Neighbours to return for brand new series despite soap’s emotional final episode on Channel 5

Neighbours will return for a brand-new series despite a “final” episode full of emotional reunions airing earlier this year.

After 37 years on screen, the Australian soap ended with a double-show special in July which featured star-studded cameos from Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie and singer Natalie Imbruglia.

Its run came to an end after it failed to secure new funding having been dropped by Channel 5.

But now, the long-running show is set for a revival by streaming site Amazon Freevee and production company Fremantle, with a new series to begin filming in Australia next year.

The finale was watched by millions of fans and generated significant fanfare and so the lives, loves, and challenges of the residents on Ramsay Street in Erinsborough, will continue next year with the likes of Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Ryan Moloney and Jackie Woodburne returning to reprise their leading roles.

In a social media teaser clip announcing the news, Woodburne, 66, is seen in character as Susan Kennedy excitedly informing some of the soap’s most recognisable characters, including Karl Kennedy, Toadie Rebecchi and Paul Robinson, of the news.

Neighbours first aired in 1985 and followed the lives of those living and working in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough.

Commenting on the news, head of AVOD original content and programming at Amazon Studios, Lauren Anderson, said: “Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street.

New home, NEW Neighbours… and plenty of old ones too. 🏘️

That’s right! #Neighbours will return for a brand-new series in 2023 exclusively on @AmazonFreevee, alongside thousands of episodes from previous seasons to stream for free! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/TEhPL6ggdx
— Neighbours (@neighbours) November 17, 2022

“With the power of streaming, we’re able to offer a catalogue of thousands of Neighbours episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series and current fans to relive their favourite moments.

“We look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers.”

Along with the return of a number of recognisable on-screen characters, Jason Herbison, Neighbours’ executive producer since 2013, will maintain his position on the new chapter of Neighbours and Andrew Thompson will also return as producer.

Production is set to begin early next year, with a world premiere slated for the second half of the year.