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> Top 30 Episodes
As Neighbours aired its 7000th episode, and prepared to mark 30 years on Australian television, we thought it was time to discover which of them were the most popular. We asked you to vote for your top ten Neighbours episodes of the first 7000, putting your favourite as number one and so on. The votes have now been tallied and the results will be revealed one each day. To read a full, illustrated summary of any of the episodes, click on the episode number.
30(-32) (26 Points)
Episode 1000 (1989)
Written by Lois Booton Directed by Steve Mann
 The first of three episodes in joint 30th place is Neighbours' 1000th episode, a big milestone for the show and an example of what many consider to be a true Neighbours episode, focused on family and community, good times contrasted with emotional drama. Set largely at Number 26, as was often the case in the early years being the 'big house' on the street, the Robinsons were hosting an engagement party for Des and Jane which quickly turned into a joint party for Joe and Kerry. Meanwhile Matt, Harold and Madge were all contemplating leaving Ramsay Street whilst Hilary had to swallow her pride and admit to her friends and neighbours that Matt was her son.
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Episode 4292 - Toadie and Dee's Wedding (2003)
Written by Martin McKenna Directed by Jeffrey Walker and Tony Osicka
 When news came in April 2003 that Neighbours had been filming their "biggest storyline ever" at Werribee Mansion in Melbourne's western suburbs, it seemed unlikely for it not to be linked to the departure of Madeleine West, who filmed her final scenes as Dee Bliss the same week. So as the day of Toadie and Dee's Wedding came around and they both spoke about spending the rest of their lives together their dreams of wedded bliss seemed destined to turn into complete disaster. As is always the case in soap, a series of convenient plot twists fell into place as the limo broke down and Stuart kindly loaned them a customer's car from the garage that Connor had been driving to the wedding in to drive themselves to the airport instead of being chauffeured. As the pair, distracted by their love for each other headed off for their honeymoon, Toadie lost control of the car, causing them to crash through a railing (and fly off a conveniently placed ramp) into the ocean. All of this was of course accompanied by the tune "I want to drown right now in a sea of love with you." Dee never emerged from the shallow waters they landed in, but fans still ask to this day when she's going to make an appearance on Toadie's doorstep.
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Episode 6000 (2010)
Written by Pete McTighe Directed by Tony Osicka
 2010 saw Neighbours reach two big milestones in one year, its 25th Anniversary and it's 6000th Episode. To celebrate they decided to push their one remaining original character, Paul Robinson off of Lassiter's new mezzanine terrace. A play on the 'Who Shot JR?' storyline on Dallas, the timeslot and G rating in Australia led to the story being changed to 'Who Pushed PR?' although as a man who had already survived being shot, falling off a cliff and a mid-air bombing, there was little chance of Paul dying. The culprit turned out to be Paul's wife, Rebecca which was revealed in a later flashback. Whilst the flashback left things open to interpretation and few could have blamed Rebecca if she had wanted Paul dead, she later fled the country having tricked Paul into signing an affidavit stating he would not press charges. Paul later tried to woo her back, but given he had since moved in a penthouse apartment with a balcony that probably wasn't the best idea.
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29 (27 Points)
Episode 4836 - The Plane Crash: Part One (2005)
'What Goes Up...'
Written by Peter Mattessi Directed by Chris Adshead
 The beginning of 2005's Plane Crash saga saw the Ramsay Street residents prepare for the 1920s themed Lassiter's Joy Flight to Tasmania. Little did poor Harold know, but when he generously gifted his family tickets on the flight he was sending David, Liljana and Serena to their deaths and had Lil paid more attention to the emptiness at the bottom of David's cup, perhaps they would all still be alive today. Meanwhile, Dylan Timmins found himself in trouble with the Police, whilst Connor O'Neill admitted to Toadie that he stole from Bounce bikini shop. The real drama began after takeoff though as Izzy opened a letter reading "Think about your life - and everything you've done" as a bomb continued to count down...
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28-27 (29 Points)
Episode 7000 (2014)
Written by Peter Mattessi Directed by Chris Langman
 Neighbours' last big milestone before the 30th Anniversary, reaching a 7000th episode is something many shows could only dream of, especially one that was axed after an already impressive 170 episodes. After the high drama of the tornado, Neighbours did what it does best - comedy - with Karl having found an un-scratched scratch card, eventually discovering he'd won $7,000. Of course, being Neighbours things weren't that simple as he lost the card and ended up retracing his steps having visited half of Erinsborough to collect lemons for the lemon curd he planned to make. Finally, Karl found the scratchcard at Number 30 where Toadie was hosting a nude lunch for some clients, so as Karl also stripped off so he could look around he eventually found the card stuck to Toadie's bum. Being Neighbours though, even in the most highly comedic episodes, it also managed to fit in some light drama as Susan struggled with counselling Nate before bringing us back down to earth with a bang as Toadie received an anonymous letter telling him that his wife was not who he thought she was...
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Episode 3110 - Susan Slaps Karl (1998)
Written by John Hanlon Directed by Chris Adshead
 The culmination of a 6 month long storyline which firmly cemented the Kennedys' place in the show as Susan confronted Karl over his affair with Sarah truly deserves its place in the top 30. Juxtaposed against the happiness of the wedding reception of Phil and Ruth, the Kennedy marriage was torn apart as Susan dealt with Billy's revelation in the previous episode that he thought his dad was having an affair with Sarah. The episode not only gave future US star, Jesse Spencer, a chance to shine as he confronted his Dad over his lies, it also gave Ryan Moloney a chance to show that he could handle drama as well as comedy as he faced Sarah and struggled to stay neutral, before deciding to support his second mum. The real stars of the episode were of course Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher, who after three years of on-screen marriage delivered a truly emotional performance that we have now come to expect from them and created one of Neighbours' most iconic moments as Susan slapped Karl, in tears because her own son had to tell her that her husband had been cheating on her. But as Karl insisted it was just one kiss, six months previous, fans suspected it was more, with Karl and Sarah having stayed in a motel the night before, and it wasn't until 2013 that Karl finally admitted the truth, that they had slept together, only for Susan to reveal that part of her had known all along.
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26 (32 Points)
Episode 5000 (2006)
'Five Thousand And Counting'
Written by Linda Stainton Directed by Tony Osicka
 Having now surpassed 7000 episodes, 5000 seems quite inconsequential, although it also marked 1000 blocks (a block being a set of 5 episodes) of Neighbours. As Robertprepared his grand finale, by drugging Paul and tying him up in an old mineshaft whilst having listened to Katya's story that she believed Robert had framed Cameron for his actions, Gail, Izzy and Elle went off in search of Paul and Robert. Meanwhile Karl and Susan struggled to hide their reunion from Zeke, whilst Karl continued to feel pushed out of Oodles 'O' Noodles by Justine. As Harold came around to the idea of Sky being pregnant, becoming a Great-Grandfather after all he'd lost, he left Janelle stunned as he revealed she was about to become a Grandmother. As Paul began to realise what Robert was up to, he cried for help as he was left for dead as Robert tied a rope between the mine's support post and his car and began to collapse the mineshaft.
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25 (33 Points)
24 (34 Points)
Episode 2251 - The Kennedys' Arrival (1994)
Written by Victoria Osbourne Directed by Grant Brown
 Little known to viewers at the time, but when the "family of nerds" moved into Ramsay Street, their arrival would shape the course of Neighbours for the next twenty years and counting. Replacing the popular Willis family and arriving at a time when the Martins were still mourning the loss of Julie, viewer reactions were mixed. Over 20 years on and the Kennedys are beloved worldwide, with Dr Karl having become a cult favourite amongst students, with his abilities to diagnose and treat every medical condition under the sun and his success with the ladies, whilst Susan has become Neighbours' matriarch and the longest running female character. Whilst the Kennedy children have grown up and moved on, the Kennedys having taken in many waifs and strays over the years but still viewers hope to one day see Mal, Libby and Billy all stop by together to visit their parents. In the meantime Neighbours' have offered a cameo to Oscar winning actor, Eddie Redmayne who recently joined Neighbours viewers in singing the praises of Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne for the understated nuances of their performances as Karl and Susan, and rightly so.
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23-22 (35 Points)
Episode 5348 - Susan's MS Diagnosis (2007)
Written by Helen MacWhirter Directed by Tony Osicka
 When Susan Kinski (best known as Kennedy) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, fans were obviously worried for one of their favourite characters and how the character could continue as her symptoms progressed. Raising awareness and understanding of the illness, Neighbours cleverly chose to show Susan coping with relapsing remitting MS, showing that some MS sufferers can often continue a full and active life with little or no symptoms, with occasional flare-ups. The episodes surrounding Susan's initial MS diagnosis were praised by the MS Society; in particular the scenes in episode 5348. As a temporarily blind Susan went for her MRI scan alone she became screaming in panic to be let out, with husband Karl being called in to support her. Ever the mother, Susan worried not for herself but for her children and how they would cope with her diagnosis, before admitting that she was scared. As Karl reassured Susan that she could be strong, they shared a tender moment as the blinded Susan sought a moment of familiarity by kissing Karl.
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Episode 1904 - Jim's Death (1993)
Written by Lois Booton Directed by Michael Sergi
 The first of Alan Dale's many on screen deaths by heart attack, but certainly Jim's death is the most memorable. Few have forgotten the sight of the Robinson patriarch lying dead on the kitchen floor, particularly because it's where he spent the whole episode thanks to his scheming girlfriend, Fiona Hartman, who left him on the floor to go and collect a cheque liquidating one of Jim's savings accounts before heading to the bank. Conveniently joined by Rosemary Daniels on her return to Number 26, Fiona left Rosemary to 'discover' her late brother-in-law's body, rushing in only when Rosemary let out a scream. Having collected Helen and Julie from Number 32, Rosemary struggled to keep the feuding Fiona and Julie apart whilst Helen entered a trance at the sight of her beloved son(-in-law) dead on the floor of the home they'd shared for almost 20 years, before finally collapsing on the kitchen table.
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21-20 (36 Points)
Episode 6602 - Toadie and Sonya's Wedding: Part Two (2013)
Written by Margaret Wilson Directed by Laurence Wilson
 Having had two weddings end in disaster already and a sham marriage, Toadie was understandably worried about his pending nuptials to Sonya and following a series of minor hiccups, such as incorrect invitations, back problems and no-shows from the best man and bridesmaid, a visit from Paul Robinson to inform the bride and groom that Lassiter's ballroom and kitchen had been filled with raw sewage, Toadie and Sonya hoped that this time the disasters had come before the ceremony. The day of the wedding came and as the ceremony went off with only the hitch they wanted and having returned to Lassiter's for the marquee reception, it seems the new Mr and Mrs Rebecchi were on the home strait, despite Sonya's happy day even being briefly irrupted as she witnessed a robbery at the hotel. However, as Sonya prepared to throw her bouquet, a fire broke out as one of the waiters changed a gas cylinder, causing a huge explosion to engulf the entire marquee.
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Episode 5179 - Karl and Susan In London: Part Six (2007)
'Births, Deaths and Marriages'
Written by Judith Colquhoun and Megan Herbert Directed by Gary Conway and Riccardo Pellizzeri
 As the Timmins family prepared to say farewell to Stingray, it was a time for new beginnings for the Kennedys. Having accepted Karl's proposal on the London Eye, Susan awoke in the Ritz hostel to find a wedding dress on the top bunk of her bed, accompanied by a note informing her that a car would be coming to collect her. Arriving at Tower Bridge, Susan found Karl waiting on a boat with a Vicar who looked suspiciously like Neil Morrissey and witnesses who looked a lot like Jono Coleman and Sinitta. Very much in love, the soulmates and their wedding party set off on a cruise down the River Thames, reciting their vows, but unbeknownst to them a heavily pregnant Izzy Hoyland was below decks ready to drop a baby shaped bombshell, literally. As the Kennedys sealed the deal yet again, Izzy headed upstairs, ready to reveal the truth about her baby's paternity, the only words she could muster were that her waters had broken. With the boat having returned to shore, an ambulance prepared to take Izzy and baby Holly off to hospital, but realising she was still holding Izzy's bag, Susan ran over to return it, but nothing could prepare her for what she was about to hear. Passing the bag to the paramedic, Susan struggled to digest the news that Karl was Holly's father.
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19 (38 Points)
Episode 724 - Harold and Madge's Wedding (1988)
Written by Rick Maier Directed by Steve Mann
 Believe it or not, but this episode featured the entire regular cast - an unlikely sight today - as the Ramsay Street residents all turned out to witness the wedding of Harold and Madge, even Mrs Mangel who sounded her disapproval of the union by deliberately making a mistake on the organ. Destined to be together, high school sweethearts Madge and Harold have been pulled apart several times, first by Fred Mitchell, again by the crest of a wave and finally by Madge's death, but somehow (ignoring the affection of the viewers and the writers) they are always reunited - even if Madge only now appears as a figment of Harold's imagination. When Madge and Harold finally exchanged rings though, it was actually Anne Charleston and the episode's Director, Steve Mann, as Ian Smith was suffering badly from psoriasis on his hands at the time. The episode was also notable for the appearance of David Bishop (Kevin Harrington), who would go on to join the regular cast 15 years later, so far the biggest gap between a guest actor returning as a regular.
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18 (39 Points)
Episode 3708 - Drew and Libby's Wedding (2001)
Written by Louise Le Nay Directed by Gary Conway
 One of Neighbours' truly magical weddings, the union of a long time resident (six years is a long time in Ramsay Street) to her Prince Charming. Marrying at the same church as Scott and Charlene did some 14 years earlier, Libby and Drew were surrounded by their friends and neighbours as they tied the knot, truly bringing the community together. Karl's pride as he gave a speech at reception, Susan's tears and Libby's joy made the Kennedy family seem more real than ever, with long term viewers cheering on the Ramsay Street daughter many had grown up as she had her big day, it's sometimes hard to remember it is just an episode of Neighbours and not the wedding video of a loved one. Of course, the moment most remembered is Drew singing Wild Mountain Thyme with support from Harold Bishop and it's a struggle to look back on this episode without think of Libby and Harold doing the same at Drew's funeral just a year later.
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17 (43 Points)
Episode 6943 - Paige's Identity Revealed (2014)
Written by Emma J Steele Directed by Scott Major
 The moment fans had been waiting an incredible 15 months for, having suspected from the moment Brad Willis returned that he had fathered a child with Lauren Turner. Whilst viewers initially expected it to be Mason - and still suspect it was going to be - Lauren ruled that out in the 2013 season finale and 2014 premiere, having revealed all to Lucy Robinson that the baby was a girl who had died. Of course being Neighbours that wasn't the only twist, Lauren's mum Kathy revealed the baby was alive and she had given her away, but with Brad and Lauren's searches having been unsuccessful, it seemed all was lost, at least until Paige "Novak" turned up in Erinsborough. Viewers were quickly made aware that Paige was Paige Smith, Brad & Lauren's daughter, but then had to wait two emotionally exhausting months for the reveal, but it was well worth it. As Lauren discovered the two teddy bears belonging to her and her baby on her doorstep, she stopped Mark Brennan in the street to see if he saw anyone leave them. As Mark recognised the bears as Paige's the pair then discovered a note from Paige to say she was leaving town. Chasing after her bus in her car, Lauren sped ahead and blocked the road, forcing the bus to stop and finally reuniting with her long-lost daughter, but whilst Brad and Lauren welcomed Paige into the family with open arms, the rest of the Willis and Turner families weren't so happy with the new addition to their clans.
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16 (44 Points)
Episode 2740 - Madge and Harold's Reunion (1996)
Written by John Hanlon Directed by Tony Osicka
 When Helen Daniels passed a very familiar face on the way into 24 Ramsay Street, her family and friends became concerned for her sanity when she insisted it was Harold Bishop, who had been swept away by a wave five years previously, however when Lou Carpenter finally came face to face with his old adversary, he and Helen agreed it was time to call Harold's wife, Madge, who was now living in Queensland. As Madge arranged a flight down to Melbourne, Helen arranged for neighbour Marlene to get Harold, or Ted as he was now known, to meet her and Madge at Chez Chez to help jog the amnesiac Salvation Army officer's memory. However, Ted refused to enter licensed premises except when he was collecting for the charity, forcing Marlene to go to the nearby coffee shop, The Holy Roll. Desperate to make Helen and Madge aware of their location and having already made 'Ted' think that she was an alcoholic; Marlene made a dash for the pub. Heading to the coffee shop, Madge was amazed to see for herself that her husband was alive and recognising that she knew him, Ted listened to what she had to say and having earlier mentioned to Marlene that he was thinking of becoming a vegetarian was stunned to learn that Harold was and that he ran the very coffee shop they were sitting in. Having made some headway, Madge returned to Ramsay Street determined to get her husband back.
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15 (46 Points)
Episode 2733 - Harold's Return (1996)
Written by Michael O'Rourke Directed by Nicholas Bufalo
 When Marlene Kratz sorted through her late daughter Cheryl's clothing, few would have imagined that such a normal part of the grieving process and a simple act of charity could have had such a big impact on Neighbours over the course of the next 19 years. As Marlene arrived at the Salvation Army shop to arrange their collection, she had no idea that the jelly-bellied man Ted, who greeted her, was formerly the resident of her home. As Ted arrived at the very familiar looking street, he entered his former home to collect the clothing just missing his former high school love rival, Lou. However it was Helen Daniels who got the shock of her life, still recovering from a stroke, as she was greeted at the door of Number 24 by the very familiar face as he exited and queried with Marlene who the man was, as he looked so much like Harold Bishop.
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