Latest news with #finalepisode
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again
NEIGHBOURS legend Alan Fletcher claims fans of the soap will "adore" the final ever episode when it airs in December. The long-running Australian show previously called it a day in 2022 before Amazon MGM Studios intervened and gave it a new lease of life. 5 5 However, it has decided against making more episodes beyond 2025 and soap fans are once again mourning. Alan, who has played Dr Karl Kennedy for 31 years, believes executive producer Jason Herbison has crafted the perfect goodbye though, one which is very different from the last farewell. For its initial swansong, legends of the show's past returned, including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce, delivering a heavy dose of nostalgia. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Alan, 68, says: "He wanted to create episodes that were full of hope and full of community and the strength of community. And he's achieved it immaculately. "And, of course, he could never go anywhere near where we went last time. Now, that's done, that type of episode. So it's been really, really fantastic to work on this last ending. "I know the fans are going to love it. It'll go to air in December and it'll be adored." Having been saved once, fans might be holding out hope that another production company will intervene, but Alan doesn't think it's likely. "It'd be lovely if a TV saviour came along and said, 'oh no, let's keep Neighbours going', but I don't think that's very likely," he says. His feelings towards Neighbours' retirement is very different this time round, with disappointment now replaced by satisfaction. A modern filming style and fresh team reinvigorated the programme and the product was noticeably more refined. "The first time around, I was gutted," he says. "I was gutted for the fans, I was gutted for everyone losing their job, but partly I was gutted because I felt like Neighbours had unfinished business. "And when Amazon bought the show back, suddenly the show was revitalised. It had a new energy, a new crew, and I think it just looked a million times better. We changed the way we shot the show. "So by the time we got to the end this time, I think a lot of us just looked at each other and went, you know, we have just made 400 episodes of the highest quality TV drama that you could do on the budget. "If you think about how many shows are on Netflix that maybe do 16 or 13 shows in a season, we've done a hell of a lot of episodes, and they have been superb. So I just think we felt very proud at the end." While there's plenty of action to air between now and December, Karl's already been at the heart of some dark and challenging plotlines this year. He's fought to save his marriage to wife Susan as well as his health after growing addicted to painkillers, something that Susan's doctor nephew Darcy exploited. "This is what we crave as actors, of course, because it gave, it gave a really great opportunity to explore Karl's flaws," says Alan. "We've all perhaps seen the series Dopesick about who becomes addicted to painkillers and Karl gets stuck in that maelstrom. But he doesn't want to be in it. He actually genuinely believes he's shaken his addiction. 5 "And then, of course, Darcy drugs him in a way by giving him painkillers without him knowing it. Yeah, a great, clever story and a wonderful way to finish up on the show." Alan is currently in the UK and Ireland on a 34-date music tour, playing his honest and occasionally comedic brand of Americana, alongside his band, which includes his wife of 35 years, Jennifer Hansen. Though the music is his sole focus, he's also on the lookout for a UK TV agent that could get him some roles on our shores. "Like a lot of Aussie actors, I would crave to come and work in the UK," he admits. "And I'm looking to try and find myself a UK agent because I think the UK makes some of the best television in the world. "I think in terms of comedy, which I love to be involved in, the Brits are like the Australians. "We do understand satire and so there's incredibly sharp and witty television made here. And in terms of drama, the thing I really love about being in the UK is seeing how older actors, and I put myself in that bracket now, how older actors really get a good run on television and film. And some of the best UK actors, of course, are the older contingents. "You know, you name Judi Dench and so forth and Olivia Colman. It's not something that happens in Australia so much. Generally, the main roles are taken by younger people. So, you know, I'd crave to work here." Before that comes to pass, Alan is on the promo trail for his latest single, Back To School, a poignant ballad on how to nurture a loving relationship. "The title was about what I've learnt in studying philosophy, that love is something you can't take for granted, you have to really look at it," says Alan. "I mean, that's a bit of a cliche, but a lot of people don't spend the time. So it's really saying, let's get back to school and learn how to love. "It's a very musical, laid-back track, and it gets a great reaction from people." Both Alan and Jen went back to school, as it were, when they attended a lecture on love by philosopher Alain de Botton that helped to improve their own relationship. "It was quite transformative for us, because it reminds us that perfect love is a bit of an 18th century creation," says Alan. "And in reality, we all love each other's flaws, rather than trying to change each other. "And once we heard that, and kind of accepted that, and went, 'yes, absolutely, that's what it is'. So now if either one of us in the relationship do something that the other one would normally think is annoying or troublesome, now we look at it and go, 'oh, it's adorable that you do that'. 5 "So just accepting that we are who we are, and trying to change people, mold them to be the perfect human being, is a waste of time." At the tail end of last year Alan also released a classic slice of Americana in Tell 'Em, a duet with Jennifer that tells the tale of lost love. "It really is the first cut, the deepest I suppose, that notion of the first relationship you have and how it kind of never leaves you, even though you break up and move on with your life and you have other loves, there's some little tiny part of you that's still wishes that somehow you've been able to work it out all those years ago. "So essentially just saying, look, I know we'll never be together, but I just think of you all the time, or in flashes." Both tracks will be joining Alan on his tour which is taking place now and runs until September. Alan Fletcher's 2025 UK Tour and Ireland BACK TO SCHOOL UK TOUR DATES: July 22 – The Bedford – Balham July 23 – Studio 6 – Maidstone July 24 – The Factory Live – Worthing July 25 – The Attic – Southampton July 26 – The Steam and Whistle – Cheltenham July 27 – The Clarence Hall – Crickhowell July 29 – The Exeter Phoenix – Exeter July 30 – The Poly – Falmouth July 31 – The Hen and Chicken – Bristol Aug 1 – The Globe – Cardiff Aug 2 – St George's Hall – Bewdley Aug 3 – The Stables – Milton Keynes Aug 6 – The Portland Arms – Cambridge Aug 7 – The Garage – Norwich Aug 8 – The Witham Public Hall – Witham Aug 9 – The King Alfred Phoenix Theatre – London Aug 12 – The Sugar Club – Dublin Aug 13 – The Spirit Store – Dundalk Aug 14 – The Black Box – Belfast Sep 8 – The Gorleston Pavilion – Gorleston-on-Sea Sep 9 – The International – Leicester Sep 10 – Newhampton Arts Centre – Wolverhampton Sep 11 – Southside – Lincoln Sep 12 – The Yard – Manchester Sep 13 – Arts Club – Liverpool Sep 17 – The Wardrobe – Leeds Sep 18 – The Georgian Theatre – Stockton-on-Tees Sep 19 – Pocklington Arts Centre – East Yorkshire Sep 20 – Arts Centre Washington – Sunderland Sep 21 – The Voodoo Rooms – Edinburgh Sep 23 – The Blue Lamp – Aberdeen Sep 24 – Centre for Contemporary Arts – Glasgow Sep 25 – The Empress Ballroom – Mexborough Sep 26 – Castle & Falcon – Birmingham Buy tickets here
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sneak peak at cast's final days on Neighbours set as beloved Aussie soap wraps filming of last ever season
Fans are preparing for the end of long-running Aussie soap opera Neighbours and now they've been given a glimpse into the final days of production. A slew of photos were posted to Facebook and Instagram on Friday showing the cast during the last stretch of filming, along with a caption that pulled on long-time watchers' heartstrings. 'Today marks the final day of production on our beloved Neighbours,' it read. 'It's with a heavy heart that our incredible cast and crew wrap for the final time. As sad as this day may be, we can't wait for you to see the amazing storylines that are about to unfold over the coming six months.' The caption ended: 'Together we have been, and always will be, the perfect blend.' 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. In one of the images, veteran stars Stefan Dennis, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher stood alongside each other with pained smiles as they waved goodbye to an era. Another showed the whole Neighbours cast dressed up warm as they posed on Ramsay Street for the last time during their final stint on set. As four decades of Neighbours came to an end last week, 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 with her arm around fellow cast members 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 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.' The final episode of Neighbours is set to air on December 11, and the news will undoubtedly be a devastating blow to fans across the globe who have seen the ongoing drama 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. The impact of Neighbours is immeasurable and has produced household names like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie. 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 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.' According to the publication, 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.'
The Sun
11-07-2025
- 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
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Project's Instagram page goes rogue as 'bosses forget to change the password' after the show's axing
The Project's Instagram page has gone rogue following Channel Ten 's shock decision to axe the long-running news program. The program, which was pulled from the schedule after 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes, aired its final episode on Friday. And while The Project has officially ended, the show's Instagram page appears to still be very active. On Tuesday, a post poking fun at the Network Ten bosses was shared to social media. 'The bosses really should have changed the password from Password1,' it read. 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. 'Well, well, well, look who is in charge now... It's me! The social media hero (that's what I call myself),' it was captioned. The following day, another post was shared to The Project's social media page: 'Still cancelled. Still curious.' 'I have nobody to share the silly news I see from around the world with,' the caption read. 'That, and the other things we should be discussing… Shall I just post the things that interest/make me laugh anyway?' A third post showed a woman getting knocked over by a huge box blowing in the wind during Sydney's recent storm. 'We have been off air for less than a week, and a woman has been knocked over by a fridge box? You just can't make this stuff up,' it read. The Project was officially axed after 16 years last week, and aired its final episode on June 27. It was replaced 10 News+ which failed to impress viewers following its debut on Monday night. The first episode included an investigation on drug smuggling Melbourne mum Debbie Voulgaris and a sit down chat with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Not everyone liked what they saw however, with many sharing their thoughts on X. Several compared 10 News+ to A Current Affair with one posting: 'This is like ACA. Going to peoples houses to talk & them avoiding the cameras.' 'You replaced The Project with a Temu ACA not seeing @theprojecttv is incredibly depressing. 10news+ sucks!' complained another viewer. Someone else said: 'This is proper @Channel7 style commercial JUNK. It's like watching a cross between Fox News and Anchorman. Why the silly 'news' voices!?' One more person tuning in at home asked: 'Anyone else bored so far?' while someone else said, 'please no more long investigation reports it's 6pm.' 'This is trash, so dry and bland. Time for the project 2.0 and a game show in a prime time slot up against Home and Away. Good luck,' someone wrote. 'Not even bothering with #10newsplus bring back #TheProjectTV' one more wrote with someone else saying, 'Is Denham Hitchcock AI generated or just stupid?'aid. 'Dribble. Won't last the year,' a viewer said with another adding, 'Felt like it was a Comedy Company parody from the 80s. The fist pump at the end? Yikes.' Not everyone was so negative with one fan writing: 'Loving @10NewsPlus - strong launch story. Is this the new Schapelle Corby story we all need to know about. 10 news should be very proud.'
