It looks like Ramsay Street will be losing one of its longtime residents, but gaining a director behind the scenes! It was announced on Thursday that Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) will be leaving Amazon Freevee’s Neighbours as a series regular.

Look for Ryan to depart on-screen later this year. However, he is not going very far as Moloney is making a move to directing and will continue to be a part of the Neighbours family.

The character of Toadie has been on the canvas for nearly thirty years, making his upcoming departure on-screen all the more emotional. In a heartfelt video, Ryan shared his sentiments.

Courtesy/Neighbours

Moloney expressed, “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. ”

“I want to thank you all for the love that you have shown me and Toadie over the years. Three decades, in fact”, Ryan continued. “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.”

In a statement on Ryan’s exit, Neighbours executive producer, Jason Herbison shared, “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.”

New episodes of Neighbours drop Monday-Thursday on the streamer, Amazon Freevee in the U.S. and the UK.  The Australian-born soap just received its first ever nominations at the recent 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards including for Outstanding Drama Series.

So, how do you think ‘Neighbours’ will write off the character of Toadie? What are your thoughts on Ryan’s departure? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Toadie has been on an emotional journey this season, but what’s next for him?

Here’s a message from Ryan…@AmazonFreevee @Channel10AU @Goldupslane pic.twitter.com/yO0oUayuWs

— Neighbours (@neighbours) June 27, 2024

UPDATED: Early Wednesday morning, Michael Easton revealed that he has already taped his final scenes as Hamilton Finn on General Hospital.

The popular actor, who arrived at GH after his enduring run as John McBain on One Life to Live, took to his Instagram and announced his departure from the ABC daytime drama series, following weeks of rumors that he was out at the show. Reportedly, Easton’s final airdate is Thursday, June 27th and the video Easton posted was pre-taped awhile ago.

Standing outside the entrance to the set of General Hospital in what seems to be the wee hours of the morning, Easton shared the following message to his fans: “I’ve always been partial to the Irish Wish goodbye. That’s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you’re gone. But I thought you all deserved better.”

Photo: MEastonIG

Easton then expressed, “So, I just wanna let you know, I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital. I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here. I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I wanna thank all of you for the kindness and love you shown me and my family. I won’t ever forget you.”

In an emotional closing, Michael ended his video message, with, “As I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the great Lou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Ironically, the former New York Yankees baseball star in Easton’s reference, died of ALS (also known as “Lou Gehrig disease”), which was part of the storyline Michael recently played out on-screen with Finn’s dying father, Gregory, who had the same disease.

Photo: ABC

Michael punctuated his thoughts within the Instagram post with one final goodbye, “Thank you for your kindness. My heart is filled with love and gratitude.”

Currently in story, Finn has lost his sobriety after seven years, and is in the midst of a serious downfall after his father, Gregory passed away and his daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love) has been taken out of his home and has been served a restraining order to not come near her. How will Easton depart GH? Is Finn exiting the Port Charles canvas to get the help he needs?

Clearly, this marks the end of the line for Finn and Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) as they just had it out over his drinking, and with yesterday’s announced return of Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) to GH this summer.

Photo: ABC

Easton’s GH journey started when he took Llanview’s McBain to Port Charles after One Life was canceled. He debuted on the long-running soap in March 13, 2012. However, due to the legal disputes with ownership of the characters from One Life to Live, between ABC and Prospect Park, he had to leave the series. Michael’s last episode as McBain was in March of 2013. Next, General Hospital brought him back as a new character, Silas Clay, in May of 2013. Two years later in 2015, Silas was killed-off.  Easton made one more GH run, this time as Dr. Hamilton Finn which he had been playing since the spring of 2016.

Throughout Easton’s time on General Hospital, he has earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2018.  Given his recent performances, many suspect that Michael might close his time on GH with another Emmy nomination in 2025.

You can watch Easton’s emotional goodbye below.

Now let us know, what are your thoughts on Michael Easton’s exit from GH? Sad to see him go? How do you think the show will write-off Finn? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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A post shared by Michael Easton (@iammichaeleaston)

The big return that General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini teased after the show won Outstanding Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards has turned about to be, as promised, a true fan favorite and beloved actor for longtime fans of the ABC daytime drama series.

Five-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson is on his way back to the ABC soap in his signature role as Lucky Spencer, the son of the iconic supercouple, Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis).

According to Deadline, Jackson’s on-screen return will happen later this summer and is expected to be for a “long run.” This announcement comes on the heels of yesterday’s GH casting news when they revealed that two-time Daytime Emmy winner Bryan Craig was coming back for a one-day appearance in the role of Morgan Corinthos.

Photo: JPI

As for Jackson, he began his GH career at 11-years-old back in 1993, winning viewers hearts and captivating the audience with his brilliant performances. In fact, his on-screen dad, eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, Tony Geary, has many times said that Jonathan is his all-time favorite scene partner.

Jonathan stayed with GH until 1999. The role was then recast with Jacob Young and later with Greg Vaughan. Eventually, Jackson returned to the role of Lucky for another run in 2009 to 2011.

After his GH departure, Jackson went on to star in ABC’s country music soap opera, Nashville in the role of Avery Barclay for six seasons playing opposite another soap alum, Hayden Panettiere (ex-Lizzie, GL). Jonathan returned once again to GH for a limited run back in 2015. Jackson has won five Daytime Emmys for his work as Lucky in 1995, 1998, 1999, 2011 and again in 2012.

Photo: JPI

When Valentini told ABC7 ‘s On the Red Carpet at the Daytime Emmys, “A former cast member is coming back, and I think that the audience will go crazy for him,” speculation was rampant of just which male actor was coming back to the show. Many fans hoped and many predicted Jackson, and now they will get their wish. Could Lucky finally reunite with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) when he returns to Port Charles? Stay tuned.

Recently, Jonathan has appeared in the film Unsung Hero about the family back-story of the hit Contemporary Christian/Pop duo For King and Country, plus has appeared in numerous other TV, film and music projects.

Photo: JPI

Jackson continues to perform as a musician around the world with his band Jonathan Jackson + Enation, plus several tours with cast members from Nashville, and is also an accomplished writer penning the theological prose, The Mystery of Art.

So, are you excited for Jonathan Jackson’s long-awaited return as Lucky Spencer? Comment below.