Neighbours icon Lucinda Cowden has told Metro that there ‘could be a tear or two’ on the show’s nationwide 40th anniversary tour.
The actress, who played Melanie Pearson intermittently between 1987 and 2024, is of course referring to the overwhelming reaction to news of her axing from the Amazon Prime Video show last year.
After confirming that she had been let go at the end of her contract, zany Mel disappeared from our screens in November – destined for pastures new running a pub in Gippsland.
At the time, she told me: ‘When I was told, I had no idea that was the way the conversation was going to go. It was a shock, and I felt like I’d done something wrong.
‘If I haven’t processed it by now, then I’ve got a problem. It still hurts, I was gutted.’
Fans were (understandably) outraged, with a petition launched to ‘Save Our Mel’ gaining over 700 signatures.
To soften the blow, Lucinda was confirmed to be one of the stars taking to the stage across six venues in the UK to celebrate four decades of the Aussie soap phenomenon.
As well as talking about their respective time on the show, the cast members are meeting literally hundreds of die
It’s during these encounters that Lucinda is expecting to feel a resurgence of emotion, as she finally gets the opportunity to say thank you for the support.
‘I was so overwhelmed by the reaction which was so gorgeous’ she explained, as we caught up on the Newcastle leg of the tour earlier this week.
Referencing appearances she made last year whilst the news of her axing wasn’t yet public knowledge, she continued: ‘That was so hard last time, because I’d left the show. Nobody knew then.
‘I was getting all of this love and I had this secret in me knowing that I was already gone
‘So there might be a tear or two [on the 40th tour]. I might need a bucket.
‘I’ll try to keep myself together.’
She’s joined on stage by co-stars Rebekah Elmaloglou, Tim Kano and Majella Davis, better known to Neighbours fans as Terese Willis, Leo Tanaka and Krista Sinclair.
00s power couple Libby Kennedy and Drew Kirk – actors Kym Valentine and Dan Paris, are also reuniting for the shows, 23 years on from his on-screen death.
‘The love we are given and shown, and the enjoyment that the audience has here… getting to touch and feel one another is so overwhelming’ Kym added.
‘There’s something quite spiritual about it. It’s emotional, and a beautiful, beautiful thing.
‘When I was [in the UK] last year, I had to step away and cry quite a few times. It was so overwhelming.
She continued: ‘The funny thing is, people will say “I feel like we know you”, but we do! We grew up together.
‘I went from a child to a menopausal woman. We have actually grown up together. It’s a beautiful thing to have the honour to share.’
The whole cast were bursting with excitement as we caught up in person – a far cry from the Zoom calls across the globe that are a necessity when publicising the show to us Brits.
‘They are working us so hard. I’m ready to walk’ Rebekah joked, clearly relishing in every moment.
‘We’re probably being a little naughty.’
Lucinda chirped: ‘If the show is a little blue, that’ll be why.’
Hosted by self-confessed superfan, Sky News’ Leah Boleto, each cast member has their own time in the spotlight on stage as if they’re popping into Harold’s coffee shop or strolling down Ramsay Street for a chat.
The floor is later opened up for fans to contribute their own questions – with many wondering whether Lucinda would reprise her role in the 40th anniversary episodes.
Leaping from her seat, she told the audience that she does play a part in the celebrations – but wouldn’t reveal the circumstances.
Tim and Majella are also central to the week long birthday bash in March, with it being hotly tipped that Leo and Krista’s wedding could coincide.
But will they walk down the aisle without a hitch? Perhaps you’ll find out on the tour!
There’s also an utterly bizarre, out-of-body experience end performance that is led by comedy queen Lucinda, but I’ll keep that as a surprise for anyone who is seeing the show in upcoming dates.
It wouldn’t be a Neighbours show without the opportunity to singalong to the world famous theme tune either. As Barry Crocker’s vocals belted out across Newcastle City Hall, the cast and crew received a standing ovation.
Well deserved too!
