**Neighbours Star Ryan Moloney Announces Departure After Nearly 30 Years as Toadie**
In a significant shift for the beloved Australian soap opera “Neighbours,” Ryan Moloney, who has portrayed the iconic character Jarrod “Toadie” Rebecchi for nearly three decades, has announced his departure from the show. This news marks the end of an era for fans who have followed Toadie’s journey since his debut in 1995.
Moloney’s announcement came through a heartfelt video shared on Neighbours’ social media channels. In the video, he introduced himself as “formerly Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi from Neighbours,” and confirmed that after 30 years, he would be leaving Ramsay Street. He remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his character’s exit, leaving fans in suspense about whether Toadie will be killed off or leave Erinsborough for a fresh start. Moloney teased, “I can’t tell you what is going to happen to the character, whether or not we are going to see him again. Maybe I could be the next Jim Robinson and just…” he said, clutching his chest in a nod to Jim’s heart attack in 1993. “Or maybe I’ll be the next Harold Bishop and just keep popping back over the years.”
Despite his departure from in front of the camera, Moloney’s journey with Neighbours is far from over. He revealed that he has begun training as a director and has already completed filming his first episode in this new role. “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, behind the camera,” he said. “I’ve just started director training and have just finished filming my first episode as a director, so I really hope you enjoy that.”
Moloney took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the fans who have supported him and his character over the years. “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. For three decades, in fact. I’m going to miss you, and I’m going to miss him, and I’m going to miss Erinsborough. But whatever you do, make sure you do not miss what is going to happen on Ramsay Street. Bye.”
Jason Herbison, Neighbours’ Executive Producer, praised Moloney’s contribution to the show, stating, “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.”
Toadie Rebecchi has been a fixture on Neighbours since his introduction as a guest character in January 1995. Initially intended to be a short-term role, Toadie quickly became one of the show’s most beloved characters. Over the years, he has evolved from a tearaway teen to a respected lawyer and family man. His journey has been marked by numerous dramatic storylines, including his tumultuous relationships, legal battles, and personal tragedies.
One of Toadie’s most memorable storylines was his marriage to Dee Bliss (Madeleine West) in 2003, which ended in tragedy when their wedding car plunged off a cliff, leading to Dee’s presumed death. Toadie later found love again with Sonya (Eve Morey), and the couple had a daughter, Nell. However, their happiness was short-lived as Sonya was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer and passed away in Toadie’s arms.
Toadie’s resilience and enduring love for his family have been central to his character. He has faced numerous challenges, including being shot and paralyzed, but has always managed to bounce back. In recent years, Toadie’s relationship with Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) has divided fans, adding another layer of complexity to his character.
Toadie’s departure from Neighbours comes at a time when the show has experienced significant changes. After being canceled by British broadcaster Channel 5 in 2022, Neighbours was revived by Amazon Freevee and returned to screens in September 2023. Toadie played a significant role in what was believed to be the show’s final episode, marrying Melanie Pearson (Lucinda Cowden) in a wedding that left fans divided.
As Neighbours continues to evolve, Moloney’s transition to a behind-the-scenes role as a director marks a new chapter in his career. He joins the ranks of former co-stars Kate Kendall (Lauren Turner) and Scott Major (Lucas Fitzgerald), who have also moved into directing roles. Moloney’s first episode as a director has already been filmed, and fans eagerly await his contributions from behind the camera.
In addition to his work on Neighbours, Moloney is set to embark on a UK tour titled “Toad on the Road,” where he will share stories from his three decades on the show. The tour will kick off in Birmingham on September 3rd and will include stops in various cities across the UK.
As fans prepare to say goodbye to Toadie, they can take comfort in knowing that Ryan Moloney’s legacy on Neighbours will continue through his work as a director. His departure marks the end of an era, but his impact on the show and its viewers will be felt for years to come.
Source: Jane Zhang / Amazon Freevee, Ray Messner / Amazon Freevee, Neil Genower/REX/Shutterstock, Fremantle Media/Shutterstock, PA
