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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
David Kent

Why is Neighbours ending? The reason for Kylie Minogue return and emotional farewell to Australian soap

Neighbours fans are gearing up for the airing of the soap's last ever episode.

The beloved Australian show was cancelled back in March, and despite fan support and petitions, the finale will air in Ireland on Friday evening (July 29)

Lucky viewers Down Under have already been shown the finale, as it aired this morning and it seems we're in for a real tear-jerker.

READ MORE: Jail, lies and Irish connection behind Michael Schumacher’s F1 debut amid rare update on condition

(mirror.co.uk)

Fans will know that the regulars like Karl Kennedy, Toadfish Rebecchi and Harold Bishop will be a major part, but confirms have also been confirmed for characters played by Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Margot Robbie among others.

Many people who have never seen the show have been left questioning why it's been cancelled after a remarkable 37-year run.

Why is Neighbours ending?

After the announcement earlier this year that the show was ending, fans were anxious to know the reason behind the well-loved soap's demise. Channel 5, which broadcasts the show in the UK, announced it would cut its funding, to allow more money to be put into original UK dramas.

After not being able to find sufficient alternative funding, Neighbours then announced its journey would be coming to an end this year.

When is the Neighbours finale?

Viewers can watch the one-hour long finale on Channel 5 at 9pm.

The penultimate episode will be shown on Channel 5 the same day, first at 1.45pm and then at 6pm.

When did Neighbours start?

Neighbours is the longest-running drama series on Australian television, starting in 1985 - with a three-year head start over Home and Away, the other major hit in Ireland

Young lovers Scott and Charlene Robinson (Kylie and Jason) brought in a massive audience of 19.6 million in the UK for their wedding in 1987

Kylie and Jason have been spotted on set (Instagram/ @kylieminogue)

Famous Neighbours actors

Of course, everyone knows about Kylie and Jason, but a few other famous faces have popped their heads into Erinsborough over the years.

Having only appeared in 19 episodes, Liam Hemsworth's time in Neighbours was brief. He played the role of Josh Taylor from 2007-2008.

Since his short stint on the soap, he has gone on to appear in The Hunger Games, Independence Day: Resurgence and The Last Song.

They're back for the grand finale (Impressions / Getty Images)

Perhaps lesser-known for her role in Neighbours, Margot Robbie played Donna Freedman between 2008 and 2011.

She is best known for her roles in films such as: The Wolf of Wall Street, Ted and Suicide Squad, a young Robbie spent three years with Neighbours.

Guy Pearce will also return for the finale, reprising his role of Mike Young - with his initial run catapulting him into the limelight in the 80s.

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