Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems together. Neighbours has since become the longest-running series in Australian television and the seventh longest-running serial drama still on the air in the world. [1] In 2005, the show was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame. [2]
The first celebrity to make a guest appearance in the show was former Skyhooks band member Red Symons. He made his on-screen debut ten days after the series began in March 1985. He played the role of Terry Inglis' ex-husband, Gordon. In 1986, record producer Molly Meldrum arrived in Ramsay Street to sign Charlene Mitchell (Kylie Minogue) after hearing her singing backing vocals on a music demo. Greg Fleet's appearance in 1988 saw him run over popular character Daphne Clarke (Elaine Smith) with his car, [3] resulting in her death. 1995 saw Chris Lowe, one half of British music group, The Pet Shop Boys, appear and ask Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy) and Marlene Kratz (Moya O'Sullivan) for directions to a studio. A year later, writer Clive James had a walk on part as a postman. [3] Australian cricketer, Shane Warne made a two episode appearance as himself in 2006. He came to Erinsborough to pick up a cheque for his charity from Harold Bishop (Ian Smith). Australian Idol presenter Andrew G made the first of three appearances by the show's stars in February 2007. Judges Marcia Hines and Ian Dickson followed in November 2007 and March 2009 respectively.
During three episodes set and filmed in London, a number of British stars filmed cameos, including Neil Morrissey, Emma Bunton, Julian Clary and Michael Parkinson. Morrissey was the only one of the group to play a character and not himself. British comedians Matt Lucas and David Walliams appeared as their characters, Lou and Andy and Tim Vine had a small walk on part as a lost tourist. Australian comedians Hamish & Andy made their Neighbours debut as radio hosts, Fred & Big Tommo and Lehmo had a cameo as himself in July 2010. The Charlie's bar set provides a stage for musicians to perform their songs during episodes. September 2008 saw girl band, The Veronicas sing their song, "This Love" on the set and Liverpudlian band, The Wombats sang three of their hits. Other singers and bands to appear at Charlie's, include Kate Ceberano, Ben Lee and former Australian Idol contestant Jacob Butler. AFL player Clint Bizzell began appearing as footballer Adam Clarke in a storyline that ran for just over a week in March 2009.
Dutch violinist André Rieu arrived in Ramsay Street in early April 2009. His cameo was later named Neighbours' "weirdest ever storyline" in an online poll. [4] WWE wrestler Dave Batista signed up to appear in scenes with wrestling fans Callum Jones (Morgan Baker) and Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), during his promotional tour of Australia in June. In the same month, it was announced that British pop singer, Lily Allen, was to make an appearance and perform her new single "22" on the show. [5] Allen was interviewed by Matthew Werkmeister's character, Zeke Kinski, at the Pirate Net radio station.
Stephanie McIntosh is an Australian actress and singer. She played the role of Sky Mangel in the Australian soap opera Neighbours from 2003 to 2007. She made a brief appearance for one episode in 2015 as part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, and returned again in 2020 as part of the shows 35th anniversary episodes, and a cameo appearance in 2022. As a singer, she released her debut album, Tightrope, in September 2006. It peaked at No. 4 on the ARIA Albums Chart.
Lucinda "Elle" Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Pippa Black. The character made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 19 September 2005. She was introduced as the daughter of established characters Paul and Gail Robinson.
Charlene Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours played by Kylie Minogue. Charlene was introduced to the show along with several new characters, as part of a revamp by Network Ten to increase ratings. Minogue auditioned for the role in 1985, shortly after finishing her high school exams. She attended the audition dressed as the character and casting director Jan Russ cast her in the role. Minogue was initially contracted for a week, but this was later extended through to mid-1988. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 April 1986.
Isabelle "Izzy" Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Natalie Bassingthwaighte. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 1 September 2003. Izzy was introduced as Max Hoyland's younger sister. The character departed in 2006, following Bassingthwaighte's decision to focus on her music career. However, in March 2007, Bassingthwaighte made a brief return to film a few episodes set in London. The character was well received by critics and viewers and Bassingthwaighte earned three Logie Award nominations for her role. In October 2017, Bassingthwaighte reprised the role for a guest appearance and she returned on 12 February 2018 until 20 March 2018. She reprised the role again on 21 July 2022 for the serial's then final episodes.
Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera, which has aired since 18 March 1985. It was created by television executive Reg Watson. The Seven Network commissioned the show following the success of Watson's earlier soap Sons and Daughters. Although successful in Melbourne, Neighbours underperformed in the Sydney market and was cancelled by Seven four months after it began airing. It was immediately commissioned by rival Network Ten for a second production season, which began screening on 20 January 1986. Neighbours became the longest-running drama series in Australian television history. In 2005, it was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame.
Stuart Parker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Blair McDonough. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 13 December 2001. Stuart lived with Toadfish Rebecchi and Connor O'Neill at number 30, during which time the house became known as "The House of Trouser". Stuart's storylines included becoming a policeman, temporarily losing his eyesight, joining a cult, which almost cost him his friendships, and marrying Sindi Watts. Stuart departed on 5 April 2006 after McDonough quit to pursue other projects. The actor reprised the role for three episodes from 13 February until 15 February 2018. Stu made an unannounced cameo appearance in the final episode on 28 July 2022.
Carmella Cammeniti is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Natalie Blair. She appeared on a recurring basis from 2003 to 2005, then became a main character from 2006 to 2008, before making a final guest appearance in 2011. Carmella was created as a replacement for Nina Tucker, portrayed by Delta Goodrem, who was written out of the series when Goodrem became ill. Her early storylines, including a romance with Connor O'Neill, were originally intended for Nina. The daughter of a protective gangster father, Carmella was initially a "fun, feisty" character. She gradually became "tortured [and] depressive", with storylines which saw her attract the attention of a stalker, become a nun, suffer facial scarring, develop an addiction to prescription medication and lose her husband after a bushfire.
Rebecca Napier is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jane Hall. The show suffered a ratings decline in early 2007 and plans were put in place for storylines to focus more on relationships and family dynamics. During this period, the character of Rebecca was created and introduced. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 13 July 2007. Rebecca is the mother of Oliver Barnes and Declan Napier. Rebecca departed on 15 March 2011, after Hall chose to leave the serial. Hall reprised the role in February 2014 and again in September 2019.
Scott McGregor is an Australian model, television presenter and actor. McGregor worked as a model on the game show Temptation. He has also appeared in television commercials and print advertisements. From 2008, McGregor hosted the motoring show Blood, Sweat and Gears. As an actor, he has appeared in Underbelly, Winners & Losers and Offspring. McGregor joined the cast of Neighbours as Detective Mark Brennan in 2010. He departed the show the following year to pursue other career opportunities, before returning in 2013 for a guest stint. He returned in 2014 in a regular capacity, until his departure in 2019. He reprised the role once more the following year.
Donna Freedman is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Margot Robbie. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 2 June 2008. Donna was initially introduced as a guest character, but Robbie was promoted to the regular cast shortly after she made her debut. Donna was originally portrayed as an obsessive fan of musician Ty Harper and someone who had a desire for friends and acceptance. After befriending the teens of Ramsay Street, Donna changes her ways and matures into a warm, loveable girl. She has been described as being fiery, beautiful, kooky and confident.
Cassandra Freedman is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Tottie Goldsmith. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 10 February 2009. Goldsmith did not have to audition for the role of Cassandra and was instead chosen by the producers for the role. The actress began filming her first scenes at the end of September 2008. She was initially contracted for six weeks, but this was extended after she impressed the producers with her performance. Goldsmith filmed her final scenes in January 2009 and Cassandra's departure was aired on 29 April 2009.
Eve Morey is an Australian actress. Her roles have included Lucy Green in Pig's Breakfast (1999) and Sonya Rebecchi in the soap opera Neighbours, the latter role played from 2009 to 2022. She has also appeared in All Saints (1998), Home and Away (1998) and various theatre productions.
"Episode 6188" is the 6188th episode of the Australian soap opera Neighbours. It premiered on Eleven on 22 June 2011. The episode was written by Sarah Mayberry, directed by Jonathon Dutton, and executively produced by Susan Bower. Episode 6188 revolves around Mark Brennan's departure from the soap. The storyline sees Mark tell his girlfriend, Kate Ramsay, that he is going into witness protection. He reveals that she has just 30 minutes to decide whether to stay behind in Erinsborough or leave with him. However, when she makes the choice to leave, she has trouble convincing her younger sister to come too.
"Friends for Twenty Years" is the 4773rd episode of the Australian television soap opera Neighbours. The episode was written by Ben Marshall, directed by Jovita O'Shaughnessy, and executively produced by Ric Pellizzeri. It first aired on 27 July 2005 on Network Ten in Australia, as part of the soap's 20th anniversary. Planning for the episode began in March 2004, twelve months before the anniversary. Producers decided to celebrate the 20th anniversary on-screen in July, as winter ratings are usually higher.
Magician Consentino is taking up a guest role on Neighbours. He will appear in episodes in November.