Over the past 8000 episodes, beloved drama series Neighbours has dished up plenty of unforgettable and iconic moments.
From 1985, all the way through to 2018, we take a look back at the show’s most memorable events with a countdown of our top 50.
Neighbours’ 8000th episode airs Friday 21st of December, 6:30pm, on 10 Peach.
50) TOADIE FAREWELLS THE MULLET
50) TOADIE FAREWELLS THE MULLET
Never before had a haircut created so much buzz!
After years of having one of the worst haircuts TV had ever seen, Ryan Moloney decided he wanted his character Toadfish Rebecchi to lose the mullet.
So with a plotline that he would do it for charity, in 1999, Lou gleefully chopped it off.
49) THE CASE OF TWO LIBBY KENNEDYS
49) THE CASE OF TWO LIBBY KENNEDYS
In 2008, when Kym Valentine fell ill with pneumonia and was signed off work for a month, Michala Banas stepped in to play Libby.
48) MARCO’S BUSHFIRE DEATH
48) MARCO’S BUSHFIRE DEATH
In 2008, Neighbours fans wept when Marco Silvani (Jesse Rosenfeld) died in a bushfire.
His death was especially memorable because, during his tear-jerking funeral, he returned to his grieving wife Carmella Cammeniti (Natalie Blair) as a vision.
47) THE AUSSIE SHOW THAT TAKES OVER THE UK
47) THE AUSSIE SHOW THAT TAKES OVER THE UK
Neighbours was bought by the BBC in 1986 and quickly became one of the UK’s most popular dramas. Up to 16 million people – more than the population of Australia at the time – tuned in to watch.
46) NEIGHBOURS FINDS NEW HOME(S)
46) NEIGHBOURS FINDS NEW HOME(S)
After airing on Network Ten for 15 years, the series packed up and shifted to its new home on the then-new digital channel Eleven in 2011.
The channel has recently undergone a makeover and name change to 10 Peach.
Throughout its time on air, the show also shifted its classification from G to PG, reflecting the more mature storylines.
45) NELL REBECCHI’S TRAUMATIC AT-HOME BIRTH
45) NELL REBECCHI’S TRAUMATIC AT-HOME BIRTH
When Nell (Scarlett Anderson) was born in 2013, Toadie and Sonya (Eve Morey) were thrilled to be parents.
Nell was delivered by emergency caesarean after Sonya had complications during the homebirth.
44) SUSAN NEARLY BURIED ALIVE
44) SUSAN NEARLY BURIED ALIVE
Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) became a mother figure to army veteran Nate Kinski (Meyne Wyatt), so he was horrified when, in 2014, he almost buried her alive!
She was knocked unconscious when she fell into a hole he was digging and, unaware she was there, Nate began to refill the pit. Luckily, Susan survived the ordeal.
43) MATRIARCH HELEN’S DEATH
43) MATRIARCH HELEN’S DEATH
It was the end of an era for Neighbours when Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy) died in 1997.
She was the last remaining character from the show’s original 12 and had appeared in 1656 episodes.
Helen died peacefully at home with her friends around her after watching a video of Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene’s (Kylie Minogue) wedding.
42) FORBIDDEN LOVE – SKY AND LANA
42) FORBIDDEN LOVE – SKY AND LANA
Sky Mangel (Stephanie McIntosh) and Lana Crawford (Bridget Neval) formed a close bond – and shared Neighbours‘ first lesbian kiss in 2004.
41) DELIVERING A HIGH-PROFILE CAMEO APPEARANCE
41) DELIVERING A HIGH-PROFILE CAMEO APPEARANCE
Just how popular Neighbours had become in England was obvious when Aussie expat Clive James, one the UK’s best-known TV critics, talked his way into a 1996 guest role – as a postman delivering mail.
40) THE KENNEDYS GO SKINNY-DIPPING
40) THE KENNEDYS GO SKINNY-DIPPING
They’re one of TV’s most enduring couples, but Dr Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) and wife Susan weren’t always so respectable.
Like the time they got sprung skinny-dipping in their neighbour’s spa in 1995. And it wasn’t the last time they appeared nude in Neighbours!
39) ANNALISE JILTED AT THE ALTAR
39) ANNALISE JILTED AT THE ALTAR
If Scott and Charlene’s wedding was a dream, then Annalise Hartman (Kimberley Davies) and Mark’s Gottlieb (Bruce Samazan) big day in 1994 was an absolute nightmare.
She was hoping for “I do”, but got “I don’t”, as Mark realised he didn’t want to be a husband – he wanted to be a priest!
38) SHANE WARNE BOWLS ERINSBOROUGH OVER
38) SHANE WARNE BOWLS ERINSBOROUGH OVER
In 2006, cricket legend Shane Warne (here with Boyd Hoyland) made his first TV cameo when he came to Erinsborough to collect a charity cheque.
37) BOUNCER’S WEDDING DREAM (YES, REALLY)
37) BOUNCER’S WEDDING DREAM (YES, REALLY)
In 1991, Bouncer the dog drifted off to sleep and happily dreamt of putting on a bow tie to marry Rosie, the dog next door.
Easily one of Neighbours‘ most surreal moments.
36) FAREWELL, MRS MANGEL
36) FAREWELL, MRS MANGEL
True to Neighbours‘ mission to depict real life, when Mrs Mangel (Vivean Gray) died in 1988, it shocked Erinsborough and fans.
Even more of a shock was that some characters admitted they weren’t that upset to see her go.
35) MRS MANGEL’S CONTROVERSIAL PORTRAIT
35) MRS MANGEL’S CONTROVERSIAL PORTRAIT
When Erinsborough’s leading artist Helen painted a portrait of local gossip Mrs Mangel in 1987, what she revealed was accurate, but unflattering – and it divided the street.
The infamous portrait resurfaced in a 2016 storyline.
34) PAIGE & LAUREN’S TOPLESS PROTEST
34) PAIGE & LAUREN’S TOPLESS PROTEST
Paige Smith (Olympia Valance) and Lauren Turner (Kate Kendall) staged a tops-off protest in 2015 when Paul doctored a logo Paige had designed.
Their headline-grabbing move worked, as he caved into their demands shortly afterwards.
33) PAUL ROBINSON LOSES A LEG
33) PAUL ROBINSON LOSES A LEG
In 2005, Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis, inset) had his leg amputated after an infection set in when he fell from a cliff while trying to escape some crims.
Over the years, his limp has noticeably decreased…
32) STEPH’S LESBIAN KISS
32) STEPH’S LESBIAN KISS
The chemistry between Steph Scully (Carla Bonner) and Victoria Lamb (Claudia Greenstone) was undeniable.
And when they finally kissed in 2017, after weeks of will-they-or-won’t-they tension – it seemed, for a moment, that unlucky-in-love Steph had finally found happiness. Sadly it wasn’t to be…
31) WHO IS HUGO’S DAD?
31) WHO IS HUGO’S DAD?
As if Dee Bliss’ (Madeleine West) return wasn’t enough, this year, a DNA test proved baby Hugo (John Turner) was her love child with Toadie.
The shock news meant Toadie and Sonya had to put their plans to have a child via IVF on hold.
30) NEIGHBOURS TURNS 30!
30) NEIGHBOURS TURNS 30!
When the show celebrated 30 years on air in 2015, some familiar faces returned. They included Nina Tucker (Delta Goodrem), Des Clarke (Paul Keane) and Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major).
29) RAMSAY ST FAREWELLS MADGE
29) RAMSAY ST FAREWELLS MADGE
Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston) was the friend everyone relied on and the mum they all turned to.
When she died in the arms of her husband Harold (Ian Smith) in 2001, there wasn’t a dry eye in the country.
28) FINN, THE TOXIC TEACHER
28) FINN, THE TOXIC TEACHER
Teacher Finn Kelly’s (Rob Mills) arrival in Erinsborough in 2017 was terrifying.
Elly Conway’s (Jodi Anasta) ex is bad news – as his student Xanthe Canning (Lilly Van der Meer) and Elly’s sister Bea Nilsson (Bonnie Anderson) have learnt.
27) PLAIN JANE GETs A MAKEOVER
27) PLAIN JANE GETS A MAKEOVER
In 1986, Charlene gave “Plain Jane Superbrain” (Annie Jones) a makeover and she won the heart of Mike Young (Guy Pearce)!
26) FLICK AND STEPH’S FIGHT
26) FLICK AND STEPH’S FIGHT
When Steph walked down the aisle to marry boyfriend Marc (David Karakai), everyone expected another beautiful Neighbours wedding.
But when she said “I do”, he replied “I can’t… I’m in love with your sister!”
Steph and “princess” Flick’s (Holly Valance) subsequent screaming match in Ramsay Street was a 2002 highlight.
25) KERRY’S SHOOTING
25) KERRY’S SHOOTING
In 1990, another series favourite, Kerry Mangel (Linda Hartley-Clark), was killed by duck hunters during a protest.
Her last words? “I heard they shot two more ducks!”
24) THE BALLOON CRASH
24) THE BALLOON CRASH
In a gripping 2016 cliffhanger, villain Jacka Hills (Brad McMurray) cruelly sabotaged the hot-air balloon Lauren was taking a ride in for her hens’ do with Elly, Piper Willis (Mavournee Hazel) and Paige.
Stowaway Regan Davis (Sabeena Manalis) didn’t survive the crash.
23) JANE’S DRAMATIC RETURN
23) JANE’S DRAMATIC RETURN
When a familiar face from the earliest days of the show makes a comeback, it’s quite the event.
To learn this year that sweet Jane Harris had transformed into Mrs Mangel 2.0 was a brilliant plot twist. We can’t wait to see if she’ll hook up with Paul!
22) A VERY SPICY CAMEO
22) A VERY SPICY CAMEO
Spice Girl Emma Bunton appeared as herself in the show in 2007.
She returned the engagement ring Karl had dropped – he was going to propose to Susan with it. When Susan realised who Karl was talking to, she was thrilled.
21) PAUL’S (EXTREMELY) SHORT-LIVED MARRIAGE
21) PAUL’S (EXTREMELY) SHORT-LIVED MARRIAGE
In 2006, moments after saying “I do”, Paul dumped Lyn Scully, saying he’d never be able to remain faithful.
It was the show’s shortest-lived marriage – and one of the meanest things he’s done.
20) DONNA AND RINGO WED
20) DONNA AND RINGO WED
In 2010, the wedding of Ringo Brown (Sam Clark) and Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie) was simply magical.
Donna walking down the aisle to Ringo’s version of Angry Anderson’s “Suddenly” – the song made famous at Scott and Charlene’s wedding – was a nice touch.
19) KARL’S STEAMY AFFAIR WITH IZZY
19) KARL’S STEAMY AFFAIR WITH IZZY
Proving he hadn’t learnt a thing after his first affair, Dr Karl caused yet more strife in 2004 when he fell for Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) and started a liaison that has had repercussions to this day.
18) PAUL’S RETURN TO RAMSAY STREET
18) PAUL’S RETURN TO RAMSAY STREET
One of the original 12 characters, Paul Robinson had been written out of Neighbours in 1993.
His return as the street’s troublemaker in 2004 delighted fans, injected new life into the series, and led to a time-travel webisode surreal enough to rival Bouncer’s wedding dream.
17) DREW’S DEATH LEAVES LIBBY (AND US) HEARTBROKEN
17) DREW’S DEATH LEAVES LIBBY (AND US) HEARTBROKEN
With his long hair and big smile, heart-throb Drew Kirk (Dan Paris) caught the eye of Libby.
Their fairytale romance was cut short, however, when, in 2002, he fell from a horse and died of his injuries.
16) KYLIE SAYS GOODBYE TO ERINSBOROUGH
16) KYLIE SAYS GOODBYE TO ERINSBOROUGH
With her music career taking off, Kylie Minogue decided it was time for Charlene to “move to Queensland”.
So in 1988, she packed her Mini, kissed Scott goodbye and drove off. And as she did, fans could hear cast member Ian Smith call, “Bye, Kylie!”
15) DAPHNE’S SHOCKING DEATH
15) DAPHNE’S SHOCKING DEATH
In 1988, Neighbours producers showed just how far they were prepared to go when Daphne Clarke (Elaine Smith) – one of the original characters and one of the most-loved – died in the arms of her husband Des.
14) HAROLD TRIES TO STRANGLE PAUL
14) HAROLD TRIES TO STRANGLE PAUL
After the tragic deaths of his son David (Kevin Harrington), daughter-in-law Liljana (Marcella Russo) and granddaughter Serena (Lara Sacher) in 2005’s Bass Strait plane crash, a grief-stricken and enraged Harold blamed Paul for the crash and attempted to strangle him.
Bad Harold rarely appeared in the show, but when he did, he could be terrifying. Paul survived the attack.
13) A TORNADO RIPS THROUGH
13) A TORNADO RIPS THROUGH
When a tornado struck Erinsborough in 2014, few were left unscathed.
Susan was forced to perform an emergency tracheotomy on a choking Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver).
12) MADGE RETURNS
12) MADGE RETURNS
It was an unlikely plot, but Madge’s return to Harold in 2015 in a series of visions after his car crash at the Erinsborough Festival was beautifully realised.
11) THE SLAP
11) THE SLAP
After seeing Karl and Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles) sneaking off together for months, Neighbours fans cheered when, in 1998, Susan found out the truth and gave her cheating husband a huge slap.
10) KARL’S FIRST AFFAIR
10) KARL’S FIRST AFFAIR
One of the most controversial storylines to rock Erinsborough came in 1997 when family man Dr Karl did the unthinkable and began an affair with Sarah.
They shared a kiss – and surely a lot more.
9) KATE’S DEATH
9) KATE’S DEATH
Kate Ramsay’s (Ashleigh Brewer) murder in 2014 was one of the series’ most tragic deaths.
She was shot by Victor Cleary (Richard Sutherland) and collapsed in the arms of her new fiancé Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor).
8) WHO PUSHED PAUL?
8) WHO PUSHED PAUL?
To mark Neighbours‘ 6000th episode in 2010, the “Who pushed PR?” storyline had us gripped.
We later learnt Paul’s wife Rebecca (Jane Hall) was responsible for shoving her cheating husband off a balcony after finding out about his affair with Diana Marshall (Jane Badler).
7) IZZY GIVES BIRTH
7) IZZY GIVES BIRTH
Izzy turned up when Karl and Susan were remarrying in London in 2007 – and gave birth to Karl’s daughter during the ceremony.
Talk about an entrance!
6) NEIGHBOURS MAKES HISTORY WITH SAME-SEX WEDDING
6) NEIGHBOURS MAKES HISTORY WITH SAME-SEX WEDDING
Erinsborough loves a wedding, but one of the most special was this year’s same-sex nuptials between David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson).
Magda Szubanski playing the celebrant was a bonus.
5) HAROLD IS BACK FROM THE DEAD
5) HAROLD IS BACK FROM THE DEAD
After being feared drowned at sea, Harold Bishop made a surprise return to Ramsay Street after five years in 1996.
Now called “Ted”, he claimed he’d lost his memory and had been living in Tasmania, where he played the tuba in the Salvation Army band.
4) TOADIE MARRIES DEE
4) TOADIE MARRIES DEE
Ramsay Street rejoiced when Toadfish asked lovely Dee (Madeleine West) to be his wife in 2003.
Tragically, however, moments after the ceremony, their car plunged off a cliff and poor Dee was lost at sea forever – or so it seemed…
3) DEE’S RETURN
3) DEE’S RETURN
In one of Neighbours‘ most explosive storylines, the return of Dee in 2017 was a masterstroke.
The fact that Dee turned out to be an imposter called Andrea Somers did little to dim the impact.
2) NEIGHBOURS LAUNCHES
2) NEIGHBOURS LAUNCHES
Originally produced by the Seven Network, Neighbours was designed by its creator Reg Watson to be a realistic look at how Australian families lived and faced normal issues in a typical Aussie suburb.
The first episode aired on March 18, 1985.
1) SCOTT AND CHARLENE’S WEDDING
1) SCOTT AND CHARLENE’S WEDDING
The 1987 nuptials of teen sweethearts Charlene Ramsay and Scott Robinson broke records for viewer numbers in Australia – still the highest the drama has recorded – and the UK.
