Neighbours alumni Stefan Dennis, Annie Jones, Geoff Paine, Guy Pearce, Lucinda Cowden, Ian Smith and Paul Keane (Fremantle/Channel 5/PA)
(Picture: PA)Fans praised the final episode of Neighbours after the iconic Australian soap bid farewell on Friday night.
Millions tuned in after the show broadcast its final episode following 37 years on television which featured former stars such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, and Guy Pearce.
The opening of the 8,903rd episode saw Susan Kennedy – played by Jackie Woodburne – become sullen as she notices all the houses up for sale on Ramsay Street.
Harold Bishop, reprised by Ian Smith for the closing episodes, tells Susan and her husband Karl they are the “last of the custodians” of the area and suggests she writes the introduction to a “History of Ramsay Street” photo album.
The ending won the hearts of viewers, with many labelling it "pretty perfect".
So pleased the finale focused on Mike and Plain Jane Superbrain reconnecting, and the nods to years gone by. Having Susan/Jackie narrate the end was chef’s kiss perfect given the heavy lifting she’s done for 28 years. Chuck her a Logie please #Neighbours
— Leith (@LeithMarshall) July 28, 2022
"How do you end a show that’s been on air for nearly four decades? Just like that," one person wrote on Twitter.
Another said: "Having Susan/Jackie narrate the end was chef’s kiss perfect given the heavy lifting she’s done for 28 years. Chuck her a Logie please".
I'm not great at letting things go. After 37 years, I loved the way that ended. Not ashamed to admit tears, but smiling..... Thank you @neighbours @scottmaj @alanfletcher and @takayahonda and everyone involved ❤️#NeighboursFinale
— Andrew Peters (@PeeWeePeters) July 28, 2022
"After 37 years, I loved the way that ended. Not ashamed to admit tears, but smiling..... Thank you Neighbours," another person tweeted.
TV presenter Sarah Harris revealed she shed a tear watching the nostalgic final episode.
Last night’s @NeighboursTV finale averaged 1.2 million viewers nationally and peaked at 1.41 million. 41.6% commercial share. Highest rating Neighbours episode in 13 years. 👏👏👏
— Colin Vickery (@Colvick) July 29, 2022
Referring to the finale storyline where everyone on Ramsay Street had their houses up for sale briefly, one person joked: "Next season of The Block should be contestants renovating all the houses on Ramsay St."
Among the star-studded line-up are a trio who went on to have chart success as singers after their time in Erinsborough: Delta Goodrem, who played Nina Tucker, Natalie Imbruglia, who was Beth Brennan and Holly Valance who played Felicity Scully.
Oscar-nominated Margot Robbie, who played Donna Freedman and is currently filming the live action Barbie movie, also delivered a fond message saying: “My years living on Ramsay Street were honestly some of the best of my entire life.”
Libby and Billy Kennedy (Kym Valentine and Jesse Spencer), Joe Mangel (Mark Little), Steph Scully (Carla Bonner), Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby) and Stuart Parker (Blair McDonough) all offered their congratulations as well.
Following the emotional tributes, Melanie (Justine Pearson) and Toadie (Ryan Moloney) decide to stay on Ramsay Street, as do Paul (Stefan Dennis) and Terese (Rebekah Elmaloglou) after they get back together.
Pearce’s character, Mike Young, also takes the plunge and tells Jane that he would like to buy a property on the street and give their relationship another go which makes her emotional.
As the Ramsay Street characters from past and present come together for one final time during the street party wedding reception, Susan makes a poignant speech.
She says: “When we moved to Ramsay Street, the community was already here – the Ramsays and Robinsons.
“The stories from those early days are legendary and their legacy still lives on today. There have been many families over the years of all shapes and sizes, some of them unexpected. And friends who became like family, whether they were related or not.
“Love has always been a central thing. How many Ramsays were born on the street?
“Things seldom ran smoothly, of course, but they usually worked out in the end.
“I think of all the people who never crossed paths who could have been great friends and those who kept turning up whether we welcomed them or not. The street always has a way of bringing people back.”
She also reflected on friends and neighbours no longer with them, with ghost-like figures of characters who have died appearing among the crowd, including Erinsborough stalwart Madge Bishop played by Anne Charleston.
Thank you for loving us, we love you 💛 #Neighbours pic.twitter.com/PFbj5czJGU
— Neighbours (@NeighboursTV) July 29, 2022
Susan concluded: “I think you have to acknowledge everything, celebrate it all – the good, the bad because all of that makes us who we are.
“Everyone deserves a place in the history of Ramsay Street, even those who watched us from afar. Together we have been the perfect blend.”
The end credits then showed a montage of photos from characters through the eras before a message appeared on the screen saying: “Thank you for loving us, we love you.”
