Freevee reveals new Neighbours cast photo

Freevee have released the first cast photograph for the upcoming new episodes of Neighbours. The shot, which appears to be a composite of individual photos rather than the cast all photographed together, is set against a backdrop of the familiar surroundings of Ramsay Street.

The image shows all of the familiar faces that are returning to the show as well as a host of new characters that have been announced over the last few weeks. They are joined by guest character Reece Sinclair, played by Hollywood star Mischa Barton.

The image also seems to confirm the return of another cast member as well as the recasting and SORASing of three others, and even a whole new member of the Erinsborough community. Pictured next to Jane Harris, played by Annie Jones, is Sam Young. Her appearance in the new episodes has not officially been announced by the show but it appears that she is heading back to Ramsay Street. Sam appeared in the final few weeks of the show’s run in 2022 and was revealed during finale week to be the daughter of classic character Mike Young. The Finale episode saw Jane and Mike reconcile after almost 35 years apart and plan to move into 24 Ramsay Street. Actor Guy Pearce and Series Producer Jason Herbison have both confirmed that Mike will be returning to the new series in some form, but are staying tight-lipped on how they will manage a Jane/Mike relationship with Guy’s busy schedule.

The shot also features three children. Two of these are rumoured to be recast and SORAS’d versions of Nell and Hugo Rebecchi. SORAS stands for Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome, a technique used in television and films, but most predominantly in Soap Operas, where a child’s age is advanced to suit storylines. The actors were seen filming on Ramsay Street with Ryan Moloney, who plays Toadie, back in April and the families of the original actors who portrayed Nell and Hugo have both confirmed via social media that they will not be returning to the show. Nell, born in 2012, should be approaching her 11th birthday but now appears to be in her early to mid teens. Hugo, born in early 2018, should be around 5 and a half, but appears to be 2-3 years older than he should be.

Pictured with Leo Tanaka is who is presumed to be Abigail, his daughter with Britney Barnes. Abigail was born in August 2021, making her 2 years old, but she also appears to have been aged up by 2-3 years.

The picture also introduces a brand new character, a beautiful dog! Nothing is known about the dog, but is pictured with the new manager of Harold’s, Shiv Palekar. There is a great history of canine residents on Ramsay Street, from Basil and Bouncer in the 1980s through to Audrey and Clancey in more recent times.

The release of the image signals the beginning of a marketing campaign to announce the return of Neighbours to our screens in September. With the subtitle “A New Chapter”, we are now just a few short weeks away from the next page in the Ramsay Street History Book being written.