The Australian soap Neighbours came to an end after 37 years. Friday marks the two-episode finale with many stars returning after launching their careers on the soap. One of the most successful cast members was announced by Neighbours official UK Twitter: Margot Robbie.
Neighbours follows the turbulence of those living on the now-iconic Ramsay Street. Australian talent has flourished under the soap, proving to launch plenty of young singing and acting careers: Kylie Minogue, Jason Donavan, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Valance, etc. (who are all set to return for the Neighbours’ send-off).
Margot Robbie remains one of the most successful stars. Academy Award nominations, producer credits, and co-founding LuckyChap Entertainment means it seems fitting her return commemorates where she made her small-screen debut.
Playing Donna Freedman from 2008-2011, Robbie originally joined as a guest spot on the show but was quickly recruited into the main cast. Her character went on to leave shortly after the death of her romantic partner, leaving to pursue a career in fashion in New York. The positive ending to her character’s journey makes for a perfect re-entry in the finale.
Channel 5 cut the soap to make way for “investment in original UK drama”. Prior to the pandemic, Neighbours had already been cut to 4 days a week, so it was no surprise when, during the pandemic, another cut to 2 days a week occurred-along with Home and Away which has launched talent like Chris Hemsworth. However, Neighbours promised a proper send-off, bringing back stars from the earliest days of Neighbours (like Kylie Minogue), and ones who have made appearances throughout (Carla Bonner as Steph Scully).
The double episode premieres on Friday 29th and will be the end of an era for those tuning in since 1985.
Words by Annabel Smith
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