The much-loved Australian soap Neighbours came to an end last week after 37 years of broadcasting but before saying goodbye, it welcomed back a host of cast members to help send the long-running drama off in style. An average of 2.5million viewers are said to have tuned in to Channel 5 to watch the final double episode on Friday night, with a peak audience of three million as the soap drew to a close, according to overnight figures.
A host of famous faces and fan-favourite characters made their return to Ramsay Street for one final time in the episodes aired in the UK on July 29. Alongside some emotional reunions, the finale, which was broadcast at prime time on Channel 5 on July 29, also featured a wedding and a nostalgic tribute to past and present stars.
It seems Neighbours went out on a high, as Channel 5 said it was the highest outing for the soap on the channel since it moved over from BBC One in 2008. The final was eagerly anticipated as world-renowned pop stars and Hollywood names returned to their old roles.
Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan made a re-appearance on Ramsay Street as Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson after leaving more than 30 years ago. There was also a brief zoom cameo from Oscar-nominated star Margot Robbie, who previously played Donna Freedman from 2008 to 2011.
There were appearances from former Erinsborough stars who later went on to see chart success as singers including; Delta Goodrem, who played Nina Tucker, Natalie Imbruglia, as Beth Brennan and Holly Valance as Felicity Scully.
Viewers also saw Mike Young, played by Guy Pearce, return to Ramsay Street and later decide to make his visit more permanent in a bid to give his relationship with former love interest Jane Harris, played by Annie Jones, another shot. Speaking on a video posted on Neighbours' social media following the finale airing, the pair spoke of reuniting to film the scenes.
“It’s kind of a bit weird, isn’t it?” Annie Jones said whilst Guy replied: "It is very weird. It’s lovely working together again. I mean we’ve stayed friends over the years and it’s sort of surreal and also very familiar and like it was just yesterday in a way". He added how the fans “might be having a little quiet smile to themselves” after seeing their characters finally get a happy ending.
Ben Frow, chief content officer of Paramount UK, said: “I suspect there wasn’t a dry eye from the viewers as Neighbours bowed out on a high last night. We wanted to give it a fitting, respectful ending and I hope our night devoted to Neighbours achieved that.
“Last night truly is the end of an era. The response from viewers overnight has been very moving and, even if they were wished the ending didn’t have to come. I hope they enjoyed it. We celebrate the success of Neighbours 37 years at the top – I’m sure it will remain in people’s hearts and TV memories for a long time to come.”
You can stream the final episode of Neighbours over on My5.
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