After 37 years, Neighbours has aired for the last time in Australia as here in the UK, thousands prepare to watch the finale tonight at 9pm (July 29). A galaxy of A-listers feature in the final episode with many characters left in tears as they bid a fond farewell to the iconic show.
Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan return as Charlene and Scott – and Guy Pearce is also one of the big names to spot in the episode which begins as Callum Rebecchi (Morgan Baker) returns to see his adoptive father Toadie say "I do" to Melanie – finally getting his long awaited happily ever after.
Fans were thrilled to see Guy Pearce who plays Mike and Guy himself admitted it was "surreal" to be back. Emotional fans also took to Twitter to celebrate the beautiful moment between Jane Harris (Annie Jones) and Mike.
In one of many memorable bits to watch out for in tonight's finale, Sam jokes of the famous street name: "Why's it called a Street when it's a Court?" Viewers can expect multiple flashbacks as Jane and Mike tour the street together, including clips from the iconic Ramsay Street Olympics.
We learn that many Ramsey Street residents are setting off for pastures new, with all of them having different reasons to head away. But in a twist, Jane and Mike decided to remain on the street.
In two of the most hyped cameos, (Scott) Jason and (Charlene) Kylie finally cruise back on to the street, with Especially for You playing on their car radio. "Wow wow wow," says Scott as they climb out of the car adding: "This is crazy. We made it eh?" And Charlene says: "Home sweet home."
Whilst some characters appear in the flesh, others make their final appearance via through video messages to Toadie and Melanie for their big day, including a message from Hollywood star Margot Robbie who plays Donna Freidman in the show.
In one of the final scenes, Jane and Charlene reunite with a hug and Scott runs to to join them. And then Jane and Mike decided to get back together as Mike announcing he's moving back to Ramsay Street.
There won't be a dry eye in the house tonight for the final scene where Susan Kennedy gives a poignant monologue imagining how old friends would look if they were here now, and featuring some familiar faces from the past such as Madge Bishop. Alan Fletcher, who played Dr Karl Kennedy, has previously revealed he struggled to hold back tears as he filmed those final scenes.
He told the Mirror: "It was very hard to fight back tears as we were saying the dialogue for what was going to be the last moments of the show. There were hundreds of people in the studio to watch that final piece of filming. We had some speeches, I said a few words. There were some tears. There were some celebrations."
And Kylie also admitted everything just came "flooding back" when she stepped on Ramsay Street for the final time. She said: "It was lovely and emotional. Driving into Ramsay Street was quite something."
Asked about her reaction to being back on set, she added: "Firstly, where's all that time gone? Secondly, everything looks exactly the same. Thirdly, Scott, Charlene, Jane, Harold – it all just came flooding back."
Neighbours announced production would cease on the long-running soap back in March. The statement read: "We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June."
It continued: "Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK [Channel 5] and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.
"To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours."
The final episode of Neighbours will air on Channel 5 this Friday (July 29) at 9pm.
For all your updates on the Neighbours finale, sign up to our daily OK! newsletter.
READ NEXT:
- Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK! daily newsletter
- Neighbours' emotional final scene revealed – with Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan
- Neighbours' final episode date revealed as iconic Aussie soap ends after 37 years
- Neighbours' Paul Robinson star feeling 'melancholy' as soap wraps on last ever filming day
- Neighbours' UK theatre tour plans revealed after Aussie soap's shock axing
Source: Read Full Article
