WARNING: INCLUDES SPOILERS FROM THE FINAL EPISODE
After 39 weddings, 17 births, 39 deaths and countless mullets the iconic Australian soap Neighbours has come to an end following an impressive 37 years on the air.
Episode 8903 aired on Thursday, July 28, and certainly pulled at the heartstrings of every die-hard Neighbours fan which saw the return of classic Neighbours stars such as Guy Pierce, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donavon, Delta Goodrem and Margot Robbie for a nostalgia-heavy final goodbye.
Thank you for loving us, we love you ???? #Neighbours pic.twitter.com/dpnoykQpdf
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2022
But after decades of storylines and numerous characters, how did Neighbours wrap up and draw to a close its enduring legacy?
(WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD)
Firstly, the wedding of long-running character Toadie and his wife Mel is what served as the reason for many classic characters returning and was the major event of the episode in a series which has celebrated a number of iconic weddings.
Following the service, the attendees gathered at Karl and Susan’s house where a number of old Neighbours’ favourites sent their congratulations to the newly wedded couple via video. Some of the stars who sent their good wishes included Kym Valentine, Jesse Spencer, Delta Goodrem, Stephanie McIntosh, and now Hollywood megastar Margot Robbie.
THESE TWO ???? #AusPace pic.twitter.com/BoCNpg9W3z
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2022
However, it wouldn’t be a proper send-off without the return of Erinsborough’s favourite couple Scott and Charlene. Although their appearance was a short cameo fans would have been delighted to see the iconic couple pull into Ramsey Street in their green mini copper and look around in amazement at their old stomping ground.
“Home, sweet, home,” Charlene says as she looks around.
The couple played by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan later appeared in a party scene where they reconnected with fellow residents.
Here they are ???????? #AusPace pic.twitter.com/eFvKyk5JAY
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2022
Guy Pierce swapped the busy streets of Hollywood for the quiet cul de sac of Ramsey Street to reprise his role as Mike Young. Pierce’s character rolls back into Erinsborough to win back his former flame Jane Harris played by Annie Jones.
Fans were offered a happy ending to Mike and Jane’s love story with the couple deciding to give their relationship another go after Mike bought property on Ramsey Street and enquired about a job at the local high school.
JANE AND MIKE!!!! #AusPace pic.twitter.com/7CRyd2OOZm
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2022
The final tear-jerking moment of the episode belonged to Susan Kennedy who along with her husband Karl are choosing to stay in Ramsey Street despite so many others selling up and leaving.
In truly emotional scenes Susan took a stroll along her beloved street reflecting on her time in Erinsborough and all the amazing people that made it home.
Karl calls out to his wife, “where were you just now?”
To which she responds, “I was home”.
CRYING ???????????? #AusPace pic.twitter.com/TXDHWEQSWj
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2022
With that perfect final line, the camera rose above Ramsey Street to show ‘good neighbours and good friends’ together one final time.
As the credits rolled on one of Australia’s favourite soaps, overwhelmed fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the final episode. The only thing rivalling the number of guest stars who returned was the almost endless number of fans who shared their feeling about the emotional finale.
That ending was awesome..
like a firework finale..
person after person..
was like another explosion
then the glitter..— Sacr0w (@talkingmadalien) July 28, 2022
That ending was awesome..
like a firework finale..
person after person..
was like another explosion
then the glitter..— Sacr0w (@talkingmadalien) July 28, 2022
Man, I’m 35 and been watching since a kid, be it siblings, grandparents, parents, extended family or friends. Remembering the big moments, and watching it come full circle to kinda where it truly began for most. Scott, Charlene, Mike, Jane, Paul… can’t believe it’s over.
— Tim Roberts (@TimboRoberts) July 28, 2022
THIS WAS SO BEAUTIFULLY DONE! NEIGHBOURS WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART ????
— Christie????||???????????? (@Merrell_Wonka) July 28, 2022
The ending was so beautiful and perfect ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/JFcYMlMYcY
— Mario Carusello (@MCarusello) July 28, 2022
Susan’s speech was perfect. Neighbours was a show that I thought would be around forever. Crazy that the last episode has come and gone.
The Simpsons at 6:00pm – Neighbours at 6:30pm.
— Jack. (@Jackylegz_) July 28, 2022
Neighbours first aired on March 18, 1985 becoming one of the longest running drama series in Australian television history.