Fans of the iconic Australian soap Neighbours will be doing a double-take, as one of its most beloved stars has undergone a staggering transformation for a major new BBC project.
Ryan Moloney, who became a household name playing the lovable Jarrod 'Toadie' Rebecchi for nearly three decades, is almost unrecognisable after swapping Ramsay Street for the world of reality dating television.
A New Chapter on the BBC
Moloney has been unveiled as a key part of pop icon and TV personality Dannii Minogue's new venture, I Kissed a Girl. The show, a spin-off from the successful I Kissed a Boy, is the BBC's first dating series dedicated to queer women and is already generating significant buzz.
The actor has traded in his character's famous shorts and nervous energy for a sleek new look, sporting a sharp beard and a more mature style as he takes on a behind-the-scenes role for the programme.
From Erinsborough to the Italian Coast
While Toadie's stories unfolded in the fictional Melbourne suburb, Moloney's latest role sees him on the sun-drenched coast of Italy, where the new series is being filmed. The dramatic change in scenery appears to match his dramatic change in appearance.
This move marks a significant and exciting career pivot for the actor, who dedicated 28 years of his life to the long-running soap opera before its finale and subsequent revival.
Dannii Minogue's Vision
The series is spearheaded by Dannii Minogue, who returns to the UK's broadcasting scene with this groundbreaking format. The show aims to create a safe, empowering, and entertaining space for its participants, and Moloney's involvement adds a familiar yet fresh face to the production team.
His casting suggests the show will blend heartfelt romance with the kind of relatable storytelling that made his Neighbours character so enduringly popular with British audiences.
This new chapter promises to reintroduce Ryan Moloney to UK viewers in a way they've never seen him before, proving there's life after Erinsborough for the much-loved star.
