"Neighbours Cast Films Emotional Final Scenes for Ramsay Street Revival as 40-Year Soap Ends with Hope for Future"

Neighbours Bids Farewell After Four Decades: Cast Shares Emotional Goodbye

Veteran stars Annie Jones and Stefan Dennis joined their Neighbours castmates for an emotional final day on set as the iconic Australian soap concluded filming after nearly 40 years. The beloved series, which first aired in 1985, wrapped production at Melbourne’s Nunawading studios, marking the end of an era for its devoted global fanbase.

Annie Jones, 55, famously known as “Plain Jane Superbrain” during her original 1986–1989 stint, returned to the show in 2018 after stepping away to care for her late mother, who had Alzheimer’s. On set, she offered comfort to her colleagues, wrapping them in heartfelt hugs. “It’s bittersweet,” she shared. “This show has been a constant in so many lives, including mine.”

Stefan Dennis, 66, the only original cast member still on the show, portrayed the scheming Paul Robinson for four decades, with a hiatus between 1992 and 2004. During the final shoot, he handed out Chupa Chups lollipops—a nod to his character’s iconic habit. “I never imagined one show would give me such incredible adventures,” he said. “It’s been the ride of a lifetime.”

[Image: Annie Jones and Stefan Dennis embracing castmates on set.]
Caption: Annie Jones (left) and Stefan Dennis (right) comfort colleagues during the final filming day.

The cast and crew gathered for a tearful group hug and a final photo, commemorating decades of storytelling centered on the fictional suburb of Erinsborough. The revival by Amazon Prime Video in 2023 added 460 episodes to its 9,000-episode legacy, but the streamer recently confirmed the December 11 finale would conclude the series for good.

Executive producer Jason Herbison reflected, “We’re proud of the stories we’ve told. While this chapter ends, Ramsay Street’s doors may open again someday.”

[Image: Cast group photo from 2008 featuring Stefan Dennis, Alan Dale, and others.]
Caption: A throwback cast photo from Neighbours’ earlier years.

Longtime stars Alan Fletcher (Dr. Karl Kennedy) and Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy), who joined the show in the 1990s, shared their gratitude. Fletcher called the set his “happy place,” while Woodburne said, “It’s been a wild, fulfilling ride. We’re a family.”

[Image: Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne on set in 2024.]
Caption: Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne, beloved as the Kennedys, on their final day.

Newer cast members also expressed sadness. Matt Wilson (Aaron Brennan) called Neighbours “a beacon of hope,” and Ben Jackson (Max Ramsay) said working on the show was “the greatest gift.” Naomi Rukavina (Remi Varga-Murphy) added, “Being part of this national icon has been heart-filling. Long live Neighbours.”

[Image: Throwback photo of Annie Jones and Stefan Dennis in the UK, 1988.]
Caption: Jones and Dennis during the show’s 1980s heyday.

The series, which earned a 2024 Daytime Emmy nomination, faced cancellation in 2022 before Amazon’s revival. Now, sets are being dismantled, and the studio site—sold to developers years ago—will host future productions.

As the curtain falls, Stefan Dennis summed it up: “Celebrating 40 years is overshadowed by goodbye, but the memories will endure.”

[Image: Stefan Dennis as Paul Robinson in a recent episode.]
Caption: Stefan Dennis’ Paul Robinson—a character spanning four decades.

Neighbours’ final episode airs December 11 on Amazon Prime Video.