Scott and Charlene Robinson, and Jason has commented of a possible reunion on 98FM’s Big Breakfast.
He said back in March: “Well look I’m not going to say there hasn’t been a discussion about it because you know there is a possibility.
“But I can’t say it’s gonna happen because that wouldn’t be the truth you know, so I don’t know is the answer to that.”
He added: “But I think this might be a little bit different so look let’s see you know but if it doesn’t happen, that doesn’t make me sad either. It’s a celebration of a great Australian television series and I’m… well it’s kept my family in business for the past three decades.”
And a source told The Sun: “Bosses have spoken to Jason who has agreed in theory to return.
“Kylie has always been a huge supporter of the show — they’re just waiting to hear back.”
Margot Robbie
Despite the fact that Margot Robbie last spoke about her Neighbours character Donna Freedman in 2018, she stated that she would never close the door on Ramsay Street.
The Suicide Squad star told WHO: “Yeah, I think I would, totally. We could get the whole gang back together. I’d be in.”
Neighbors star Alan Fletcher has described her as “one of his favorite actors” from the program, explaining: “From the first moment she stepped onto the set at Neighbours, it was quite clear to Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan, and myself that she was destined for stardom.
“I don’t know if there isn’t an acting brief that Margot can’t fill. It’s thrilling to see her career blossom the way it has.”
