It may have started with a nightmare, but, as hit Australian soap Neighbours gears up for its 30th anniversary tomorrow – there’s no denying it has been a dream come true for soap fans .
Aussie viewers got their first glimpse of the show in 1985 – it opened with one of its characters Danny Ramsay awakening from a bad dream – and a year later the show was in the UK as a mainstay of the BBC’s daytime schedule.
It pulled in millions of viewers and only became more popular when the BBC scheduled an early evening repeat which captured a younger after-school audience.
Along the way it made stars of actors including Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue and around 20 million people tuned in to watch their characters, Scott and Charlene, tie the knot in 1988.
But did you know there have 15 births, 34 deaths and 41 marriages in the 30 years the show has been on the air?
Here’s another 16 facts you might not know about the residents of Ramsay Street.
1) So many episodes, so little time:
The Neighbours 30th anniversary tomorrow will mark episode 7,083.
2.) Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan Kennedy, has filmed more episodes – close to 5,000 – than any other actress on the show.
3) Everyone knows Kylie Minogue got her big break on the show, but did you also know Hollywood stars Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and also had roles early in their careers.
4) Stefan Dennis, who plays Paul Robinson, is the only actor currently part of the cast, who appeared in the first episode. After an 11-year gap, he returned to the show in 2004, making Paul the longest-running character on Australian television. Here he is wowing fans at Aberdeen nightclub Ritzy’s in 1988.
5) Lily Allen, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Paula Abdul, Dave Bautista, Neil Morrissey, Emma Bunton and Michael Parkinson are among the famous faces who have stepped onto Ramsay Street for a cameo appearance on the show.
6) The wedding of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s beloved characters Scott and Charlene (episode 523) in November 1988 was watched by 19.6 million people in the UK
7) Ryan Moloney, who plays fan favourite Toadie, was originally an extra on the show more than 19 years ago.
8) Harold Bishop’s store has gone through six name changes over the years.
It was first called Daphnes and has since been called Hungry Bite Cafe, The Holy Roll, The Coffee Shop, Bishop And Carpenter’s General Store before it was renamed Harold’s Store in 2008 in honour of Ian Smith’s character leaving Erinsborough.
