The show often reflected for audiences formative parts of their lives too – first loves, first heartbreaks, births, deaths and marriages. In one episode you’d be doing “outrageously stupid”, “slapstick” story lines, and the next you’d be sobbing over the coffin of your dead stepchild, Woodburne says.
In recent years those behind the soap have been proud to show more diverse characters and storylines, amid questions over how well it represented modern Australia. Neighbours featured the first same-sex marriage on Australian TV.
“There’s a legacy for its audience, but there’s also a legacy for our culture… It certainly is leaving a void,” Herbison says.
While audience numbers have dwindled, true fans are mourning this like they did the death of Madge Bishop, Sonya Rebecchi or Bouncer the golden labrador retriever, who died in real life only a few months after filming his final scenes.
“I’m devastated,” says Gemma Clement, a Brit who moved to Melbourne inspired by the “sunshine and the sound of the birds” on the soap. “I don’t think there is any coming back. It feels final this time.”
As goes the cliché, Woodburne hadn’t realised what they had until the show was gone (the first time). Touring the UK on a farewell-turned-celebration tour, meeting hundreds of fans a day, was one of the most moving experiences of her life.
“I knew that people watched it and enjoyed it and appreciated it, but I don’t think I fully understood,” she said.
“Times are tough for a lot of people and our show gave them half an hour a day of pure escapism and fun… And to hear them tell us how meaningful that was to them… how much they look forward to it every day was very humbling.”
