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Shock exits, fan favourite returns and explosive storylines: Everything we know about the Neighbours finale

It's going to be quite the send off.
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As Neighbours fans prepare to farewell their beloved Ramsay Street, spoilers regarding the final episode continue to crop up.

Following the announcement that Neighbours was on its last legs, the soap promised to end the show on a high.

There have been many rumours about what’s in store for the series’ farewell – including one that hinted Ramsay Street was set to blow up.

Below, we’ve compiled everything we know about the soap’s final episode – from the plot, which characters are leaving, and which familiar faces are coming back.

There have been many rumours about what’s in store for the series’ farewell – including one that stressed Ramsay Street was set to blow up.

(Image: Ten)

How will Neighbours end?

When TV Tonight asked Neighbours‘ executive producer Jason Herbison if he would consider blowing Ramsay Street up in the farewell, he was quick to shut the suggestion down.

“I would never, ever blow it up,” Jason emphasised. “The ending will be a celebration of the past and the present, with the door very much left open for a future.

“Ramsay Street is eternal and I like to think it will live on in the hearts and minds of the viewers, long after the final scene.”

While he’s keeping his cards close to his chest, Jason did tell Digital Spy that he has “always had a vision” of how he would end Neighbours and he has stuck by that vision.

“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,” he said.

“I’m pleased to say that I haven’t seen anyone guess what happens yet – though the final scene would be hard to guess!”

WATCH: Delta Goodrem remembers her time on Neighbours. Article continues after video

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Who is leaving Neighbours?

Ahead of the final episode, some of the soap’s actors announced they would be leaving the show, including newlyweds Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan) and Roxy Willis (Zima Anderson).

It was Colette Mann, who played Sheila Canning, who announced the actors’ departures during an Isolation Interviews chat with Hospital Radio Reading – as per Digital Spy.

The publication also reported that Ned Willis (portrayed by Ben Hall) would be exiting the show as he has reached the end of his contract.

The three cast departures are said to have been pre-planned before the show’s axing was confirmed.

Ian Smith agreed to return to the show for its farewell as the iconic Harold Bishop and was to start filming in March.

(Image: Ten)

Who is returning to Neighbours?

Earlier this year, Jason Herbison confirmed that Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, AKA Scott and Charlene, will return to Neighbours for the show’s finale!

Taking to Twitter in May, the exec said it “wouldn’t feel right” ending the show without the “ultimate Neighbours couple”.

“We are thrilled that Jason and Kylie have come home to play a very special part in our series finale,” he wrote, adding that it has been an “emotional experience” for everyone.

Kylie and Jason also excited fans by sharing a cryptic glimpse of their scripts on their respective Instagram pages.

Meanwhile, Dan MacPherson announced his return via Instagram, writing: “Joel Samuels is back for the final episodes of Neighbours. I couldn’t let the show end without saying goodbye.”

What’s more, Ian Smith is also reprising his role as Harold Bishop and Guy Pearce is returning as Mike Young. The latter actor told Metro that it was “exciting and surreal” to be back on set, and it felt like “coming home”.

Natalie Imbruglia and Holly Valance are also returning, filming scenes in London where both stars now live.

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If that wasn’t enough, just days before the finale, the Neighbours UK Twitter account confirmed even more famous faces will be making a comeback.

“Surprise! You didn’t think we were done did you?! We’re thrilled to share that Margot Robbie, Jesse Spencer, Delta Goodrem, Kym Valentine and Carla Bonner will all make an appearance in our finale!” they shared.

Oscar-nominated actor Margot Robbie appeared as a regular on Neighbours from 2008 to 2011, before finding success overseas. But one particular scene in the soap may have predicted her Hollywood future.

As Margot revisits the role of Donna Freedman, she joins a number of other confirmed appearances including Guy Pearce, Daniel Macpherson, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Ian Smith.

“Whether the eighties, nineties, naughties or teens is your favourite decade, we will be delivering something for everyone as Neighbours draws to a close,” Jason Herbison said via TV Blackbox.

“Alongside the current cast we will be celebrating the most memorable characters from across many eras, with a few surprises up our sleeve.”

When will the finale premiere?

The final episode of Neighbours is premiering in Australia on Thursday, July 28th at 7:30pm – and in the UK a day later.

Channel Ten confirmed the extra long finale will run on their main channel, as well as 10 Peach.

“The history-making final episode of Australia’s longest running drama will be simulcast on 10 and 10 Peach on Thursday, July 28 at 7.30pm, in a gripping and emotional 90-minute finale,” a statement from the network said.

“We are thrilled that Jason and Kylie have come home to play a very special part in our series finale.”

(Image: Ten)

Why is Neighbours ending?

After nearly four decades on our screens, it was confirmed on 3rd March 2022 that beloved soap Neighbours was coming to an end.

The sad news was announced via the official Neighbours Twitter account on Thursday evening.

“We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June,” the first Tweet in the series read.

The statement went on to explain the reasoning behind the axing.

“Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.”

The Tweet continued by thanking the show’s “amazing” and “loyal” fans, while also promising to deliver an unforgettable finale.

“We know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.”

This article has been edited from its original on our sister site New Idea.

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