There’s no doubt about it – we’re in for another action-packed year in Neighbours.
Last year saw the return of “fake” Dee (Madeleine West), the death of Hamish (Sean Taylor), Sonya’s (Eve Morey) drinking problems, and the arrival of a new Rebecchi family.
As Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison tells us, fans can expect more of the same drama in 2018. Think shock breakdowns, bust-ups and juicy love triangles.
Here’s what is on the cards for your favourite Erinsborough locals…
TYLER AND PIPER Young lovers Tyler (Travis Burns) and Piper (Mavournee Hazel) were torn apart last season after Tyler was involved in Hamish’s death. “Hamish drowned in the backyard [spa] of the Canning house after Tyler hit him with a garden gnome,” Jason says. “Tyler and Mark [Scott McGregor] have been desperately hoping Tyler wasn’t responsible [for his death].” But with no suspects remaining, it appears Tyler may be guilty after all. “At this point, it looks likely that Tyler will have to pay the price,” Jason hints. “Whether that’s a long jail sentence, we don’t know yet.”
PAIGE AND JACK Will the trauma of Gabe’s kidnapping reignite the flame between parents Paige (Olympia Valance) and Jack (Andrew Morley)? “The crisis Gabe goes through brings Paige and Jack back together,” Jason says. “It bonds them, which affects their respective relationships. “It’s not mutual – it’s more one-sided – but the other person is forced to confront what it all means [for them].”
SUSAN AND KARL The year kicks off with a bang for the Kennedy clan, with the return of man-eater Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte). It’s been more than 10 years since the blonde bombshell has been a factor in the Kennedy marriage. Susan (Jackie Woodburne) is less than impressed to see her former rival back in town. “Izzy’s return is a big storyline for the Kennedy family,” Jason teases. “Karl [Alan Fletcher] and Susan are very much involved with Izzy when she gets back.”
TOADIE AND SONYA After a year in which Toadie (Ryan Moloney) nearly fell for “fake” Dee, aka Andrea, and Sonya fell off the wagon, the pair will have a quiet start to 2018 – at least by their standards. When we see them, the Rebecchis are keen to add a baby to their young family. In fact, the couple give it their best shot while aboard a boat! But as we saw in last year’s finale, the story with Andrea isn’t over yet. Expect to see her again in 2018.
PAUL There’s never a dull moment in the life of Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). And in 2018, a stranger from his murky past arrives in town. “The guy who turns up is from a period of time Paul isn’t keen to revisit, but is forced to,” Jason says.
“Paul’s back on top of the world – he’s got his money back and his kids back; it’s going well. But now he stands to lose it all.”
FRESH FACE Aussie comedian Joel Creasey brings the LOLs to Erinsborough when he pops up in a guest role. “Joel was hilarious – he stole the show during filming,” Jason says. “He plays a guest character that could definitely recur in the future. He was lots of fun and everyone loved having him on set.”
BLAIR’S BACK It’s been years since we saw Stuart Parker (Blair McDonough). But the much-loved character will return in a special guest appearance. Stuart shows up for a celebration for one of his previous Ramsay Street cohorts.
