Neighbours finale: Watch the stars reunite as clips released ahead of final episode airing in UK
As viewers visit Ramsay Street for the final time, Entertainment reporter Rishi Davda reports
Reunited lovers and long lost friends return to Ramsay Street in the first clips released ahead of final episode of Neighbours.
The long running Australian soap will come to a close with a double-episode special on Friday night in the UK after 37 years on screen.
The special will feature many familiar famous faces returning to Erinsborough, including stars Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Jason Donovan and Natalie Imbruglia.
Anne Charleston, who played Madge Bishop, is among the Neighbours stalwarts set to reprise their roles for the finale - despite the character dying in 2001.
Her return to the screen comes in a scene where Susasn Kennedy, wife of doctor Karl, takes an emotional trip down memory lane, reminiscing about neighbours past and present.
Former Neighbours Mike, Jane, Charlene and Scott are reunited for the final episode
The final episode was shown on Australian television on Thursday night, where a crowd of staunch fans braved the wet wintry weather in Melbourne to watch the star-studded soap's finale outdoors.
The final episode drew the biggest TV ratings for Channel Ten in 13 years, according to Deadline.
It reported that an average of 1.2 million Australian viewers nationally tuned in to watch the finale, with 1.4 million watching during the peak.
In clips shown on Australia's Channel 7, Pearce, who reprises his role as Mike Young, is seen embracing his best friend, Scott Robinson (Donovan) and Minogue’s Charlene Mitchell.
He is also seen reconnecting with his old love interest, Jane Harris, played by Annie Jones.
Pearce’s role in the Australian soap helped launch his career in Hollywood, landing roles in big budget films such as LA Confidential, The Time Machine and Christopher Nolan’s Memento.
Global pop star Minogue, dressed in Charlene's trademark overalls, and singer Donovan are seen returning to their former home as it goes up for sale.
Singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte also returns for the finale as Izzy Hoyland and is seen in tears, telling a mystery figure: “Your story, my story. I wanted a reason to come back.”
Also returning for the finale is Peter O’Brien, who appeared in the show’s first episode as Shane Ramsay, along with Mark Little, who played Joe Mangel, and Paul Keane, who played Des Clarke.
Familiar faces from the 2000s era of the soap are also set to make a return. They include Chris Milligan, who played Kyle Canning, Morgan Baker as Callum Rebecchi, and James Mason as Chris Pappas.
In quotes released by Channel 5 ahead of the finale broadcast, Minogue said: “It feels amazing, surreal and very emotional. We worked with the director we worked with back in the 80s so a few familiar faces.
"Same houses, same street – there is no easy answer, just a mix of emotions, but very happy. Very aware of the moment.”
“Charlene was such a presence in people’s memory,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how it would work. Neighbours wrapping up has put a completely different spin on all of it – it opened the door for this to happen. I didn’t really see it happening but now it has, it feels good.”
She added of her character’s trademark look: “The curls are just as big, and the mousse is back!”
The Australian actor and singer made her first appearance in the soap as Charlene in 1986, and she reprises her role for one last time in the finale.
Neighbours, which first aired in 1985 and follows the lives of those living and working in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough, shot its final scenes in early June.
It is ceasing production after failing to secure new funding since being dropped by Channel 5 earlier this year.
Neighbours will end with a double-episode special on Channel 5 at 9pm on Friday July 29.
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