Neighbours’ Lucinda Cowden confirms Melanie Pearson axed from soap in “a bitter old pill to swallow”

As a long-time fan and connoisseur of Australian soap operas, I find myself both saddened and intrigued by Lucinda Cowden’s departure from Neighbours. Having followed Melanie Pearson‘s journey since the early days, it feels like bidding farewell to an old friend. Yet, the resilience and adaptability of Ramsay Street make me hopeful that we haven’t seen the last of Mel.

Actress Lucinda Cowden, known for her role in “Neighbours,” announced she’s parting ways with the Amazon Freevee soap opera. Contrary to popular belief, this departure was not a choice she made herself.

The Australian drama, which had been running for some time, was brought back to life on a free ad-supported streaming platform after a large public uproar about its unexpected termination in 2022.

Among several actors returning to their roles, it’s been disclosed that Cowden won’t continue portraying Melanie Pearson on Ramsay Street for long, as her contract wasn’t extended.

She shared on the NeighBens Podcast that she currently doesn’t have a job, and admitted that it was tough to accept this situation, describing it as a difficult pill to swallow.

Indeed, I must leave. I apologize, as this isn’t a choice I made myself. Unfortunately, it’s beyond my control. By the way, Mel is driving off in her truck without an immediate plan to return.

Recently, it was announced that Cowden will be departing from the Australian soap opera, with Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi), Georgie Stone (Mackenzie Hargreaves), and Shiv Palekar (Haz Devkar) also saying goodbye to the show.

She confessed, “Perhaps they were unsure how to handle Mel’s situation without Toad around, or without his family and the rest. It’s a possibility…I might be overthinking it.

“And you just make up all this stuff in your head anyway to make yourself feel better.”

The actor confirmed that Mel will undoubtedly have an appropriate farewell, featuring a final episode where her close acquaintances or neighbors will organize a party to bid her farewell and wish her well on her upcoming journey.

Oh, it’s worth mentioning that she ended up breaking her nose while filming that specific episode due to a fall on the set.

Supporters of Mel need not lose heart because the actor hinted she’ll reappear on Neighbours for a few episodes following her departure, suggesting this might not be the last we see of her character.

Cowden mentioned, “I’m optimistic that they will continue to involve Mel and allow her to visit periodically. Ideally, not just periodically but consistently, frequently even!

The star embarked on a significant path with the show “Neighbours”. She made her initial appearance from 1987 to 1991, then took a prolonged break until rejoining as a permanent cast member again in 2021.

Neighbours is available to stream on Amazon Freevee.

2024-10-29 19:34

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