Neighbours has shared its final cast photo following the news that the cult Australian soap is set to come to an end this year
(Picture: Neighbours / Instagram)Neighbours has shared the final cast picture as the Australian soap prepares to come to an end after an epic 37-year run.
The picture was shared to the official Neighbours Instagram account on Wednesday and sees the cast enjoying a picnic in a park.
The caption alongside it read: “Class of 2022 #Neighbours.” The words were followed by a yellow love heart emoji.
It was reported in February Neighbours’ future was in jeopardy after UK broadcaster Channel 5 announced plans to drop it from its schedule.
Showmakers Fremantle then confirmed a month later it was the end of the road for the show which first jump-started the careers of stars including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Imbruglia and more.
The statement read: “It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in June.
“Following the loss of a key broadcast partner in the UK, and despite a search for alternative funding, we currently have no option but to rest the show.
“Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out.
“The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world launching the careers of dozens of household names along way.
“But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves.”
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher, 65, who has been in the role for 27 years, admitted he is expecting “some big surprises” when they film the end as TV bosses plan to bring back a host of fan-favourite characters.
Among those confirmed are Ian Smith as Harold Bishop and Mark Little as Joe Mangal.
Minogue and Donovan will also return to play Charlene and Scott Robinson respectively.
Speaking in an interview with The Standard, Fletcher said he is “grateful” for his time on the show.
He added: “The ink has literally just dried on the very last episode and we’ve really got no idea how it’s going to finish, but I’m sure that whatever happens it will be a huge celebration of 37 years of a wonderful show.”
The last episode will air in both the UK and Australia on August 1.
