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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Neighbours fans left baffled by Kylie Minogue's finale appearance as they 'work out' reason behind it

Neighbours fans were delighted earlier this year when the soap's boss confirmed that Kylie Minogue would be returning to say goodbye to the show as it came to an end after 37 years. The pop star's career blossomed after appearing in the Australian soap as Charlene Mitchell.

She and former love interest Jason Donovan played Charlene and Scott Robinson from 1985 until their departures in 1989 and 1988 respectively. Their return to the soap was first announced in May. A statement by soap boss Jason Herbison was shared to Twitter which said: "Scott and Charlene are the ultimate Neighbours couple and it would not feel right to end the show without them. We are thrilled that Jason and Kylie have come home to play a very special part in our series finale…"

Their wedding episode was watched by more than two million Australian viewers when it first aired in 1987, and later pulled in an audience of almost 20 million when it was shown in the UK in 1988. And who can forget their classic duet, 'Especially for You'.

READ MORE: Neighbours fans slam Channel 5 for 'insensitive and 'heartless' move during finale

On Friday night (July 29), in a bittersweet moment for Neighbours fans, Jason and Kylie were finally reunited as they reprised their roles as Scott and Charlene with one last visit to Ramsay Street. As the wedding of Melanie Pearson and Toadie Rebecchi was underway, the couple made their long-awaited return to the cul-de-sac in a green mini with a Queensland number plate.

Charlene showed her typically feisty spirit by nearly breaking into a house – reminiscent of Kylie's very first scene on the soap in 1986 when Scott caught her breaking into her mother’s home and got punched for his troubles. During their moment on-screen, Scott leaned in to kiss Charlene on the head in a sweet moment.

"Wow wow wow," Scott said as they stepped out of the car, "This is crazy. We made it eh?" Charlene then declares: "Home sweet home." The couple then finally got their reunion with Jane and Mike to bring the four friends back together. But Charlene's only other audible word in the cameo appearance was when she exclaimed "Harold!" after seeing fan favourite Harold Bishop.

Kylie and Jason were back together (PA)

And it completely confused Neighbours fans. @Rustybobs tweeted: "Did Kylie lose her voice or something? #Neighbours." @Wrighty2902 echoed: "Has Kylie lost her voice? #Neighbours #NeighboursFinale." @kevinwest33 wrote: "#Neighbours Kylie only said one word, Harold ! Surely you could have given her a bit more to do?"

@darylle_x said: "Tuned into watch the last #Neighbours & see kylie … not mutter a word. What a let doon." @Carrdashian25 shared: "Why didn't Kylie Minogue speak in #Neighbours, never known anyone to just smile, nod and point as much as Charlene did #NeighboursFinale," to which @Keepfityoutwit replied: "It was bizarre to watch." @SharonCuffs added: "No but I’m absolutely obsessed with Kylie returning to #Neighbours after 30 years and refusing to speak a word."

Kylie during the Neighbours finale (channel 5)

But they thought they may know the reasons why. @WalfordWeekly tweeted: "Was Kylie paid by the word? She's practically mute! #Neighbours." @micjburns asked: "What does Kylie charge per word? #neighbours." @brussalis echoed: "Is Kylie being paid per word? Or has she lost her voice? Why isn’t she speaking? #NeighboursFinale #Neighbours."

@lexedge cried: "RIP #Neighbours,2 before adding: "Also, I can only assume they were paying Kylie per word." @LisaSellAuthor shared: "Was Kylie's fee per word too high or did she not have much time to rehearse? She barely spoke! #Neighbours." @morgannahh added: "Has Kylies voice box disappeared? Or she charges by the word & they couldn't afford the lines.. Say something please! #Neighbours."

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