It’s the show that launched a thousand careers – Neighbours has been canned after almost 40 years on our telly screens. With the final ever episode scheduled for the beginning of August 2022, who could be heading back to Ramsay Street for a reunion?
Plenty of fans want to see the legendary Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan rekindle their on-screen romance, while big stars like Margot Robbie, Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth could also be set for a return.
It’s crazy to think that the Channel 5 soap launched so many Hollywood careers, and even crazier to think that it will finally come to an end in mere months.
And actor Alan Fletcher, who plays Dr Karl Kennedy in the soap, has already teased the return of a few familiar faces, explaining: “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.”
To mark the exit of Kyle Canning and Roxy Willis this week, we take a look at all the stars who could return for the finale.
Peter O’Brien
(Image: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
Peter O’Brien made his name as Shane Ramsay in the soap’s first ever episode way back in 1985 – and it looks like he has been confirmed for an appearance before the series is axed.
He starred in the show for two years and was part of some major storylines, including car crashes and a manslaughter charge.
A source told The Sun of his return: “There is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to make the final few weeks of Neighbours are truly special.
“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
(Image: Grundy)
Legendary actor Ian Smith, 83, has also agreed to come back to the soap as Harold Bishop, with Karl actor Alan confirming: “I do know that it has been announced the wonderful Harold Bishop will return to Ramsay Street towards the end of the show.”
Neighbours has already shared a sneak peek of his return on social media for a special birthday tribute to the show – meaning it’s likely he has already started filming his scenes.
Ian said in the short clip: “Happy Birthday Neighbours. On your 37th birthday!”, as the official show account tweeted: “We can’t think of a better day to have a #Neighbours LEGEND return to Erinsborough!”
Harold was involved in plenty of dramatic story arcs over the years, including being presumed dead by his family and a feud with Paul Robinson.
Natalie Imbruglia
(Image: ITV)
The Masked Singer star and Torn songstress Natalie Imbruglia has admitted she would also “consider” heading back to Australia for a soap return after the news of its axe hit headlines.
Natalie rose to fame as Beth Brennan, who later welcomed a son, Ned Willis, played by Ben Hall – but was never seen on-screen back 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 recognise 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 there’s a possibility of an epic return for him and Kylie Minogue.
The pair made their names as Scott and Charlene Robinson in the programme, and Jason has spoken on 98FM’s Big Breakfast about a potential reunion.
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
Although Academy Award winner Margot Robbie last addressed her Neighbours’ character Donna Freedman in 2018, she said 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.”
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has described her as “one of his favourite actors” from the programme, 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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
