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Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Neighbours fans say 'this is so sad' as TV legend makes 'last time' announcement
Neighbours cast member Annie Jones has taken to social media to document her final journey to Ramsay Street as she films scenes as Jane Harris for the last ever episdoe Neighbours legend Annie Jones has taken to social media to post a selfie from her last journey to Ramsay Street. The 58-year-old actress plays Jane Harris in the long-running Australian soap which is coming to an end for the second time. Annie logged into her Instagram page to share a snap in the car which she captioned: "On our way to Ramsay. St for the LAST time." Unsurprisingly, her emotional update was inundated with supportive message from fans who are heartbroken that the show is ending. One fan penned: "So sad it is ending again. Enjoy your last day of filming and I really hope it will be saved again and come back. I have watched it since the beginning and I'm 72 now and not ashamed to say I love it. So going to miss you all, I watch it at 5.30 like the old days. Hope you all find work again but still hope Neighbours will get saved." Another added: "That is so sad, sending best wishes to all of you wonderful cast and crew who have given us so much through our favourite show. This cannot be the end #saveneighbours." A third person agreed: "Let's really really hope it is not goodbye forever,it is too good a show not to be saved, thank you and all the cast and crew over the years for giving us fans so much joy when watching." A fourth person wrote: "This is so sad. I've watched right from the beginning. Still hoping somewhere it will be picked up xx." It was announced earlier this year that Neighbours had been axed just two years after moving to Amazon Freevee. The daytime TV staple was saved by the streaming platform in 2022 just months after its finale aired on Channel 5, who had axed it earlier that year. In late 1985, original producers Seven Network dropped it after eight months due to poor ratings. However, ival channel Network 10 saw potential and it returned two months later, with a huge publicity campaign and introduction of mega stars Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce as new teenage characters Charlene, Scott and Mike. Kylie and Jason returned for the finale on Channel 5 in 2022 but they will not appear in the last episode of the Amazon Freevee era, it has been confirmed. The last episode is set to air in December and shoe producer Jason Herbison has previously opened up about what to expect for the last instalment. "I've already written it, and I would say that I definitely am not going to try and compete with that finale', he told Back to the Bay, noting the 2022 episode. "I haven't picked up the phone to Jason [Donovan] and Kylie [Minogue] and Guy [Pierce] again. I've left them alone, but it will be very similar in tone. "I think it's a very warm, hopeful tone, but it's also a little bit different. There are things about it that I think might remind people of the previous finale, but it's also very different.
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
No RSVP's to Ramsay St: Neighbours finale falls flat with A-listers who starred in the soap - as Margot Robbie snubs reunion
The upcoming Neighbours finale risks becoming a disaster, with a string of A-list stars reportedly declining to reprise their roles for the soap's final bow. While the long-running soap opera, which was axed for a second time in February, was once a ratings giant that pulled in the biggest names in Aussie television, Ramsay Street now faces a farewell that feels more like a whisper than a celebration. Despite a dramatic rescue by Amazon Freevee in late 2022 after it was first axed in February that year, the soap's revival has hit a sudden halt, with a 'resting' period set for December 2025. Attempts to bring back some of the A-Listers who got their start on the show, including Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia and Russell Crowe have fallen flat, leaving producers disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm. The original grand finale from 2022 was a ratings smash, with fan favourites like Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Guy Pearce reprising their roles. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Kylie Minogue, previously thrilled about her return for the 2022 finale, now reflects on feeling misled by the revival, reportedly describing it as a 'waste of time'. However, one Ramsay Street veteran confirmed to be making their return is Kimberley Davies, who appeared on the soap from 1993 to 1996, and later moved to America, appearing in several US productions including Friends and Ally McBeal. The absence of grand returns and viral excitement marks a stark contrast to the show's former glory days, signalling an end that feels definitive. For a series renowned for its family dramas and iconic TV moments, its stars have chosen to remain in the wings, leaving fans to ponder the end of an era. 'The cast of the current season will need to rely on the storylines that involve their characters because breaking out the cheque book won't cover it,' an insider told Daily Mail Australia. They added Margot and Kylie were not paid for their appearance in the 2022 finale, which made them even less thrilled about returning. 'The mega stars waived their usual million dollar fees and felt like they were waving goodbye to the show that launched them. It was very classy,' they said of the 2022 finale. 'The fact that Alan Fletcher, Jackie Woodburn and Ryan Maloney were tipped off as the show was saved during Neighbours' "farewell tour" was pretty awkward in retrospect. 'However, it was a little too late to call everyone who bought into the farewell episodes. Longtime fans will probably choose to remember the excellent tribute Network Ten pulled off in 2022. 'The only thing left to make any noise at this point would be to kill off legacy characters and the decision makers know that would not be fair to the remaining fans who returned to the show for these encore seasons.' News that iconic Australian soap Neighbours had been pulled by streaming giant Amazon has left fans heartbroken. It was revealed that the long-running series will be axed for a second time after production company Fremantle Australia failed to agree to terms with the US-based streamer. The official Neighbours X account shared the news, revealing the final episodes would air in December. 'We are sad to announce that Neighbours will be resting from December 2025,' the post read. 'New episodes from the 40th anniversary season will continue to air on Prime Video and Ten four times a week until the end of the year, with all the big soapie twists and turns that our viewers love.' Neighbours nearly ended forever two years ago when Channel 5, who part funded the soap for UK viewers, pulled out of their deal. The final episode aired on July 29, 2022, and saw very famous faces return and there were epic cameos made by Holly Valance, Natalie Imbruglia and Ian Smith, as they reprised their roles. The 2022 finale proved to be a huge hit as a peak of almost 3million UK viewers tuned in to watch lovebirds Scott (Jason) and Charlene (Kylie) back in Erinsborough. In Australia, the episode, which was aired on Channel 10 and 10 Peach, drew 873,000 metro viewers across both stations, largely thanks to the cast of returning favourites. And mere months after its success, it was confirmed that Amazon Freevee had given the show another lease of life and brought it back under revamped production. The newly-rebooted Neighbours premiered on Amazon in September 2023, but just less than two years on, it will be leaving screens for good. The soap, which followed the lives of the denizens of fictional Melbourne cul-de-sac Ramsay Street, had captivated audiences for an astonishing 40 years. Neighbours was aired on Freevee worldwide, but Amazon axed the free, ad-supported streaming service late last year, folding it under its Prime Video banner.
RTÉ News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Kylie and Jason unlikely to appear in Neighbours second finale
Neighbours' Executive Producer Jason Herbison has revealed that the soap's most famous stars, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, are unlikely to feature in the show's finale. In 2022, Channel 5 aired the last ever episode of Neighbours, featuring a host of familiar characters including Minogue and Donovan's Scott and Charlene. Months later, the soap was picked up by streaming platform Amazon Freevee, allowing it to return to screens. However, the beloved Australian soap is set to be taken off-air again in December after the closure of Amazon Freevee. Speaking to Australian soap news website the Neighbours producer said: 'I've already written it, and I would say that, I definitely am not going to try and compete with that finale." In the 2022 finale, Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene (Kylie Minogue) return to Erinsborough, while Guy Pearce reprised the role of Mike Young to reunite with childhood sweetheart Jane Harris (Annie Jones). Herbison continued: '"I haven't picked up the phone to Jason and Kylie and Guy again. I've left them alone, but it will be very similar in tone. I think it's a very warm, hopeful tone, but it's also a little bit different. There are things about it that I think might remind people of the previous finale, but it's also very different. "I think, as has been well documented, the show's not ending because people aren't still enjoying it. We still have an amazing following. "Unfortunately, the closure of Amazon Freevee did mean the end of the show. But having said that, at the end of this chapter of the show, they were terrific and gave us lots of notice on it as well, which is as much as you can possibly hope for. It wasn't something that took anyone by surprise." Warning: Spoiler Alert! Herbison teased of the soap's last storylines: "There's a big story for the Rodwells that will be a big challenge for the household, lots of twists and turns, lots of drama and lots of impact for everyone in the street. That will be a massive story right until the end. "The Varga-Murphys have some very big storylines coming up as well. "I'm often asked, are we ever going to meet the Linwells [the dangerous builders from whom the Varga-Murphys had to escape after Cara exposed their dodgy practices]? Yes, maybe we will, but it might not be exactly the story that people are expecting. "But there's definitely another chapter of the Linwells to be told, which also very neatly dovetails into some other stories."
Metro
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Neighbours boss confirms if Kylie and Jason will return in second finale
Jason Herbison, the Executive Producer of Neighbours, has opened up about the show's finale. In 2022, Channel 5 aired the last ever episode of Neighbours. It featured the return of a whole host of familiar characters including Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue's Scott and Charlene. Months later, streaming platform Amazon Freevee picked the show up, allowing it to return. Earlier this year, fans were heartbroken once more as they learnt the soap had been cancelled again. The final scenes are being filmed in July, with the last episode set to air in December. Ahead of the farewell, show producer Jason Herbison has opened up about what to expect for the last instalment. 'I've already written it, and I would say that I definitely am not going to try and compete with that finale', he told Back to the Bay, noting the 2022 episode. 'I haven't picked up the phone to Jason [Donovan] and Kylie [Minogue] and Guy [Pierce] again. I've left them alone, but it will be very similar in tone. I think it's a very warm, hopeful tone, but it's also a little bit different. There are things about it that I think might remind people of the previous finale, but it's also very different.' More Trending Jason went on to stay that he remains hopeful this isn't the last we've seen of Ramsay Street. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'I think, as has been well documented, the show's not ending because people aren't still enjoying it. We still have an amazing following. 'Unfortunately, the closure of Amazon Freevee did mean the end of the show. But having said that, at the end of this chapter of the show, they were terrific and gave us lots of notice on it as well, which is as much as you can possibly hope for. It wasn't something that took anyone by surprise. View More » 'We had a lot of notice and we could see that this was probably going to happen. So, very hopeful.' MORE: Coronation Street star welcomes second child in adorable post MORE: All Neighbours spoilers for next week as legend has suspected stroke amid storm MORE: Inside Sue Cleaver's life with ITV colleague husband as Coronation Street exit nears
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Neighbours' Ian Smith gives 'miracle' cancer update after being told he had months to live
Neighbours' Ian Smith gives 'miracle' cancer update after being told he had months to live The star, who is known for playing Harold Bishop in the soap, has given an update on his health after being told he had just months to live after being diagnosed with cancer Neighbours star Ian Smith has shared a remarkable health update (Image: Amazon Freevee ) Ian Smith, beloved by millions as Harold Bishop from Neighbours, has opened up about his ongoing battle with cancer and the surprising turn of events that has even his medical team taken aback. The cherished Aussie actor, 86, appeared on The Morning Show on Channel Seven this past week, providing an encouraging update on his wellbeing after receiving a rather bleak initial diagnosis. "I have got cancer. I know that because doctors tell me I have. But apart from that... No pain. I was supposed to die in March," Smith shared openly. "I am having the easiest ride, seriously." For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter . He was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, an uncommon and aggressive form of lung cancer, in December and was told by doctors the disease was "non-fixable". His prognosis was grim, reports the Mirror.. However following his enrolment in what he refers to as a "guinea pig" experimental treatment scheme he has surpassed predictions. "I want to go forever," he remarked with a grin. Article continues below "I don't want to play Harold anymore but I don't want to stop acting." Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis Smith notes that the treatment process has come with a silver lining. "I've possibly never felt better. Everyone looks at me and says: 'Look at your hair'," he chuckled. "They are all jealous I've got so much hair. I went through the treatment, started to lose my hair, and went totally bald. I then went onto the immunotherapy and got a head full of hair... not just hair, but curly hair." He's realistic but hopeful, sharing that he now looks forward to 'a year, maybe two' more of life than doctors initially projected. And despite stepping away from Neighbours the veteran performer insists he's not stepping away from the craft that shaped his life. 'I'm not cured,' he admitted. 'But I'm here. And I feel fine.' His last scenes in the beloved Australian series were deeply moving. Harold's heartfelt announcement that he was relocating to Port Douglas, Queensland, left loyal viewers weeping. Reflecting on his final scenes Smith expressed that being encircled by his fellow actors made it all the more touching. "I love them all dearly," he exclaimed. "They're like family." Smith took on the role of Harold back in 1987 and quickly established himself as a fan favourite, celebrated for his character's kindness, fortitude, and remarkable comebacks following various absences. Now, in real life, Smith is living a storyline even soap writers couldn't dream up. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 5 Live he spoke candidly about how far he's come since doctors first gave him just months to live. 'I've got cancer, yes, I'm going to die soon but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good,' he said. Earlier in January, Smith disclosed to TV Week that after undergoing three treatment regimes involving immunotherapy and chemotherapy his tumour had started to diminish. This positive change boosts his quiet determination. Article continues below "I've been reborn," he said. "And I've still got stories to tell."
