Although the most important aspect of the week, Libby’s departure was confined to one episode towards the end of the week. Although this was, in fairness, due to the complications surrounding Kym Valentine’s sudden decision to end her contract, it was also due in part to Alan Fletcher being ill during the filming of many of the episodes. However, Thursday came, and Libby went off to join Darren in Shepparton, having been persuaded by Susan that it was a third stab at happiness that few people get, and that she should take it. So, in one of Neighbours’ most hurried exits (and there have been several) Libby and toddler Ben took off down the famous cul-de-sac for possibly the last time with family and neighbours waving her off. An important part of Neighbours rich tapestry has come to an end.

Meanwhile, life for the extended Kennedy family were tumultuous following Izzy’s trauma of losing the baby. Returning home, Izzy found it increasingly difficult to face the truth and tried to block out her loss as best she could – even appearing flippant to others. Susan had the opportunity to both comfort and shout at Karl for a second time at the start of the week regarding his self-pitying, and she selflessly made him see that Izzy needed him now more than ever. However, Izzy was not one for brooding on the past, and during a night in with Max and Steph, she displayed denial at its best by wanting to go out and party. Worried for his sister, Max was determined to go and find her, but Steph insisted she go instead, in case her sister-in-law wanted a woman to talk to.At the nightclub, Izzy met Jack who was out for the first time since the accident and conviction. He had promised Lyn that he would go out and stay clean, so the last thing he needed was Izzy’s bad influence. Things nearly got to a very messy end when the two of them began kissing, only for Stephanie to walk in and catch them at it. How Karl will react if he finds out is anybody’s guess. It’s difficult to tell whether Izzy being content to cheat on Karl is due to the trauma of her loss, or whether it’s merely her being vindictive in hurting Karl now she doesn’t have to keep up the act for the baby’s sake.

Lana and Sky’s saga continued as Lana revealed her father’s work meant they had to return to Canada. Sky was upset at the prospect of losing her new best friend, and so to cheer her up, Lana conjured up a plan for them both to create a mini-garden out the front of Lassiter’s Hotel one night. Following their horticultural adventure they spent the night under the stars in the car park. Waking the following morning and overjoyed at seeing their flowers in bloom, Sky leant in to kiss Lana – the latter being secretly thrilled by it! Sky was troubled by the event and concluded it was a mistake, which upset Lana. Sky had confided in Harold who inadvertently told Boyd about it, despite him already having his suspicions something was up judging by Lana’s attitude. He was horrified that Sky had cheated on him with a girl and rejected her pleas and apologies, leaving poor Sky even more confused and heartbroken, having hurt both Lana and Boyd. This story must be praised in as much that it hasn’t gone for the all-out “let’s turn our sexiest female lesbian” for the sake of ratings. Instead, it has shown a scared Lana overcoming her fears and coming out, and shown the effect of such an admission on her closest friend who also doubts her sexuality, whether or not Sky finds answers to her questions.

Tensions at No.24 were still present, as Liljana invited Luka to stay with the family, without consulting the other members. David was uneasy, especially after he caught Luka acting suspiciously around an expensive classic car in the Lassiter’s parking lot. Liljana wasn’t sure she believed David’s statement, but Luka admitted he had considered stealing the purse on the passenger seat to pay for a passage home. Despite Lil’s offers of money, Luka refused to take anything from her. He was also desperate to find out more about his father, Ivan, and Harold took the initiative to contact Svetlanka in Perth to see if she could shed any light on his whereabouts. She revealed he was last heard of years ago in a town near Melbourne. Serena, meanwhile, was still deeply unhappy with Luka’s continuing presence and she got closer to Stingray, who offered her more good advice as well as friendship.

Carmella’s recent reunion with Connor seemed to be getting serious as her mother, Lucia, arranged to meet up with them both. Connor, unknowingly, befriended Lucia at the pub in a rather dopey manner, and only bucked up his ideas once Carmella arrived and introduced them! Lou also quickly dropped his flirty techniques on her when he discovered she was Rocco’s wife! Despite Mrs Cammeniti’s reservations about baby Madeleine, she seemed impressed with Connor, but she appears a woman not to be messed with! Stuart maintained No.30’s reputation as sex-haven this week by bedding Sindi’s work colleague, Jacinta, and later making it clear to her that she was nothing more than a one-night-stand.

Finally, Lyn was offering advice left right and centre towards the end of the week as she continued her life coaching. Things got a little sticky, when, against Jack’s warnings, she revealed to Lou that Susan was still able to help Karl with his depression and turn to alcohol after the baby’s death. Lou admitted he didn’t know Karl had hit the bottle again and he later inadvertently told Izzy of Karl and Susan’s closeness. Furious with himself and Lyn for telling the world and its wife, he lost his temper with Ma Scully, declaring that her status as gossip queen did not give her the automatic ability to help people with their personal problems! However, she did give some good advice to a worried Summer, who was concerned that she was expected to follow her female peers’ actions and kiss boys at parties “using tongues and everything”!

A full summary of Libby's Departure, episode 4605, can be found, here.