Daniel MacPherson, who played Joel Samuels, Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), and Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby) on Neighbours, has revealed that a spin-off series for his characters Joel Samuels, Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney), and Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby) was almost made.
Following the announcement that the long-running Australian serial will end this year, the actor, who starred on the show from 1998 to 2002, reflected on some of his fondest memories of the show.
MacPherson took to Twitter to share a lengthy thread about how Neighbours launched his career, detailing how he was cast as Joel at the age of 17 and had to relocate to Melbourne.
“From 17 to 21, I spent the most of my time in Melbourne running around in Speedos or some type of Lycra,” he joked. “I learned a little about acting with several versions of basically a blonde perm (and nipple ring – since departed) but slowly.”
“Toadfish, Lance, and Joel almost got a spin off – no shit,” he said later.
If only that had worked out.
MacPherson elaborated on how Neighbours impacted his life, saying: “It sent me on a journey that continues to this day. Last week, the child who knew nothing 25 years ago was working with an Oscar winner.”
He also told how the producers urged him to stay on the programme when he was planning to depart after three and a half years, advising him to stay and focus on his craft rather than going out into the world right away.
“I still remember sitting in that office 25 years later, being informed by two old guys that I wasn’t going to make it,” he said. “They had no idea they were starting a fire that would turn into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Thank you very much, gentlemen. Truly. Thank you so much, Joel. Neighbors, thank you “..
Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy), Takaya Honda (David Tanaka), Freya Van Dyke (Zara Selwyn), and Lucinda Cowden have all responded to the news of Neighbours’ demise, which was officially confirmed yesterday (March 3). (Melanie Pearson).
However, ahead of the summer finale, a number of familiar names will return, including Ian Smith as Harold Bishop and Peter O’Brien as Shane Ramsay, according to reports.
