After nearly 40 years on our television screens, Neighbours, the show that launched a thousand careers, has been cancelled. 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 guarantee you that the producers are working really hard to lure some of Neighbours’ most beloved characters to at least make cameo 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 cancelled.
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.
“A number of past stars have yet to respond, but Peter has decided to return, and filming will begin 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 has 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.
“I’d consider it, sure,” she stated in an interview with The Mirror.
“I’d like to return; I believe it’d be nice to stroll through those doors.” I mean, I’m not sure I’ll recognise anyone, including my [on-screen] son.”
“I suppose at this time we just assumed it was going to continue on forever so, you know, people are petitioning,” she said of the show’s cancellation on Heart Breakfast. Let’s hope they’re successful.
“On the episode, there’s a character who looks like my son!” I mean, I believe it would be disastrous. “What will become of my son?”
Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue
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.
“Well look, I’m not going to claim there hasn’t been a debate about it because you know there is a chance,” he remarked in March.
“But I can’t say it’ll happen because it wouldn’t be the truth, you know, so the answer is I don’t know.”
“But I think this might be a little bit different,” he said, “so look, let’s see what happens,” he concluded, “but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t make me sad either.” It’s a celebration of a wonderful Australian television series, and for the past three decades, it’s kept my family in business.”
“Bosses have spoken to Jason, who has accepted in theory to return,” a source told The Sun.
“Kylie has always been a tremendous fan of the show; they’re just waiting for a response.”
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.
“I think I would, certainly,” the Suicide Squad star told WHO. We might be able to reassemble the entire gang. “I’d be interested.”
“From the first moment she went onto the set at Neighbours, it was pretty evident to Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan, and myself that she was bound for greatness,” Alan Fletcher, who plays Susan, has praised her as “one of his favourite actresses” from the show.
“I’m not sure if there isn’t an acting role for Margot that she can’t fill.” It’s exhilarating to watch her career take off the way it has.”