The long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours is preparing for its final curtain call, but one of its most beloved characters will be conspicuously absent. Ryan Moloney, the actor who portrayed Jarrod 'Toadie' Rebecchi for three decades, will not be returning for the show's concluding episodes.
A Beloved Character's Absence
According to the show's executive producer, Jason Herbison, the production team reached out to Moloney, 46, inviting him to rejoin other past cast members for a final appearance on Ramsay Street. However, the actor, who originally left the series in 2024, was unable to commit. Herbison revealed to TV Week that Moloney was 'unfortunately unavailable' for the farewell.
Despite this significant absence, Herbison did offer some consolation to devoted viewers. He confirmed that the finale will feature 'returning faces', though these will primarily be characters from the soap's last three years. The producer also teased that there are 'a few Easter eggs for the fans,' ensuring the send-off will be packed with nostalgia. He added, 'It was also worth mentioning that we asked Ryan Maloney to return as Toadie. He was unavailable sadly, but he does, of course, get a mention.'
The Final Plot for Ramsay Street
The concluding storyline will focus on a pivotal community decision. The residents of Ramsay Street must choose whether to stay and fight a proposed freeway development or relocate to two new developments. These new communities are being created by familiar figures Shane Ramsay (played by Peter O'Brien) and the iconic Paul Robinson (played by Stefan Dennis).
Intriguingly, Herbison suggested that this plot device leaves the door open for a potential future revival of the show. This is a notable point given that the Neighbours Nunawading studios and backlot have now been dismantled.
A Troubled Road to the Finale
The path to this finale has been anything but smooth. The show nearly ended permanently two years ago when Channel 5, which part-funded the soap for its massive UK audience, pulled out of its deal. A dramatic rescue by Amazon Freevee granted the series a reprieve, but it was ultimately axed for a second time earlier this year.
This final chapter also comes after reports that attempts to lure back A-list alumni for one last hurrah fell flat. Big names such as Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, and Russell Crowe were reportedly approached but did not sign on. This stands in stark contrast to the star-studded 2022 grand finale, which was a ratings triumph thanks to returns from legends like Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
An insider highlighted the challenge, telling the Daily Mail, 'The cast of the current season will need to rely on the storylines that involve their characters because breaking out the cheque book won't cover it.' They also noted that stars like Margot and Kylie were not paid for their 2022 appearances, which made a return even less likely.
The insider reflected, 'The mega stars waived their usual million dollar fees and felt like they were waving goodbye to the show that launched them. It was very classy.'
Neighbours' final double episode airs on Thursday, December 11, on Channel 10, bringing an end to an era for fans in Australia and the UK.
