Latest news with #AnnieJones
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Neighbours cast film emotional final scenes on Ramsay Street revival as 40-year soap ends with 'hope for future possibilities'
As four decades of Neighbours came to an end on Friday, veteran stars Annie Jones and Stefan Dennis showed support for their fellow cast members in an emotional final day on set. The actress, 55, first appeared on the beloved soap in 1986 as Jane Harris, aka Plain Jane Superbrain, and was on hand this week to offer a supportive shoulder. She was seen wrapping her arm around her fellow stars as they came together to mark the end of an era at Melbourne 's Nunawading studios. Annie chose to step away from the spotlight in 1989 to look after her late mother, Elizabeth, who battled Alzheimer's disease and passed away in 2016. She later reprised her role in 2018 and has been a regular fixture on the show ever since. Annie was seen wrapping her arm around her fellow stars as they came together to mark the end of an era at Melbourne 's Nunawading studios Soap veteran Stefan, 66, who has played the character of Paul Robinson on the series for four decades, was also seen on set for the final scenes of the concluding episode. The actor, who was part of the original Neighbours cast when it debuted in 1985, left the show in 1992 but returned in 2004. He clutched buckets of Chupa Chups lollipops for his castmates. 'I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years,' Stefan said in a statement released by Prime Video. 'Without 'Neighbours' I would not have met the people, been to the places and lived the experiences of a lifetime.' Other members of the crew were seen consoling one another in a group hug. Then, the entire cast gathered together at the end of the day for a group photo. For decades, Neighbours has chronicled the ups and downs of Melbourne's fictional Erinsborough, and the series will air its last episodes in December, bringing Amazon's two-year revival to a close. In total, the streamer has added a respectable 460 episodes to the show's already staggering 9,000-episode legacy. Executive producer Jason Herbison got a bit misty-eyed over the statistic, saying: 'Neighbours is a special show and it's been a privilege to make the recent seasons for our loyal viewers around the world. 'We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9,000 episodes, something we all feel proud of.' He added: 'Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalising possibilities for a future chapter.' Veteran star Alan Fletcher, aka Dr Karl Kennedy, called the set his 'happy place', praising the 'creative freedom and enthusiasm amongst the whole team.' Jackie Woodburne, who has starred as Susan Kennedy for three decades, said, 'It is impossible to measure the gratitude I feel for the gift of 30 years of Neighbours. 'We are the best version of "family". It has been a wild ride into a happy life. Wouldn't change it for quids!' Even the newer faces on Ramsay Street were gutted to say goodbye. Matt Wilson (Aaron Brennan) called the show 'a real beacon of hope,' while Ben Jackson (Max Ramsay) described his time on set as 'the greatest gift of my life.' In the UK, Neighbours experienced consistent Top 10 rankings under Amazon's stewardship and earned a 2024 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series. Back in 2022, the beloved soap got the axe after 37 seasons, only to be rescued for the revival. Now, it's curtains for good. As cast member Naomi Rukavina (Remi Varga-Murphy) beautifully put it: 'It's a special thing to be part of a national icon. 'Neighbours is nothing like I had imagined. It has been blessing on blessing for me. Fulfilling, stabilising, and heart-filling. Long live the icon,' she said. According to Metro UK, sets have already begun to be dismantled at the production base on the outskirts of Melbourne. The studio site, which was sold to property redevelopers several years ago but is on a long lease to programme-makers Fremantle Media, is expected to be reused for other productions in the future.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Neighbours' veterans Annie Jones and Stefan Dennis support fellow cast as they share an emotional final day on set after 40 years on air
As four decades of Neighbours came to an end on Friday veteran stars Annie Jones and Stefan Dennis supported for their fellow cast at an emotional final day on set. The actress, 55, first appeared on the beloved soap in 1986 as Jane Harris AKA Plain Jane Superbrain and was on hand this week to offer a supportive shoulder. She was seen wrapping her arm around her fellow stars as they came together to mark the end of an era at Melbourne 's Nunawading studios. Annie chose to step away from the spotlight in 1989 to look after her late mother, Elizabeth, who battled Alzheimer's disease and passed away in 2016. She later reprised her role in 2018 and has been a regular fixture on the show ever since. Soap veteran Stefan, 66, who has played the character of Paul Robinson on the series for four decades, was also seen on the set for the final scenes of the concluding episode. Soap veteran Stefan, 66, who has played the character of Paul Robinson on the series for four decades, was also seen on the set for the final scenes of the concluding episode The actor, who was part of the original Neighbours cast when it debuted in 1985, left the show in 1992, but returned in 2004. He clutched on to buckets of Chupa Chups lollipops for his castmates. Other members of the crew were seen consoling one another in a group hug. Rebekah Elmaloglou, Tim Kano and Jackie Woodburne were also seen quietly packing up and taking in the familiar set one last time. The final episode of Neighbours is set to air on December 11, after fans have witnessed the drama be axed three times. Just two years ago, fans were gearing up for what was then billed as the 'finale' before Amazon swooped in with a lifeline. Neighbours' impact is immeasurable and has produced household names like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, to gain an unlikely cultural significance in Britain. As this chapter of the Ramsay Street story comes to a close, executive producer Jason Herbison described the soap as 'special', adding that it has been a 'privilege' to oversee the recent seasons. The producer has been with the show intermittently since 1990 when he landed a storyliner position. He told the Metro: 'We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9000 episodes, something we all feel proud of, 'Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalising possibilities for a future chapter.' Original cast member Stefan also expressed his gratitude. He reflected: 'I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years.' He added that without Neighbours, he wouldn't have met the people and lived experiences of a lifetime. Following the news, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their sadness on the show leaving their TV screens once again His sentiments were also shared by Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne, who have played beloved couple Karl and Susan Kennedy since 1994. Alan described the show as his 'happy place for over 30 years' while Jackie added that it is impossible to measure the gratitude she feels. Annie first filmed at the Nunawading Studios in 1986, shortly after it was revived for the first time on Channel 10. After several guest stints, she returned five years ago full-time. She claimed it has been a 'pleasure and delight to work with such a talented group of people' before adding she will miss being a part of the show. According to Metro, sets have already begun to be dismantled at the production base on the outskirts of Melbourne. The studio site, which was sold to property redevelopers several years ago but is on a long lease to programme-makers Fremantle Media, is hoped to be reused for other productions in the future. Following the news, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their sadness on the show leaving their TV screens once again. One fan wrote: 'Love this show been watching all of it from the beginning now on Amazon Prime I'm from Corona, California USA but I lived in Australia Brisbane Queensland for three years in the late 60s and I really am going to miss this show,'; 'To the cast & crew of Neighbours as you finish filming, thank you for what has been and for what is to come...'; 'Just so incredibly sad and unnecessary. #SAVENEIGHBOURS.'
Metro
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Neighbours filming wraps on Ramsay Street for the last time
It's the end of an era – Neighbours has filmed the last ever scenes on Ramsay Street today. The fictional cul-de-sac has been at the centre of the drama for over 40 years, but today the cameras stopped rolling on the real life location that doubles as the famous homes. Cast and crew gathered on Pin Oak Court in Vermont South, which is occupied by real residents who allow their houses to be used for exterior shots, for what is likely to be the final time. This comes following Amazon Prime Video's decision to pull the plug earlier this year, just two years on from announcing that they were reviving the Australian soap. Executive producer Jason Herbison, who has overseen the show in both its formats over many years, still has hope that it can have a future. In a statement he said: 'Audiences all around the world have loved and embraced Neighbours for four decades and we are very proud of the huge success over the last two years including often appearing as one of the top 10 titles in the UK and the show's first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series in 2024. 'As this chapter closes, we appreciate and thank Amazon MGM Studios for all that they have done for Neighbours – bringing this iconic and much-loved series to new audiences globally.' Metro understands that the last ever scenes from the serial's production base in Nunawading will be recorded on Friday, July 11 – one week today. On Instagram, show legend Annie Jones, who first appeared as Jane Harris in 1986, shared a photo of her in a car with Hannah Monson, who has played Nicolette Stone since the revival. 'On our way to Ramsay St for the LAST time,' she wrote. Sara West, who joined as Cara Varga-Murphy in 2023, uploaded a similar picture with co-stars Naomi Rukavina and Riley Bryant, who play Cara's wife Remi and their son JJ. She cheekily edited Marley Williams, who plays their younger son Dex into the snap, writing: 'Last ride down to Ramsay St.' More Trending Meanwhile, show icon Rebekah Elmaloglou was stood at the bottom of a gloomy Pin Oak Court, adding: 'Farewell Ramsay Street!' to her emotional shot. 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! The site has become somewhat of a tourist destination over the last four decades, with fans from around the world – including myself – making the pilgrimage. Those who live in the court are bound by a contract that means they're not allowed to do any cosmetic work to their properties without permission from producers. Now that cameras have stopped rolling, that could soon change. View More » Neighbours streams Monday to Thursday from 7am on Amazon Prime Video. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: 'No coming back' for beloved TV legend as 'gut-wrenching' exit confirmed after 33 years MORE: Neighbours legend Elaine Smith reveals brutally honest reason why she turned down soap return MORE: 'Wildly entertaining' Amazon Prime action thriller soars up top 10 chart
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- 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.
