Neighbours cast 2023 – who's returning for the show's revival?

 The full list of names announced so far.

Neighbours' next chapter is getting closer, with filming due to start on the iconic soap's new season in April.

Fans thought that the sun had set on Ramsay Street for good last July when the historic finale episode aired, but free streaming service Amazon Freevee later stepped in to commission new episodes.

Neighbours is still keeping many details of its revival under wraps, but the show has announced the return of several cast members.

Here's our guide to the returning cast confirmations we've had so far.

Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson)

When Neighbours' new season was confirmed, it was no surprise that the producers approached original cast member Stefan Dennis to reprise his role as Paul Robinson.

Stefan received a personal visit at home from Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison, who broke the news that the much-loved soap would be back.

Speaking on Loose Women in November, Stefan admitted: "I'd pretty much moved on. People were treating it like somebody had died. People were asking if I was going to be alright."

Paul got his happy ending in the finale episode when he reunited with his estranged wife Terese Willis, who agreed to accept his many faults.

Asked whether Paul will be up to no good (again!) in the new season, Stefan replied: "I certainly hope so. There was a very well-known period in Paul's life where he had a brain tumour. He came back and he was Mr Squeaky Clean and lovely. And the audience hated it."

Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy)

Ramsay Street's residents can rest assured that they'll be in safe hands with any soapy injuries and ailments when the show returns – Dr Karl Kennedy will be back in business.

Alan Fletcher, who also received a personal visit from the show's boss, agreed to reprise the role of Karl shortly before the show's revival was announced to the public in November.

Reflecting on the news in a chat with Good Morning Britain in January, Alan joked: "I had nothing to do with it. I can't claim any credit.

"But you know, more than five million people watched the last episode in the UK and it was the highest rating programme here in Australia.

"I think that people just recognise that and realise this show is too popular to let slip, so we're very, very pleased that Amazon has picked up the show."

Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy)

It was the end of an era last year when Susan Kennedy closed off the Neighbours finale with a moving monologue, reflecting on Ramsay Street and its history.

Show bosses chose Jackie Woodburne to give "one more performance of a lifetime" in the emotional scenes, but we're now looking forward to plenty more of those when the soap returns.

Speaking on the Nova morning radio show in November, Jackie admitted: "Hand on heart, I thought [Neighbours was] done and dusted.

"Obviously, behind the scenes, they were looking for another broadcaster or another platform for us to be on, but it didn't happen. And that was it, end of story… 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.

"[Jason] came to the house because he lives close to me and he said, 'I'm going somewhere, I just need to drop in' and so he dropped in and he told me. I think I might have kind of grabbed him around the throat and said, 'say that again, say that slowly so I understand'.

"I couldn't be more thrilled. This is the most wonderful, wonderful news. Just think all those jobs back for all those people, and all those fans and viewers who write to us still every day, telling us how much they missed the show and how much they wish it was back."

Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi)

Toadie Rebecchi had a central role in the Neighbours finale last year, as he tied the knot with his partner Melanie Pearson in an emotional ceremony which brought some familiar faces back to Ramsay Street.

As the final member of the "core four" long-serving stars, actor Ryan Moloney was also let in on the secret of Neighbours' return shortly before it was announced to the world.

Like with Stefan, Alan and Jackie, popular star Ryan received a visit from Neighbours boss Jason Herbison to discuss the new season.

Speaking to TV Week in November, Ryan enthused: ''It's crazy! It's like you've risen from the dead and here we are. This is the last thing I expected to be doing.''

Rebekah Elmaloglou (Terese Willis)

It seems that Neighbours bosses won't have to write in another messy marriage break-up for Paul, as Rebekah Elmaloglou has signed up to reprise the role of his wife Terese in the new season.

Writing on Instagram last month, Rebekah said: "I am soo excited to FINALLY announce that I am officially part of the @neighbours reboot! What a crazy ride!

"Thank you to all our incredibly loyal fans who have played a massive part in making this happen! I can't wait to step back into my gal Terese's shoes again."

Annie Jones (Jane Harris)

Jane Harris also enjoyed a happy ending in the Neighbours finale as she reunited with Mike Young, but unless Guy Pearce fancies signing a two-year contract, it's looking like their happiness might not last for long.

Neighbours recently confirmed that Annie Jones will be back as Jane in the new season, leaving fans to speculate over how the writers will approach the tricky topic of Jane and Mike in the new episodes.

Georgie Stone (Mackenzie Hargreaves)

When we last saw Mackenzie Hargreaves, she was still grieving following the recent death of her beloved husband Hendrix Greyson.

Some planned storylines for Mackenzie's future had to be cancelled when Neighbours was axed in 2022, but fans needn't worry as Georgie Stone has now agreed to play the role as a permanent cast member again.

Georgie recently told her Instagram followers: "Ramsay Street here we come… (again!) So excited to be coming back to Neighbours alongside these legends. Stay tuned!!!"

Tim Kano (Leo Tanaka)

Tim Kano returned to Neighbours as Leo Tanaka in 2021, originally as a recurring guest character. He was later reintroduced to the show's opening titles as a show regular.

The actor will once again be a permanent cast member when Neighbours returns later in the year.

Writing on Instagram, Tim said: "It's out. Leo's back off the streets and onto Ramsay. Looking forward to the new chapter. Couldn't have done it without all your love, thank you."

Ian Smith (Harold Bishop)

Neighbours' nostalgic final episodes in July were made even more special by the return of fan favourite Harold Bishop, who paid a visit to the Kennedys and supported Mackenzie through her grief for Hendrix.

Ian Smith will once again reprise his role as Harold as a guest star in the new season.

April Rose Pengilly (Chloe Brennan)

Fan favourite April Rose Pengilly is also on the Neighbours returnees list, but much to the surprise of some fans, only as a guest star so far.

The show has confirmed that Chloe Brennan will reappear again in the new season. Chloe was last seen in the Neighbours finale, when she was planning a move to Sydney with Elly Conway following their romantic reunion.

Melissa Bell (Lucy Robinson)

Lucy Robinson has popped in and out of Neighbours over the years and we last saw her in the final weeks of the show.

Neighbours bosses recently named Melissa Bell as a guest star for the next season, so we can thankfully look forward to seeing Lucy again soon.

And more?

Further returning cast members may well be announced in the coming weeks, since filming on Neighbours will start again soon.

Jodi Gordon recently confirmed that she'd been in talks to return as Elly Conway in the new season.

Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison also recently hinted at more returnees when he told TV Tonight: "We are thrilled to announce the latest round of returnees and there will be more in the coming months.

"The next chapter of Neighbours will be a wonderful mix of the familiar and the new. It will be the Erinsborough we love and remember, with fresh twists and surprises."

Neighbours returns in the second half of 2023 with new episodes streaming free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.