Neighbours legend quits soap after 30 years – and makes a huge career change
A NEIGHBOURS legend has announced they’ve quit the soap after 30 years on screens.
Fans of the long-running Australian soap have been left devastated as the star announced a brand new career.
Ryan Moloney – who has played Toadie Rebecchi for three decades – has already filmed his final scenes for Neighbours.
Revealing his exit, the 44-year-old said he will remain on the show, albeit behind-the-scenes as a director.
In an emotional video message to fans, he said: “Hi there, it’s Ryan Moloney, formerly Jared Toadfish Rebecca from Neighbours.
“That’s right. I did say formerly because after 30 years of playing Toadie, I will be leaving Ramsey Street. 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 or maybe I’ll be the next Harold Bishop and just keep popping back over the years.”
The actor will be talking about his time on Neighbours in his exclusive solo tour, fittingly called Toad on the Road.
Speaking about his new role, Ryan continued: “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.
I’m gonna miss you and I am going to miss him and I’m gonna miss Erinsborough
Ryan Moloney
“Behind the camera, I’ve just started director training and have just finished filming my first episode as a director. So I really hope you enjoy that.
“Before I go, 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. Three decades, in fact.
“I’m gonna miss you and I am going to miss him and I’m gonna miss Erinsborough. But whatever you do, make sure you do not miss what is going to happen on Ramsay Street.”
It’s not yet clear when fans will last see Toadie on screen, but the character is set to be involved in a big storyline this summer.
Ryan joined Neighbours back in 1995 after playing another character for a brief period of time.
He was originally meant to appear in just one episode but became a reoccurring cast member.
After proving to be a hit with viewers and a beloved character, he was later made permanent.
Ryan was one of the first stars invited back to Neighbours following its axe by Channel 5 in 2022 after being revived by Amazon.
Neighbours airs on Amazon Freevee.