Finale (Neighbours)

"''Neighbours'': The Finale" comprises the 8901st, 8902nd and 8903rd episodes of the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours''. It premiered on 28 July 2022 on both Network 10 and 10 Peach in Australia, and on 29 July on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom. It was conceived as the end of the serial, after it was cancelled due to the loss of its UK broadcaster and failure to find an alternative buyer, and production ceased after it was filmed. The episodes were written by Shane Isheev (episode 8901) and executive producer Jason Herbison (episodes 8902 and 8903), and directed by Scott Major. Production on ''Neighbours'' ended on 10 June. Production and cast had known the show was facing cancellation since 2021 and ideas for a suitable finale were already being planned at that point. In response to the news of the show's potential cancellation becoming public in early 2022, an online petition amassed more than 67,000 signatures to save the show. The petition did not change Channel 5's decision, who maintained that ''Neighbours'' remained popular and ending the show was solely a "business decision". Production were then tasked with bringing the show to an end within a few months. Herbison had already envisioned an ideal way to end the series, and Isheev and other writers supported his plans. Herbison did not wish to end the show with excessive finality, such as in the destruction of the primary location of Ramsay Street, and opted for a celebratory theme that acknowledged the show's history.

Alan Fletcher, who played Karl Kennedy, regularly provided the media with updates about the finale's development. ''Neighbours'' writers finished storylining the episodes in March and in May cast members received their final scripts. The finale contains numerous cast returns, some of which were publicised, while others remained secret. Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue's returns as Scott and Charlene Robinson attracted much media attention. Other high-profile returning cast included Margot Robbie, Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Valance and Delta Goodrem. Many returns were facilitated by one of the episodes' main stories, the wedding of Melanie Pearson (Lucinda Cowden) and Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). The episodes also featured the return of Guy Pearce as Mike Young. His story provided the finale with further nostalgia, as writers reunited Mike with his 1980s love interest Jane Harris (Annie Jones), who had returned to the regular cast in 2020. Other stories included all but one of the houses on Ramsay Street being put up for sale, and Amy Greenwood's (Jacinta Stapleton) plan to have more children. Herbison used the latter story to fulfil his wish to leave viewers with a remaining mystery.

There were post-production challenges, following Network 10's decision to broadcast the finale in a ninety-minute format. Episode 8901 was edited into the original sixty minute version, with the extended run-time allowing for extended dialogue and an extra cameo from Stephanie McIntosh as Sky Mangel. These were not featured in the British broadcast, where episode 8901 was broadcast earlier on the same day as the final hour, which was broadcast in a primetime slot. Herbison later revealed that there were more than fifteen minutes of footage cut from the episode. The episode featured more commercial music than any episode had done previously. One of the episode's most prominent features was a monologue performed by Jackie Woodburne as Susan Kennedy, which forms the final scenes of the show. Herbison wanted Woodburne to have the opportunity to have a final "performance of a lifetime" in ''Neighbours''. Woodburne reads Susan's entry into the Ramsay Street history book as the character reminisces and walks around a party held on Ramsay Street. Many television critics and fans praised the scene for its sentimental and emotional value.

There was considerable hype and anticipation from the media in the build-up to the finale, and the episodes attracted much praise from television critics. It was a television event that garnered many positive cast and celebrity responses, although three former cast members were disgruntled and criticised the episodes. Ratings for the finale were high; in Australia the episode was watched by 1.382 million viewers and gave Network 10 its biggest audience of the year. In the United Kingdom the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board reported that 4.02 million viewers watched the finale, with the addition of recordings and catch-up services. In the wake of the finale's success, Amazon Freevee finalised an agreement with the show's production company to revive the series, with its return announced in November 2022.

Plot

Malcolm Kennedy visits his parents, Karl and Susan, for lunch. Jane Harris also arrives to talk to Susan about her personal problems and her partner, Clive Gibbons, tells Shane Ramsay about his. Levi Canning asks Izzy to contribute to the Ramsay Street history book. Callum Rebecchi arrives home to attend his father Toadfish Rebecchi's wedding to Melanie Pearson. Clive surprises Jane by dressing up as a gorillagram. She is touched by the gesture, but they are interrupted by Mike Young on a motorcycle. Izzy becomes tearful as she reads the Kennedy family page in the history book. Mike goes to see his daughter Sam, and his old friend Paul Robinson. Karl and Susan visit Malcolm to tell him that Izzy and Shane kissed, but discover that Izzy has already told him, ending the relationship. Paul tells Mike that Shane is buying Lassiters and they arrange a get-together in the Lassiters complex. Jane meets Mike, whom she had previously dated, and she joins them for drinks. Toadie voices his regrets that his friend Amy Greenwood will not be at the wedding. Amy returns and explains that she ran away because she thought she had romantic feelings for Toadie, but Joel Samuels helped her realise otherwise. Susan finds Izzy, thanks her for being honest and tells her that she needs to find happiness. Harold and Shane join Jane, Paul, Mike and Sam, and they reminisce. An uncomfortable Jane leaves the group when Clive arrives and talks to Mike. Mike reassures Clive he is visiting Sam and does not want to reconcile with Jane.

Susan is shocked to see all the houses on Ramsay Street are up for sale. She and Karl go through the history book with Harold, who suggests she writes the introduction. Mike and Sam visit the street and meet Jane; they reminisce about their history together on a tour of the street. Paul admits to Clive that he still loves his former wife, Terese Willis. Susan and Karl discuss their neighbours leaving the street, and she admits her uncertainty about writing the book's introduction. Witnessing Jane and Mike on Ramsay Street, a drunken Clive tries to fight Mike using a lamp as a weapon. Harold separates them by spraying them with water. Clive claims to have suffered a nervous breakdown, and Mike tells Paul he is not trying to cause trouble. Des turns up and says that he told Clive to give up as Jane is not interested in him any more. Jane admits that she has thought about Mike a lot over the years, while Paul asks Mike what he wants. Paul and Terese kiss, but Paul leaves before Terese can tell him she and Glen Donnelly broke up. Karl posts a video to the Ramsay Street Facebook page, which former residents Felicity Scully and Beth Brennan watch when they coincidentally meet. Beth tells Felicity that Toadie is getting married. Back in Erinsborough, Terese tells Lucy about her kiss with Paul. Sam encourages her father to move on, like her mother has, after revealing that Jane is not attending the wedding.

Everyone gathers for Toadie and Melanie's wedding, while Mike visits Jane. Paul and Terese reconcile after the ceremony, and Paul then cancels the hotel sale. Scott and Charlene Robinson turn up on Ramsay Street and realise no one is home. Scott then stops Charlene entering through an open window at Number 24. Mike tells Jane about his break-up with Sam's mother and that, while they are emotionally damaged, they should try to be happy. The wedding party relocates to the street for the reception. Aaron Brennan, and David and Leo Tanaka, decide to stay in Erinsborough when they learn that Paul and Terese have reconciled. Nicolette Stone agrees to stay and resumes her relationship with Kiri Durant, while Elly Conway and Chloe reconcile. Toadie and Melanie decide to stay on Ramsay Street after watching congratulatory video messages. Clive tells Jane and Mike that he is going to Los Angeles. Jane reconciles her friendship with Paul. Amy tells Toadie that she found a sperm donor, implying it is someone he knows. Mike reveals to Jane and Sam that he has matched Shane's offer to buy Number 24 and will seek work at Erinsborough High. Mike confesses his love for Jane, and they resume their relationship. Susan decides what to write in the history book. She then walks through Ramsay Street as her book introduction is voiced over the scene. Various residents celebrate in the street as a floating balloon bursts, showering everyone with confetti.

Regular cast appearances

* Stefan Dennis as Paul Robinson
* Alan Fletcher as Karl Kennedy
* Ryan Moloney as Toadie Rebecchi
* Jackie Woodburne as Susan Kennedy
* Lucinda Cowden as Melanie Pearson
* Charlotte Chimes as Nicolette Stone
* Rebekah Elmaloglou as Terese Willis
* Takaya Honda as David Tanaka
* Richard Huggett as Glen Donnelly
* Annie Jones as Jane Harris
* Tim Kano as Leo Tanaka
* Gemma Bird Matheson as Kiri Durant
* Richie Morris as Levi Canning
* Geoff Paine as Clive Gibbons
* April Rose Pengilly as Chloe Brennan
* Phoebe Roberts as Freya Wozniak
* Jacinta Stapleton as Amy Greenwood
* Georgie Stone as Mackenzie Hargreaves
* Matt Wilson as Aaron Brennan

Production

Background

In July 2021, Australian magazine ''Woman's Day'' ran a story revealing ''Neighbours'' was facing cancellation. The report cited the recent decrease to four episodes a week in Australia, British broadcaster Channel 5's desire to establish an hour of news programming over the show's afternoon timeslot, and the accusations of prejudice made by guest star Shareena Clayton. The show's Executive Producer, Jason Herbison, was informed about the possibility the show could end in 2021, and relayed the news to cast and crew. On 6 February 2022, it was reported that Channel 5 had not reached a new deal with ''Neighbours'' production company Fremantle, and as a consequence would not be funding or broadcasting the show beyond its current contract. Fremantle remained committed to producing the series on the understanding the show could secure a new international backer. Herbison did not receive confirmation of Channel 5 ending their contract until shortly before it was publicised. Herbison told Andrew Mercado from ''Mediaweek'' that "we are very proud of everything Neighbours has achieved. We see the next few months as being a huge celebration for the show with a bit of everything for viewers. Any ending will be respectful of the past, the present and always open to a future." In response to the news, an online petition titled "Channel 5 – Don't Axe ''Neighbours''" was created via Change.org, which gained more than 67,000 signatures. The name of the petition's creator, Edward Skylover, was used in an episode of ''Neighbours'' broadcast later in the year, in gratitude for his display of support.

On 3 March, it was confirmed that the show would end because an alternative broadcasting partner had not been found. It was stated that production would cease in June that year after thirty-seven years of filming. A statement from the production team read: "we are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June." The statement detailed that there was "no option" to continue production but promised "to end the show on an incredible high." Herbison used the terminology that the show was being "rested" rather than "axed". He explained that ''Neighbours'' is a huge brand and the company would be "open to all possibilities", but the show was ending for the foreseeable future and cast members were free to pursue other projects following its end. In the show's final month on-screen, Channel 5 controller Ben Frow described ending the show as solely a "business decision".

Development

After the show's cancellation was confirmed, Herbison disclosed that he had already thought of an idea to end the show. He did not reveal any details and noted that it was not storylined or written, and could still change. He teased that the final episode would be a "wonderful" ending to end the show "on a high". After the finale was broadcast, he confirmed that his initial vision included "the joyous street party, Susan's voiceover, the characters no longer with us, the balloon, the original theme song and the message to audience". Herbison elected not to end the show with a destructive storyline, preferring to construct the finale as a celebration of the show's history. He told David Knox from TV Tonight that "I would never, ever blow amsay Streetup. The ending will be a celebration of the past and the present, with the door very much left open for a future." He added that "Ramsay Street is eternal" and he wanted it to live on in the minds of its viewers. Herbison and the show's story producer Shane Isheev began working together on the show's final episodes and last scenes. Herbison asked Isheev to pitch his ideas for the show's finale. Herbison began by revealing his vision and even detailed the final scene and dialogue. Isheev recalled becoming emotional and experiencing "goosebumps" upon hearing Herbison's ideas, and was so impressed with Herbison's vision that he chose not to pitch his own ideas. Isheev, a fan of the show himself, believed that he and Herbison had created an ending fitting for a ''Neighbours'' fan, while acknowledging that it would be impossible to please everyone.

Herbison, Isheev and story consultant Sarah Mayberry worked together storylining the final two weeks, before Herbison worked on the finale personally. Herbison knew there was too much material to fit into the finale, so supervised the revision of earlier episodes. On 4 March, Isheev announced that his writing team had finished storylining the show's ending. The team gathered for their final group sessions on the set of 22 Ramsay Street's rear-garden set.

On 9 May, Bella Fowler from news.com.au reported that a script of one of the final episodes had been leaked and revealed Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan's role in the finale. Fowler reported that the script ended with Scott and Charlene Robinson arriving on Ramsay Street in a car, before they step out and say the line: "We're home." The leaked script remained unverified, until Herbison later claimed that the details were inaccurate and the show's ending remained a secret. On 20 May, Alan Fletcher, who plays Karl Kennedy revealed that he had received his scripts for the show's final episode. ''Neighbours'' writer Emma J Steele also confirmed via her Twitter account that she had finished her final shift with the show. On 23 May, Herbison confirmed he had written the final episodes and the scripts had been given out to the show's cast and crew.

Herbison felt "very privileged" to be able to write the episodes and bring the show to its conclusion. He was able to write his vision of how he wanted to end the show and hoped the audience would enjoy it. He told Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly: "The magnitude of the moment is not lost on me and everyone is coming together behind the scenes to make the ending as befitting as possible." Herbison also said that he had yet to see anyone guess what would happen and believed the final scene would be quite hard to guess. Upon completion of the finale's development, Herbison hoped to "wrap everything up in a satisfying way" with "ultimately joyous" scenes that follow months of "triumph, tragedy, laughter and tears." Ryan Moloney who plays Toadie Rebecchi revealed that the finale has a "vibe" to it where everyone involved said "come on, let's finish it really well." Rebekah Elmaloglou (Terese Willis) told Tom Spilsbury of ''Total TV Guide'' that "the finale is a lovely, big celebration of the show. It was important to all of us that we went out with a bang. We're in for a treat."

Cast

In February 2022, Laura-Jayne Tyler of ''Inside Soap'' reported that Ian Smith would be reprising his role of Harold Bishop to play a part in the show's prospective finale, and that he had already started filming. On the day the show's cancellation was confirmed, it was announced that Peter O'Brien would also return as original character Shane Ramsay. Shortly after, Fletcher publicised the fact that producers were working "very hard" to convince some of the show's most memorable cast members to return for the finale. On 14 February 2022, it was reported that producers wanted Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue to reprise their respective roles as Scott Robinson and Charlene Robinson. Donovan had already stated his interest in returning while producers were waiting for Minogue's response. On 1 May 2022, their return was indicated by Instagram posts of a ''Neighbours'' script from both Minogue and Donovan. Herbison confirmed the casting news via his Twitter account and stated it would not have been right to end the show without "the ultimate ''Neighbours'' couple", adding that they "play a very special part in our series finale." Herbison told Laura-Jayne Tyler of ''Inside Soap'' that it took "very little persuading" to get Donovan and Minogue to return as they both had an appreciation for the show and the part it played in their respective careers. Herbison wrote their scene in secret and initially kept it from the script department.

Of her return, Minogue told Brooke Boney from ''Today'' that she had spent "so long" thinking a return to ''Neighbours'' would be nonsensical. Donovan suggested to Minogue that it would be a good opportunity to thank ''Neighbours''. She recalled that driving into Ramsay Street "was quite something" and that upon her return old memories resurfaced of the characters Charlene, Scott, Harold and Jane Harris (Annie Jones). She later told Jenny Paul from '' Glamour'' that she and Donovan agreed to return to thank long-term viewers of the series who watched their characters. On 26 May, footage of Minogue in character as Charlene was leaked onto video hosting application TikTok. The video showed Minogue conversing with a film crew. Donovan later revealed that their return involved "denim" clothing but warned, "I do hope the expectations aren't too big."

On 7 May 2022, numerous other cast members from each decade of the show were announced to be returning. On 24 May, Bonnie Anderson was confirmed to be returning as Bea Nilsson for the final episode, where she was reunited with her on-screen sister Elly Conway, played by Jodi Gordon. On 1 June, Rob Mills confirmed his return as Finn Kelly during an interview on ''Studio 10''. Two days later, it was announced Guy Pearce had reprised his role of Mike Young. Having already discussed a hypothetical return with Donovan, Pearce accepted the invitation to appear when it was offered in March 2022.

In the week leading up to the finale, more former cast returns were confirmed. These included Anne Charleston reprising her role as Madge Bishop for the second time since the character's death. Margot Robbie reprised her role as Donna Freedman for the episode. Her return was newsworthy as she had become a successful film actress in the United States. It was also confirmed that the characters Nina Tucker (Delta Goodrem), Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine), Billy Kennedy (Jesse Spencer) and Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner) would feature in the episode. These cast announcements were publicised via ''Neighbours'' social media in a "surprise" statement. More returns included Natalie Imbruglia as Beth Brennan and Holly Valance as Felicity Scully.

Jason Donovan's father, Terence Donovan, briefly reprised his role of Doug Willis, making the finale the only occasion where the two featured in the same episode. Jason's daughter, Jemma Donavan, had been a regular cast member as Harlow Robinson from 2019, but left the series shortly before it ended and did not appear in the finale. Jason's half-sister Stephanie McIntosh also briefly reprised her role as Sky Mangel via video in some versions of the finale. Again, it was the only episode starring both siblings. Other characters reintroduced during the episode included Callum Rebecchi (Morgan Baker), Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major) and Ned Willis (Ben Hall). Alan Fletcher told Adam Beresford from ''TV Mag'' that producers managed to secure so many returnees because they were all grateful for the many professional opportunities the show gave them. He added that the returning cast provided the viewers with a "beautiful celebratory experience", allowing the show to end "in the style it deserves." He told Tom Spilsbury from ''Total TV Guide'' that people could think the numerous returns were "a bit gratuitous" but noted that Jason Herbison had a long history of bring back former characters. He concluded that he was "blown away" and shocked Herbison managed to secure so many returning cast members.

Some returns were not made public or leaked prior to the finale. These were the returns of Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp), Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby), Tad Reeves (Jonathon Dutton), Stuart Parker (Blair McDonough), Naomi Canning (Morgana O'Reilly), Philip Martin (Ian Rawlings), Sonya Rebecchi (Eve Morey), Hendrix Greyson (Ben Turland) and Sky Mangel (Stephanie McIntosh), the latter who only appears in the Australian broadcast of the finale.

Herbison later confirmed that he wanted to bring more characters back but it was not possible due to COVID-19 isolation rules in Australia. Herbison continued to reintroduce cast into the final days of filming, and saw their successful integration as "a huge testament to the incredible crew". In addition to the cast that returned, Tom Oliver declined a personal invitation from Herbison to reprise his role as Lou Carpenter. Herbison nevertheless ensured that Lou was included in flashback sequences during the final week, in the photograph montage that accompanied the end credits, and also featured a letter addressed to "T Oliver". Don Bridges, who played Toadie's father Kevin Rebecchi, was asked to return, but he could not get time off from a play he was starring in.
Herbison also wanted to include a white Labrador Retriever running through Ramsay Street, in homage to Bouncer, but he realised it was too difficult.

Filming

The episode was directed by former ''Neighbours'' actor Scott Major, who also appears on-screen as his character, Lucas Fitzgerald. Alan Fletcher publicised the finale in the months leading up to it. In March 2022, Fletcher claimed that the finale episodes would be an "incredible celebration with returning characters and extraordinary story lines." Nevertheless, the cast were not told about how exactly the show would end prior to filming the final episode. In May 2022, Fletcher told Tina Campbell from ''Evening Standard'' that he had been on a filming break but would soon return to the ''Neighbours'' set for the final four weeks of filming. He explained that "they are keeping it all very, very top secret I have to say ..everyone has been voting on different ideas and laughing, but they are keeping it very much underwraps." He also revealed that writers had recently finished the scripts for the final episode and that it was likely to be a "huge celebration".

Minogue and Donovan filmed their return scene in the final week of April 2022, after the scheduling and logistical challenges to get both actors to film together were successfully overcome. Scott and Charlene's appearance is largely unconnected from the main storylines of the finale, with minimal dialogue. This was attributed to the pair's desire not to "overshadow" the current cast, and their scene having been filmed prior to the rest of the finale being written. Herbison was present when the pair filmed their scene and described it as "a very moving experience" and one that he felt privileged to be part of. It was later reported by a writer for the ''Herald Sun'' that body doubles had to be used when the couple were not in focus, as Minogue and Donovan were only available for half a day.

Actor Rob Mills said filming on the final episode occurred on 1 June, describing the scenes as "very heartfelt" and reporting that the show ends "beautifully". Filming on the series wrapped on 10 June 2022. Cast member Georgie Stone (Mackenzie Hargreaves) chose to miss her own film premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in order to film the show's final episodes. She said that she had to be part of the finale, as it is "a moment in history", and she wanted to finish her character's story after investing three years in it. Woodburne revealed that filming the finale scenes was challenging because of the cast's emotions. She described the finale scene as "very joyful and happy", although those involved were close to tears. Woodburne, whose in-character monologue dominates the last scene, said that "I was thrilled to be given that opportunity to narrate that last scene."

Geoff Paine, who played Clive Gibbons, described large news crew and a paparazzi presence outside of the Nunawading studios as filming concluded. There was cold weather during the final scenes filmed in Pin Oak Court, which is the setting of Ramsay Street. Paine revealed that the cast members involved had to act like it was a warm weather day. In addition paparazzi were attempting to obtain photos of the filming and Paine hid in a driveway to avoid being photographed. Fletcher described an emotional atmosphere on set but the busy filming schedule helped everyone remain focused. He told Gareth McLean from ''Radio Times'' that "right up until the end of the day, we were supressing the emotions about the end of the show and just got on with the work. We had a lot to get through and some very big scenes, and it was obviously important that we finished on time. Being extremely focused is the thing that got us through."

Natalie Imbruglia (Beth) and Holly Valance (Felicity) filmed their scenes in London on 27 May 2022, after pitching the idea that they appear together to the producers. While the characters had never previously met, Imbruglia and Valance are close friends in real life. When Pearce arrived back on the set of ''Neighbours'' he was unsure of how to play Mike again. The producers still had Mike's old motorcycle gloves which Pearce said helped him get back into character. Herbison later revealed that there were scripted scenes that were not filmed due to running out of time. There was a planned sequence showing the party on Ramsay Street being ensembled in "record time". This was cancelled but Herbison revealed he would "love" the opportunity to reinstate it. Margot Robbie sent thirty-seven bottles of champagne to the ''Neighbours'' set as a gift to celebrate the end of filming. The cast also gathered for a wrap party on the show's set after filming ceased.

Post-production

Three edits of the finale episodes were created for different broadcast territories. In Ireland, all three episodes were broadcast separately on consecutive nights. For the British broadcast, episodes 8902 and 8903 were edited together, creating a "specially-created hour" format with a "bespoke" teaser voiced by Stefan Dennis. Commercial tracks were also added to the UK broadcast, more extensively than in any previous episodes. Barnett claimed that the episode features "a mix of contemporary and classic" songs each chosen to suit the scene and "enhance the viewer experience". Production added songs from Harry Styles and George Ezra, but these were not featured in the Australian edition. The original ''Neighbours'' theme song, performed by Barry Crocker