Neighbours 35th anniversary: Iconic moments from Australia’s favourite TV soap
It’s been 35 years this week since Neighbours first hit our screens. And what a jam-packed three decades it’s been. Neighbours fan Shona Hendley shares her iconic moments.
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In 1985, the world became a much more neighbourly place. It was the year a friendly wave and a little understanding found millions of people through their TV screens.
Yes, this week marks 35 years since Aussie soap Neighbours first aired and began a lasting impact on pop culture — and me.
So, here are some of what I think are the best things about Neighbours.
1. Let’s start at the beginning: the theme song. There have been eight versions but the essential ingredient are the key lines: That’s when good neighbours become good friends. Simple, idealistic and oh so 1980s.
2. The stars. Neighbours is our finest training ground. Think Kylie, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Jesse Spencer, Delta Goodrem, Russell Crowe, Liam and Chris Hemsworth. That’s quite a list.
3. Groundbreaking storylines. Neighbours led the way for LGBTIQ+ rights on Australian television by screening the first same-sex marriage on an Aussie show. The union between Aaron Brennan and David Tanaka in 2018 was conducted by none other than LGBTIQ+ advocate Magda Szubanski.
4. Which brings me to quality cameos. The Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough has had some high-profile guests over the years, including Lily Allen, Andre Rieu, Emma Bunton (aka Baby Spice), David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Paula Abdul, Michael Parkinson, Shane Warne, The Wiggles and Hanson, to name just a few.
5. The Official Neighbours Tour. The show’s influence on pop culture has been epic, epitomised by its own tour. The official tour takes people from all over the world to the Melbourne studio which houses Lassiters and many of the other sets, as well as visiting the real Ramsay St — Pin Oak Court in Vermont South. (https://www.neighbourstour.com.au)
So many marvellous characters.
6. Harold Bishop: fuddy duddy, loveable Harold (Ian Smith).
7. Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston).
8. Susan Kennedy (the wonderful Jackie Woodburne).
9. Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher).
10. Jarrod Rebecchi aka Toadie aka “the mullet” (Ryan Moloney).
11. Paul Robinson aka Erinsborough’s resident villain (Stefan Dennis).
12. Charlene (Kylie Minogue), Australia’s favourite mechanic.
13. Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan).
14. Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver).
15. Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy).
16. Bouncer the dog (Bouncer).
17. Mrs Mangel/Nell (Vivean Gray).
18. Neighbours’ induction into the Logie Hall of Fame in 2005. Whether you’re a fan or not, the show is the longest-running Aussie drama of all time, commendable and well deserving of a Gold Logie.
The very soapy controversies.
19. Susan, Karl and Izzy’s love triangle.
20. Karl and Sarah’s affair and Susan’s heartbreak (including the very memorable slap of Karl’s face — Go Susan!)
21. That time Susan had a steamy relationship with a priest. He left the priesthood for her, but she broke up with him soon after.
As well as affairs and love triangles there have also been some catastrophes, disasters and … well, questionable moments.
22. The tornado that hit Melbourne or, should I say, Erinsborough specifically, despite the suburb not being anywhere even remotely tropical.
23. The plane crash in Bass Strait which killed three residents and saw both Susan and Harold MIA for a few weeks (perhaps they were taking some long service leave?)
24. The time when Paul’s evil son, Robert Robinson paid a visit to suburbia and wreaked havoc; including plotting his own father’s murder and planting a bomb in his sister’s car.
25. One final point, that links back to No. 1: the music. As well as having its own album, Neighbours: The Music (2002) which features Kylie, Delta, Jason Donovan, Holly Valance, Human Nature and of course the Neighbours theme song, who can forget the ever-romantic Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan duet, Especially For You?
But perhaps the most underrated tune of them all was Harold’s coffee shop rap song, sung by “Afro Harold”, featuring the line: “So don’t be a McGuffin, come butter my muffin. Yo!”
Shona Hendley is a columnist for RendezView.com.au