Neighbours is set to return to television screens after Amazon picked up the rights to stream new episodes of the soap opera.
The Australian series had come to an end earlier this year after nearly 40 years with a special finale episode which aired in the UK on Channel 5.
Production on new episodes is set to commence in early 2023 with a world premiere slated for the second half of the year.
Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Ryan Moloney, and Jackie Woodburne will return to reprise their leading roles.
Fans in the UK will be able to watch the new episodes on Amazon Freevee, as well as thousands from previous seasons.
Jennifer Mullin, CEO of the soap’s producers Fremantle, said: “Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world.
“We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home.”
Surprise! @neighbours has a new home on Amazon Freevee! Re-explore the lives, loves and challenges of your favourite residents from Ramsey Street. Thousands of iconic episodes and a brand-new series coming 2023! pic.twitter.com/Uya6Z02G8O
— Amazon Freevee (@AmazonFreevee) November 17, 2022
Lauren Anderson, of Amazon Studios, said: “Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building 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.
“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.”
Neighbours ran for more than three decades and nearly 9,000 episodes, garnering fans across the globe and launching the careers of many household names.
The Australian show has screened in multiple countries during its reign, including the UK, airing on both BBC One and, most recently, Channel 5, since its launch in 1985.
The final episode of Neighbours aired in July 2022 and featured guest star appearances from Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, Jason Donovan, and Margot Robbie, all of whom were series cast members earlier in their careers.
In an interview with The Sunday Post earlier this year, star Stefan Dennis said there had been hope of a return.
He said: “If they called me and said it had been picked up and it was going to be in this or that format, I would decide whether it was time to bow out or maybe I could carry on as Paul for a little while longer.”
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