Neighbours legends tease that beloved soap would be a “completely new show” should it be revived following finale

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For over forty years, the Australian soap opera Neighbours has launched the careers of many actors, making them well-known faces. However, Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne stand out as two of its most memorable and influential stars.

Okay, so as a long-time fan, it’s hitting me hard that Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne – basically, Karl and Susan Kennedy from Neighbours – are wrapping up their time on the show this week. It’s really sad because Amazon MGM Studios decided not to pick up another season back in February, and honestly, it feels like the end of an era. They’ve been playing those characters since 1994, which is just…wow. It’s going to be strange seeing Neighbours without them!

Interestingly, and unfortunately, this isn’t the first time they’ve faced this situation. Just over three years ago, the show ended with a memorable finale filled with returning stars like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, a wedding on the famous street, and a hopeful outlook.

Things are a bit unusual this time around. The future of the fictional town of Erinsborough is in danger, as new development plans could force its residents to move throughout Victoria.

The show’s current, shorter story arc leaves the possibility of it returning in the future, but it also marks a shift in direction from previous seasons. While Neighbours has been cancelled and brought back twice before, if it were to return again, it would be significantly changed.

There was definitely a feeling of accomplishment too. We were all heartbroken when the show ended before, but this time around, we managed to keep it going for two more years and another 400 episodes. We showed everyone that Neighbours wasn’t cancelled due to a lack of viewers – people still really love the show!

Woodburne notes the story’s ending felt strangely open-ended, leaving a sense of uncertainty, but also a glimmer of hope. It really highlighted the idea that you can never truly predict what will happen in life.

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Actually, the show’s creators are already brainstorming ideas for a potential reboot of Neighbours. This week’s episodes center around the residents facing a big decision: will they try to save their current homes, relocate to a new development called ‘Ramsay Hills’ led by Shane Ramsay, or move to ‘Robinson Towers,’ a new project in the city headed by Paul Robinson?

She wondered which option would be the simplest and cheapest to film, and where Karl and Susan would fit best within it. She admitted any of the three choices could work, really.

Susan really wants to save Ramsay Street, but it’s probably not realistic to think they can.

Fletcher agrees it’s fun to imagine what could happen. However, if a show similar to Neighbours were ever revived, they’d definitely consult experts like executive producer Jason Herbison to create the best possible stories.

Despite the rumors, those involved are asking fans not to hold out hope for a reunion. Both have already started new projects: Fletcher recently finished a UK music tour, and Woodburne will star in a new five-part drama called ‘Imposter,’ which premieres next week.

He says he hasn’t received any information at all about a potential continuation of the show. It would need to be a completely fresh start if it were to happen.

That’s simply the way things are now. It’s hard to predict what will happen with TV in the future. Funding television shows is so difficult and uncertain that it’s tough to say what kinds of programs will even get made.

The final episodes still have plenty of exciting moments in store. We’ll see some beloved characters return, giving Neighbours a chance to celebrate its past and tap into viewers’ fond memories.

Fletcher was thrilled to see Peter O’Brien return for a significant role in the finale. He points out that despite being successful actors, they’re always willing to contribute meaningfully when asked.

“I think having Shane pitted against Paul at the end, there was a perfect blend, if you like.”

You know, as a long-time fan, what really struck me about their relationship was how captivating it was. I think viewers will pick up on that connection, maybe not even realizing why, but it’s there. It really felt like a return to what made the show so special in the first place – that core dynamic that kept us all hooked for so long.

In closing, both hosts expressed their thanks to everyone who has supported them and the show throughout their careers.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her viewers, calling them wonderful and beautiful. “I just want to sincerely thank you all for your incredible support, encouragement, and love,” she said. “You watching our show means the world to me, and I’m so thankful it allows me to continue doing what I love.” She added that she feels nothing but gratitude and admiration for them.

As for Fletcher, it’s the same for me. I’ve become really close with many fans over the years who’ve come to shows, and now I have a different kind of relationship with them. They share what’s happening in their lives and tell me how much Neighbours means to them.

I have a strong connection with that audience, and I’m grateful they’ve welcomed me into their lives.

The last ever episode of Neighbours will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video starting at 7:30am on Thursday, December 11th.

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2025-12-09 21:35