Neighbours star Sally-Anne Upton has responded to the surprise change in the show’s opening titles.
The updated credits debuted last week, following Ian Smith’s recent exit from the Australian soap.
Smith’s character Harold Bishop was removed from the sequence following his departure, with Vera Punt (played by Upton), who joined the show in 2019, added.
Meanwhile, Erini Rising residents Gino, Moira and Hilary have also been added to the opening credits lineup.
In a post on Twitter/X, Upton celebrated the gang’s recognition and shared a screenshot of their appearance during the titles.
“Vera, along with her esteemed colleagues finally made it onto the opening credits of @neighbours and we are beyond thrilled and proud, thanks to the producers and the unwavering support of all our loyal fans #SaveNeighbours,” she wrote.
Though fans were sad to see the final confirmation of Harold’s exit, they were delighted with the new additions to the credits, with one calling it “long overdue and very much deserved”.
“Well-deserved for all of you to be recognised so!” another echoed, while a third added: “Adore Vera and all the Eirini gang!! This shot in the credits put a huge smile on my face!”
Neighbours boss Jason Herbison first teased the titles change in an interview with Digital Spy last month.
While talking about the soap’s sudden cancellation, he said: “The end of the show did change some of our longer-term plans, however you will see some more new faces on the opening titles.
“You will also see the wonderful gang from Eirini Rising on the titles too – including Vera, by popular demand!”
