The exciting Neighbours news continues to come in thick and fast.
Amazon Freevee may have just announced the kick off on production of the revival of Neighbours but fans of the long-running Australian soap continue to be treated to further exciting news.
That’s right, a new character is joining the drama of Ramsay Street. It’s just been confirmed that The O.C.’s Mischa Barton will be joining the cast as a guest star in the upcoming series.
Barton will be playing the role of Reece, “an American new to Erinsborough who’s not quite who she appears to be”, according to the press release.
Speaking about her new role, Barton said: “I’m excited to be part of this iconic show’s next chapter, and I am really looking forward to being back in Australia a place I know and love! I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with.”
Similarly, Jason Herbison, Neighbours’ executive producer, said: “With Neighbours launching on Amazon Freevee in North America, we are beyond excited to have an actor of Mischa’s calibre join us for the beginning of this exciting new chapter.
“Mischa’s character is dynamic and unpredictable, and will have an instant presence on Ramsay Street. Our loyal viewers are going to love her, locally and abroad.”
While many will undoubtedly recognise Barton for her role as Marissa Cooper in The O.C. from 2003 to 2006, she has also starred in The Sixth Sense and The Beautiful Life, as well as reality shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Hills: New Beginnings. She’s also set to next appear on our screens in murder mystery thriller Invitation to a Murder, which is set to be released this spring.
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The Neighbours revival has officially started production from Monday 17th April and as well as welcoming Barton to the cast, also sees the return of classic character Melanie Pearson, played by Lucinda Cowden.
The exciting news of her return was announced a day before production started on Sunday 16th April, with the official Neighbours account tweeting: “We’re so excited to announce that Lucinda Cowden will be reprising her role as Melanie Pearson in new episodes of Neighbours later this year.
“We can’t wait to welcome her back (and maybe her pig collection too). Even Madame Zolga couldn’t have predicted this one!”
Other cast members who will be series regulars in the next chapter of Neighbours include Rebekah Elmaloglou, Tim Kano, Georgie Stone and Annie Jones, with veterans like Ian Smith, Melissa Bell and April Rose Pengilly all announced as having guest roles in the new series, as well as Harold Bishop, Lucy Robinson and Chloe Brennan respectively.
Neighbours returns on Amazon Freevee this autumn. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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