Neighbours star Takaya Honda has broken his silence following the news that the Australian soap opera is coming back.
It was confirmed on Thursday (November 17) that the popular show will be heading back to televisions screens just months after it was axed.
Production company Fremantle has signed a big-money deal to air it on streaming service Amazon Freevee.
READ MORE: Neighbours is back after Channel 5 axe – and fan favourites will return
A string of fan favourites have signed up to reprise their roles for the show’s new era including Alan Fletcher as Karl Kennedy and Jackie Woodburne as Susan Kennedy.
(Image: takayah/Instagram)
Other stars back will include Ryan Moloney as Toadie Rebecchi and Stefan Dennis as Paul Robinson.
However, Takaya has claimed that not all cast members were aware about the show’s reboot.
Sharing a group photo of co-stars Ryan, Alan and Karl on his Instagram Story, the actor penned: “Apart from these three and Stefan the rest of the cast are finding out with you.”
He continued: “Please give us time to process. We don’t know anything more.”
(Image: takayah/Instagram)
The actor played Dr David Tanka in Neighbours from 2016 until the show ended in 2022.
Confirming the news, a spokeswoman said: “Production is set to commence in early 2023 with a world premiere slated for the second half of the year.”
Fremantle boss Jennifer Mullin said: “Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world.
(Image: PA)
“We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home with Amazon Freevee.”
Filming is due to kick off within months and Amazon Freevee will also be streaming thousands of old episodes of the soap.
Neighbours originally ran for more than 36 years and 9,000 episodes.
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Fans have been sent into meltdown following the shock announcement.
Taking to Twitter, one fan penned: “OMG!!! #Neighbours IS COMING BACK!!! didn’t expect it to happen so quickly!
Another added: “I know fans did a lot to help bring the show back but a MASSIVE thank you and shout-out has to go to whoever it was behind-the-scenes at Freemantle that still tried to find #Neighbours a new home and has succeeded!
A third person wrote: “Best news… #neighbours is back! I cannot wait.”
While a fourth said: “Ah what wonderful news for the cast and crew! I know a lot have already moved on to new projects but it’s great that the show is being given a second chance!”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
