It seems television audiences across the globe have a thirst for the froth and bubble of soaps, keeping them on air with ratings, as they live vicariously through their stars.
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In terms of longevity, Australia's oldest TV drama, Neighbours, is right up there with some of the all-time US daytime winners.
Guiding Light ran for 57 years, but could well be surpassed by General Hospital (56 years and counting). As the World Turns aired for 54 years, and Days of Our Lives has been renewed until September 2021, after 55 years on air.
Neighbours has been in our living rooms since 1985. Yes folks, that's 35 years of births, deaths, affairs, illness, romance, weddings, crime, scandal, etcetera!
Set in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough, the actual location is cul-de-sac Pink Oak Court, Vermont South, Victoria, which doubles for Ramsay Street.
The theme song, penned by '60s couple Tony Hatch and his then wife Jackie Trent (dec. 2015), was originally recorded by Barry Crocker.
In celebration of 35 years, from Monday, March 16, the producers will foist five "anniversary" episodes at 6.30pm on fans, followed by five "grittier, drama-filled" episodes at 7pm.
To kick things off Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly) has the genius idea to stage a wedding expo. Cue wedding bells for five couples from different decades on Ramsay Street, who didn't quite make it down the aisle the first time.
We are promised "tears, nostalgia, laughs and a splash of drama" as five favourites tie the knot. But then, that's not too unusual among this lot.
To offset the froth of the nuptials, there will also be three deaths. The scene is the remote island glamping resort of Pierce Greyson (Tim Robards) where Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta) is celebrating her 35th birthday (coincidence?) with some of her Ramsay Street friends. Who will die?