Iconic Neighbours star reveals career change after quitting long-running role

For many Australians, one man on television symbolised reliability, steadfastness, and a rather memorable hairstyle. Now, that man has announced he is leaving the role that has endeared him to audiences worldwide for the last three decades.

Actor Ryan Moloney, who portrays Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi, on the popular Aussie soap Neighbours is bidding farewell to Ramsey Street for good.

In a video posted on the Neighbours Instagram page, Moloney revealed that while he will no longer play the iconic character, he will remain involved with the show.

“Although I won’t be bringing you our fantastic storylines in front of the camera, I do hope to be bringing them to you from the other side – behind the camera,” he said.

“I have just started director training and just finished filming my first episode as director, so I really hope you enjoy that. ”

 

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Fans were quick to offer their support to Moloney, with many expressing their sadness and encouragement over his post.

“This is just such sad news that you are leaving #Neighbours and it’s going to be hard that #Toadie isn’t going to be in Ramsay Street anymore. Seriously though, thank you for absolutely everything over the years,” wrote one.

“Icon, legend and one of the kindest, most intelligent people I know. You are absolutely going to crush directing! I look forward to acting in your directorial debut feature film.”

At this stage, it is hard to tell what Maloney’s departure will mean for the long-running series.

In July 2022, die-hard fans were forced to bid an emotional goodbye to the much-loved soap which had enjoyed a 37-year run before it was axed in  Australia after the show was cancelled in the UK and producers were unable to secure alternative funding.

However, a few months later it was announced that Neighbours would be making a comeback after producers made a deal with Amazon Freevee.

In the meantime, UK ‘Toadfish’ fans can still catch up with Maloney as he prepares to hit the road with his solo tour, Toad On The Road.

The Q&A tour will hear Moloney discuss all things ‘Toadfish’ and  Neighbours later in the year. So far, no Australian dates have been announced.