Kylie Minogue says being back on Ramsay Street after more than three decades away was “amazing, surreal and very emotional”.
And her co-star Jason Donovan said their return to Neighbours as it draws to a close was so significant it made him want to “scream”.
Pop legend Kylie, 54, was persuaded to go back by Jason, who wrote her an impassioned message explaining why they had to do it.
She said: “Jason and I are connected anyway, but he wrote me a beautiful email, so eloquent and heartfelt about this being a moment for us to acknowledge and say thanks to the fans.
He explained: “We’re very aware of the significance. It’s not lost on us in terms of what this show has given us, the cast, writers, directors, the country, the way it has portrayed Australians around the world, it changed a lot of things for a lot of people – now it’s time to scream about it.”
The pair, who played young married couple Charlene and Scott Robinson from 1986 until 1988, will appear in the soap’s finale tonight, as many former faces are gathered to bid the show farewell as it comes off air after 37 years.
Kylie said being back in fictional Erinsborough felt very familiar. “We worked with the director we worked with back in the 80s so a few familiar faces.
"Same houses, same street – there is no easy answer to how we felt, just a mix of emotions, but very happy. Very aware of the moment.
“We are quite a way from all the things we used to do, the memories are coming back – the pigeon boxes, our scripts, the early morning calls, shooting at Lassiters, all of us straight out of school, just kids and a lot of life has happened since then.
She admitted that she thought her days of playing the curly-haired mechanic were long gone. “I didn’t think we’d play Scott and Charlene again, I guess because the show kept going and moved on.
"Also, Charlene was such a presence in people’s memory, I wasn’t sure how it would work. Neighbours wrapping up has put a completely different spin on all of it – it opened the door for this to happen.”
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Donovan said they don’t play a major part in the storyline, but are just happy to join in. “It’s an homage, rather than a big moment and Kylie’s right, we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. Trying to recreate the past is very difficult and this is giving a nod to those characters and what the street has done for us.”
They were thrilled to be reunited with Annie Jones and Guy Pearce who played their good friends Jane and Mike back in the 80s. Kylie said it meant a lot to be there. “To have some of the cast from back in our day, we are having lots of moments for one very big moment - it’s a feeling, it’s historical and such a big part of learning our craft and growing up. And of course friendships and the fact ‘plain Jane super brain’ and Mike have a storyline, I’m incredibly excited."
Jason, 54, said that denim had “got better” since they were clad head to foot in it in the 80s and Kylie enjoyed styling her hair like Charlene’s again. “The curls are just as big, and mousse is back!” she laughed.
He gave credit to the soap for kick-starting their long careers. “It was an incredible training ground and opportunity for us. We really hit the ground running with Neighbours, so it solidified our craft. To be a part of that legacy and see people’s careers develop and project Australia to the rest of the world. It is very special.”
- Neighbours: The Finale, Channel 5, 9pm.
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