As the beloved Aussie soap opera Neighbours draws to its 37-year conclusion, I can’t help but reflect on the adventures and melodramas of Ramsay Street throughout the decades.
After all, not only is the soap opera as iconic as the MCG, Vegemite or Bonds underwear, it’s something we all grew up with. Who would have guessed that so many marriages, divorces, tragic deaths, explosions, tornados, identical twins, stalking, adultery, amnesia, split personalities, plane crashes and characters returning from the dead, could happen in one sleepy Melbourne cul-de-sac!
Original cast members Annie Jones (Jane Harris), Ian Smith (Harold Bishop), Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Jason Donovan (Scott Robinson) and Kylie Minogue (Charlene Ramsay) gather together for the Neighbours finale. Photo: Fremantle Media
Maybe we didn’t always tune in, but it was always there to catch up on. Most Australians would fail to name the Minister for Home Affairs, but they know that Toadie, Harold, Madge, Karl, Susan, Mrs Mangle and of course Scott and Charlene were all famous Ramsay Street residents.
Myself with Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson)
During its heyday, Neighbours was ‘bigger than The Beatles’, especially in the UK where viewers embraced the laidback sunny neighbourhood of Erinsborough, igniting a steady influx of enthusiastic backpackers! The cast were even flown to London for a Royal Command Performance.
Interviewing Tim Robards (Pierce Greyson)
Stars such as Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Delta Goodrem, Jesse Spencer and Liam Hemsworth all found success, thanks to Neighbours. But of course, it was Kylie Minogue who became the cul-de-sac’s most famous international export with her phenomenal music career.
The cast were even flown to London for a Royal Command Performance.
The iconic Neighbours opening credits
My first ever friend from the entertainment world was Darius Perkins, who played the original Scott Robinson. We met in Collingwood, Melbourne, during my post-college and his post-neighbours days. Both being the same age, the thing I remember most about Darius – apart from his frustratingly good looks – was how much we thought alike. Sadly, Darius died of cancer in 2019. In those later years when we reconnected on Facebook told me, “How could I ever forget you!” I will certainly never forget him.
Darius Perkins played the original Scott Robinson and returned many years later as a new character
Fast forward to my life as an entertainment journalist, and Ramsay Street became a familiar stop on my schedule. Ben Hall, Rob Mills, Ben Barber, Tim Phillipps, Craig McLachlan, Daniel McPherson, Kip Gamblin, Tim Robards, Scott McGregor, Benny Turland, Chris Milligan and Richie Morris were some of the stars I interviewed.
With Scott McGregor who played Detective Mark Brennan
When Georgie Stone entered the show as the first trans character Mackenzie Hargreaves, we did an emotionally charged interview where she, myself and publicist Kelly Davis all became quite teary-eyed. Georgie’s courageous real-life story was similarly reflected in her character.
With Georgie Stone who played Mackenzie Hargreaves
Georgie’s courageous real-life story was similarly reflected in her character.
Then there was the first gay wedding on Australian television, between Aaron Brennan (Matty Wilson) and David Tanaka (Takaya Honda). What a unique experience that was, to hang out with these fabulous guys, and I even got to hold the Neighbours sign – appropriately updated with rainbow colours. As a further memento I have a personally signed invitation to their wedding!
A great piece of memorabilia – an invitation to Aaron and David’s wedding!
Aaron and David’s story continued to push new boundaries when they fostered a child. That presented the opportunity to interview Neighbours producer Jason Herbison, as well as Deborra-lee Furness, who created the organisation Adopt Change, supporting and caring for displaced children.
I even got to hold the Neighbours sign – specifically updated with rainbow colours.
Takaya Honda and Matty Wilson with Deborra-lee Furness and Ezra Justin who played foster child Emmett
I mentioned the show’s publicist Kelly Davis, because she not only arranged my interviews through Fremantle Media, but also became a great friend. Attending her wedding was indeed a highlight of 2022. Kelly also took me along to a ‘conversational’ evening with Alan (Dr Karl) Fletcher, where I’ll always fondly remember singing the Neighbours theme song – with the cast!
With Fremantle Media publicist Kelly Davis
I’ll always fondly remember singing the Neighbours theme song – with the cast!
So, there is indeed some sadness in saying goodbye to those well-known residents of Ramsay Street. It’s also somewhat poignant and ironic that in my own life, I’m presently saying farewell to my own childhood neighbourhood, with the family home recently sold. Just like the Robinsons, Ramsays, Kennedys and so on, there were adventures, dramas, celebrations, and comedies of errors in Vincent Street, Oak Park. It was Oscar Wilde who famously said, ‘Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life’.
With April Rose Pengilly who played Chloe Brennan
I for one, will be tuning in this week for the Neighbours grand finale, and considering the return of so many old favourites – including Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan – so will millions of others. Get the tissues ready and prepare to hear that earworm theme song one last time. Without a doubt, it will be a ratings bonanza – 37 years in the making!
With Olympia Valance who played Paige Smith
Another great acting mate, Ben Hall who played Ned Willis
Matty Wilson was also a DNA cover model (in a previous life!)
.. and so was Tim Robards!
Rob Mills played the notorious bad guy Finn Kelly
With Ben Turland who played Hendrix Greyson
With Tim Phillipps who played Scott and Charlene’s son Daniel Robinson
With Sharon Johal who played Dipi Rebecchi
You can watch the Neighbours finale on Network 10, and still catch up with episodes at: 10play.com.au
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