Latest news with #Nunawading
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Neighbours legend becomes latest star to sign for Strictly Come Dancing after soap's end leaves him free to take part
NEIGHBOURS favourite Stefan Dennis has signed for the new series of Strictly. The actor, 66, has played six-times married Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985. The soap's final episode filmed at Nunawading Studios in Australia on Friday, and will air on Amazon Prime in December. It leaves Stefan free to take to the dancefloor this autumn to impress actress wife Gail Easdale, 52, and their three children. A source said: ' Stefan is a huge character on the soap and is sure to be a hit with Strictly fans. ' BBC bosses are confident Stefan will bring in the ratings. 'He has made no secret of the fact that he would love to star on Strictly and will put his all into the training.' Paul Robinson's biggest storyline was in 2005 for the 20th anniversary when he was shoved from a mezzanine — leading to the 'Who Pushed P.R?' mystery. As a singer, Stefan also reached No16 in the UK singles chart with 1989's Don't It Make You Feel Good.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Neighbours cast pose for final picture as they wrap filming on iconic soap's last ever episode
THE cast of Neighbours have posed for one final picture as they wrap up filming the iconic soap's last ever episode. The new picture was taken to capture filming their last day of the series at Nunawading studios in Australia. 3 3 The show will come to a close in December 2025, after 40 years of dramatic storylines. Earlier this year, the beloved Aussie soap was axed for a second time, having been saved by Amazon after 37 years on Channel 5. Amazon announced at the end of 2022 that it was bringing the iconic programme back in a multi-year deal. It started filming in 2023 and was shown on Amazon Freevee worldwide. However, last year Amazon axed the service and folded it into its Prime Video streaming offering. And now, after two years streaming, the show will come to an end once more. The Sun exclusively revealed production on Neighbours would be stopping this summer - with the final episode airing at the end of the year. A source said at the time: 'Amazon gave Fremantle two years to see if it worked but sadly they just didn't get the viewers. The original finale saw Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan return to Ramsay Street, alongside other show alums. However, bosses' attempts to bring back A-listers this time around have reportedly not panned out. Watch dramatic first look at Neighbours' epic 40th anniversary week as iconic character 'returns from the dead' & huge fire erupts - as soap is axed for good One confirmed returnee is Kimberley Davies, who appeared as Annalise Hartman from 1993 to 1996. Stefan Dennis who plays Paul Robinson, said: 'I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years. 'Without Neighbours I would not have meet the people, been to the places and lived the experiences of a lifetime. Thank you all.' Alan Fletcher, who plays Karl Kennedy, said: 'Neighbours has been my happy place for over 30 years. Neighbours stars who made it big The long-running Aussie soap has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Here are some of the Neighbours alums who went on to make it big after starring on the soap... Kylie Minogue Before she hit the big time with her music career, Kylie shot to fame playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Shortly after her arrival, Kylie began an on and off-screen romance with co-star Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson, which gained the couple an army of adoring fans. Jason Donovan After his stint as Scott, singer and actor Jason became an international popstar and had his pick acting of roles. He moved to the U.K., married, had children and has since starred in over a dozen West End show, most notably Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Alan Dale New Zealand born actor Alan was one of Neighbours 12 original cast members having made his debut as Jim Robinson on the soap's first episode on 18 March 1985. As the head of the Robinson clan, widower Jim lived at Number 26 Ramsay Street with his children Paul, Julie, Scott and Lucy, and was a real anchor in the community. He stayed with the show for eight years, before his character was killed off in dramatic scenes aired in 1993 but which still reverberate through the soap to this day. Margot Robbie Way before she was Barbie or Harley Quinn, Margot was best known as Ramsay Street resident Donna Freedman. Her notable storylines included her marriage to Ringo Brown and becoming a young widow following his tragic death. After three years she bid farewell to the soap and Australia with a plan to make a name for herself in Hollywood which she did when she bagged the role of Naomi Lapaglia opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. Jesse Spencer Jesse rocked up on Ramsay street in 1994 with the rest of the Kennedy clan. He stayed for five years, literally growing up in front of the camera, but in 2000 felt it was time to spread his wings and head for Hollywood. It was certainly a smart move as he went on to bag leading roles in popular shows like House and Chicago Fire. Russell Crowe New Zealand-native Russell had a brief arc on Neighbours, appearing in four episodes of the soap 1987 as Kenny Larkin, the former cellmate of Street resident Henry Ramsay. The role obviously got him noticed though because he quickly went on to become a fully-fledged Hollywood A-lister, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his standout performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator. 'I will always treasure the creative freedom and enthusiasm amongst the whole team that has allowed us to produce a brilliant show for so long.' Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan Kennedy, said: 'It's impossible to measure the gratitude I feel for the gift of 30 years on Neighbours. 'To do so I would have to calculate the number of extraordinary cast and crew I have been privileged to work with, count the number of laughs I have shared with them... "...measure the pride I feel for the diverse, dramatic (and sometimes outrageous!) storytelling we have all been a part of. REST BREAK 'We are the best version of 'family'. It has been a wild ride into a happy life. Wouldn't change it for quids!' Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison said: '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 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.' 3
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Melbourne renter eyes Burwood East units as five per cent deposit scheme offers fresh hope
Kathryn Whiteley has been renting in Melbourne's eastern suburbs for years, but says the thought of owning a home has never felt closer, or more urgent, than it does now. The aspiring artist and retail worker said rising rents and cost-of-living pressures had made her long for stability, and the federal government's updated 5 per cent deposit scheme might finally offer her a way in. 'I'm on a fixed lease and my landlords have been lovely, but it's still not sustainable long term,' Ms Whiteley said. Elite Shrublands mansion gets eye-watering price cut 'At some point, something has to give.' Paying $434 a week in rent in Nunawading, below the median for her area, she said she'd reached a point where she was craving more than just temporary shelter. 'It's the emotional toll,' she said. 'You're always thinking, 'Will I have to move again? Can I afford the next increase?' You can't put roots down.' Ms Whiteley said the expanded federal government scheme, which allows eligible buyers to enter the market with a 5 per cent deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance, had made the idea of ownership feel real for the first time. 'And honestly, it feels like now or never,' she said. 'As a single person with no second income to lean on, this might be the only window I get.' Ms Whiteley has her sights set on a two-bedroom unit in Burwood East, drawn by its affordability, public transport access and proximity to shopping hubs. 'I've already looked into Burwood East,' she said. 'It's close to everything — transport, Coles, even Chadstone and Knox. It just makes sense.' Mortgage repayments for the most affordable units in the area could be significantly lower than her current rent. 'That would literally change my life,' she said. 'It would give me breathing room, mentally and financially.' A creative at heart, the aspiring artist said having her own space would be transformative, not just financially but personally. 'I've had to scale back a lot of the things I love,' Ms Whiteley said. 'If I had a place of my own, I could start creating again. It would be life-giving.'
