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

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.

Neighbours: And I’m Gonna Let it Burn…

(Friday 20^th March 2020)

Down in the mine, Bea manages to get the snake safely out of harm’s way but Harlow is in a bad way, having already been bitten. Above ground, Finn stalks Gary with a bow and arrow as he searches for Harlow but is interrupted by Pierce and Hendrix, who are also out searching. He stashes his weapon and quickly misdirects them.

In that time, Gary locates Harlow and is shocked to discover Bea with her. Unfortunately, while he is attempting to save them, Finn shoots him dead with the bow and arrow! Not Gary! He’s so lovely! I mean, worse characters could have gone but I do like him. He always had a bit of the Joe Mangel about him. Finn throws the rescue rope completely down the mine, which suddenly looks a lot deeper than it did before and jubilantly leaves them to die.

While Finn is busy murdering kind Gary Canning, Chloe attempts to broach her concerns about him to Elly who will not hear a word spoken against the man she has fallen in love with. Finn returns to the site and eagerly sets about departing The Island with Elly and Aster. As they walk down to the beach, Elly mentions that Finn snapped at Chloe, which he denies. He also shrugs off the fact that his arm is bleeding. Then he lets slip a memory he shouldn’t have about their previous relationship. Elly stalls pretty well, sending him off with a task while she digs around in his bag and discovers both Bea and Toadie’s phones. She grabs her baby and runs!

Having got nowhere with Elly, Chloe turns to the others about her worries. The group try to work out what Finn is up to, misdirecting Hendrix and Pierce, his aggressive behaviour with Chloe and Gary and his response to his and Bea’s breakup. They also discuss the fisherman (Harry) who randomly brought Hendrix and Harlow to The Island.

Meanwhile, Toadie washes up on the beach, away from The Island. Paul just happens to be coming by at that exact moment, presumably on his way to The Island to track down Harlow, and spots Toadie on the beach. He rushes to help, as Toadie does his best to explain that Finn attacked him and told him that he had hurt Bea and is in love with Elly. Paul attempts to get Toadie to hospital and who should be passing and offer them a lift? Harry Sinclair!

Finn gives chase as Elly hides out in the woods, desperately trying to keep herself and Aster quiet. However, it’s not Aster that gives the game away. She lets out a blood curdling scream when she stumbles upon Gary’s dead body. Feeling utterly betrayed by Elly, Finn snatches Aster away from her. He sails away from The Island having set it on fire.

Now, the preview for next week declares one more death and shows a preview of a two-hander episode between Finn (Rob Mills) and Susan (Jackie Woodburne) which looks to be incredible. However, if they dare kill Susan Kennedy, I will never forgive them. That would be utterly unforgiveable. I read an article that stated they were killing two characters who had run their course and that the third death isn’t a name that anyone will be expecting. Nobody had really got the chance to know Prue and as lovely as Gary is, he has been stuck in a rut for a while. For the next death, Finn would be the obvious answer. This must be the end of his story now. He’s been in it as a psycho three times now. They can’t do it a fourth time, especially after they’ve done this third time so fabulously well. But if he’s the obvious answer, it surely cannot be him? However, they MUST NOT kill Susan! I don’t trust them though. They already killed Sonya.

However, back to the presents… Finn has just set a massive fire on The Island so perhaps let’s not rule out one of those people: Chloe, Pierce, Hendrix, Harlow, Bea, Elly, Kyle and Roxy. Pierce (the only character to have been in the anniversary episodes without actually being in them), Hendrix and Roxy haven’t been in it long enough to qualify for the description of the third death. Harlow would be a shame, just because she is party of a big family dynasty (and she is Jason Donovan’s daughter) but no, she still doesn’t qualify. Bea and Elly haven’ finished their stories yet. So… Kyle or Chloe? That would have a pretty big impact. Although with them teasing this Susan and Finn episode… I’m worried. I’m very worried… This show is getting as ruthless as Hollyoaks!

What does Finn have in store for Susan…?

Channel 5, weekdays 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Plus Neighbours Late: Endgame 10pm, Channel 5

Neighbours: Trapped

(Thursday 19^th March 2020)

The storm begins to set in on The Island and the party begin to batten down the hatches in preparation. Gary expresses his concerns about Finn to Elly but she is dismissive. She cannot see beyond her feelings and it hasn’t occurred to her that he might have turned into a psycho again. Finn overhears their conversation and warns him to keep his nose out. Well, that makes me worry for Gary…

Down in the mine, Bea is still hopeful that there is still some reasonable explanation for her boyfriend pushing her into a hole and telling that she is in the way of him running off into the sunset with her sister. Well, that is some level of optimism there, Bea. Harlow feels guilty as she recalls the moment a few days ago when Finn remembered something he shouldn’t have when he visited her. She should have flagged it. Yes, probably but it wasn’t her fault. Bea insists that all of this is down to Finn and neither of them should blame themselves. Harlow explains to Bea that things were becoming more intimate with Hendrix and when she was unsure, she felt patronised by him so she got angry and left. She can’t bear the thought of dying without making things right with him.

Finn makes plans to meet with Harry. He awkwardly mentions that he is bringing Elly and Aster with him. The phone signal cuts out as the storm sets in. Chloe tells Finn that she knows about him and Elly and that’s why it would be better for her to go and find Bea instead. He accuses her of still wanting Elly for herself and warns her to focus on her husband. He then persuades Elly to stick to their original plan. The tension between Finn and Gary continues. Gary expresses his concerns about Finn to Kyle. He is trying to forget about Prue (RIP) and hasn’t listened to any of her voicemails. Kyle ditches Roxy in order to spend time with his Dad.

Hendrix arrives at the site and is alarmed to realise that Harlow isn’t already there. Everyone scatters to look for her, with Chloe staying behind to wait for Elly and Finn who have gone out to locate a boat to leave on. When Finn and Elly return, Finn panics that everyone is searching The Island and may come across Bea and so delays his and Elly’s departure in the guise of looking for Harlow himself.

In the mine, Bea and Harlow’s hopes are raised and then dashed when they hear noises above and call out for help: it’s Finn. He gleefully throws rocks at them. Then he flicks a snake into the mine! He is genuinely enjoying the cruelty he is inflicting upon them. There is no humanity left in him now.

Gary returns to the site, having found nothing. He and Chloe confide in each other over their Finn fears. Gary heads out to search the area Finn headed off to. But I’m worried his downfall may come when Chloe mentions this to Elly who mentions it to Finn. One minute he is satisfied that he has solved the Harlow/Bea problem and he’s ready to leave with Elly and the next, he has picked up the archery set and he’s set off after Gary.

Pierce and Hendrix are out searching for Harlow together. Hendrix is honest about his argument with Harlow but promises that he never put her under any pressure. I hope Harlow survives. I really like her relationship with Hendrix. Also, surely they wouldn’t dare kill off Jason Donovan’s daughter?!

In the mine, Bea and Harlow are being seriously harassed by the snake. They attempt to trap it but one of them gets bitten…

Channel 5, weekdays 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Plus Neighbours Late: Endgame 10pm, Channel 5