Neighbours boss addresses which stars and characters may be back as show returns

 

The news that Neighbours is returning to our screens has not just raised widespread joy – but also raised a lot of questions.

Not least of all, who will be returning?

Amazon has picked up the soap, which left our screens just four months ago, after being axed by Channel 5.

And right away, four key legends shared the news in a celebratory video, confirming that Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne), Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) and Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) will all be back.

And now, Jason Herbison – the show’s boss who is also back at the helm – has revealed that he is keen for as many familiar faces as possible.

The rest of the former cast only found out about the return at the same time as us, meaning many could have new roles or commitments and can’t reprise their characters.

‘I hope there will be many familiar faces,’ Jason told. ‘As we’ve said, this is all very new and fresh.

‘It was a mark of respect to approach Jackie, Alan, Ryan and Stefan first and I knew everyone would understand that.

‘Neighbours has always been a mix of the familiar and the new. It’s a talent pipeline, on screen and off, and I’m sure that spirit will continue.

‘I know that some young cast members have moved on and I’m always happy for them to do so. I’m proud of each and every one of them.’

Okay so that’s one issue sorted – we are likely to see a lot of faces we know and love.

But how is it all going to work? Will it be a short standalone series or a continuing drama like before?

Jason has promised that there is a lot of Neighbours to come.

‘We have many more announcements ahead, so stay tuned,’ the producer teased.

‘I can assure you there are a lot of new episodes on the way. We have been a big part of people’s lives and we hope to be again.’

Amazon has also acquired the online rights to thousands of episodes from the previous years, all of which will be available to view prior to the new series’ premiere.

Production is set to commence in early 2023 with a world premiere slated for the second half of the year.

Neighbours will be available to watch for free on Amazon Freevee when it returns next year.