Hollywood star Mischa Barton has surprised fans by joining the cast of Neighbours ahead of the cult soap’s Amazon reboot.
The Britain-born American actress, 37, was confirmed as a guest star on the Australian soap opera on Tuesday.
According to a statement, Barton – best known for her starring role in teen sitcom The OC – will play Reece.
Her character is described as an American woman who is “not quite who she appears to be”.
“I’m excited to be part of this iconic show’s next chapter, and I am really looking forward to being back in Australia – a place I know and love!” Barton said in a statement.
“I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with,” she added.
Streaming giant Amazon is relaunching Neighbours after the series came to an end following 37 years on air last year.
The final episode of Neighbours on Channel 5 aired in July 2022 when the soap failed to secure new funding after being dropped by the broadcaster.
According to Variety magazine, filming for the new season – which will see the return of a number of recognisable on-screen characters including Susan and Karl Kennedy, Toadie Rebecchi and Paul Robinson – resumed in Melbourne on 17 April.
American fans will be able to catch up with the show on Amazon Freevee. It is thought that Barton’s casting was to pique an interest among North American viewers.
Neighbours’ executive producer Jason Herbison said: “With Neighbours launching on Amazon Freevee in North America, we are beyond excited to have an actor of Mischa’s calibre join us for the beginning of this exciting new chapter.
“Mischa’s character is dynamic and unpredictable, and will have an instant presence on Ramsay Street. Our loyal viewers are going to love her, locally and abroad.”
Fans reacted to the news with both joy… and surprise.
“I definitely didn’t have Mischa Barton appearing on Neighbours on my 2023 bingo card!” one viewer tweeted after the announcement.
“Micha Barton on Neighbours... WTF,” another wrote
Barton is best known for her portrayal of Marissa Cooper in TV series The OC but has also appeared in a number of films, including Lawn Dogs and The Sixth Sense.
The London-born actress has also starred in a variety of stage productions, including Where The Truth Lies, Twelve Dreams, and One Flea Spare.
The revitalised series will premiere free of charge exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US and the site will also stream thousands of Neighbours episodes from previous series.
