After nearly four decades on air, Neighbours has become more than a soap, it is a cultural time capsule.
Across its sun-soaked cul-de-sac, some characters became so iconic that even a single mention of their name conjures up memories of heartbreaks, weddings, scandals and those wonderfully over-the-top cliffhangers.
Let’s take a nostalgic look back at a handful of Neighbours’ longest-serving and those who went on to become bigger stars- charting where they began and how their journeys on Ramsay Street ultimately wrapped.
Margot Robbie who played Donna Freedman
First episode: 2008
Last episode: 2011
Margot Robbie burst onto Ramsay Street as lovable Donna, a fashion-obsessed teen with boundless energy. Her exit sent her to New York to pursue design.
Kylie Minogue who played Charlene Mitchell
First episode: 1986
Last episode: 1988 (returned in the 2022 finale)
Charlene (Kylie Minogue)’s fiery debut and her iconic romance with Scott made her a household name. Her brief 2022 return, overalls and all, was a nostalgic nod to the role that launched a pop legend.
Jason Donovan who played Scott Robinson
First episode: 1986
Last episode: 1989 (returned in the 2022 finale)
Scott (Jason Donovan) arrived as the clean-cut, good-hearted teen next door and became half of the show’s most famous couple. His return for the finale cemented his forever place in Neighbours history.
Stefan Dennis who played Paul Robinson
First episode: 1985
Last episode: 2025
Paul started as a young Robinson brother but grew into the show’s most enduring anti-hero.
Jackie Woodburne who played Susan Kennedy
First episode: 1994
Last episode: 2025
Susan entered as the calm, compassionate heart of the Kennedy family, and she left the same way- an anchor of wisdom and warmth throughout the show.
Alan Fletcher who played Karl Kennedy
First episode: 1994
Last episode: 2025
Karl’s early days as the slightly awkward local GP eventually gave way to decades of beloved storylines. His final episodes showed the same loyal, occasionally mischievous doctor fans grew up with.
Ryan Moloney who played Toadie Rebecchi
First episode: 1995
Most recent appearance: 2024
From class clown to community cornerstone, Toadie’s evolution is one of the show’s greatest triumphs.
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