Neighbours executives explain Kylie Minogue’s limited dialogue in final episode

The final episode of the long-running Australian soap Neighbours left many die-hard fans in tears following the nostalgia-heavy final goodbye.

However, one detail in the last episode had fans scratching their heads as confusion reigned among fans as to why Kylie Minogue (Charlene) and Jason Donovan (Scott) had so little dialogue in their highly anticipated return to Ramsey Street.

During the couple’s brief return there are only a handful of lines uttered by the pair with Minogue delivering only five words which included, “Home, sweet home” upon her arrival and “Jane!” and “Harold!” when she spots fellow neighbours.

Following the episode, fans took to social media to address Minogue and Donovan’s lack of dialogue.

They could afford Kylie Minogue but only if she didn’t speak. #Neighbours

— Completely over it. (@kaffando) July 28, 2022

Obsessed with Neighbours getting Kylie Minogue back to speak about five or six words and nothing more. Excellent nodding and smiling though.

— TellyAddict (@TVAddict2K22) July 29, 2022

Omg @kylieminogue was almost mute in #Neighbours why did she not have lines? Sorry thought it was rubbish

— carol decker (@caroldecker) July 29, 2022

Following the outcry from the public, Neighbours’ producers have now addressed the matter telling TV Tonight that their short cameo was related to filming schedules and a desire to not steal focus from the rest of the cast.

“Our discussions with Jason and Kylie were always about making a small appearance,” Executive Producer Jason Herbison said.

“They didn’t want to overshadow the current cast or make the finale about them. We also filmed their scenes before I’d written the episode, so whatever we filmed had to fit in with that.

“I hate to see Kylie copping any criticism, she was nothing short of amazing on the day.”

Herbison’s explanation for the limited dialogue comes as Minogue recently took to Instagram to share photos from her time on Neighbours, revealing “there were tears” during her return to Erinsborough.

“Yep, there were tears! Congratulations to the @neighbours team for the heart-warming and celebratory finale. You’ll be in my heart always!!!,” she captioned the photo.

 

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A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue)

Following an impressive 37 years on the air, Neighbours drew to a close on Thursday, July 28 with episode 8903. Hundreds of thousands of Australians tuned in to not only witness the return of Minogue and Donovan but also to see fellow classic cast members such as Guy Pierce, Delta Goodrem and Margot Robbie make an appearance.

Neighbours first aired on March 18, 1985, becoming one of the longest-running drama series in Australian television history.