Neighbours: The Perfect End

This episode is truly a work of art and covered everything. We started with a monologue from Paul Robinson (written by Jason Herbison) and images and clips from the past and present, leading us up to the moment of this beautiful, nostalgic, hopeful, happy and sad finale.

“Ramsay Street: It’s just an ordinary street in an ordinary neighbourhood where extraordinary things tend to happen. All that history. But what does it mean if most of the Street is no more? Are the Kennedy’s really going to be left behind? Time is running out for everyone. With familiar faces, everything old is new again. If the residents have learned anything over the years, it’s you never know what’s around the corner.”
Paul Robinson

They then presented us lots of different opening ‘Neighbours’ introduction titles, taking up from the beginning to present day.

The Kennedy’s

Susan was feeling as sad as us to be losing her neighbours (The Mirror)

We began with Susan, out on the Street to pick up the paper, saddened by all the For Sale signs surrounding her, with Benson Boone’s beautiful, haunting ‘In the Stars’ lyrics. Arriving back inside, she was greeted by Mal, Karl and Harold discussing Izzy and Shane and going through the History Book. Harold asked to leave the book in Karl and Susan’s care and asked Susan to write an introduction.

Mike and Jane

Mike took Sam for a tour around his old neighbourhood, where of course, they bumped into Jane. She then took Mike for a tour round the inside of all the houses where they reflected on the lives they lived on Ramsay Street: Mrs Mangel’s objection to their relationship, Mike moving in with Clive and Daphne, who he considers his heroes, their respective relationships with Bronwyn and Des and their friendship with Scott and Charlene – complete with flashbacks. They wonder how Scott and Charlene have managed to go the distance when nobody else has.

There were three things here that really stood out for me. One was simple but one of those clever little Neighbours details. The first thing Mike noticed at the Kennedy House was that the massive pillar in the middle of the house had vanished. Jane’s comment that someone must have realise the house would stand up without it, really made me laugh.

The other was the way that this tour round Ramsay Street allowed us as viewers to have the chance to say goodbye to each house in turn and reflect on the stories, moments and people they have each given us.

And finally, at the Rodwell House, Jane and Mike remembered one of the most pivotal moments in Jane’s history – when Helen and Charlene got her all dressed up in one of the most hideous 80s dresses of all time, put some contact lenses on her and some make up and suddenly, she was beautiful – no longer Plain Jane Super Brain. In some wonderful writing, in present day, Jane loses a contact lens and has to put her glasses on. Mike is more endeared to her than ever in her glasses, explaining that he has always thought she was beautiful – glasses on or off. No, you’re crying!

Clive’s Despair

Clive drunkenly confronted Mike and Jane (inews)

Actually, Clive was crying. Well, drinking, to be more accurate and seeking Paul’s advice on how to get over the one you love. Paul wasn’t able to help. In came Nicolette to make things worse by revealing that Jane was spending the day with Mike. She is committed to her character to the bitter end, that one! This sent Clive tearing over to the Street to confront them, although how he got there is a mystery, as he could barely stand up. Also, how Paul and Melanie got there so much later than him when he arrived on foot and they arrived by car, is also a mystery!

Clive threw some threats and waved a broken lamp around with Paul and a newly arrived Des attempting to intervene. Thankfully, Harold was on scene and hosed them down. It was left to Melanie, Susan and Terese to counsel Jane, Harold to support Clive and Paul to lend an ear to Mike. It’s not entirely clear where Des was. He seemed to switch scenes! I found it hard to concentrate, as I was half expecting them to all burst into a Neighbours rendition of Summer Nights!

My only true disappointment here was that this was a moment that perhaps Terese could have met Mike. I was so desperate for the finale to give us one Mike and Terese scene, just a fleeting line, introduction or look… just something as a nod to Rebekah and Guy’s history as doomed lovers, Sophie and David on Home and Away. Just something! It would have been amazing. But alas, it wasn’t to be.

Paul and Terese #Praise

However, Terese was distracted, still trying to decide what to do about River Bend. During one of their emotionally charged conversations, she finally took the plunge and kissed Paul. Although he kissed her back for a moment, he then pulled away and ran off! No!!! What’s wrong with you?!

Mel and Toadie’s Wedding

Toadie and Mel got married (Radio Times)

Toadie and Mel’s loved ones were preparing for their wedding, including Karl, who had been linking with the Ramsay Street Facebook Page in order to arrange a surprise. Over in London, Beth Brennan and Flick Scully found themselves making friends and, bonding over Ramsay Street and everything the place meant to them.

With George Ezra’s ‘Green Green Grass’ as the soundtrack, which I can’t decide if was apt or wholly inappropriate – the lyrics being, “You better throw a party on the day that I die,” – Toadie and Mel joyfully got married amongst their family and friends. Chloe caught the bouquet and Mel very beautifully included the kids and Sonya in her vows. The guests were asked to share one word about what love means to them…

Susan: loyalty

Karl: devotion

David: unity

Aaron: My Boo (of course)

Wendy: patience

Paul: respect

Mackenzie: memories (RIP Hendrix)

The Great Migration

Aaron and David and their family are staying on Ramsay Street (Radio Times)

With all the love in the air and all the sorrow in her heart, Terese rushed away from the wedding with Paul hot on her heels. They finally admitted they were still in love with each other but Paul was reluctant to pursue things, aware that he couldn’t change but didn’t want to hurt her again. Terese revealed her word about love: acceptance. She knows who Paul is and she accepts him. They got back together! Hooray! I have held out hope all this time and I finally got what I wanted! Joy!

After a phone call to Shane, who in a matter of moments went from being outside the hotel to post-sex with Izzy, Paul and Terese returned to their loved ones to reveal that the hotel was no longer being sold, Terese was not buying River Bend (presumably she’s remaining involved in the hotel now?) and they were staying put in Erinsborough.

This led to the rest of them doing some rather swift soul searching. Leo very quickly decided to stay put. Nicolette and Kiri got back together so she wanted to stay put. And subsequently, that made David and Aaron’s decision for them.

Mike and Jane (again)

Mike and Jane finally got their happy ever after (Metro)

Des and Sam encouraged Mike to spend some time with Jane while everyone else was at the wedding ceremony. While Jane believed that she was too damaged for them to be able to have a relationship, Mike was certain she was wrong. He tells her more of his story – the breakdown of his marriage and how it affected him, his love for his daughter and his own damage. He is certain that neither of them should give up on being happy.

A Minor Quibble

Current and Returning Cast: Georgie Stone, Gemma Bird Matheson, April Rose Pengilly, Jodi Anasta, Ben Hall, Olivia Junkeer, Phoebe Roberts, Charlotte Chimes & Zima Anderson (Digital Spy)

I am thrilled that Neighbours chose to use the finale to complete Jane’s story. She has been in the show since its earliest days (albeit with a big gap) and by the very nature of her character, she has always been the character who didn’t step into the spotlight. To let her shine so brightly is a beautiful thing, not to mention, to reunite her with Mike, her first love. It’s just amazing. And I love that such a huge star as Guy Pearce loves Neighbours so much and is so proud and respectful of the show that made him a star, that he would come back and give it everything he has, playing Mike again for these two episodes.

However, my only very minor quibble with this otherwise perfect episode (and I know my opinion isn’t going to be popular but hear me out) is that I feel that could have told Jane and Mike’s story with slightly less screen time. I loved that the connection between them was still so strong. I loved their tour round Ramsay Street. I loved having Guy Pearce back and having Annie Jones be pushed to the front of the stage. But all the extra detail between Jane and Mike could have been trimmed, even just a little, so that the rest of our beloved characters could also have their moment in the sun. A lot of them were hardly seen and I don’t feel we got a proper goodbye to them. Some of them got more air time in the lead up episodes – Chloe, for example. But Aaron and David, Mackenzie… just to name a couple… I don’t feel, after everything they have given the show, really got the send off that they deserved.

And there were some returning actors that I hardly remember seeing, if I even saw them at all – like Scott Major (who also direction the episode) and Ben Hall (I think I spotted Ned kissing Yashvi at the end but otherwise, who knew he was there?!) I gather that there was a moment between Ned and Beth that the UK audience didn’t get to see because Channel 5 cut it or because Channel 10 required more footage – I’m not sure which way round this was. But anyway, that was just my two pennies worth. It’s my blog, I’ll say what I want to!

Scott and Charlene: Home Sweet Home

Scott and Charlene visited Ramsay Street (Sky News)

Back to the Street and Mike and Des weren’t the only original faces back in town! With so many of the old gang back, Paul had taken it upon himself to invite Scott and Charlene over for a visit. But upon their arrival, the whole place was deserted, as everyone was at the wedding. Naughty Charlene’s first instinct was to try and break into her old house, through the window, as she had when it belonged to her mother, allowing her and Scott to meet for the first time and he had tried to stop her – and she had punched him for his trouble! They were later thrilled to be reunited with best friends, Mike and Jane. Plus Harold and Paul.

Since the episode aired, I have heard a lot of complaints about Kylie’s lack of dialogue. Well, firstly, this is Queen Kylie we’re talking about! But secondly and more seriously, re: my above comments, I loved that Kylie and Jason literally came back for a tiny cameo. All we have seen since the announcement that Neighbourswas ending was out of date footage of Scott and Charlene in the 80s and none of the incredible work that the current cast and crew have been putting out every day since. So, I thought it was a real tribute to the current cast that Kylie and Jason didn’t come in and make it all about them. They could have. Easily. But they just came in, did their thing, added their own brand of magic on the side and let the rest of the cast shine. And it was beautiful.

The Video

Beth and Flick made friends (@edwardskylover)

At the wedding reception, Karl gathered Toadie, Mel and the rest of the wedding party for his big surprise – a wedding video full of messages from past residents, wishing them well on their wedding day. And what a joy it was! There were messages from:

Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia)
Naomi Canning (Morgana O’Reilly)
Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp)
Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie)
Billy Kennedy (Jesse Spencer)
Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine)
Joe Mangel (Mark Little)
Stuart Parker (Blair McDonough)
Tad Reeves (Jonathan Dutton)
Flick Scully (Holly Valance)
Steph Scully (Carla Bonner)
Nina Tucker (Delta Goodrem)
Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby)

The video included Beth and Flick having gone for a drink and made the best of friends. There is something quite wonderful about Beth and Flick meeting in the park and then going and getting drunk together to record a message for the wedding! It was very funny, Beth acknowledging that she hasn’t got a clue who either Mel or Toadie are! I heard that the Aussie version also included a video message from Sky Mangel (Stephanie Mackintosh); this was cut from the UK version. A real shame.

While the video persuaded Toadie and Mel that they really cannot leave their home on Ramsay Street, I think I can speak for us as viewers when I say it is a real confirmation of the joy of Neighbours that so many people joined together to say their goodbyes to this show – including such big hitters as Margot Robbie, Jesse Spencer and Delta Goodrem and people who date back so far as Mark Little and Jessica Muschamp. Absolutely amazing.

The Future of Ramsay Street Residents

Chloe had been fretting that she contacted Elly that morning but no response so imagine her surprise when both Elly and Bea turned up unannounced. Elly and Chloe finally get together for good! I am beyond thrilled!

Along with Terese, Toadie and Aaron and David, the Rodwell’s decided to stay put, leaving only Chloe’s house on the market. With his deal having fallen through with Paul, Shane decided not to buy Chloe’s house. Instead, Mike decided to buy it and was also keen to see if there was a teaching position available at the local high school so that he and Jane could make a go of things. Meanwhile, Clive decided to move to L.A. to start again.

Amy announced that she was pregnant by someone they all knew. Well, Lance gave a cheeky wink in the wedding video. But she also recently spent time with Joel, who turned up at the wedding reception, despite saying he couldn’t make it. So, who was it, Amy?

Goodbye

Susan reflected on life on Ramsay Street (Metro)

In probably the sweetest moment of the whole episode and one of my most favourites, Susan sat down, ready to write her introduction to the History Book. She stopped Karl on his way out and told him she loved him. He returned the sentiment and headed back out to the party. It was so simple but so lovely.

We were then led into the finish of the episode and indeed, the whole show, with a beautiful monologue from Ramsay Street stalwart, Susan Kennedy, the guiding light of the Street for so many years. I have many favourite characters on Neighbours but Susan and indeed Jackie Woodburne will definitely be one of the central people I will miss each weekday. As she narrated, she stepped out, into the party, where everyone was having fun. She said:

“How do you begin to describe a Street? Do you talk about the houses, the bricks and the mortar, the gardens and the trees? Or do you talk about the people – the young, the old and everyone in between? And where do you begin with the history, do you start with your own or those who came before you? When we moved to Ramsay Street, the community was already here – the Ramsay’s and the Robinsons. The stories from those early days are legendary and their legacy still lives on today. There have been many families over the years of all shapes and sizes, some of them unexpected and friends who became like family, whether they were related or not. Love has always been a central theme. How many romances were born on the Street? Things seldom ran smoothly, of course but they usually worked out in the end. I think of all the people who never crossed paths who could have been great friends and all those who kept turning up whether we welcomed them or not. The Street always has a way of bringing people back. Then I think of the people who can’t come back, the people gone too soon. How would they look if they were still alive today – if they’d been allowed to reach their potential? So many people that were lost. And then others, others who were just lost. I think you have to acknowledge everything, celebrate it all – the good, the bad, because all of that makes us who we are. Everyone deserves a place in the history of Ramsay Street, even those who watched us from afar. Together, we have been the perfect blend.”
Susan Kennedy

During her narration, she observed all the partying, taking time to see:

Susan imaged Madge and Doug sitting with Harold (Metro)

Lucy, Chris and the kids playing cricket (of course). There had to be a cricket match in there somewhere.
She saw all the happy couples like Aaron and David, Chloe and Elly, Nicolette and Kiri (what a beautiful rainbow family Neighbours has created).
She saw new couple, Izzy and Shane, showing that Ramsay Street accepts everyone, really, no matter what.
Scott and Charlene were up on the decking of their old house, observing all the fun as a nod to Ramsay Street’s rich history.
As she reflected on lives lost, she imagined Harold sitting with Madge and Doug, Mackenzie enjoying the wedding with Hendrix and Sonya sharing the moment with her children (what amazing guest stars to be able to have, showing just how creative this show really is!)
She even imagined Finn Kelly, a life that could have gone a different way (another amazing, fleeting guest star).

Susan imagined Hendrix and Mackenzie living their life together (Metro)

Susan imagined Sonya with her children (Metro)

I think this is my favourite moment in the whole episode, beautiful commanded by the incredible Jackie Woodburne, who I have adored the second she stepped onto Ramsay Street when I was just a child. And of course, I can’t speak for everyone but for myself and reading online, the line that references us, the fans, means so much. I mean, I was holding it together through the episode until Susan started talking! At the end of her reflection, she was joined by Karl (and Paul, Terese and Toadie) who asked her where she had been.

“I was home,” she said.

Karl and Susan – enduring love to the end (Digital Spy)

Cue the original Neighbours theme, as Paul, Harold, Mike and Jane joined Scott and Charlene on the decking, all having fun together and watching the party on the Street below. Even Philip Martin came to join in the fun (sadly not in his butterscotch shirt!) Despite her Dad’s protestations, Nell released one of the balloons, scattering confetti over everyone. And they all cheer! It finishes on one final shot of Karl and Susan. What a perfect end.

Old School Ramsay Street Residents observe all the fun below (Metro)

The final credits run through (most of – thanks for editing them down, Channel Five – you take with one hand and… no, wait, that’s it) the old to new theme tunes, full of lovely photos of special moments from Neighbourshistory.

I am so devastated that it is over but Neighbours, you couldn’t have handled this with more grace, love, joy or dignity. I am so excited to see what all of you do next. And I truly hope that this isn’t the last we see of Ramsay Street and that sometime in the near future, the show comes back in some format. For now, be proud of everything you have all achieved.

Neighbours – we will always love you (BBC)

Name Drops: Jim Robinson, Helen Daniels, Bouncer, Mrs Mangel, Daphne Clarke, Bronwyn Davies

Arrivals: Des Clarke, Scott Robinson, Charlene Robinson, Elly Conway, Bea Neilson, Lauren Willis, Zara Greenwood, Ned Willis, Joel Samuels, Madge Bishop (a ghost), Hendrix Grayson (a ghost) Finn Kelly (a ghost), Sonya Rebecchi (a ghost), Doug Willis (a ghost), Beth Brennan (in London & on video), Flick Scully (in London & on video), Sharon Davies (on video), Donna Freedman (on video), Billy Kennedy (on video), Libby Kennedy (on video), Joe Mangel (on video), Stuart Parker (on video), Tad Reeves (on video), Nina Tucker (on video) and Lance Wilkinson (on video)

Departures: Clive (moving to L.A.), Chloe (moving to Sydney)

Neighbours: The Penultimate Episode

It was with a mix of grief, excitement and Kylie Prosecco that my wife and I tuned into the second to last episode of Neighbours on Friday evening. And this is my review…

Izzy’s Breakthrough

While Mal spent time with his parents, Izzy reluctantly took the Ramsay Street History Book from Levi to fill in her entry. Well, she does have a lot of stories to share! She was full of regret for her infidelity with Shane, only compounded by Karl’s beautiful entry and his life and shared experience within the community on the Street. Izzy looked through the pages of some incredible precious people from Ramsay Street, including Dorothy Burke, Todd Landers, Beth Brennan and Lou Carpenter.

Meanwhile, Kyle reluctantly told Karl and Susan what he witnessed between Izzy and Shane. However, when they charged over to the hotel to confront her and reveal the truth to their son, Izzy had got their first and Izzy and Malcolm had broken up. While at first they believed she was trying to find a way out of the situation, they found her broken, having realised that dating Mal was never about him – it was all about them. She was desperate for their approval, acceptance and inclusion and always has been. While neither they, nor Mal were forgiving, it was Susan, of all people, who took pity on her later. Reading her very honest entry in the History Book, Susan’s advice was that she didn’t need their acceptance, she needed to learn to like herself in order to be happy. But the best line in all of it, was Izzy’s, wondering if Susan had slipped on milk again and lost her memory!

Jane’s Dilemma

Jane didn’t know what to do about Clive… (Celebrating the Soaps)

Jane sought advice from Susan. Well, if anyone knows about learning to love someone again after betrayals and lies, Susan is your woman! Jane was upset over Clive and also over both her kids moving away at the same time, having only just got them back again. Meanwhile, Clive was very optimistic that he would win Jane back with a throwback to the eighties – donning a Gorilla-gram to declare his undying love for Jane. However, he was left frustrated when they were interrupted by a noisy motorbike zooming around the Street.

Mike Young’s Return

Jane and Mike literally bumped into each other again… (Radio Times)

And who did the noisy motorbike belong to but Jane’s first love, Mike Young?! Of course! But in a surprising twist, it turns out that Chloe’s assistant Sam, who has been diligently working away in the background all these weeks, has been Mike’s daughter, all this time. I hadn’t even noticed we never knew her surname all this time!

Mike strolled into Paul’s office, with Paul having just confirmed that Sam would keep her job when Shane took over. Sam had wanted to keep her Dad’s identity a secret and not have it influence whether she got the job or not. Conveniently, Mike has recently moved back to Melbourne and is also recently divorced.

The Originals Reunite

An Old School day at the beach… (NeighboursEpisodes.com)

After Paul, Sam and Mike bumped into Jane, they, along with Harold and Shane all went for drink, catching up on old memories including Paul and Jane meeting at school, the time that Charlene stole Mike and Scott’s clothes and when Shane and Mike got into a boxing match over girl. I was only small but I definitely remember Charlene stealing their clothes. And I remember them burying her in the sand on the beach! This is how long Neighbours has been part of my life. I was born in 1984 and back in the early days of Kylie, Jason, Mike, Jane and all the 80s gang, I used to sit in my sisters’ bedrooms and watch Neighbours with them. I loved it!

So, Clive spotted the bike parked and intended to angrily confront the rider until he realised it was Mike; Clive and Daphne were once his guardians. After Jane left to continue the wedding plans (Mike evidently does the best impression of Melanie!), Clive took Mike aside, awkwardly explaining that he and Jane are going through a rough patch but he is doing everything he can to get her back. He politely requested that Mike didn’t get in his way. We’ll see how that works out…

Toadie and Mel’s Wedding

Callum returns for the wedding (Wikipedia)

Speaking of the wedding, Callum returned just in time for Toadie and Mel’s wedding – and I should think so too, as the wedding date was planned around him. He cannot get his head around his Dad moving away from Ramsay Street. He gifted an ornamental pig to Mel to welcome her to the family.

Amy’s Return

Amy surprised Toadie and Mel by returning home, explaining that she had met up with Joel, who had made her understand that she wasn’t in love with Toadie after all. She had become confused with their friendship and the fear of losing that, confusing her feelings for love.

Name Drops: Dorothy Burke, Todd Landers, Beth Brennan, Lou Carpenter, Charlene Robinson, Scott Robinson, Daphne Clarke

Arrivals: Callum Rebecchi, Mike Young, Amy Greenwood, Joel Samuels (in Cairns),

Departures: None

The Last Thursday on Neighbours…

Mackenzie Hargreaves

It’s very hard to say goodbye to Mackenzie…

Mackenzie has been busy helping Yashvi with Toadie and Mel’s wedding preparations. She was struck with sadness when she saw a gift wrapped in the same paper as a gift to her and Hendrix. After some time, she was able to breathe through it and accept that throughout the rest of her life, she will always be reminded of her lost love. I am glad they aren’t rushing through and glossing over Mackenzie’s loss or forgetting her in the final week, as she had such a big story recently. She deserves to be a big part of the finale. She has been one of the best Neighbours characters ever created and I will miss watching her so much. I am sure Georgie Stone will go on to do amazing things.

Shane and Izzy

As expected, Shane and Izzy spent the day flirting with each other before kissing rather passionately in his car. Izzy backed off – eventually – but not before Kyle saw them at it and saw her making a hasty exit. See, we all knew she hadn’t mended her ways and that she was going to break Mal’s heart. Also, let’s just take a moment to acknowledge that Shane has named his car, Bouncer. We remember you, Bouncer. We love you.

Paul and Terese #Praise

Terese lost her temper with Glen (Metro)

So, things were understandably tense after Terese’s outburst. Paul left the house somewhat shell shocked while Glen looked out. Roxy probed Terese over her feelings but Terese denied still being in love with Paul. Unable to leave things be, Roxy went ahead and told Paul to tell Terese the truth of his love for her. Proving that his feelings really are genuine, Paul refused, not wanting to upset Terese’s life after everything he had already done to her.

However, it was Glen who put a halt to things in the end, realising that he would always be second best to Paul. Warning her against reuniting with Paul, as he would only hurt her and suggesting that River Bend would still be a good business option, Glen stepped out of Terese’s life.

Lucy, Chris, Annie and The Great Migration

Chris Pappas arrived in Erinsborough with Annie, the daughter he and Lucy share. He now has a beard and a pony tail and so much more confidence than he ever had when he lived on Ramsay Street. He is dating a chef called Tony and is so much happier with his life. It is lovely see this development of such a beloved character, even if it is only a brief glimpse. And I love that Paul still calls him Freckles.

As the family shared a celebration, Leo announced that he too would be joining them in New York. For the first time in his life, all of Paul’s kids will be living in the same place. But I still don’t want Paul to go. I want him to stay in Ramsay Street with Terese!

The Ramsay Street History Book

Chloe’s memories are full of Elly… (Digital Spy)

Chloe shared her memories of moving to Ramsay Street, all of them caught up with her love for Elly, including the way she supported her when she was diagnosed with Huntington’s, their first kiss and her heartbreak when they called time on their relationship, deciding to put their friendship first. We were treated to flashbacks throughout. There is something I quite like about Chloe seeming to have completely forgotten that she was ever married to Pierce. I really couldn’t stand him.

Later, Chris gathered with some of the Ramsay Street gang and shared his own memories of living in Erinsborough. He told them of his journey towards accepting himself and we saw a flashback to him coming out to best friend, Andrew Robinson. As he talked about his experiences, Chloe and Mackenzie in particular could relate.

Chloe opened up about her conflicting feelings for Elly. Mackenzie, Roxy, Yashvi and Chris all encouraged her to go for it and be happy. Yes! Go, Chloe! Be happy! #Chelly! I believe in you!

Name Drops: Elly Conway, Bouncer, Hendrix Grayson, Andrew Robinson

Arrivals: Chris Pappas, Annie Robinson

Departures: None

The Last Wednesday on Neighbours…

The Great Migration

Jane was devastated to discover that Nicolette, David and Aaron are planning to move to New York with Paul and baby Isla. They reassured her that she could visit every single school holidays and that they would be back to visit often. Aaron even went as far as suggesting that she could move with them, except that part of the reason Nicolette wants to leave is because she has had an argument with her mother.

Jane confronted Paul for taking her family away but he quite rightly pointed out that had she not interfered with his business deal with Shane, nobody would be going anywhere.

In a really classy move, Nicolette told Kiri that she was emigrating – by text. Charming!

Terese and Paul

Packing up, Paul continued to try and persuade Leo (one of the only members of the family without a record, as far as I can remember) to move to New York with the rest of them but he felt tied to the business and his life in Erinsborough. While packing, Paul found several items belonging to Terese.

Meanwhile, Glen fretted to Kiri about finding Terese crying the night before, admitting that he buried his head in the sand and pretended it didn’t happen. He is worried that she is unsure about River Bend and when Paige walked in on the conversation, she and Kiri both privately expressed their concern to each other that Terese had feelings for Paul. Paige took her concerns further when Kyle and Roxy arrived for the wedding, setting pregnant Roxy on the case of finding out what other people thought. Roxy gathered evidence from Aaron and Susan, who both thought it was entirely possible that love was not over between the former couple. And can I just say what a breath of fresh air Kyle and especially Roxy are to the show? I am so happy they are back!

Terese had also found some of Paul’s things while packing up her own house and took them over to him. They did an exchange, both attempting to be happy for each other and themselves. The love between them is just so clear, it is excruciating! I have held onto hope all this time, especially as the credits never changed and they always kept them together, despite the divorce and Terese getting together with Glen. And now… now they have to get them back together. They belong together!

Back at home, Terese discovered that Paul accidentally gave her Jim’s compendium, his most precious item that he always keeps with him. She was unable to stop herself from looking through it and in it, she found some letters, written to her, telling her how much he loves her and regrets losing her. Glen found her in tears and she was surprisingly honest about what had set her off.

Realising what he had done, Paul visited Terese to get the compendium back, only for the pair of them and Roxy and Paige to arrive to find Glen about to angrily throw the compendium in the bin. Terese flew into a furious rage at Glen, insisting that what he was doing was unforgivable, knowing what the compendium means to Paul. Everyone was stunned at her outburst and it only confirmed to the girls and probably Glen and perhaps Paul where her heart truly lies.

Toadie and Mel

Toadie and Mel were shocked that the entire Street is up for sale, not just theirs and Chloe’s, meaning that selling isn’t going to be all that easy. Mel gave Toadie the chance to opt out but he was determined to make a fresh start and create new memories in a new home with his new wife. I am happy for them but still sad at the idea that they won’t be living on our beloved Ramsay Street anymore.

They then got a surprise visit from none other than Toadie’s old bestie, Joel Samuels! Mel was amused and a little overwhelmed at the banter between them. He isn’t able to stick around for the wedding (and didn’t bother showing up for Toadie’s last wedding either so does it matter?) so wanted to drop in and meet Mel and give his congratulations.

While Lucas confirmed that he would be attending, Amy finally got in touch to say that she would be staying in Cairns and would send a van for her things. Toadie and Mel were upset not to get a chance to sort things out. Personally, I am thrilled that she is gone and no longer consuming all the air time that other characters and guest stars need at such a crucial time as the final few episodes. However, I doubt she will actually stay gone.

The Ramsay Street History Book

While he was visiting, Toadie and Mel took the opportunity to interview Joel for the Ramsay Street History book. With flashbacks, the boys recalled the time they tried to raise money for University by not washing – people threw food at them and they got locked out of the house. They then recalled their Full Monty, something Mel was keen for photos of. It was great to see some funny memories, not just the sentimental ones. Neighbours has been such an emotional ride over the years but let’s not forget how genuinely hilarious it is too. The writing on this show is so fantastic and it has only got better and better as the years have gone on.

Freya interviewed Jane for The Ramsay Street History book and she shared, via flashback stories of her beloved Nan, Mrs Nell Mangel. She admitted that she wasn’t the easiest person to get along with at times. She was sharp and didn’t care what people thought. But she was also kind and she took Jane in when she had nowhere else to go. We saw a lovely clip of Jane and Mrs Mangel saying they loved each other and being celebrated on the Street.

However, when Freya asked about Jane meeting her first love on Ramsay Street (Mike Young),Jane couldn’t talk about it and ended the interview early. So, this begs the question – will she sort things out with Clive or will she get back together with Mike when he returns later in week? Hey, maybe he’s living in New York now…!

Name Drops: Lucas Fitzgerald, Amy Greenwood, Jim Robinson, Mike Young

Arrivals: Joel Samuels, Roxy Canning, Kyle Canning

Departures: Joel Samuels (just visiting)

The Last Tuesday on Neighbours…

The Kennedy’s

Susan is devastated when Mal chooses Izzy

Directly continuing from Monday’s confrontation, moronic Malcolm chose Izzy. Susan’s lip tremble is a work of art. Jackie Woodburne is one of the people I am going to miss the most. Truly.

Later, Susan found Karl gazing at the infamous Kennedy Kids painting that when my wife started watching Neighbours again a few months ago, couldn’t believe was still hanging above the mantlepiece. It is legendary. They visited Mal and Izzy at their hotel and made peace. Susan even apologised for making her son choose and offered her support of their relationship and their move to Ramsay Street in order to maintain her own relationship with her eldest.

Thankfully, we know the relationship won’t last and Izzy hasn’t changed. While Malcolm was in the shower, Izzy received a gift from millionaire Shane Ramsay with a dinner invitation. To be fair, she binned it. But this is Izzy. She will have ditched Mal and hooked up with Shane by the final. I’d bet number twenty four on it!

David and Aaron

David and Aaron had both been looking at apartments in New York and Aaron had even got The Shed valued to see if emigrating was a possibility. Never mind that David, with a criminal record would be so unlikely to get a Visa to live in the States the whole plot is completely implausible but whatever! Let’s suspend our disbelief, I guess.

Their only concern seemed to be Nicolette and Jane. However, when they proposed the idea to Nicolette, she, having spoken to Kiri and with them having decided not to hold each other back, decided to go with the boys. She too has a criminal record and would also not be likely to get a Visa! Thinking about it, it’s very odd that in one Street we have a Doctor and two nurses all struck off. And even weirder that Freya can be struck off from nursing and yet it’s entirely possible for her to become a paramedic. None of them could have gone to The Karl Kennedy Medical School where he started off as a GP and can now perform any kind of life saving surgery required in any situation. I really am going to miss this show!

Anyway, Nic was very keen to escape Jane, with whom she had had a big argument over Byron’s departure. She accused her of letting her own judgements on his life being the reason he left, likening it to the time she left the UK because of Jane’s fear of Mrs Mangel finding out she was a lesbian.

Paul and Terese

The plaque for Josh and Doug will remain (Back to the Bay)

Paul found Terese looking at Josh and Doug Willis’s plaque. She thanked him for ensuring it would stay where it was when the hotel was sold. The grief and tension between them was incredibly strong. I am so desperate for them to get back together and I am really going to miss their scenes. #Praise

Arriving home, Terese laments for her life with Paul, even imagining him sitting on the sofa, as if they were still together. Going through the paperwork for River Bend, Terese weeps. She knows it isn’t what she wants. Glen silently observes her. He knows it isn’t what she wants too… I do feel a bit sorry for Glen. But he is also quite annoying.

Toadie and Mel’s Wedding

Nothing will get in the way of the wedding… (denofgeek)

So, while Yashvi, Toadie and Mel continued with the wedding plans, it became more and more apparent that both their histories – him and Sonya, her and Joe and everything in between, blocking their path.

When Yashvi pocket called Toadie, he overheard a sad conversation between her and Mel, where the bride to be fretted that they would never truly be able to move forward when they were constantly being pulled back into the past. He then made the momentous decision to sell his house so that he and Mel could buy a new place together nearby but not on Ramsay Street.

Paige the Estate Agent

Karl and Susan – and the rest of us, were in shock… (Metro)

Meanwhile, Paige was contacted by the Rodwell’s about a valuation. They have literally just moved in! And they upset the whole Street when they did! How ridiculous! And rude! So, Karl and Susan found themselves stepping outside to discover that the whole of Ramsay Street is up for sale…

The Rodwell House
Chloe’s House
Toadie’s House
David and Aaron’s House
Terese’s House

I’m sorry but this is not how I wanted Neighbours to end. I wanted to think of my favourite characters continuing to live their happy lives on Ramsay Street, not all abandoning ship and running away. Actually, I’m not sorry. I’ve been so happy with all these amazing tributes and how graciously the show has handled everything but I will be genuinely sad if all my favourite characters say goodbye. How can they ever bring back the show if everyone has moved away?

The Ramsay Street History Book

Levi and The Rodwell’s interviewed Lucy about the history book. She told them all about her beloved Gran, Helen Daniels. I expected it but I wasn’t prepared for it, all at the same time. We saw flashbacks to precious memories of Helen/Anne Haddy – her kindness, her advice, her love, her support and her gentleness. It was just magic and took me all the way back to my childhood, loving all those scenes with Helen. I used to hang on her every word after school. She was such a comfort and a joy to watch, everyone’s Gran. I am so happy that this is how Neighbours have chosen to honour the characters who made the show what it is but cannot visit either because the characters or the actors or both have passed on. Beautiful.

Name Drops: Sonya Rebecchi, Amy Greenwood, Joe Mangel, Mrs Nell Mangel, Holly Hoyland, Pam Willis, Josh Willis, Doug Willis

Arrivals: None

Departures: None

The Last Monday on Neighbours…

It is with great sadness that we reach the final week of Neighbours, one of the best shows ever created. I hold my hands up – I am very tearful about this. I think if it was ending voluntarily, it would be different. But this beautiful, creative and inclusive show being taken away in its prime is such a loss. However, they are handling it themselves with such grace. I wouldn’t expect anything less.

And so, this week, we see each character’s story wrap up and we reflect on all that has been. I felt it was the right thing to do, to review each episode, as it this is my last chance to do so.

This episode alone had so much in it, including a rightful focus on Jane Harris, some lovely moments between Chloe Brennan and Elly Conway, Susan Kennedy at her legendary best and some actual flashback footage of the amazing Madge Bishop. What more could we want?

Clive Gibbons and Jane Harris

Clive received a call from ex-love, Sheila… (Metro)

Clive was lamenting over how to fix things with Jane, including his past history of betrayal, including cheating on Beverly Marshall with Sheila. Meanwhile, Jane got the wrong end of the stick when son, Byron returned Clive’s watch to him. Danielle had stolen it in the hope that Clive would have to visit her but he didn’t. Once Byron had explained, Jane apologised but with the news that Byron was leaving for South Africa with a client, she wanted to spend his last evening with him instead.

In the meantime, Clive received a phone call from Sheila! Is this just a name check to honour the legendary Sheila Canning/Collette Mann or is she making a surprise return? She just disappeared, like poor Marlene Kratz who went on a cruise and never came back…

Chloe Brennan and Elly Conway

Elly declared her love for Chloe… (Metro)

Elly meets Nicolette who throws her quite the barb about how she is the reason that she and Chloe never stood a chance. I have always been a #chelly fan so I am quite enjoying the idea that Elly is the person Chloe has always loved and loved the most – including husband, Pierce Grayson. However, every time Elly refers to herself as ‘queer’ it feels really awkward and out of place. Just saying.

Upon David’s advice, Elly decides to take the pressure off and give Chloe the time and space she needs to make a decision. She opts to return to Sydney, promising to wait for as long as it takes. Chloe seeks advice from David, who thinks that Elly is genuine about her feelings. I am very hopeful for a reunion but Chloe, you only have a few days to sort your head out! Hurry up!

Shane Ramsay

Shane flirted with Izzy… (whattowatch.com)

Shane is still finding his feet after coming into his money. He assures Terese that written into the contract with Paul is the promise that her son, Josh’s plaque will never be removed. A good reference to his tragic death in the explosion at Lassiter’s, that Terese has never truly recovered from. If only she knew he was now a Doctor called Logan over in Home and Away. Shane flirts with Izzy when she helps him choose a new car and it turns out that they both want to buy number twenty four.

Izzy Hoyland and Malcom Kennedy

Understandably, Susan cannot accept Mal’s new girlfriend… (Metro)

Freya puts her foot in it with Izzy and Malcolm about number twenty four, sending them charging round to the Kennedy house, demanding to know what has happened. Susan admits that she has asked random estate agent, Paige Brennan to look for another buyer. Sending Izzy outside, Malcolm confronts his mother who demands that he chooses between her and Izzy.

The Ramsay Street Memory Book

Madge and Harold’s Wedding… (Digital Spy)

Levi, Freya and Toadie talk through the memory book with Harold Bishop (who steals every scene he is in), as quite rightfully he should be the first to put in his entry. He shares his memories of his wife, Madge and in a surprise, beautiful moment that made me well up, we were treated to actual footage of Madge herself! We saw Lou Carpenter interrupting a date between Madge and Harold and we saw Madge and Harold’s wedding. Thank you, Neighbours! Putting in flashbacks of these amazing memories (without overwhelming us and overdoing it) is just wonderful!

When Levi and Freya approached Shane for his entry, he told them about meeting Daphne at a Buck’s Night, falling for her and ultimately losing her to Des Clarke and once again, we were treated to a flashback of the party. This was all just so perfect and I am so excited for the next episode and to see whose memories and what past footage we may get to see.

To Be Continued…

David is pondering going to New York
Nicolette is considering going with the boys to New York but has only just started dating Kiri who is moving to River Bend for work
Yashvi Rebecchi is back to help Toadie and Mel with the wedding (but didn’t bother to show up for Mackenzie and Hendrix’s or when Hendrix Grayson died)
Yashvi and Ned are back together

Name Drops: Danielle Pendlebury, Beverly Marshall, Sheila Canning, Andrew Robinson, Madge Bishop, Charlene Robinson, Lou Carpenter, Des Clarke, Daphne Clarke

Arrivals: None

Departures: Elly (returned to Sydney), Byron (left for Cape Town)

Neighbours: May I Return (To the Beginning)…?

Tragically, the Neighbours cast and crew, not to mention us as devoted fans are counting down the days until our beloved show comes to a hopefully temporary end on 1^st August, with a huge double episode. But by now, most of us will have heard of some major cast returns and some of them are SERIOUSLY exciting!

Harold Bishop (Ian Smith)

The first person to be mentioned, several weeks ago was Harold Bishop, such a classic character that the café is still named after him, long after his departure. He is so loved that the show wasn’t even capable of killing him off without bringing him back to life! Nobody would ever be able to forget the beautiful love story that was Harold and Madge (Anne Charleston) – the humour and the tragedy. It could not end without him. If only Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), his old sparring partner was returning with him!

Joe Mangel (Mark Little)

We will also see Joe Mangel (Mark Little) with whom I am very much hoping we might also see his daughter Skye and her wife, Lana (Stephanie Mackintosh and Bridget Neval). Joe was always a loveable character and it was one of the show’s most memorable and tragic episodes when wife, environmentalist, Kerry was shot and killed. We saw Skye, a police officer return a couple of years ago a marry teenage love, Lana, finally getting closure on the relationship that started all those years and had to end abruptly due to homophobia. It was the show’s second gay marriage and really showed just how far Neighbours has come in terms of diversity and celebrating the LGBTQ community.

The Kennedy Family

Benjamin McNair as Mal Kennedy
(Digital Spy)

There are so many iconic families on Ramsay Street and Neighbours are clearly doing their best to represent as many of them as possible in the characters they are bringing back, as well as making sure they keep the current, radiant cast shining. It is a joy to hear that Mal Kennedy (Benjamin McNair) will be winging his way back to his parents from where he ‘lives’ in London. If only Libby and Billy (Kym Valentine and Jesse Spencer) would drop in too. They could pose for a new portrait! My wife has been tuning in for these last few months and she was shocked to see it still hanging in Karl and Susan’s lounge!

Also on her way back to Erinsborough is Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta), Susan’s niece, prompting the hope that after everything they have been through over all these years, #Chelly might finally get their happy ever after. I did like Chloe and Nicolette for a while and this Kiri seems quite nice but Chloe and Elly were the original couple. Nobody ever quite moved on from them, did they?! Next week, we will be seeing Pierce Greyson (Tim Robards) return, in line with his son Hendrix’s tragic diagnosis but let’s hope that doesn’t mean a reunion for him and Chloe because quite frankly that never worked for me. Just saying.

The Rebecchi Family

Morgan Baker as Callum Rebecchi
(Digital Spy)

Poor Toadie has been through so much during his life on Ramsay Street. He lost his first wife, Dee Bliss. He found true love with Sonya until she died from cancer in possibly the saddest ever storyline the show has ever aired. Then there was the whole Dee/Andrea insanity, which I was hooked on from start to finish! And it has taken a respectful amount of time but he has finally found love again with Melanie Pearson. So, it is lovely that his mother, Angie and his and Sonya’s son, Callum (Leslie and Morgan Baker) will be here for the end.

The Willis Family

Kate Kendall as Lauren Willis
(Digital Spy)

Paige Brennan (Olympia Valance) is also due to return again, although not with husband, Mark as far as we know. I’m not the biggest Mark fan but with the Brennan family having made such a huge impact on the Street, it would have been amazing to see Mark and Tyler (and Tyler’s partner, Piper) reunite on screen with their siblings, Chloe and Aaron – not to mention Piper and half-sister Paige back together again.

However, Paige’s mother, Lauren Willis (Kate Kendall) will return! And so will Ned Willis (Ben Hall), who has barely left. Ned has got himself into quite a lot of bother recently, having cheated on girlfriend, Amy with Harlow. He must take after his father. Deciding he needs to start afresh, Ned decided to head off to Sydney but it has been confirmed that both he and ex-girlfriend – and clearly the love of his life – Yashvi Rebecchi (Olivia Junkeer) will both return for the finale. So, does this mean they will get their happy ending after all?

Ned and Yashvi – reunited?
(Digital Spy)

But most importantly, Ned is heading to Sydney to spend time with his mother, Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia) – no relation to Mark etc. Natalie recently won The Masked Singer UK and added her voice very loudly to the #SaveNeighbours Campaign so could it be possible that she might also return?! This would be amazing! Especially with Lauren, the third Mrs Willis back on screen, albeit played by a different actress, but still the same character who had an affair with Brad when Beth was in a relationship with him way back in the 90s. Neighbours, you need to make this happen. Three Mrs Willis’s on screen at the same time: Beth, Terese and Lauren! Ramsay Street actually could explode after all!

Will Beth make one last return to Ramsay Street…?
(ITV)

Also returning as part of the Willis clan are Kyle and Roxy Canning (Chris Milligan and Zima Anderson). They too have only left the show very recently. With Kyle only just recovering from testicular cancer, these two are a couple of the level of Scott and Charlene in terms of just how much they love each other. I’m not a TV wedding crier by any stretch of the imagination but I got very emotional at this one. And now, despite the odds, they are expecting a baby!

Chris Milligan and Zima Anderson as Kyle and Roxy Canning

Other Notable Characters

Also back for the finale are: Shane Ramsay (Peter O’Brien), Des Clarke (Paul Keane), Joel Samuels (Daniel MacPherson), Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingwaighte) and Amy Williams (Zoe Cramond).

The Robinson Family

Melissa Bell has returned as Lucy Robinson
(Digital Spy)

The final family with returning character are the Robinson family. Paul can expect two of his many children to return: Elle and Andrew (Pippa Black and Jordan Patrick). Lucy Robinson (Melissa Bell) is already on screen, attempting to rescue the mess Paul has made – and is blaming Terese for – of the fashion show. She is due to be joined by gay best friend and father of her baby, former resident, Chris Pappas (James Mason) who moved to live with her in New York. As far as Paul and Terese are concerned, they remain together in the credits, so I hold out hope that by 1^st August, they will be back together, where they belong.

Scott and Charlene (Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue)

Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue as Scott and Charlene Robinson
(Metro)

And of course, the return that everyone is talking about… Scott and Charlene Robinson, played by the legendary Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue, who began their careers in Neighbours in the 80s and went onto become global superstars. This has been the ultimate dream cast return for decades and I can hardly believe it is actually happening! Scott and Charlene have been mentioned regularly throughout the years with their extended family still living on Ramsay Street. In fact, Jason’s real life daughter plays Harlow! In the fictional world, Scott and Charlene have been happily married all this time and remain one of those couples and make you believe in true love! Their wedding was watched in the UK by 20 million people!

They went onto have two children (off screen), Madeline and Daniel, both of whom turned up on Ramsay Street as adults. Daniel arrived in 2014 and eventually married Imogen Willis, daughter of Terese, who eventually married Paul, brother of Scott! I am secretly hoping that Daniel and Imogen (Tim Phillips and Ariel Kaplan) might also find their way back home for the end!

Of course, everyone knows that since departing Erinsborough, Kylie went onto have an incredible pop career and became a huge gay icon and ally. She has lent her voice to the cause and is cherished by the LGBTQ community the world over. So, there is something particularly special, I think, that she is returning not just to the show that began her career but to the show that has developed itself from a soap that competed with all the others, to a soap that celebrates diversity in such a magical way – far beyond any others. And I watch them all! When Kylie and Jason were Australia and the UK’s sweethearts, there were no gay characters. Through the years, they tried and failed with characters such as Skye and Lana and had successes with others such as Chris. Now, we have Aaron and David, who even have a child and have been accepted as foster parents. We have Nicolette. We have Chloe. We have had the privilege of following Mackenzie through her journey as a beautiful, graceful transgender teenager. I believe we’re about to meet a non-binary character in the coming weeks. Aaron and David had the first gay wedding on Neighbours and walked down the aisle to ‘Especially for You’ by Kylie and Jason themselves! So, to have them back is an amazing thing, despite the circumstances.

Although, I am dreading that final episode and having to say goodbye to one of my most favourite ever programmes, I admire the dignity with which all the cast and crew have approached things. I also salute every single fan, who with true Ramsay Street Spirit, has campaigned for the show to be saved. I am proud to have been tweeting away, desperate to save the show we love and I have really enjoyed making those connections. I am excited for all the cast members who love the show so much that they wanted to be part of its celebrations and goodbyes. And I will also never lose the hope that even though the show will be rested, it will return.

Everybody Needs Good Neighbours!

Like many, I read the news this weekend that Channel 5 are dropping Neighbours from its schedule later this year. And like many, I am absolutely devastated. This is even worse than when it was dropped by the BBC, back in 2008, as the show itself was never under any threat. Channel 5 were heroes then for rescuing us and picking it up and now they are robbing us by taking it away. But worse because now, with the show’s popularity largely relying on its UK audience, if it has nowhere to air over here, it may have to end production altogether. I mean, if Channel 5 murder one of the most iconic programmes in television history, it will never be forgiven! I’m not entirely sure what home grown and exciting drama they think they’re going to serve up to replace it. Or what audience they think they’re going to attract in Neighbours’ time slot. Whoever came up with this decision has made a huge mistake. I just hope they’re not too proud to retract it.

Classic 90’s wedding: Brad and Beth (sadly, he’d been cheating on her with Lauren!)

It has been brilliant to see online, all the calls to #saveneighbours. This show has been part of so many peoples’ lives for such a long time. Especially for people of my generation, it was part of our childhood. It was part of our routine. You got home from school. Then a 5:10pm, Home and Away was on ITV, followed by Neighbours at 5:35pm on BBC1. When I started secondary school, I remember, we did an ‘ice breaker’, where we had to go round the class, introducing ourselves to each other – mingling, if you will – and asking each other questions from a list. We had to have a different name down to each of the questions. The only question I remember was, “Find someone who doesn’t watch Neighbours.” I remember it because it was so hard! Finally, someone found one girl in the entire class who didn’t watch it! One out of thirty! Because it was 1995 and everyone watched Neighbours. Everyone watched it. Everyone talked about watching it. And everyone loved it.

Scott and Charlene: One of the most famous TV weddings ever!

And clearly, people still love it. It’s part of the fabric of our childhoods. It has launched the careers of so many people. I mean, come on! Without Neighbours, we would not have Kylie.

I am going to repeat that: Without Neighbours WE WOULD NOT HAVE KYLIE.

Can you even imagine that? A world without Kylie? I can’t even bring myself to think about it. Awful!

Finn Kelly is one of Ramsay Street’s most notorious killers and was a huge part of the show’s 35th anniversary story

And to bring the discussion and my strongly worded objection into present day, Neighbours is no longer stories about dogs having dreams and dead characters who were washed away, turning up with amnesia anymore (although they aren’t averse to the odd dead character reappearing still but what soap isn’t? You only know a character in Hollyoaks is dead if you’ve seen the body!) Of course, it has its sense of fun and silliness. It’s Neighbours. They’ve also done massive stories that have the flare of slightly over the top Aussie soap drama but are so incredibly absorbing and entertaining, such as the Finn Kelly murder plot or when Andrea Sommers arrived, the spitting image of ‘dead’ Dee Bliss (and played by the same actress). But it is so much more than that.

In recent years, it has tackled so many important stories: Huntington’s, testicular cancer, grief, fostering, alcoholism, just to name a few. I don’t think I have cried more in a soap than when Sonya Rebecchi died of cancer, after everything she and Toadie had been through together in their marriage. It’s been years and I am still not ready for him to move on…. But that’s my issue…

Aaron and David are one of the best soap couples ever!

Anyway, one of the central most fantastic things about Neighbours is its celebration of the LGBTQ community. They raise the rainbow flag far higher than any other soap, including any of the British ones and so high above Home and Away that they can’t even see it. The flag is a dot to them! Neighbours were holding Pride events long before any other soaps were. They have Aaron and David as one of the most established and stable, not to mention loved couples in the whole show. They got married on screen (walking down the aisle incidentally to ‘Especially For You’ by Kylie and Jason), they have been foster parents and now have a child of their own through a surrogate.

Mackenzie has been such a wonderful addition to the show

They have a wonderful bisexual character in Chloe – who is actually bisexual, not heterosexual but got given a gay storyline once, as happens so often on television. Plus, they have a lesbian character. Plus, they have a trans female character, who is played by trans activist Georgie Stone, who has put so much work into her character in order to educate and connect the audience with her journey and experience.

For all of these reasons and more, Neighbours needs to stay on air. Channel 5 should be grateful to Neighbours and the diversity, humour, education and drama it provides, not sling it off the shelf. It does get decent viewing figures and it is a well-loved show. It means a lot to people, as can be seen from the outpouring online after the announcement that it would be dropped.

So please, Channel 5, reconsider. You might find something else to replace it but it will never be Neighbours.

Goodbye Dieter Brummer 5th May 1976 – 24th July 2021

On Monday, the world learned the sad news of the death of Dieter Brummer, who died on Saturday. Alongside roles in Neighbours, Underbelly, Crash Palace, Shark Bay and Adrenaline Junkies, Dieter was probably best known for playing Shane Parrish in Home and Away from 1992 to 1996, where he became one of the most popular and sought after soap stars both in Australia and the UK. He won award after award and became one half of the ‘Scott and Charlene’ of the nineties when Shane met and fell in love with Angel.

Dieter as Shane Parrish in his first episode of *Home and Away*, 1992

I was about eight or nine years old when Dieter pitched up in Summer Bay as Shane, cadging a lift from Alf Stewart and getting thrown out of the car within minutes for being so cheeky. Now, I’m a gay woman but Dieter Brummer was always ‘the boy I loved’. From the moment he appeared on screen with his blonde hair, earring and silly hat, I was besotted. My room was covered in posters from floor to ceiling well into 1996 when he departed the show. I spent so much of my pocket money on every magazine I could get my hands on even if had only the smallest article about him. Of a weekend, I could come back from the newsagents laden with the likes of Inside Soap, TV Hits, Smash Hits, Shout, Bliss.. the list was endless! He was on the front cover of everything! I had two scrapbooks – one relating to Shane and one relating to Dieter. I actually only got rid of them a few years ago and in light of what has happened, I feel very sad that I did.

I remember when I started secondary school, my English teacher allowed us to cover our exercise book in whatever we wanted. She wanted us to express ourselves! So of course, my book was immediately covered with posters of Dieter, one on the back and one on the front. Despite being aware, in the back of my mind that I was gay, Dieter always held and will always hold a very special place in my heart. I mean, there was a time when I was certain I was going to marry him!

Back when you had to watch TV when it was actually on (or set your VCR on a timer), I never missed an episode of Home and Away. I was so besotted with Shane (and also quite besotted with Shannon Reed – please see my previous blog post) and I loved watching his journey from very naughty boy to sweet romantic as he fell in love with Angel. I loved watching him make mistakes and I loved watching him fix them. I loved his war with Tug O’Neal, followed by his war with Jack Wilson. I loved his friendship with Damien Roberts. I loved how devoted he was to Angel and to her son, Dylan, who he loved as his own. Their wedding had me beyond emotional. And I was utterly devastated when the news broke that my Dieter Brummer was leaving the show. When Shane and Angel’s first wedding anniversary rolled around and Shane died in Angel’s arms… it was a death I have never forgotten.

Dieter went onto various acting jobs as well as running his own business

After that, I tried so hard to watch Dieter in everything I could, although a lot of the programmes he featured in after Home and Away were a little too obscure for UK television. His two stints in Neighbours were fantastic and I was so happy to see him back on screen. I still tried to keep track of him as best I could and it sounded like he was doing very well, running his own window cleaning business.

So when my cousin sent me a WhatsApp on Monday morning with the news of his death, I was and still am genuinely devastated and from all I have seen on social media, I am definitely not the only one. So many people have written as fans who adored him like I did. And so many people have written of working with him and of his kind and generous spirit and sense of fun. The number of colleagues who have come forward and expressed their grief is a testament to the person he was. I hate to think of the pain he must have been in and I feel so terrible for his loved ones and loss they must be experiencing right now.

Rest now, Dieter. You were loved.

In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org

Rainbows and Affirmations

The incredible Leah Bracknell as Zoe Tate

I remember watching the soaps when I was a closeted teenager, in awe of the likes of Zoe Tate, who was such a rare gem on 90’s TV. Not only had she been out and proud since the early nineties, but her sexuality was also only part of her story. She was a powerful, even formidable character. She had money and knew how to use it. She had her own career as a vet, that she loved. She had a wicked streak. In later years, actress Leah Bracknell portrayed the most heartbreaking scenes as Zoe battled Schizophrenia. When people think back to the nineties in terms of the presence of LGBTQ characters, their minds immediately flashback to Beth Jordache and ‘that kiss’, which is of course important but Zoe came out a year before this and was the first lesbian character in a British Soap. She was also the first gay character to have a wedding/blessing, many years before Civil Partnerships or equal marriage were even dots on the horizon for any of us. I was genuinely saddened in 2019 when Leah passed away from cancer.

Flash forward to present day and this past June when many of us have been marking Pride month with such gratitude that we are here, that so many things have changed and that we have the capacity and strength to try and change the things that still need changing. I have seen so many things online that remind us of why we still need Pride so much. One of things that struck me hardest was a post about while we live in a world where kids are still sat at home believing they would be better off no longer in this world than being gay, then we still need Pride. Pride isn’t a party. Pride is a march of survival. It’s a moment in time where we embrace every single ounce of ‘different’ inside and let it sing. Even if we sing out of tune.

I’ve been that kid, sat at home, scared for my future because I didn’t fit in, because while all my friends were watching the boys on TV, I was watching the girls. And it has been a long road in terms of being and out and proud soap addict to watch these shows change their characters, their storylines and their attitudes towards their characters and their storylines over the past twenty five years or so, when I first started tuning in and I started consciously battling my sexuality.

Lindsey fell for best friend, Shelley in Brookside

I remember, back in the day, that occasionally, a soap would have two dimensional gay man in it to back up another character and have no plot of their own. They certainly wouldn’t have a love life. Then there came the phase of the scandal storylines to boost ratings, where quite frankly, the characters and the LGBTQ viewers were badly mistreated. There was the random storyline of Lindsey Corkhill falling in love with her best friend, Shelley who actually had a thing for her mother in Brookie. Then there was that time that Todd kissed Nick in Corrie purely to pull viewers in to witness a ‘shock, gay kiss’ between two attractive men. And more recently, Tracy Barlow slept with Paula for literally no reason.

Charlie and Joey had a short lived romance in Home and Away #CJ

But Willow and Alex got a happy ending! #Willex

Over in Australia, back in 2009, Home and Away’s Charlie Buckton had a dalliance with Joey Collins, which I confess I got completely sucked into. It ended when Charlie cheated on her with some bloke and Joey left, never to be seen or heard of again. Charlie (the police officer) slept with one criminal bloke after another before she got shot and died. Delightful. They did redeem themselves recently though with Willow and Alex’s relationship, which I also fell in love with – they actually got a happy ending. Off screen, of course. Well, you can’t have everything.

The landscape of how soaps have presented the LGBTQ characters and relationships have definitely changed in a positive way over the years, I think. So many of the partnerships people have grown to love and adore, have not been heterosexual ones. Once upon a time, a soap would have to handle every aspect of gay relationships with ‘sensitivity’, in case they offended the homophobes when really, people like me and fellow members of the LGBTQ community were just desperate to see ourselves and our lives (or the lives we wanted to live), validated on TV.

Lana and Sky finally got their happy ending in Neighbours

I remember back in the day when in Eastenders, Tony left Tiffany for her brother, Simon. It was a scandal, not because of the affair but because of the sexuality aspect. I remember Shannon and Mandy falling in love so subtly that you could have missed it. Neighbours attempted to have Lana and Sky get together but the homophobia was so strong, they abandoned the story. They were so proud that for their 35^th anniversary to be able to rectify this and have the girls get married. It had always felt for the show and for the actors like an unfinished storyline.

Christian and Syed lived happily ever after in Eastenders (in Birmingham, actually)

Ben and Callum are one of Eastenders’ most popular couples today #Ballum

I also remember the huge story that Eastenders took on when they got Christian and Syed together. It was amazing! Not only were they addressing Syed coming to terms with his sexuality, he also had to work out how this fitted with his religion. And despite the complaints, they became such a loved and popular couple. Since then, one of the show’s most popular couples are ‘#Ballum’ – Ben and Callum – who got together in a very similar way to Christian and Syed (an affair in the lead up to a wedding). And one of the most special moments in the show’s history was the moment that Johnny came out to his Dad, Mick and received nothing but pure love and acceptance in return – no hesitation.

Robert and Aaron were made for each other in Emmerdale #Robron

Throughout the soaps, there have been some amazingly popular couples and characters, which show the strength of writing, performance and on-screen chemistry. Who can forget Robert and Aaron – #Robron – in Emmerdale? Not my favourite, granted, but massively popular and there were a lot of devastated fans out there when Robert was sent to jail. Their counterpart, if you like, are Vanessa and Charity (who I much prefer). I am very hopeful that when Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa) returns from maternity leave, a reconciliation will be on the cards! Charity herself was initially one of those ‘ratings bisexuals’ when she had a random affair with Zoe Tate in the early noughties. So it was brilliant when they revisited this and created what has become a fantastic relationship with Vanessa. Until it all went badly wrong. Oh and let’s not forget that once upon a time, Charity’s daughter, Debbie, had a fling with best friend, Jasmine, played by Jenna Coleman. Jasmine went to prison. I don’t think she’ll be coming back…

I still believe in Charity and Vanessa! (Emmerdale) #Vanity

John Paul and Ste belong together (Hollyoaks)

One of my favourite Hollyoaks pairings is John Paul and Ste. Between them, they’ve had more relationships than hot dinners and many would say that John Paul’s true love is Craig and Ste’s true love is Brendan. But personally, I never subscribed to either of those relationships. Neither of those men ever treated John Paul or Ste very nicely. Brendan was violent and Craig dangled John Paul on a shoestring for most of their relationship. But although I have adored people like Doug and Keiron (RIP) and James and Harry (RIP) have been great players thrown into the mix, I firmly believe that Ste and John Paul belong together.

Aaron and David are the perfect couple in Neighbours

Over in Australia, Neighbours has excelled itself in waving the rainbow flag. For me, they have outshone every soap. Years ago, it dipped its toe in the water with the character of Chris and from there, more and more gay characters arrived. Now, it can celebrate one of the best partnerships the show and in fact, soap, has ever seen in David and Aaron who are not only legally married (and walked down the aisle to Kylie and Jason!) but have also been foster parents and are expecting their first child. Aaron’s sister, Chloe is also bisexual and not just telly bisexual where she’s actually straight and goes off with a girl now and again to boost ratings. Chloe is such a vibrant character and has brought so much diversity to show in terms so showing someone who can love and have relationships with people for who they are, not for what gender they are.

In more recent years, Doctors have created some great character development with Emma who now identifies as pansexual after being very surprised to find herself falling for a female friend. Since then, she has had relationships with either gender and a couple of years ago, the show had an extremely harrowing storyline where Emma and her then girlfriend, Jasmine experienced a homophobic attack. It was not dissimilar to that awful story of the girls on the bus in London a few years ago.

Neighbours has taken Pride further in recent years with the amazing trans activist, Georgie Stone, who plays Mackenzie. Following Mackenzie’s story has been so emotional and so enlightening. She has been the Hayley Cropper of the millennial generation. But joking aside, it has been incredible to watch this young person, both the actress and the character, essentially explain her journey. She has not only portrayed the character but also been involved in the writing and story lining and I have genuinely wept during parts of her tale, as she had undergone surgery and struggled with acceptance from her family.

Hayley Cropper, Coronation Street. The Original.

I remember years and years ago, attending a transgender workshop and the first thing the trainer said was that they would love to say their charity was responsible for the education regarding trans people but it was actually Coronation Street. Everyone laughed because it was funny and also because it was a little bit true. This is the far reach of soaps and also the heavy responsibility they have to make sure that as well as entertaining people, they are socially responsible. I remember when Hayley first turned up in Corrie and it was such a scandal. I was about thirteen years old and still trying to get my head around my sexuality. I had no idea about gender diversity or anything and I had never heard of being transgender before. But the idea of someone not quite fitting, not feeling like they were who or how they were meant to be, completely connected with me. And Hayley turned out to be this angel, the kindest woman to ever walk the cobbles and they put her together with Roy, the kindest man to ever walk the cobbles… Well, the magic was made.

Since then, of course, Sally has turned up in Hollyoaks and the actress who plays her helped Coronation Street create Hayley so even though Hayley is gone, it’s kind of like she lives on. So even though Corrie was extremely late in bringing in the L, the G and the B, they did lead the charge with the T, something other soaps haven’t always been that eager (or that good) at doing. Currently, it’s only Emmerdale, (alongside Neighbours)who have Matty with any trans visibility. His story is particularly special as we actually knew his character as Holly, years ago. This hasn’t been done before. What’s also been a turning point in recent years with LGBTQ characters is that most of the actors who are playing the roles are members of the LGBTQ community.

So, at the end of this June – Pride Month – I am happy to reflect on how hard our soaps have worked to become inclusive and reflect the society we do or should live in. I am happy that I have all manner of characters and pairings to discuss, enjoy and dislike amongst all the different soaps. I love that I don’t have to cling to the single character that exists in each soap just because they’re gay. Firstly, there are plenty to choose from (except in Home and Away) and secondly, they are written so well that actually, sometimes they’re just not very nice. Because not all gay people are nice! Not all gay men are camp and fluffy. And gay women come in all variations too! Imagine!

Swooning (over) Shannon in Home and Away

When I was growing up, that just wasn’t how it was. You only knew Shannon liked Mandy because she talked about her incessantly. A bit like I talked about Shannon, actually! You were lucky if Zoe could hold hands with her wife. And two guys together were a rare scandal. Now, homophobia on screen is rare and definitely dealt with. I am reminded of a scene in Eastenders where Callum’s Dad was vile to him and Ben and Phil Mitchell to stood up for them. It was such a fantastic and affirming scene.

All the while people are not safe in the world because of their gender or sexuality, there is a lot of work to do. All the while there are people who don’t feel they belong in this world because of their gender or sexuality, there is a lot of work to do. But just for a brief moment in time, it is nice to reflect on how far this small corner of our society has come, even in my lifetime. When I was a teenager, I absorbed every message that these shows delivered to me and I am overwhelmed at how the messages have changed. You couldn’t pay me any money in the world to be a kid today with social media and mobile phones constantly beeping at me and recording my ever move and mistake. But I do think the positive approach to diversity and acceptance is a special thing that I definitely didn’t have twenty (ish) years ago. Soaps are intended to reflect life. They beam their way into our homes on a daily basis and right now, I praise them for doing a good job of positively affirming us, the LGBTQ community.