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Wales Online
Lifestyle
Jared Evitts

Neighbours final episode: When will it air, what's the storyline and why is it ending?

Since its debut in 1985, Neighbours has been one of the most-loved soaps in both the UK and Australia, winning over generations of fans. But the series that brought us the likes of Scott and Charlene, Harold Bishop and Bouncer the dog is coming to an end.

The final episode was filmed earlier this year and the soap will broadcast for the last time later this month. But what can viewers expect?

Here we take a look back at the history of Neighbours, its famous former stars, the storyline for the final episode and why it's sadly coming to an end.

Read more: Suranne Jones issues long statement as her show Gentleman Jack is cancelled

When is last episode on and how can I watch it?

The final episode of Neighbours airs at 9pm on Friday, July 29 and UK viewers can watch the one-hour long finale on Channel 5. The penultimate episode will be shown on Channel 5 the same day, first at 1.45pm and then at 6pm.

Are there any former stars coming back for the final episode?

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan have been confirmed after several decades of absence as coming back for the show's finale. Another notable inclusion was announced last month, as Guy Pearce (Mike) confirmed he would be involved in the final episode.

Guy Pearce (Getty)

After Neighbours, Pearce went on to appear in Hollywood films like The Kings Speech and LA Confidential. With producers attempting to keep as much of the episode a secret as possible, there could also be a few surprises in store.

What do we know about the final storyline?

Since the news of Neighbours' end date, speculation has gone wild for how the show might draw to a close. Producers have remained tight-lipped about how the show may be left for the final time.

Nothing concrete has been confirmed, however rumours from a leaked script have circulated that the show will conclude with Charlene and Scott Robinson (Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan) returning to Ramsay Street. We know the stars are making a comeback - read more about Kylie and Jason's reunion here - but we can't be sure of what's happening to their characters. There's only one way to find out.

Why is Neighbours finishing?

After the announcement earlier this year that the show was ending, fans were anxious to know the reason behind the well-loved soap's demise. Channel 5, which broadcasts the show in the UK, announced it would cut its funding, to allow more money to be put into original UK dramas.

After not being able to find sufficient alternative funding, Neighbours then announced its journey would be coming to an end this year.

When did Neighbours start and what have been the biggest storylines over the years?

Running since 1985, Neighbours is the longest-running drama series on Australian television. It was shown on BBC One until 2008, when it moved to its long-term home, Channel 5.

Reminiscing over the show's most iconic moments, there is nowhere else to start than Scott and Charlene's wedding in 1987. Viewed by an audience of 19.6 million in the UK, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan were written into Neighbours folklore with their characters weddings.

No more dreaming about tomorrow... Scott (Jason Donavon) and Charlene (Kylie Minogue) will be making a cameo in Neighbours as it draws to an end (AFP)

Other notable mentions include the death of 'the mother of Neighbours' Helen Daniels in 1997 and the first same-sex marriage on Australian TV in 2018, following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia.

Which famous stars have appeared in Neighbours?

Over the years Neighbours has had a feast of stars who first appeared in the programme, and then went on to achieve big things in their careers. Here's just a few:

Kylie Minogue

You can't talk about Neighbours without mentioning Kylie Minogue. She played mechanic Charlene Robinson from 1986-88. Her character struck up a relationship with Scott in the programme, played by another notable name, Jason Donovan.

Kylie Minogue (Mirror)

The Melbourne-born actress went on to release various hit singles both in the UK and Australia such as Can't Get You Out Of My Head and I Should Be So Lucky.

Jason Donovan

Another actor-turned musician, Jason Donovan, played Scott Robinson from 1986-89. His acting career has taken him from in front of the camera, to on the stage.

Donovan appeared in various stage shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway and in pantomime in Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Also boasting a successful career in music, he has sold over three million records in the UK.

Margot Robbie

Perhaps lesser-known for her role in Neighbours, Margot Robbie played Donna Freedman between 2008 and 2011. Despite being best known for her roles in films such as: The Wolf of Wall Street, Ted and Suicide Squad, a young Robbie spent three years with Neighbours.

Liam Hemsworth

Having only appeared in 19 episodes, Liam Hemsworth's time in Neighbours was brief. He played the role of Josh Taylor from 2007-2008.

Since his short stint on the soap, he has gone on to appear in The Hunger Games, Independence Day: Resurgence and The Last Song.

You can read about the Neighbours stars who went on to appear in Hollywood here.

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