The countdown to the rebooted series of Neighbours is officially on with the saved Australian soap set to return in a matter of months.
The original show ran for almost four decades and sparked a global outcry when it was cancelled last year after being dropped from Channel 5’s schedules.
The final episode aired in summer 2022 and saw some of the show’s biggest names return such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Natalie Imbruglia and Margot Robbie.
Then, four months later, streaming platform Amazon Freevee announced that they had picked the show up and would soon begin filming new episodes.
Fast forward to now and they have confirmed that Neighbours will officially return in September.
They have also given a first-look at new Ramsay Street residents, the Varga-Murphy family which includes mums Cara and Remi, plus, their teenage sons JJ and Dex.
According to a press release, Cara and Remi have “different outlooks on life,” but “are a united front when parenting their sons”.
“The household is full of love and playful energy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect fireworks. Someone in the family has an ulterior motive for being in Erinsborough... And it’ll have explosive ramifications for their neighbours.”
Remi, who is played by Naomi Rukavina, is described as “a serious and studious doctor”.
“Remi is often the calming presence during a storm. She’s passionate about her family, career and helping others. When she believes strongly in something, her attitude can be uncompromising. But it’s her wife and kids that help her see life isn’t always clear-cut and sometimes rules need to be broken.”
Cara, played Sara West, is in comparison is a “down-to-earth, fun-loving ‘tradie’.
“Not only is she handy with a hammer and drill, she’s also fierce, loyal and protective when it comes to her family. Cara’s the cheese to Remi’s chalk, but it’s their differences that make their marriage work. She’s someone who acts on instinct and isn’t afraid to charge into the fray when needed.
Meanwhile, JJ, who is played by Riley Bryant, is described as “a kind, confident, self-assured teenager who tends to lead with his heart and not his head”.
“Like many kids his age, he also battles bouts of insecurity and self-doubt. It’s this combination that can often bring trouble to JJ’s world as he’s known to act before thinking through the consequences. One thing’s for sure... It never takes much for him to win you over.”
Lastly, Dex, played by Marley Williams, apparently sees himself as “the smarter sibling,” but still looks up to JJ.
“He’s a deep thinker who always has his brother’s back. A happy and relaxed teenager, Dex is often the one trying to keep the peace. Which means he’ll have his work cut out for him on Ramsay Street.”
Cara actress West said of her casting: “I'm so honoured to be a part of the new Neighbours legacy and really looking forward to bringing the Varga-Murphy family to Australian and international screens. Cara has a bold, impassioned love for her family and I love that her intentions have, so far, always been good.
“I hope having the Varga-Murphys on telly will help better reflect the beautiful LGBTQIA+ community that I'm proud to be a part of and I can't wait to share the family with you!”
Remi actress Rukavina added: “I am thrilled to be joining the new Neighbours legacy. As a stalwart of Australian drama television, the show is on the front foot of showcasing diverse and real representations of Australian families, not in a tokenistic way.
“The joys, sadness and madness of Neighbours has been a great adventure thus far and the Varga-Murphy family have already formed a special bond off-screen and on. I can't wait to share it with the world.”
Jason Herbison, Neighbours’ Executive Producer, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Varga-Murphy family to Ramsay Street and the amazing cast portraying them.
“It feels fitting that the new season will herald the arrival of a new household, with many new stories to tell. They have fitted into Erinsborough beautifully, they are warm, fun and also very unpredictable.”
