‘It feels like coming home’: Guy Pearce WILL return to Neighbours for its final episode – reprising his role as Mike Young after 33 years
Australian actor Guy Pearce will return for the iconic soap Neighbours finale on August 1 to reprise his role as Mike Young.
Guy, 54, played the troubled Mike from 1986 to 1989, and is now set to make a comeback on the show after 33 years, Metro.co.uk reports.
The star’s character arcs explored the implications of domestic abuse, student-teacher relationships and dealing with loss of loved ones.
‘Like coming home’: Australian actor Guy Pearce, 54, will return for the iconic soap Neighbours finale on August 1 to reprise his role as Mike Young
The actor has described the experience of being back on set as ‘coming home’.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Guy said: ‘It is very exciting and surreal at the same time being back on set again, however it feels like coming home.
‘It’s where it all started for me professionally. I’ve been asked to come back on occasions over the years and wondered if it was the right thing to do, but once I knew the show was finishing, I knew I had to do it.’
He added that there is ‘nothing like being here all together again’, even though he’s had a chance to catch-up with other cast members.
Throwback: Guy played the troubled Mike from 1986 to 1989, and is now set to make a comeback on the show after 33 years, Metro.co.uk reports
Neighbours’ Executive Producer Jason Herbison also told the outlet Guy’s return has been ‘poignant’.
He said: ‘I can’t wait to finally answer the question for viewers – who is Mike Young today?’
Guy is in a relationship with Dutch actress Carice van Houten and the pair welcomed their son Monte in 2016.
Guy is in a relationship with Dutch actress Carice van Houten and the pair welcomed their son Monte in 2016
After Neighbours he also found success with the character of Jack Irish and starred in box office hits such as The King’s Speech, Iron Man 3 and The Hurt Locker.
It comes as Kylie Minogue – who is also returning for the finale – has revealed she was eager to drive down memory lane as she filmed scenes with her ex-boyfriend Jason Donovan.
The pop singer, 54, found fame on the Australian soap as Charlene Robinson in the Eighties and along with Jason, 54, playing Scott Robinson they became the show’s golden couple.
Kylie revealed to The Australian: ‘I wanted to be reminded of being that 19-year-old again, when I would get into my Datsun and fang it to Vermont South or the Network Ten studios at Nunawading.’
‘It was very sweet to be with Jason and to think, “Wow, we’re still around”.’
The finale of the long-running soap will be broadcast on the same day in Australia and the UK, where the show is aired on 10 Peach and Channel 5 respectively.
The Australian broadcaster last month confirmed the series was being axed after an incredible 37 years on the air. The last episode will be filmed in Melbourne in June.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Guy said: ‘It is very exciting and surreal at the same time being back on set again, however it feels like coming home. Pictured in 2019
Channel 10 and production company Fremantle previously told MailOnline: ‘It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in the summer.
‘Following the loss of a key broadcast partner [Channel 5] in the UK, and despite a search for alternative funding, we currently have no option but to rest the show. Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out.
‘The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world launching the careers of dozens of household names along the way.
Farewell, Ramsay Street: The finale of Aussie soap opera Neighbours (cast pictured) will air on Monday, August 1. The episode will be broadcast on the same day in Australia and the UK
‘But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves.’
Stars including Kylie, who found fame as Charlene Robinson on Neighbours before launching a successful music career, have mourned the loss of the show that helped launch their careers.
The pint-sized pop star tweeted: ‘I’ll be forever grateful for the experience and the friends I made on Neighbours.
‘It was very sweet to be with Jason again’: Kylie Minogue has revealed she ‘felt 19 again’ filming Neighbours finale with former co-star Donovan. Pictured earlier this month
‘We had no idea how big the show would become and how passionately viewers would take it to heart. Pure love! I can still hear Madge calling… CHARLENE!!!!’
Channel 10 also said in a statement the axing of the show was a ‘difficult decision’.
‘Today, Fremantle confirmed that Neighbours will cease production in June, after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes,’ a network spokesperson said.
‘This difficult decision came after the search for an alternative UK broadcast partner proved unsuccessful.’
Sweet: The pop singer, 54, found fame on the Australian soap as Charlene Robinson in the Eighties and along with Jason, 54, playing Scott Robinson they became the golden couple
‘A much-loved stalwart of our program schedule for over 35 years it has been a staple of Australian television drama, and Australian cultural exports,’ the rep added.
‘Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, is a cul-de-sac recognised all over the world and has been home to Scott and Charlene, Des and Daphne, Dr Karl and Susan, Dee and Toadie, Aaron and David and many, many more neighbours.
‘Network 10 thanks the cast, crew, all the production team and Fremantle for bringing the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and around the world.’
Many Hollywood stars, including Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth, began their careers on the show, which premiered in Australia in March 1985.
Familiar face: Many Hollywood stars, including Margot Robbie (centre) and Chris Hemsworth, began their careers on the show, which premiered in Australia in March 1985
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