Latest news with #Neighbours'
RTÉ News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Kylie and Jason unlikely to appear in Neighbours second finale
Neighbours' Executive Producer Jason Herbison has revealed that the soap's most famous stars, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, are unlikely to feature in the show's finale. In 2022, Channel 5 aired the last ever episode of Neighbours, featuring a host of familiar characters including Minogue and Donovan's Scott and Charlene. Months later, the soap was picked up by streaming platform Amazon Freevee, allowing it to return to screens. However, the beloved Australian soap is set to be taken off-air again in December after the closure of Amazon Freevee. Speaking to Australian soap news website the Neighbours producer said: 'I've already written it, and I would say that, I definitely am not going to try and compete with that finale." In the 2022 finale, Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene (Kylie Minogue) return to Erinsborough, while Guy Pearce reprised the role of Mike Young to reunite with childhood sweetheart Jane Harris (Annie Jones). Herbison continued: '"I haven't picked up the phone to Jason and Kylie and Guy again. I've left them alone, but it will be very similar in tone. I think it's a very warm, hopeful tone, but it's also a little bit different. There are things about it that I think might remind people of the previous finale, but it's also very different. "I think, as has been well documented, the show's not ending because people aren't still enjoying it. We still have an amazing following. "Unfortunately, the closure of Amazon Freevee did mean the end of the show. But having said that, at the end of this chapter of the show, they were terrific and gave us lots of notice on it as well, which is as much as you can possibly hope for. It wasn't something that took anyone by surprise." Warning: Spoiler Alert! Herbison teased of the soap's last storylines: "There's a big story for the Rodwells that will be a big challenge for the household, lots of twists and turns, lots of drama and lots of impact for everyone in the street. That will be a massive story right until the end. "The Varga-Murphys have some very big storylines coming up as well. "I'm often asked, are we ever going to meet the Linwells [the dangerous builders from whom the Varga-Murphys had to escape after Cara exposed their dodgy practices]? Yes, maybe we will, but it might not be exactly the story that people are expecting. "But there's definitely another chapter of the Linwells to be told, which also very neatly dovetails into some other stories."
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Neighbours' Ian Smith gives 'miracle' cancer update after being told he had months to live
Neighbours' Ian Smith gives 'miracle' cancer update after being told he had months to live The star, who is known for playing Harold Bishop in the soap, has given an update on his health after being told he had just months to live after being diagnosed with cancer Neighbours star Ian Smith has shared a remarkable health update (Image: Amazon Freevee ) Ian Smith, beloved by millions as Harold Bishop from Neighbours, has opened up about his ongoing battle with cancer and the surprising turn of events that has even his medical team taken aback. The cherished Aussie actor, 86, appeared on The Morning Show on Channel Seven this past week, providing an encouraging update on his wellbeing after receiving a rather bleak initial diagnosis. "I have got cancer. I know that because doctors tell me I have. But apart from that... No pain. I was supposed to die in March," Smith shared openly. "I am having the easiest ride, seriously." For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter . He was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, an uncommon and aggressive form of lung cancer, in December and was told by doctors the disease was "non-fixable". His prognosis was grim, reports the Mirror.. However following his enrolment in what he refers to as a "guinea pig" experimental treatment scheme he has surpassed predictions. "I want to go forever," he remarked with a grin. Article continues below "I don't want to play Harold anymore but I don't want to stop acting." Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis Smith notes that the treatment process has come with a silver lining. "I've possibly never felt better. Everyone looks at me and says: 'Look at your hair'," he chuckled. "They are all jealous I've got so much hair. I went through the treatment, started to lose my hair, and went totally bald. I then went onto the immunotherapy and got a head full of hair... not just hair, but curly hair." He's realistic but hopeful, sharing that he now looks forward to 'a year, maybe two' more of life than doctors initially projected. And despite stepping away from Neighbours the veteran performer insists he's not stepping away from the craft that shaped his life. 'I'm not cured,' he admitted. 'But I'm here. And I feel fine.' His last scenes in the beloved Australian series were deeply moving. Harold's heartfelt announcement that he was relocating to Port Douglas, Queensland, left loyal viewers weeping. Reflecting on his final scenes Smith expressed that being encircled by his fellow actors made it all the more touching. "I love them all dearly," he exclaimed. "They're like family." Smith took on the role of Harold back in 1987 and quickly established himself as a fan favourite, celebrated for his character's kindness, fortitude, and remarkable comebacks following various absences. Now, in real life, Smith is living a storyline even soap writers couldn't dream up. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 5 Live he spoke candidly about how far he's come since doctors first gave him just months to live. 'I've got cancer, yes, I'm going to die soon but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good,' he said. Earlier in January, Smith disclosed to TV Week that after undergoing three treatment regimes involving immunotherapy and chemotherapy his tumour had started to diminish. This positive change boosts his quiet determination. Article continues below "I've been reborn," he said. "And I've still got stories to tell."
CNN
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Neighbours' canceled just 2 years after revival
Australia's longest-running soap opera 'Neighbours' has been canceled. Again. 'We are sad to announce that Neighbours will be resting from December 2025,' read a statement from the show, first aired in 1985, posted on social media. 'New episodes from the 40th-anniversary season will continue to air on Prime Video and Ten four times a week until the end of the year, with all the big soapie twists and turns that our viewers love,' the statement continued. The original TV program ended with a finale in 2022 but it was rebooted by Amazon MGM Studios the following year. It currently streams in Australia, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand. Amazon confirmed to CNN Friday that the series will 'come to an end' on Prime Video after its 40th year. Episodes will continue to air until the end of December and fans can continue to watch the series on Prime Video. 'Neighbours has brought so much joy over the last 40 years to its fanbase globally and in the UK,' an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. 'Forty years is an incredible milestone and we are proud that Amazon MGM Studios was able to have a small part of bringing further episodes to Freevee and Prime Video customers over the last two years, spanning over 400 episodes.' 'Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison said 'we are very proud of the huge success over the last two years, including often appearing as one of the Top 10 titles in the UK and the show's first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series in 2024.' 'As this chapter closes, we appreciate and thank Amazon MGM Studios for all that they have done for Neighbours – bringing this iconic and much-loved series to new audiences globally,' he continued, adding, tantalizingly: 'We believe there are more stories of the residents of Ramsay Street to tell in the future.' 'Neighbours' cast members have taken to social media to empathize with fans over the program's cancellation. Australian actor April Rose Pengilly, who portrayed Chloe Brennan from 2018 to 2024, described the cancellation as 'awful' on Instagram. 'Sending love to my @neighbours family today, all of the cast and crew and everyone behind the scenes who works so incredibly hard,' she wrote. 'Particularly those who are going through this a second time – it was devastating when this happened to us in 2022, but a second time is just awful. And to all the fans – I know how much the show means to you and I'm so sorry you have to go through this loss again,' she added. Australian actor Matty Wilson, who has portrayed Aaron Brennan since 2015, took to Instagram to thank fans for 'tonnes' of messages 'about the show wrapping up,' adding: 'Seeing how many people love this show and are so passionate that petitions are being made to save the show warms my heart.' A week of special episodes dedicated to new and old residents of Ramsay Street, a fictional suburb of Erinsborough in Melbourne, will air in March to celebrate 40 years of the show, according to Amazon. Over the past few decades, the likes of singer Kylie Minogue, 'Hunger Games' actor Liam Hemsworth, 'Barbie' movie star Margot Robbie and actor Guy Pearce have all appeared in 'Neighbours.'
CNN
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Neighbours' canceled just 2 years after revival
Australia's longest-running soap opera 'Neighbours' has been canceled. Again. 'We are sad to announce that Neighbours will be resting from December 2025,' read a statement from the show, first aired in 1985, posted on social media. 'New episodes from the 40th-anniversary season will continue to air on Prime Video and Ten four times a week until the end of the year, with all the big soapie twists and turns that our viewers love,' the statement continued. The original TV program ended with a finale in 2022 but it was rebooted by Amazon MGM Studios the following year. It currently streams in Australia, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand. Amazon confirmed to CNN Friday that the series will 'come to an end' on Prime Video after its 40th year. Episodes will continue to air until the end of December and fans can continue to watch the series on Prime Video. 'Neighbours has brought so much joy over the last 40 years to its fanbase globally and in the UK,' an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. 'Forty years is an incredible milestone and we are proud that Amazon MGM Studios was able to have a small part of bringing further episodes to Freevee and Prime Video customers over the last two years, spanning over 400 episodes.' 'Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison said 'we are very proud of the huge success over the last two years, including often appearing as one of the Top 10 titles in the UK and the show's first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series in 2024.' 'As this chapter closes, we appreciate and thank Amazon MGM Studios for all that they have done for Neighbours – bringing this iconic and much-loved series to new audiences globally,' he continued, adding, tantalizingly: 'We believe there are more stories of the residents of Ramsay Street to tell in the future.' 'Neighbours' cast members have taken to social media to empathize with fans over the program's cancellation. Australian actor April Rose Pengilly, who portrayed Chloe Brennan from 2018 to 2024, described the cancellation as 'awful' on Instagram. 'Sending love to my @neighbours family today, all of the cast and crew and everyone behind the scenes who works so incredibly hard,' she wrote. 'Particularly those who are going through this a second time – it was devastating when this happened to us in 2022, but a second time is just awful. And to all the fans – I know how much the show means to you and I'm so sorry you have to go through this loss again,' she added. Australian actor Matty Wilson, who has portrayed Aaron Brennan since 2015, took to Instagram to thank fans for 'tonnes' of messages 'about the show wrapping up,' adding: 'Seeing how many people love this show and are so passionate that petitions are being made to save the show warms my heart.' A week of special episodes dedicated to new and old residents of Ramsay Street, a fictional suburb of Erinsborough in Melbourne, will air in March to celebrate 40 years of the show, according to Amazon. Over the past few decades, the likes of singer Kylie Minogue, 'Hunger Games' actor Liam Hemsworth, 'Barbie' movie star Margot Robbie and actor Guy Pearce have all appeared in 'Neighbours.'
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Neighbours fans 'gutted' as soap suddenly axed again
Neighbours has been cancelled again, leaving the loyal fan base "saddened and disappointed" for the second time round. The Australian soap — which follows the fictional lives of those on Ramsay Street in Melbourne — marks a major milestone of 40 years this year, making some fans even more furious about the news about the cancellation overshadowing what they felt should have been celebratory for the programme. It has been a launch pad for the careers of huge celebrities Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe since Neighbours was first on our screens in 1986. Neighbours will be rested from December 2025 sparking an outpouring of disappointment online. "So incredibly sad for all involved in making Neighbours. Wish the rest of the world loved you as much as us Brits do. Absolutely love sitting down at the end of the day with my 9 year old to watch Neighbours, just as I did when I was growing up. You're a part of our household and we will miss you," one person wrote. It is the end for Neighbours on the streaming service, just two years after Amazon took the soap on. Channel 5 were the first to axe the programme and the final episode in 2022 saw the return of famous faces including Robbie, Donovan, Minogue and Pearce. Neighbours was then later rebooted by Amazon and it made its debut on Freevee worldwide in September 2023. Amazon axed Freevee and folded it into its Prime Video banner. Last year, long-time Neighbours actor Ryan Moloney quit his role as Jarrod 'Toadfish' Rebecchi. It's not known whether the same A-list stars will make a comeback for the Neighbours' finale in December this year. The official Facebook page read: "We are sad to announce that Neighbours will be resting from December 2025. New episodes from the 40th anniversary season will continue to air on Prime Video and Ten four times a week until the end of the year, with all the big soapie twists and turns that our viewers love." Jason Herbison, Neighbours Executive Producer also said: "Audiences all around the world have loved and embraced Neighbours for four decades and we are very proud of the huge success over the last two years including often appearing as one of the Top 10 titles in the UK and the show's first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series in 2024. "As this chapter closes, we appreciate and thank Amazon MGM Studios for all that they have done for Neighbours — bringing this iconic and much-loved series to new audiences globally. We value how much the fans love Neighbours and we believe there are more stories of the residents of Ramsay Street to tell in the future." Social media was awash with comments from long-time fans of the show who were disappointed by the news that Neighbours had been cancelled. Among the comments, one person wrote: "Why cancel if it's so successful? I'm really saddened and disappointed by this. Really enjoyed the last couple of years. Great characters. Lovely escapism, humour and some serious and important issues too. Hope this isn't the end-end, and Neighbours can spring into life again in the near future." Someone else said: "Gutted again. Cannot believe it. I know people are saying it's not the same since it came back but life moves on. What's wrong with it being different. I love all the younger actors in it. Just gutted again." Another added: "Such a shame… in hindsight it would have been best to have ended it when it had a proper bow out before the Amazon contract. Best of luck to all the actors." One person said: "This is really sad News to hear as I have been enjoying the storylines so much and enjoy the New characters I would really like to thank everyone who helped out on neighbours on the show and off the show you guys will forever be in our hearts."
