Ryan Moloney to leave ‘Neighbours’ later this year

Ryan Moloney has announced that he will be leaving ‘Neighbours’ later this year, after nearly 30 years of playing fan favourite character Toadie Rebecchi.

Even though he won’t be appearing on screen as a series regular, Moloney will be heading behind the camera as he turns his hand to directing. That means he will still remain a part of the ‘Neighbours’ family.

In a video message to fans, Moloney said:

“After 30 years playing Toadie, I will be leaving Ramsay Street.  I can’t tell you what is happening to the character – maybe I could be the next Jim Robinson. Or maybe I’ll be the next Harold Bishop and keep popping back over the years. And although I won’t be bringing you our fantastic storylines from in front of the camera, I will be bringing them to you from the other side, behind the camera.  I’ve just started director training and have just finished filming my first episode as director – so I really hope that you enjoy that. 

Thank you all for the love that you have shown me and Toadie over the years. Three decades, in fact.  I’ll miss you, I’ll miss him, and I’ll miss Erinsborough… but whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss what’s going to happen on Ramsay Street.”

Executive Producer Jason Herbison comments: “Toadie is an Australian television icon and Ryan is Ramsay Street royalty. 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.”

Todie’s exit storyline is being shrouded in secrecy but it’s fair to say there won’t be a happy ending for him and Terese (Rebekah Elmaloglou), who have spent the past few months trying to save their marriage after Toadie slept with his ex-wife Melanie (Lucinda Cowden).

‘Neighbours’ airs Monday to Thursday on Amazon Freevee in the UK.