Neighbours turns 35! Here’s where its most iconic stars are now… from Hollywood to Holby City
THERE'S no better finishing school in showbiz than the set of Neighbours - just ask A-list former stars like Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Russell Crowe.
But as the iconic Aussie soap turns 35 tomorrow, its devoted fans will still know it best for characters like Harold and Madge Bishop, Karl and Susan Kennedy, Toadie, Lou Carpenter and many more.
Gearing up for its birthday, three shock deaths and five weddings are set to shake things up across five special standalone episodes this week, starting tomorrow night at 10pm.
It comes following more than three decades of drama, tears and some nail-biting storylines, with everything from Susan slipping on spilt milk and forgetting 30 years of her life, to the heartbreaking deaths of favourites like Madge and Sonya.
And while many of the show's most memorable stars still grace Ramsay Street today, others have moved away and undergone dramatic transformations in the years since.
Remember Libby Kennedy? Or how about the Robinsons, Stephanie Scully, Pepper, and Joe Scully? Here's a look at the soap's most beloved faces now.
Charlene Mitchell (played by Kylie Minogue)
She's now a pop superstar, with hits including Can't Get You Out Of My Head and I Should Be So Lucky, but Kylie Minogue, 51, actually started out as Charlene Mitchell in Neighbours.
Joining Ramsay Street in the late 1980s, much-loved tomboy Charlene trained as a mechanic and her relationship with Scott Robinson (played by Jason Donovan) was central to her storylines.
Charlene left the soap in 1988 after marrying Scott, when Kylie decided to pursue her music career.
The star has since enjoyed decades of musical success, and has been praised for raising awareness of breast cancer following her own high profile battle with it in 2005.
Scott Robinson (played by Jason Donovan)
Now 51-year-old Jason Donovan quickly became the soap's resident heartthrob playing Scott Robinson.
However, he left shortly after his on-screen wife Charlene, with actor Jason mirroring Kylie in real life and pursuing a music career.
It proved a masterstroke, with songs like Especially For You and a role in stage musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Jason previously battled drug addiction, and speaking to Piers Morgan in 2012, he said: "You don’t think rationally when you’re on drugs. They control your world. It’s sad, extremely sad."
It got so bad in fact that his father Terence wrote him an open letter published in Woman’s Day magazine, saying: "On more than one occasion I warned you that you were killing yourself."
However, Jason has since overcome the difficult time and has been sober now for almost two decades, after finally managing to quit drugs following the birth of his daughter.
While he dated Kylie briefly following their time on Neighbours, he is now happily married to wife Angela, whom he has three kids with.
Flick Scully (played by Holly Valance)
Perhaps one of the most loved characters in Neighbours history, Flick Scully appeared on screen from 1999 through to 2002, before returning for a cameo appearance in the serial's 20th anniversary episode.
Known for her many romances and feisty attitude, Flick enjoyed a rebellious few years before fleeing the street.
Her departure came as actress Holly Valance, now 36, also chose to pursue a music career, reaching stardom with song Kiss Kiss.
Holly is now married to British property developer Nick Candy and the couple have two children together.
Lou Carpenter (played by Tom Oliver)
He's one of the longest standing actors on Neighbours, and rather than have a dramatic departure from the soap, Tom Oliver, 81, instead began cutting his appearances as Lou Carpenter down from 2015 - now only appearing in surprise guest slots every so often.
Lou was central to some of the soap's biggest storylines, including the Lassiter's Fire in 2004 and the Erinsborough Tornado in 2014, in which he almost lost his life.
Since his steady departure, Tom has retreated somewhat from the spotlight and only appears in public on rare occasions.
Harold Bishop (played by Ian Smith)
While actor Ian Smith, 81, left the soap in 2015, he joins former co-star Tom as one of the show's longest-serving actors - all thanks to his role as Harold Bishop.
One of Harold's most well-known storylines was his long-running feud with Lou over mutual love interest Madge.
It was Harold that ended up winning her affection before her on-screen death in 2001, and Harold continued on the show right through to his departure.
Ian has been enjoying time away from the spotlight ever since, but appeared on Loose Women in 2018 for an emotional reunion with Madge.
People at home were in bits over the reunion, as one wrote on Twitter: "Omg love seeing these to icons on neighbours set. They're looking great. Neighbours Golden cast."
Another reminisced over Madge's death from cancer, and said beneath a photo of them all together on Instagram: "I remember when Madge died ever so peacefully in her bed surrounded by Harold and teenager Paul McClain."
Ian continues to enjoy the odd TV cameo now, but has retreated somewhat from the limelight.
Madge Bishop (played by Anne Charleston)
Madge, played by Anne Charleston, 77, arrived on Ramsay Street first in 1986 as the mother of Charlene and Henry.
Regularly described as a 'a tough-talking Sheila', she struck up a friendship with Harold a year later and they went on to marry.
She was killed off, however, in 2001 following a devastating cancer battle storyline.
Since then she has had roles on Emmerdale, Crossroads and Holby City, as well as Australian series Wentworth.
Karl Kennedy (played by Alan Fletcher)
Actor Alan Fletcher, 62, has played Dr Karl Kennedy in Neighbours for more than 25 years.
In fact, he recently revealed he plans to stay on the soap for as long as they will have him.
Alan is married to former newsreader Jennifer Hansen, who he has two children with, and he's also a singer in a band called Waiting Room.
Susan Kennedy (played by Jackie Woodburne)
Just like her on-screen husband Dr Karl, Susan Kennedy, played by Jackie Woodburne, 64, has remained on the soap for years.
Jackie began her role as Susan in 1994 after writers created the character and her family to bring the show back to its roots - essentially focusing on smaller families and their very normal, day to day interactions.
Over the years Jackie has been nominated for countless awards and in 2015 she won Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards.
Jim Robinson (played by Alan Dale)
Jim Robinson was one of Neighbours' 12 original characters, appearing in the first ever episode in 1985.
The patriarch of the Robinson family - who was eventually killed off in 1993 - was played by well-known actor Alan Dale, 72, who has since gone on to enjoy worldwide success in the US in TV series such as The O.C., Ugly Betty, Lost, and many more.
Paul Robinson (played by Stefan Dennis)
Along with Jim, a younger Paul Robinson appeared in the very first episode of Neighbours and has effectively grown up on the soap.
Stefan Dennis, 61, took a brief stint away from the screen in 1992, before returning full-time in 2004.
His character Paul has had six marriages and countless affairs, which has gained him notoriety as a womaniser.
But Stefan couldn't be further from his character in real life, as he's happily married to wife Gail Easdale. He is also known for his 1989 hit single Don't It Make You Feel Good.
Billy Kennedy (played by Jesse Spencer)
Actor Jesse Spencer was one of the most lusted after TV stars of the 90s thanks to his cheeky grin, floppy hair and handsome good looks, as he portrayed Ramsay Street stud Billy Kennedy.
His sweet romance with Anne Wilkinson endeared him to viewers even more, and there were actual tears when he exited the programme in 2000.
Jesse, now 41, went on to star in American medical drama House, alongside Hugh Laurie, and also played Lt Matthew Casey in the NBC drama Chicago Fire.
Donna Freedman (played by Margot Robbie)
Margot Robbie, 29, has taken Hollywood by storm in the last few years, but it follows an early rise to fame on Neighbours as Donna Freedman between 2008 and 2011.
Her biggest storylines included her romance with Ringo Brown (Sam Clark), with the couple later marrying, as well as her affair with Andrew Robinson.
She went on to have a breakthrough role in The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013 and continues to star in some of the world's top movies.
Nina Tucker (played by Delta Goodrem)
Charming Nina Tucker was introduced to the soap as the 'quintessential girl-next-door' before embarking on a music career on screen - to mirror the real one actress Delta Goodrem, now 35, was enjoying off set.
Like Kylie, Born To Try singer Delta has been praised for raising awareness of cancer after battling the illness herself in 2004 - which ultimately led to her having to leave the soap for treatment.
She has had nine number-one singles, 17 top-ten hits on the ARIA Singles Chart and has sold over eight million albums globally. She is also currently a judge on The Voice Australia.
Toadie (played by Ryan Moloney)
Much-loved Toadie, played by Ryan Maloney, transformed on screen from the class clown to a respected lawyer on Ramsay Street - and remains a long-running character today.
A recent dramatic storyline saw his wife Dee Bliss return from the dead 13 years after he accidentally drove her off a cliff.
Ryan, 40, has previously appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, finishing in third place in the 2013 series.
Stephanie Scully (played by Carla Bonner)
Stephanie Scully, played by Carla Bonner, was introduced to Erinsborough in 1999 and enjoyed big storylines such as becoming a step-mum to Max Hoyland's kids, battling breast cancer, and even being stabbed.
She departed the show in 2010 but returned in 2013 and then again in 2015, before finally leaving in 2018.
Carla, 46, has since gone on to write a book called Hook, Line and Sink Her and guest starred in an episode of Wentworth.
Heidi ‘Pepper’ Steiger (played by Nicky Whelan)
Actress Nicky Whelan, 38, is best known for her role as 'Pepper' in Neighbours from 2006 to 2007.
Some of her top storylines included a hostage situation and being diagnosed with cervical dysplasia.
She went on to move across to America and enjoyed appearances in Scrubs, Entourage and Matador.
Beth Brennan (played by Natalie Imbruglia)
Natalie Imbruglia, 45, enjoyed a whirlwind appearance on Neighbours as Beth Brennan - who married on-screen partner Brad Willis in 1993 before they left together to move to Perth.
It proved a very good start for her career, as Natalie went on to become a hit singer with a chart-topping cover of Ednaswap's Torn three years later.
As well as more musical success, she's also appeared in movies like Johnny English and dated Friends star David Schwimmer briefly in the 1990s.
Josh Taylor (played by Liam Hemsworth)
He's best known now for his role as Gale in the Hunger Games, as well as his high profile former relationship with Miley Cyrus, but even Liam Hemsworth started his career in Neighbours - albeit very briefly.
The 30-year-old actor played Josh Taylor from 2007-2008, who had been left a paraplegic following a surfing accident.
His love interest on the show was Bridget Parker, and he ended up in a love triangle with her and Declan Napier before his eventual exit.
Kenny Larkin (played by Russell Crowe)
Liam isn't the only movie star to have enjoyed a stint in Erinsborough, as Aussie actor Russell Crowe even joined the soap for a short time (four episodes) as Kenny Larkin.
The 55-year-old star appeared on the soap in 1987 briefly, before going on to take the world by storm with his role as Maximus in Gladiator.
Mike Young (played by Guy Pearce)
Jesse Spencer had some strong competition from actor Guy Pearce, as he's previously been described as one of the best looking stars to appear on Neighbours.
Guy, 52, played Mike Young from 1986, but his character had a turbulent time on the soap - with storylines covering everything from childhood abuse to a relationship with Jane Harris.
He eventually left the soap in 1989 and Guy has since enjoyed roles in L.A. Confidential, Memento, and The Hurt Locker.
Rachel Kinski (played by Caitlin Stasey)
Many fans watched Caitlin Stasey, 29, grow up on screen as her character Rachel Kinski, sister of Zeke, navigated her way through the awkward teenage years.
She left the soap in 2009 after storylines ranging from a relationship with an older man, to grieving her mother's death.
Caitlin went on to star in 2010 movie Tomorrow When the War Began.
Summer Hoyland (played by Jordy Lucas)
Actress Jordy Lucas, 28, was cast as Summer Hoyland in Neighbours in 2010, and she continued in the role right through to 2013.
The character had originally been played by Marisa Siketa.
Jordy retreated from mainstream acting after her departure, but previously enjoyed roles in Spare Change in 2015 and Blue Heelers in 1994.
Sky Mangel (played by Stephanie McIntosh)
As with many Neighbours actors and actresses, Stephanie McIntosh, 34, was the second star to take on the role of Sky Mangel.
She first appeared on screen in 2003 and remained there until her departure in 2007. She is now set to reprise the role for the 35th anniversary celebrations this month.
Stephanie is also a singer outside of acting and released her debut album, Tightrope, in September 2006. She also appeared alongside fellow Neighbours star Holly Valance in Red Herring in 2014.
Izzy Hoyland (played by Natalie Bassingthwaighte)
Long-running fans of Neighbours will know all about the famous love triangle Izzy created when she caused issues with Karl and Susan.
After breaking up with Karl, she then went on to date Paul Robinson, and also had an affair with Ned Parker.
The troubled character was played by actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte, 44, who eventually departed in 2006 to focus on her music career.
She became lead singer of Australian electro pop band Rogue Traders in 2004 and has hosted So You Think You Can Dance Australia, been a judge and mentor on The X Factor Australia and launched a children's clothing label called Chi Khi.
Libby Kennedy (played by Kym Valentine)
Libby Kennedy, played by Kym Valentine, now 42, made her debut in 1994, before departing a decade later.
Her highlights included a nasty motorbike accident and grieving the loss of her husband Drew, before moving on with Daniel Fitzgerald - who she later split from.
Kym has previously appeared in the stage show of Dirty Dancing and independent film Choir Girl.
Carmella Cammeniti (played by Natalie Hoflin)
From 2003 until 2011, actress Natalie Hoflin was best known for her on-screen character Carmella.
She had a very varied time on the show, from being stalked to becoming a nun, suffering facial scarring and losing her husband in a bushfire.
The 35-year-old made a final guest appearance in 2011.
She has since gone on to move to Los Angeles, before returning to Australia to play the lead in the romantic comedy The Groomless Bride.
Sonya Mitchell (played by Eve Morey)
Sonya, played by Eve Morey, certainly had her fair share of bad luck on the show.
She became romantically involved with Toadie after her debut in 2009, before it was revealed she had a secret son and had previously battled drug addiction.
She was eventually killed off in a moving cancer storyline in 2019, which saw her die in Toadie's arms.
Actress Eve, 36, has also appeared in All Saints, Home and Away and various theatre productions.
Joe Scully (played by Shane Connor)
Actor Shane Connor, 60, appeared as builder Joe Scully in Neighbours in 1999, but sadly his time on the soap came to an end in 2003 when the actor allegedly struggled with substance abuse - affecting his work on set.
Shane eventually sued for wrongful termination and won the court case, getting $230,000 (£179,400) in libel damages.
In 2013, he appeared as an outback policeman in Wolf Creek 2, and joined the cast of Wentworth in a recurring role in 2018.
Ringo Brown (played by Sam Clark)
Back in 2007, Ringo Brown stole our hearts as the good looking teen who joined the cast of the classic Aussie soap.
During his three years on Neighbours, Ringo's character made quite an impact, including getting caught up in a relationship with a much older cougar and battling an eating disorder.
Fans of the show will mostly remember Ringo for his on-off relationship with Donna.
He left the soap in 2010 after his character died in a drink-driving accident.
Actor Sam Clark, 32, explained at the time that he was leaving Neighbours in order to focus on his music career.
He released music in 2009 and 2010, before starring in Grease: Live alongside Vanessa Hudgens, and 2016 movie Monday At 11:01 A.M.
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Hannah Martin (played by Rebecca Ritters)
Child star Rebecca Ritters, now 36, has transformed since her time playing Hannah Martin in the soap.
She was the only child of Philip and Julie Martin and the younger sister to Michael and Debbie, becoming a key player in the soap from 1992 to 1999.
However, actress Rebecca has since dropped acting and has gone on to become a journalist in Berlin, Germany, after a brief stint as a model following her soap success.