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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Ben Arnold

Kylie and Jason may be returning to Neighbours for a final episode

Scott and Charlene - aka Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan - could be heading back to Ramsay Street.

The pair have been approached by the makers of the Australian soap as it heads towards its final episodes to be broadcast in the UK.

It was announced last week that the show will no longer air on Channel 5 after the summer, which would mean an uncertain future for the soap.

The show is heavily reliant on being broadcast in the UK, as it has been since its launch back in 1985.

A source told the Sun : “Bosses have spoken to Jason who has agreed in theory to return.

"Kylie has always been a huge supporter of the show — they’re just waiting to hear back.”

Donovan, who played Scott Robinson in the soap from 1986 to 1989, remains a great supporter of the show.

On hearing of Channel 5’s decision last week, he tweeted: “@neighbours changed the Australian television landscape. It launched many careers over decades including mine.

“Engaged and entertained audiences for generations. Hoping that it will find a new home with another U.K. broadcaster and continue to provide opportunity and entertainment.”

Minogue played Charlene Robinson from 1986 to 1988, marrying Donovan’s character in the famous wedding episode in 1987, which was watched by a staggering 20 million viewers in the UK.

The show moved from the BBC to Channel 5 in 2008.

Donovan’s real-life daughter Jemma has since followed in her father’s footsteps, and now plays Harlow Robinson in the show.

The Neighbours cast in October 2000 (BBC)

A spokesperson for Channel 5 said last week: “Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer.

“It’s been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade, and we’d like to thank the cast, Fremantle and all of the production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series.

“We’d also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbours across the years.

“We recognise that there will be disappointment about this decision, however our current focus is on increasing our investment in original UK drama, which has strong appeal for our viewers.”

It plans to develop original UK dramas with the freed up budget.

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