Two Neighbours fan favourites are to return for the soap for its 30th anniversary episode in March next year.
Ian Smith and Anne Charleston
Anne Charleston and Ian Smith - better known to fans as Madge and Harold Bishop - will be reunited once more for the momentous milestone, but just why they're appearing on Ramsay Street is being kept underwraps by the soap's producers.
Written into the series in 1986, Madge was at first the wife of Fred Mitchell and mother of Charlene - played by Kylie Minogue. After her failed marriage she married school sweetheart Harold Bishop in 1988, beginning one of the most famous partnerships in soap history.
"It was an immediate yes when I was invited to return for the 30th Anniversary, I wouldn't have missed it and I'm thrilled with the way their story unfolds," says Anne, who lived in Ireland for over a decade and only last year returned to Melbourne.
Harold joined the soap back in 1987 and in 1991, he was swept out to sea during a walk with Madge along a coastal path. Five years later he returned, suffering from amnesia but eventually regaining his memory and one true love.
Renewing their wedding vows in 1997, the blissful couple lived peacefully until Madge was struck with pancreatic cancer and died.
"I spent half my working life on Neighbours and so it's lovely to be back with Anne and all the cast and crew," said Ian, after retiring officially from the show back in 2009.
Now the two are filming their episodes at Melbourne studios, and are the first of a number of past cast members who will be coming back for the 30th anniversary.
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