When the Australian soap opera Neighbours came to an apparent end two years ago, audience members grieved the end of an era.
Longstanding characters were like friends to some, with those devoted to the show experiencing an outpouring of emotion similar to how they might feel when a real-life relationship ends.
Now, those who were grieving for characters such as Jarrod “Toadfish” Rebecchi played by Ryan Moloney will be forced to experience those emotions all over again, with Moloney announcing he’s walking away from his on-screen role on the show.
“After 30 years playing Toadie, I will be leaving Ramsay Street,” Moloney said in a video posted to social media.
“Now, I can’t tell you what is going to happen to the character, whether or not we are going to see him again or not.
“You know, maybe I could be the next Jim Robinson and just [be killed off].
“Or maybe I’ll be the next Harold Bishop and keep popping back over the years.”
Moloney, 44, joined the show in 1995 playing a troubled teen attending Erinsborough High, who was the antithesis of a teacher’s pet.
He matured over the years, becoming a responsible member of his community.
Toadie married about five times, and was involved in some juicy storylines.
Moloney has been nominated for a Logie for Most Popular Actor for his portrayal of Toadie.
Reactions from fans have been congratulatory, with some reminiscing and others in disbelief.
Neighbours was launched in 1985.
It left television screens briefly when in 2022, UK broadcaster Channel 5 dropped the show from its schedule.
The final episode attracted an audience of about 1.5 million people in Australia alone and featured former members of the star-studded cast.
Neighbours experienced a revival when streaming service Amazon confirmed a partnership with production house Fremantle Australia to bring the show back.
Moloney softens the blow by not leaving the show altogether
Moloney won’t be leaving the show altogether, telling fans he plans to work as a director on the show.
“Although I won’t be bringing you our fantastic storylines from in front of the camera, I do hope to be bringing them to you from the other side, behind the camera,” he said.
“I’ve just started director training and have just finished filming my first episode as director, so I really hope you enjoy that.”
Moloney thanked fans for their support and encouraged them to keep watching the show.
“I would just like to take the opportunity to say thank you all so much for all the love that you have shown me and Toadie over the years, for three decades in fact.
“I’m going to miss you and I’m going to miss him and I’m going to miss Erinsborough.
“But whatever you do make sure you do not miss what is going to happen on Ramsay Street.”
Neighbours executive producer, Jason Herbison has confirmed viewers might not have seen the end of Toadie.
“Toadie is an Australian television icon and Ryan is Ramsay Street royalty,” he said.
“The street won’t be the same without seeing him every week, however there’s every chance he will pop back in the future.
“In the meantime, we’re thrilled to support his directing ambitions and can’t wait for viewers to see how Toadie’s season-long story arc plays out.
“Ryan’s been instrumental in the journey and has blown us away with his performance.”
Moloney will be in good company when he joins Neighbours alumni. Others who have trod Ramsay Street include Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Russell Crowe, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Vallance and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
Neighbours can be viewed Monday – Thursday at 4pm on 10 and 10 Play and 6:30pm on 10 Peach.