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Neighbours set to make bombshell return: 'Christmas miracle'
Neighbours is set to make a bombshell return to our screens after Fremantle managed to find a new broadcast partner.
Over a million Aussie fans tuned in to watch the celebrity-studded finale in July this year, with former cast members Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Jason Donovan making cameos.
Fans were devastated when Australia’s longest-running soap was axed after 37 years, and former cast member Rob Mills called on the Government to save the show.
The revamped soap will return to its former home Channel 10, and US and UK fans will be available to stream it for free on Amazon Freevee.
Australian and New Zealand fans will also be able to stream the show ad free on Prime Video, one week following the free-to-air viewing on Channel 10.
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Fans went wild over Neighbours’ social media video announcing their triumphant return, with fan-favourite cast members spilling the news.
Jackie Woodburne, as her character Susan Kennedy, is shown running up to Dr Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) and Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), to share the good news.
The trio then receives a video call from Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who says he’ll clear his diary to return to Ramsay Street in the second half of next year.
“We’re coming back!” the stars exclaim excitedly, before hugging.
“Thank you for all the love and loyalty you’ve shown us here at Neighbours,” Dr Karl says.
“We miss you and we can’t wait to see you again,” Susan adds. “We can’t wait to begin this exciting new adventure with you. See you in 2023!”
Former Neighbours stars were stunned by the announcement, with many sharing their joy on social media.
“Oh my goodness,” Matty Wilson gushed, while guest star Tammin Sursok added a simple “Congratulations!!!”
"Neighbours has helped shine a light on Australian culture, provided endless opportunities for our industry and kept fans entertained for decades! Thrilled to hear that Neighbours will return to our screens 2023," Jason Donovan wrote.
“This is the most excellent news!!!” added Rob Mills.
Fans called the announcement a ‘Christmas miracle’, and many added that it was a classic Neighbours ‘plot twist’.
“Thought I’d woken up on April 1st for a second there, never heard of Amazon Freevee before but if it means Neighbours is gonna be back (for good I hope!!!) then it has my undying gratitude!!” a fan commented.
“Literally just burst into tears at my desk, this is the best news,” added a second.
“Today is my 40th birthday. I have watched Neighbours since I was four. I even walked down the aisle to Suddenly. BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!” another gushed.
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Jackie also spoke to Fitzy and Wippa about what a whirlwind the revival has been, admitting that she really thought the show was 'done and dusted'.
"Everyone was so focused on sending the show off in the best way that we possibly could, but we just had to accept that that was the case and give it a red hot go and you know, say goodbye and walk out the door," she recalled.
When the executive producer asked the star to return to Neighbours, she said it was a no-brainer.
"Honestly, there was not a split-second indecision I just said I’m there, I’m there. Absolutely."
'Production starts next year'
Greg Woods, CEO Fremantle Australia, said that writers are 'starting immediately' so production can commence in early 2023.
"The love for Neighbours is undeniable and we have been determined to explore every possible avenue to bring it back for loyal fans across the world. We are beyond thrilled to have secured this landmark deal with Amazon Freevee, along with Network 10 in Australia, long-term and passionate supporters of the show," he added.
Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer at Paramount Australia and New Zealand also said the network was "delighted to welcome Neighbours home".
"While we loved the finale earlier this year and appreciated the incredible support from the cast, crew and fans, we continued to hold a small glimmer of hope that one day it would be possible to resume the series," she said.
“We are grateful for the tenacity and determination displayed by Fremantle in securing a new production partner so our association could continue."
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