Neighbours has been saved and is all set to make a grand return with a brand-new series on Amazon next year.
Well that didn’t take long, did it?
Fans were left devastated after the iconic Australian soap – which is famously set on the cul-de-sac Ramsay Street in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough, and first appeared on UK television screens all the way back in 1986 – officially ended back in July after production was ceased following 37 years.
Almost 9,000 episodes of the beloved show were aired over nearly four decades, but the show was controversially axed by Channel 5 earlier this year after funding was pulled.
The final episode of the soap – or so we all thought – aired on 28 July 2022.
ADVERTISEMENT
In what was a highly-publicised and headline-grabbing moment, the final Neighbours episode featured guest appearances from Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, Jason Donovan, and Margot Robbie – who all famously kick-started their careers by starring in the show over the years.
#Neighbours will be available on @AmazonFreevee in the UK and US and will return to @channel10au in Australia. We can’t thank you all enough for your love and support and are so excited for this new adventure! 🧡
Over 4.2 million people tuned into the final episode of the show, with viewers taking to social media in their thousands to share their heartbreak at the end of an era.
ADVERTISEMENT
But now, less than four months after we all thought it was gone for good, the Australian soap has found a new home on Amazon’s AVOD service Freevee and will be back with a new series – with the show to begin shooting down under in 2023, and air in the second half of next year.
Premiering exclusively for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US – which will also include streaming rights to thousands of episodes from the previous seasons, all available to watch prior to the new series’ premiere – the new series is set to be a continuation of where it left off after the finale, and will still follow the lives, loves, and challenges of the residents on Ramsay Street.
Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Ryan Moloney, and Jackie Woodburne have all been confirmed to make a return to reprise their leading roles.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years,” explained Lauren Anderson – head of AVOD original content and programming for Amazon Studios.
“It built a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street.
“With the power of streaming, we’re able to offer a catalogue of thousands of ‘Neighbours’ episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series and current fans to relive their favourite moments [and] we look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers.”
Featured Image – Channel 5
TV & Showbiz
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.