Last March, news came out that, after 37 years on air and nearly 9,000 episodes, Australian soap opera Neighbours – the longest-running drama series on Australian television is sadly coming to an end as its producers Fremantle were unable to secure another UK broadcaster.
UK’s Channel 5 was the one that announced it would no longer air the programme. “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,” a Fremantle spokesperson revealed.
The soap launched the international careers of several stars including Russell Crowe, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce, and of course, Margot Robbie. Robbie’s character appeared as a regular on Neighbours from 2008 to 2011. She then went on to become a Hollywood star, starring in several blockbuster movies such as Suicide Squad, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, The Legend of Tarzan, The Wolf of Wall Street, and many others.
The news was announced in a post from the Neighbours UK Twitter account. “Surprise! You didn’t think we were done, did you?! We’re thrilled to share that Margot Robbie, Jesse Spencer, Delta Goodrem, Kym Valentine, and Carla Bonner will all make an appearance in our finale!” the tweet said.
Surprise! 👀
You didn’t think we were done did you?!
We’re thrilled to share that Margot Robbie, Jesse Spencer, Delta Goodrem, Kym Valentine and Carla Bonner will all make an appearance in our finale! 🎉 #CelebratingNeighbours pic.twitter.com/KjzoLDKvx6
— Neighbours (@NeighboursTV) July 23, 2022
The show’s finale will roll for UK viewers on the 29th of July. Neighbours will come to a close with a double-episode special on Channel 5, where it has stayed since 2008. Robbie will return to her role as Donna Freedman in the finale, and she is set to play Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s forthcoming film.
Editorial credit: Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com