Jackie Woodburne, who has played Susan Kennedy on Neighbours since 1994, has described saying goodbye to the character as 'heartbreaking'. In an interview with Radio Times Magazine, she reflected on the end of the long-running Australian soap, which airs its final episode on 29th July after 37 years.
Woodburne said: 'I've lived with her for so long and been through so much with her. I feel like I've been her guardian... And now I really miss her.' She also spoke about the cast's collective grief, noting that they all experienced the five stages of grief at different times and supported each other through the process.
When asked about her future, Woodburne said she is 'happy to stop for a bit' to 'take stock and live my life'. She added that she would like her next role to be very different from Susan, with 'an evil psychopath' at the top of her wish list, but is in no rush to return to work.
The Neighbours finale will feature returning stars including Jason Donovan, Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Margot Robbie. The final episode airs on Channel 5 at 9pm on 29th July, followed by a special programme looking back at the show's history.
