Voting for this year's 51st TV Week Logie Awards is now open. Hopes for Neighbours this year include Dean Geyer and Margot Robbie as Most Popular Newcomers and Ian Smith for the coveted Gold Logie. Click here to cast your votes.

From these initial votes, shortlists will be produced and announced in the coming weeks, when a second round of voting will begin. The ceremony will take place in May.

Sam Clark (Ringo Brown) reportedly spent his Christmas and New Year break from Neighbours in the recording studio, putting the finishing touches to a debut album with his band, which is as yet unnamed.

And finally, 8-year-old Holly O'Leary, the younger sister of Neighbours actors Blake (Ben Kirk) and Fletcher (Mickey Gannon) has scored herself a role as an extra. Filming took place in the Melbourne suburb of Box Hill last week, with Holly's scenes due to air in Australia in April, and in the UK in July.

Former Neighbour Mark Little (Joe Mangel) begins another performance of his Olivier Award-winning show, Defending The Caveman from Tuesday 3rd February. The six-week season will take place at London's Leicester Square Theatre until Sunday 15th March, before going on the road.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Former Neighbours actor Ernie Bourne has passed away, aged 76. He's probably best known to us as mechanic Rob Lewis, former father-in-law to Paul and grandfather to Elle, but he had numerous other film, television and stage roles in his long career, including parts in Prisoner: Cell Block H, Adventure Island and Blue Heelers, and musicals Fiddler On The Roof and Beauty and the Beast. The Herald Sun reports that he died of old age, at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital, with his daughter, actress Sally Bourne, by his side.

Rest in peace, Ernie.

We regularly ask our interviewees this question, but now we'd like to know your responses too, for an upcoming feature - "After almost a quarter of a century, what do you think is the reason for Neighbours' enduring success?" Email your thoughts to webmaster@perfectblend.net

It's been another busy month for Kylie Minogue (Charlene Robinson), with the release of her much-delayed collaboration with Coldplay. The track, entitled Lhuna, was originally recorded for Coldplay's recent album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. However, after the band's decision to not include it on the record, it has finally seen the light of day as a charity single for World AIDS Day. It has been used to to promote the launch of RED(WIRE), a charity digital service designed to help buy medicine for HIV/AIDS sufferers in Africa. More information can be found at http://red.msn.com. In other Kylie-related news, she has just received her 5th Grammy Award nomination for her album X. She has previously won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording with her song, Come Into My World, in 2004. This time around, Kylie will battle it out with Brazilian Girls, Daft Punk, Cyndi Lauper, Moby and Robyn for Best Electronic/Dance Album. The 51st Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on 8th February 2009. Good luck, Kylie.

Jonathan Wood (Angus Henderson) is on the brink of a breakthrough in America, after revealing that he could win a role in hit drama, Brothers and Sisters. Wood reportedly 'couldn't believe his success' after spending only a couple of months in LA. Finding management almost immediately, he also auditioned for several television several pilots and a movie.

Kendell Nunn (Elly Conway) has officially become a WAG thanks to her blossoming relationship with Essendon Bombers footballer, Andrew Welsh. Kendell, now a model, said that their four-month romance is 'going really well' and the couple are making plans to spend Christmas together in Yarrawonga.

However, sad news for Brett Tucker (Daniel Fitzgerald) and former star, Eliza Taylor-Cotter (Janae Timmins). The couple split after 10 months together, just a week before they were due to head on a holiday to Thailand.

Caitlin Stasey (Rachel Kinski) has hit the UK to play Snow White in the Theatre Royal pantomime in Norwich. It's her first time in panto and although quoted as being 'terrified of not doing very well', she has lots of support from her Norwich-based grandparents. As a child, Caitlin always wanted to star in the panto and is looking forward to Christmas with her family at her grandparents' house. Despite her busy schedule, Caitlin is making the most of her time in the UK and is hoping to make a stop at Wroxham Barns to feed the animals, visit the dinosaur park and hopefully, attend a match at Carrow Road. Even if she can't attend, the team have the support of the self-proclaimed 'former Norwich girl'. Finally, the panto is almost a family reunion for Caitlin, as distant relative, Stephen Fry, makes a "virtual cameo" as The Magic Mirror. As well as complimenting her on her petite figure: 'unusual' for their family, Stephen jokingly admitted, he also described her as 'wonderful' and 'divine', adding that the family is extremely proud of her.

Neighbours will be taking its usual Christmas and New Year for its first year on Five. The final episode of 2008 will air in the usual slots on Thursday 18th December, and it will return on Monday 5th January.

Meanwhile, Australian viewers will see this year's season finale on Friday 12th December, and the 2009 season will premiere on Monday 19th January.

1990s Neighbours star Brooke Satchwell (Anne Wilkinson) has been caught up in the terror attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai. Satchwell was about to start a three week filming schedule in the city when the terrorist attacks by the Deccan Mujahideen began. The 28 year old actress was at the Taj Hotel and was smoking outside the lobby. As she stepped back inside, she heard gunshots and rushed for cover in a nearby toilet. Other guests began locking themselves in cubicles and Satchwell ended up hiding in an adjacent storage cupboard for about an hour; all the while listening to gun fire outside. Eventually hotel staff found the hiding guests and escorted them into the streets as the police and military attempted to regain control of the situation. Satchwell described the ordeal as "really terrifying" and said there were dead bodies in the corridors as she made her escape. The gunmen were targetting foreigners in their co-ordinated attacks.

Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) has picked up the microphone once again to perform at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow pub in St Kilda, Melbourne. Dennis, who had minor pop success in the 1980s with Don't It Make You Feel Good and This Love Affair, is covering co-star Alan Fletcher's (Karl Kennedy) regular Monday night music gigs while he is in panto in the UK. Stefan was recently surprised when a fan threw her knickers at him mid performance: "I am not showing off but it has happened before, but not for a very very long time." Despite his popularity as Paul, and YouTube's success at reminding fans of Don't It..., Stefan has promised not to return to the recording studio: "I am really getting a kick out of it, but it is a short-term thing, I am not planning a musical comeback,". Dennis is currently far too busy for a full pop resurgence as he's busy looking after two month old daughter Darcie.

Having recently appeared in ITV1's Emmerdale, Mark Little (Joe Mangel) has again ruled out the possibility of returning to Erinsborough and described Joe Mangel as just a fond memory. He also mentioned that Anne Charleston (Madge Bishop), who now plays Dales resident Lily Butterfield, was away during Mark's guest stint and she was most upset not to have had another chance to work with Little. Mark commented that it might have been "just too weird actually, to do a scene with Madge in the Woolpack".

Madeleine West (Dee Bliss) is moving on up from her role in hit gangland show Underbelly as she is said to be looking to Hollywood. Her partner, chef Shannon Bennett, has revealed that she's going to sign with an L.A. agency.

Kimberley Davies (Annalise Hartman) has announced that she is expecting her third child with husband Jason Harvey. The couple have recently been repairing their marriage after the discovery three years ago that Harvey had been having an affair.

Musical Sam Clark (Ringo Brown) celebrated his 21st birthday a few weeks back in an appropriate fashion by throwing a legends of rock dress-up party. Sam attended in the guise of Adam Ant and could be seen moving from one venue to the other standing on the back of a horse drawn cart. Soap friends also spotted partying were Caitlin Stasey (Rachel) - dressed as Boy George, Matthew Werkmeister (Zeke) - playing Pete Doherty, and Dean Geyer (Ty) - as Guns 'N' Roses Slash.

Kylie Minogue (Charlene Robinson) continues her KylieX World tour having just finished the South American leg, she now moves on to Asia where she'll be performing in China, and then in December she completes the seven month tour in Australasia with shows in her home city Melbourne just before Christmas. Kylie's also just released her duet with sister Dannii; a cover of the ABBA classic The Winner Takes It All which is used as the theme to TV series Beautiful People. You can buy the song at Kylie's Download Store, here. Also available to buy soon is Kylie's new DVD, KYLIEX2008 Live In London which was filmed at London's O2 Arena in August. The disc goes on sale from December 1st. And finally in Kylie news, she's said to be hosting the next Brit Awards in February. She'll be hosting alongside comedians James Corden and Mathew Horne who both star in BBC show Gavin and Stacey. Kylie will be the first female host of the music awards show who has won her own Brits for her singing.

Jason Donovan (Scott Robinson), who is currently promoting his new album Let It Be Me, is renewing his wedding vows with a large ceremony in January, but Kylie Minogue won't be on the guest list. Donovan described them as "acquaintances" rather than "friends", but said "she is someone I admire and respect and we'll always be joined together in a special way". On a similar theme, Donovan has just confirmed that he plans to re-record his Minogue duet, Especially For You, but this time with Echo Beach co-star Martine McCutcheon. Jason said "I wanted to do a spin on that song plus a new duet, but truthfully I thought it would be way too cheesy with Kylie again".

Jane Hall (Rebecca Napier) is moving on from her high profile split with actor Vince Colosimo as she's now stepping out with another Underbelly actor, Nick Farnell. The new couple are said to be taking things slowly and Farnell has yet to be introduced to Hall's five year old daughter Lucia, but they've recently been seen together at a quiz night for children's cancer charity Redkite.

Just a quick reminder for anyone that hasn't voted yet - the Neighbours' Sexiest Stars poll will close at midnight, this Friday, the 14th November.

Thanks to everyone who's voted so far. The results will be revealed in December.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Neighbours' debut on Belgian television. The show, which is known there as Buren, enjoys a loyal following, particularly, as in the UK, amongst teenagers and students. It debuted on Belgium's most popular channel, één, in 1988 in the 8pm, primetime slot, at a time when the country had little local drama, but was used to Australian soap operas after the huge success of Sons & Daughters. The show enjoyed modest ratings but with competition rising from other networks, it was moved to 7pm in 1989, and almost axed altogether in 1995, until the fans started protesting. It was then moved to a 5.35pm timeslot, where it's remained ever since, and has seen off competition in the ratings from other soaps including Days of our Lives, Home & Away and All Saints. Happy 20th birthday Buren!

Special thanks to Sander.

UK Gold may have just changed their name to G.O.L.D. but they have continued to screen repeats of Neighbours and shall do so until Thursday 6th November 2008 when they will show episode 5330 - the last one shown on the BBC. The channel dedicated to repeating old material was launched on Sunday 1st November 1992 and has shown repeats of Neighbours every weekday since Monday 2nd November 1992. Back in the early days, each episode of the Aussie soap was shown three times a day and then again as a weekend omnibus. On the 1st December 2003, UK Gold decided to speed up the progression by showing two episodes a day. They have only missed one episode out due to an error, when they showed one episode twice.

We at The Perfect Blend would like to express our appreciation to UK Gold/G.O.L.D. for providing UK viewers with a second chance to see the saga from the beginning through to the BBC finale over the last 16 years.

Holly Valance (Felicity Scully) hasn't been slacking recently with Taken getting released in UK cinemas last month and a recent guest appearance on American TV screens in Valentine, a new show on the CW Network. She's also just shot a cameo in a Bollywood production called Kambakkht Ishq, that will also feature Sylvestor Stallone.

Jason Donovan (Scott Robinson) returns to the stage in a London production of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Donovan will play Tick, alongside Tony Sheldon and Oliver Thornton in the musical which is based on the 1994 film of the same name; which coincidentally starred former Neighbour Guy Pearce (Mike Young). Set in the Australian outback, the story follows the travels of two drag queens and a transsexual on a bus called "Priscilla". The show made its debut in Sydney in 2006 and has gone on to become the most successful Australian musical in history.

Margot Robbie (Donna Freedman) has laughed off recent rumours that her and Sam Clark (Ringo Brown) are more than just friends. Robbie was quoted as saying "We hang out a lot together and it would probably be easy for people to think that we are together,'' but she's still living the single life having split with her boyfriend last year. However, love may be in the air for ex-Neighbour Natalie Imbruglia (Beth Brennan) who has been spotted with a new mystery man on her arm in some of London's swankiest night spots.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy Hoyland) will be kicking off her new solo career with the release of her first single, Alive, in Australia. The up tempo pop tune co-written by Natalie will hit the shops on November 1st and can be bought on CD or as a digital download. Her debut album will arrive early in 2009. Bassingthwaighte has recently revealed that she signed a contract for her solo career over two years ago, which the other members of Rogue Traders all knew about, so this new phase has been a long time coming.

Dan O’Connor (Ned Parker) has been sacked from itv2’s reality series CelebAir. Leaving the show last Thursday, he was up for elimination with Celebrity Fit Club star Amy Lamé, but lost out, having got to week seven. The final of the series next week sees X Factor star Chico, Amy Lamé, So Solid Crew girl Lisa Maffia, and Page 3 model Michelle Marsh battle it out for the title of CelebAir Star Employee. Tune in on Thursday October 23rd at 8pm to find out the result.

Finally, we'd like to wish congratulations to Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) and his wife Gail Easdale who have just celebrated the birth of their third child, a daughter named Darci Raine Dennis.

Blair McDonough (Stuart Parker) is keeping busy as he does another turn in British 1960s police drama Heartbeat. McDonough will guest as Mick MacDonald in several episodes which will be located in the UK and Australia. Blair is also tipped to be starring in Aussie naval drama Sea Patrol. Channel 9 which makes the show are saying he will be featuring soon although McDonough says contracts have yet to be signed.

Dichen Lachman's (Katya Kinski) new show Dollhouse has stalled as it's creator Joss Whedon has requested time to retool scripts, meaning the series has been suspended for two weeks. The unusual move was approved by the Fox network which broadcast the show, as Whedon is also directing as well as writing episodes.

Margot Robbie (Donna Freedman) and Sam Clark (Ringo Brown) were spotted together at the launch of Channel 10's new drama Rush and have set tongues wagging as it's rumoured they could be in the early stages of a real life romance.

We're pleased to say Kym Valentine (Libby Kennedy) has made a full recovery from pneumonia and a collapsed lung and is stepping back into her role as Libby, relieving Michala Banas from her stand-in duties. During the month long break Valentine was asked to do two Zoo Weekly mens magazine covers, but politely declined.

On Thursday 18th September Neighbours will air at the slightly earlier time of 5.25pm. This is due to Five's coverage of UEFA Cup Football. Also, Friday's repeat on Fiver will air at 7.30pm rather than 7pm.

UKTV Gold will continue to air Neighbours after it's renamed as Gold ("Go On Laugh Daily") on October 6th. The station will be removing all non comedy shows from it's schedules but has decided to retain Neighbours until it finishes it's run of BBC episodes (up to episode 5330).

Earlier this week the official UK website for Neighbours got a makeover which brings it up to standard with Australia's site. You can now view episodes online and behind the scenes videos plus there are new wallpapers, character biographies and regular competitions.

The official Australian Neighbours website, http://neighbours.com.au/, is running another online survey to get your views on what you love and hate about Neighbours and make a difference to the future of the show. UK viewers can take part but remember some of the questions will feature spoilers.

Former Neighbour Mark Little (Joe Mangel) will be following Richard Grieve (Sam Kratz) and Anne Charleston (Madge Bishop) to the Yorkshire dales to take a role in the UK soap Emmerdale. Little will appear in a one hour episode which will screen in late October. He'll play Jonty, a suave Australian who woos Louise Appleton (played by former Home & Away star Emily Symons).

Jason Donovan (Scott Robinson) is set to release his first album of new material for 15 years. The record, which will be called Let It Be Me, is inspired by the music of the late 1950s and early 1960s and will include a reworking of his early 90s cover, Sealed With A Kiss.

Blonde beauty Imogen Bailey (Nicola West) has revealed that she suffered from anorexia during the early days of her modelling career. In Who magazine she described how she dropped down to 40kg but through the help of friends and family, she got therapy and made a full recovery.

Carla Bonner (Stephanie Scully) was recently involved in a confrontation at Melbourne Airport over the size of her hand luggage. Witnesses seem split over whether Carla or her partner Jason Shepherd used foul language when discussing the matter with an airport worker. Carla has since lodged a complaint with Jetstar Airways and has described the staff member as "incredibly rude" but pointed out that all the other Jetstar employees were "terrific and very supportive".

There will be no episode of Neighbours on Five in the UK or RTE in Ireland on August bank holiday on the 25th.

Additionally, from 26th August the Fiver morning repeat moves back to 10am, and on RTE 1, the show will move back to 1.55pm after having been screened at 1.20pm since 11th August.

Kym Valentine (Libby) is now taking a one month break from filming as she recovers from pneumonia and suffering a collapsed lung, but she took time to advise her replacement Michala Banas before she began work on set. The two watched old episodes together and swapped notes. Banas told TV Week magazine that Valentine had reassuringly told her how glad she was that she'd got the job. She also said that, despite the last minute decision, she was "happy to help out" and that she's "minding" Libby until Kym comes back.

Dan O'Connor (Ned Parker) is taking part in a new ITV2 reality TV show called Celeb Air. Starting this autumn, the programme will be presented by Angellica Bell and will also feature DJ Amy Lame, singer Chico Slimani and model Michelle Marsh, all competing in a variety of challenges in the airline industry. The winner will get thousands of pounds for the charity of their choice.

ITV1's unusual soap/comedy project Echo Beach/Moving Wallpaper has taken a new route by axeing Echo Beach which starred ex-Neighbours star Jason Donovan (Scott Robinson). However, the show will maintain a Neighbours connection as Echo Beach is to be replaced by a one-off spoof thriller called Renaissance which will star Donovan's former screen dad Alan Dale (Jim Robinson). Dale will star alongside Kelly Brook as an aeroplane passenger on a flight plaugued by zombies. It remains unclear whether the show will air on television or only online.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy) has recently revealed that she was a victim of bullying at school. The talented singer/actress/presenter who has recently left Rogue Traders, says she was called names such as "liquorice legs" and, "the young and the breastless". Natalie has since become involved in the SISTER2sister mentorship program which helps young girls by introducing them to successful people who have overcome obstacles in their life such as bullying.

Daniel McPherson (Joel) is starring in City Homicide and has recently landed a job hosting Dancing With The Stars in Australia, but he's now looking to move in on the American market. He's signed up with the US agency ICM and 360 Management and although he admits that nothing is happening straight away, he's planning to spend the next couple of years going back and forth for work. The keen sports man has even put aside his marathon and triathalon challenges to concentrate on his TV commitments.

Natalie Blair (Carmella) and Sam Clark (Ringo) have been recruited to help make students aware of the consequences of film and television piracy which is becoming increasingly popular with young people on the internet. The Intellectual Property Awareness Trust have created the education resource, Nothing Beats The Real Thing, in an attempt to change the attitudes of 13 to 17-year-olds towards respecting copyright and creativity in the media.

Having been performed at the school formal by Caitlin Stasey (Rachel) and Dean Geyer (Ty), the song Unforgettable has become a big hit with fans. The pop/rock ballad written by Geyer is now available to Australians through iTunes.

Follow this link to the official Australian Neighbours website to buy the track.

Sadly we have to report that due to Kym Valentine's recent serious illness, she has been forced to pull out of filming for Neighbours for what's estimated to be a month while she recuperates. During this time Libby will be played by Michala Banas of McLeod's Daughters fame. Kym Valentine has described the situation as "heartbreaking" and has promised to be back.

Further to our story last week on Neighbours becoming involved with a social networking site, Fremantle Media have confirmed that they have linked up with MySpace.com However, Fremantle Media's Ben Liebmann has added that they may not limit Neighbours to MySpace and may also connect with other social networking sites.

Matt Werkmeister (Zeke) has got a place on the judging panel for the Inkys; Australia's teenage book awards. Matt has to juggle his usual Neighbours script reading with twenty books which will be whittled down to six.

In relationship news, Carla Bonner (Steph) ended her lengthy relationship with actor Sullivan Stapleton earlier this year but is now stepping out with a new man; Jason Shepherd, a personal trainer. Dean Geyer (Ty) has cancelled his engagement with The Veronicas' band member Lisa Origliasso bringing to an end their high profile pairing. The split is said to be due to the couples work commitments. They have issued a statement saying they remain friends.

NEWS.com.au has reported that Neighbours is set to reach yet more screens as it will soon be made available to view on a social networking site like MySpace or Facebook. The move is thought to be an attempt to beat illegal episode downloaders at their own game. We'll keep you updated with further details as they arise.

Ben Lawson (Frazer Yeats) looks to have made a swift transition from Neighbours to Hollywood as he's rumoured to be starring in the US pilot of an as-yet untitled series about "hard-living, hard-working" young lawyers.

And finally, we at Perfect Blend would like to congratulate Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) on becoming a father for a second time. His wife Alison recently gave birth to son Jack, who follows their first child, Erin, who was born 20 months ago.

Kym Valentine (Libby Kennedy) has been taken to hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia after a traumatic flight back home from New York. The actress informed airline staff that she was unwell before taking off but became seriously ill during the lengthy journey. Valentine lost consciousness several times and had to be administered oxygen by cabin crew. She was hospitalized immediately after landing in Melbourne and her mother rushed to be by her side from Sydney. The condition is thought to have developed from a chest infection which was exacerbated by the plane flight. Kym is said to be doing well now but will be written out of Neighbours scenes for at least a week.

Everyone at Perfect Blend would like to wish Kym a speedy recovery.

Having recently made Neighbours available for internet download, Five have now dropped their Saturday omnibus screening from the schedules. The channel's sister station, Fiver, will continue to air an omnibus every Sunday from 11.45am.

Neighbours has received another nomination for the UK's National Television Awards.

The Aussie soap is up for the Most Popular Serial Drama award and can be voted for here. Results will be screened live on ITV1 on Wednesday 29th October.

UK viewers will be delighted to learn that Neighbours is now available to legally download from the five website using their service Demand Five; http://demand.five.tv The last 30 days worth of episodes are available to catch up on, for free, alongside five's other Aussie import Home And Away, home grown shows like The Gadget Show and Zoo Days, and several of the channel's successful U.S. imports. This new platform for Neighbours viewing in Britain matches up with Network Ten's own similar download service which is only available in Australia.

In an unusual search for new talent, the official Neighbours website, is asking for UK fans to take part in a writing trial to become involved in the creative development of Neighbours. The process will allow wannabe writers to view exclusive unseen episodes, suggest storylines, create dialogue and provide feedback on scripting. A variety of prizes are up for grabs including flights to Australia, Neighbours goodies and cash.

For further details click here.

Earlier this week, the departure of Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy Hoyland) was announced from the band Rogue Traders. Bassingthwaighte joined the group as lead singer in 2005 and enjoyed success with hits such as Voodoo Child and Watching You. Having recently completed a tour of Australia, band member James Ash made an official announcement on the band's forum which stated that due to Natalie's decision to launch a solo career and work on movies in L.A., she would no longer be able to be a part of Rogue Traders. He was keen to make clear that the split was entirely amicable and that the band would continue in another guise.

After a not so successful stab at the pop world, Stephanie McIntosh (Sky Mangel) looks to be on the up with a return to acting amidst the glitz of Hollywood. McIntosh is clearly focused as she missed her brother Jason Donovan's 40th birthday party and wedding to attend auditions in the US. It's paid off as, despite not having a manager, she's received a callback for the lead role in a new series called Harper's Island and is in the running for a part in the new Beverly Hills 90210 series.

Episodes 5430 and 5431 of Neighbours, written by Anthony Morris and Scott Taylor respectively and due to air in the UK on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd July , have been nominated in the Television Serial category of the 2008 AWGIES, awards which are judged by the Australian Writers' Guild and are awarded for the original script, rather than what we see on screen as a finished product.

Neighbours previously won this award for episode 4293 (Dee's Death) in 2004 and episode 3740 (Madge's Death) in 2001, both written by John Hanlon.

This year's results will be announced on Friday 15th August.

Ex-Neighbours star Jason Donovan (Scott Robinson) stunned friends and family last week when he invited them all to an early 40th birthday celebration on the island paradise of Bali, only to announce that he was actually getting married to his long term girlfriend Angela Malloch. The couple have been dating since 1998 when they met while working on the British production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Although they did split shortly after, they reunited when Angela realised she had fallen pregnant with their first child. They now have two children; daughter Jemma, and son Zac and have developed a strong relationship as a result.

After guests arrived from all over the world, they were assembled and told by Donovan that the birthday party was also going to be a wedding celebration. Jason's father Terence Donovan (who starred in Neighbours as Doug Willis) was in attendance, but half-sister Stephanie McIntosh (Sky Mangel) was unable to make the special occasion as she was attending auditions in Los Angeles. Jason celebrated his big birthday on the 1st of June.

UK Neighbours fans should be able to spot a familiar face in next week's episode of Casualty (Saturday 31st May), as Mark Little (Joe Mangel) will be making a guest appearance as Gary, one half of a flying superhero act.

Another former Joe, Shane Connor has landed a new role in an as-yet untitled mockumentary from Jason Gann, centering around fictitious sportsman Mark Warey. Connor will play Warey's "bad egg" dad.

Fiona Corke (Gail Robinson) has spoken out against a proposed cull of kangaroos on defence land in Australian Capital Territory. The cull is claimed to be necessary to protect native grasslands and species and avoid starvation amongst the kangaroos that remain, but Corke commented, "I don't know if I've ever really come across an animal that is so persecuted."

There will be no Neighbours showings on Five on Monday 26th May, due to the Bank Holiday.

Just a quick reminder that voting for our Neighbours Soap Awards is still open. You have until Saturday 10th to vote for your favourites from the 2007 season. Voting is open to our messageboard members - and you can either vote here or by sending an email to vote@perfectblend.net (remembering to include your username on the messageboard). The categories are:

Sexiest Male
Sexiest Female
Villain Of The Year
Best Comedy Performance
Best Newcomer
Best On-screen Partnership
Spectacular Scene Of The Year
Best Single Episode
Best Exit
Soap Bitch Of The Year
Best Dramatic Performance
Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress
Best Storyline
Best Actor
Best Actress
Lifetime Achievement Award (as previous winners, Jackie Woodburne and Ian Smith are not eligible)

There's definitely something in the air in Erinsborough these days, with news that another two cast members are involved in a relationship. It was recently reported that Natalie Blair (Carmella) and David Hoflin (Oliver) are a couple, then we found out that Kym Valentine (Libby) is dating actor Vince Colosimo, the ex-partner of Jane Hall (Rebecca).

The latest castmates to have coupled up are Brett Tucker (Daniel) and Eliza Taylor-Cotter (Janae). Eliza left the show last September, only a few months after Brett joined up as a regular. She then spent some time in the UK, appearing in panto, but the Herald Sun's Confidential column reports that the couple came clean about their relationship at a pre-Logies party last weekend, and have been together for some time.

Five have recently made a couple of minor changes to their Neighbours schedule - the early morning repeat has been moved to 5.35am, while, from this week, the morning repeat on Fiver (formerly Five Life) will be shown at 10am.

All episodes will be shown as normal on Monday 5th May, the May Bank Holiday.

Another Neighbours actor looks set to embark on a musical career, with news that Sam Clark (Ringo Brown) has signed on with management company PLW. The Herald Sun reports that Sam was put in touch with them by Neighbours' casting director, Jan Russ, and hopes to record an album. He does, however, insist that this doesn't mean he'll be leaving his role as Ringo, instead he plans to hold down both his acting and singing jobs.

It's a busy time for Sam, who is also nominated for Most Popular New Talent Male at this weekend's Logie Awards.

It seems that love is in the air for several Neighbours actors with news in this weekend's Sunday Herald Sun that Natalie Blair (Carmella) and David Hoflin (Oliver) are dating. Also beginning a new romance is Kym Valentine (Libby), who is reported to be seeing actor Vince Colosimo - who just happens to be the ex-husband of Kym's castmate Jane Hall (Rebecca).

Could Jesse Spencer (Billy) be on his way back to Ramsay Street? Recent reports have mentioned that his role as Dr Robert Chase in House is to be gradually reduced for the next season, giving him more free time to pop back and see his relatives in Erinsborough.

Meanwhile, Jesse's Neighbours girlfriend Brooke Satchwell (Anne) was back on Australian screens this week with her new series, Canal Road. And a couple of other ex-Neighbours will shortly be back on the small screen, with news that Craig McLachlan (Henry) and Blair McDonough (Stuart) have filmed guest roles for the second series of crime drama City Homicide.

And finally, Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy), fresh from her role as host of Australia's So You Think You Can Dance? is set to release a self-help book. Sistahood: A Journal Of Self-Discovery was compiled by Natalie and her younger sister Nicky and was launched in Australia last week.

Nicky Whelan (Pepper) looks to have achieved her dream of acting in Hollywood. The Sunday Herald Sun reports that she's landed a role alongside old friend David Spade in comedy Hollywood & Wine. In another, slightly strange, Nicky rumour, actor Gary Stretch is claiming on his IMDB page that he married her earlier this year!

Delta Goodrem (Nina) is making another attempt to crack the American market. She has filmed a new video for her single In This Life, which will be released next month, followed by her third album Delta in June.

Finally, another former Neighbour found himself in a spot of bother recently - Jay Ryan (Jack) was filming for his new naval series Sea Patrol when he was caught in a whirlpool and almost drowned. Thankfully he survived the incident, and is set to begin a new tour of his one-man-show The Packer on April 20th.

The nominations for this year's Logie Awards have been announced, with Neighbours represented in a few categories. For the second year running, Natalie Blair (Carmella) is up for the coveted Gold Logie. Natalie is also up for the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress.

Also up for awards are Sam Clark (Ringo) and Adelaide Kane (Lolly), who are nominated for Most Popular New Male Talent and Most Popular New Female Talent respectively. Meanwhile, the show itself is up for Most Popular Australian Drama.

The award ceremony will take place on Sunday May 4th at Melbourne's Crown Casino.

Since Neighbours isn't eligable to be nominated in British Soap Awards, we thought we'd run our own, using the same categories and concentrating on the 2007 season. Voting is now open to our messageboard members - and you can either vote in the thread, here or by sending an email to vote@perfectblend.net (remembering to include your username on the messageboard). The categories are as follows:

Sexiest Male
Sexiest Female
Villain Of The Year
Best Comedy Performance
Best Newcomer
Best On-screen Partnership
Spectacular Scene Of The Year
Best Single Episode
Best Exit
Soap Bitch Of The Year
Best Dramatic Performance
Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress
Best Storyline
Best Actor
Best Actress
Lifetime Achievement Award (as previous winners, Jackie Woodburne and Ian Smith are not eligible)

And remember to only vote for characters and events from the 2007 Season. Voting is open until Saturday 10th May 2008 and the results will be published on Perfect Blend soon after.

Former Neighbours actress Dichen Lachman, who played Katya Kinski between 2005 and 2007, has landed a major role in new US television series, Dollhouse. DigitalSpy reports that Dichen will play Sierra, the 'strikingly beautiful' best friend of the principal character, in the show, which comes from Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel, and is set to debut in America in September.

Neighbours: The Perfect Blend will be taking a short break over the upcoming Easter weekend, with no updates between Friday 21st and Monday 24th March. Normal service will resume on Tuesday 25th March.

Neighbours has been praised for its storyline involving Susan Kinski's multiple sclerosis diagnosis. MS sufferer Kristie Johnson commented that it had been portrayed well, and, as a non-Neighbours viewer, had drawn her into watching the show, while Jenny Litchfield of the MS Society was quoted as saying, "Soap storylines in which characters are diagnosed with MS help to highlight the condition and its devastating effects. As MS is unique to the individual, people will experience the condition in different ways, but we hope storylines such as this offer some insight into what living with MS is like."

Click here to read the article in full.

Maggie Millar (Rosie Hoyland) will be visiting Dublin in June 2008. Maggie will be performing her acclaimed reading of Molly Bloom, the famous last chapter of James Joyce’s Ulysses, as part of the City’s Bloomsday Festival celebrations, happening on Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, and Monday 16th June 2008.

Bloomsday is a commemoration observed annually on 16 June in Dublin and elsewhere to celebrate the life of Irish writer James Joyce and relive the events in his novel Ulysses, all of which took place on the same day in Dublin in 1904.

For over ten years in Melbourne, Australia, Maggie has performed her reading to sell-out crowds. Having retired last year, Maggie stated the only thing that would make her come out of retirement would be if she was given the chance to perform Molly Bloom in Dublin. Maggie’s wish has come true, and she is greatly looking forward to visiting Dublin.

Maggie would also like the opportunity to meet fans of Neighbours in Dublin, as she received an enormous amount of mail from fans there when she appeared in Neighbours as Rosie from 2002-2003. Maggie would also like to personally thanks fans who supported her character and campaigned for Rosie to remain in the series when her contract was not renewed in 2003.

Maggie will also be attending several UK events dedicated to Prisoner Cell Block H. More details can be found on www.prisoner-cellblockh.co.uk. For more information on Maggie’s appearance in Dublin for the Bloomsday Festival, or other enquiries, please email admin@maggiemillar.net

From this Sunday, Australian viewers will be able to enjoy an omnibus edition of the past week's episodes. The omnibus will be shown on Network Ten's high-definition channel, Ten HD, and the first one will be on Sunday 16th March, from 8am until 10am.

There've been more changes to the crew of Neighbours in the past week, with two of the longest-serving members - producer Peter Dodds and line producer Linda Walker - departing. Both have a long association with Neighbours; Dodds has been the producer for over a decade, previously working on the show as a director, while Walker has worked there since the 80s, with jobs in continuity, and as production manager and line manager.

It has been announced that, as of this week, Neal Kingston will take over as Neighbours producer, while Sue Wild steps into the role of line manager.

There will be no episodes of Neighbours on Five on Good Friday (March 21st) or Easter Monday (March 24th) but normal service will resume on Tuesday 25th.

Meanwhile, Australian viewers will experience a Neighbours-less day on Thursday March 20th, when the soap will be taken off the schedule to make way for the first match of the AFL season. There will be a double episode on Friday 21st to make up for it.

Today marks the fifth birthday of Neighbours: The Perfect Blend. A lot has changed in the five years that have passed - back then, Neighbours fans were watching Harold donate his kidney to Lou, and Susan considering returning to teaching after a bout of amnesia. Now, we've recently witnessed Oliver donate a kidney to Richard, while Susan's considering returning to teaching after running down Bridget Parker... never mind.

Things haven't changed too much here at Perfect Blend either. Apart from a small facelift last October. But we're still bringing exclusive interviews and spoilers, episode summaries, features and multimedia content, plus today we add our 1000th biography. And there's still more where that came from - look out in the coming weeks for the launch of our new section profiling the Neighbours crew members, some new galleries and an exclusive interview with new Neighbours executive producer, Susan Bower.

Thanks to everyone who's read Perfect Blend, and contributed to it, over the past five years, and we hope to continue bringing you all the Neighbours news for another five years!

Diabetes UK is one of the UK's leading charity organisations, funding research into the illness, and Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy) has very kindly given them a signed shirt to auction off, to raise money and help improve the lives of people suffering from diabetes.

Click here to view the auction and place a bid.

Today sees the re-release of the Neighbours Defining Moments DVD, first released back in 2003, and you can win a copy by visiting LastBroadcast.co.uk and filming your own opening title sequence!

Click here for full competition details.

Monday 25th February sees the re-release of the Neighbours Defining Moments DVD. First released back in 2003, the DVD contains some of the best birth, death and wedding episodes, and a full content list and review can be found here. Although the content remains the same, the cover has been updated to reflect the new Neighbours logo and opening title sequence.

Meanwhile, we have heard from Shock DVD, who produced the first two volumes of the Neighbours Iconic Episodes DVDs, who tell us that there are currently no plans for a third volume in the series.

It's been an eventful first week for Neighbours on Five. The show launched on Monday 11th February on the channel in a blaze of publicity and ratings were strong, more than tripling the channel's previous averages in the timeslots. Ratings for Monday's 1.45pm episode were 1 million, with 2.3 million tuning in for the 5.30pm showing, only slightly down from the BBC figures the previous week. Tuesday's ratings then took a slight dip to 800,000 and 2 million, before rising again on Wednesday to 950,000 and 2.4 million. However, unlike with the BBC's two daily showings, Five has a number of other screenings, as well as two omnibuses to factor in, meaning that the overall viewing figures for the episodes could still rise.

Meanwhile, the 'filmic look' which Neighbours has adopted on Five has also brought controversy, with fans divided over whether it makes the show look more professional or less real than it used to. PerfectBlend contacted Five about this matter and were given the following statement:

"Neighbours was previously shot in standard definition but is now shot in High Definition Progressive Scan to ensure the series looks as good as possible going forward. Viewers should notice the picture is now much sharper, the lighting is better and there is a significant improvement in audio. While we appreciate some fans may need a little time to adapt to the new look we believe it is essential to maintain the show's high standards and quality."

Kylie Minogue (Charlene Robinson) has launched her own range of interior products, including bedding, curtains and cushions, based on her own design style at home. The range, Kylie At Home, will be available in the UK at House of Fraser and Debenhams from late February. Kylie was also celebrating winning Germany's Goldenen Kamera award for Best International Music Act in Berlin last week.

Kimberley Davies (Annalise Hartman) is expecting her third child. Kimberley revealed in interviews last year that her husband, Jason Harvey, had cheated on her during her first two pregnancies, but the couple have reportedly mended their marriage and are looking forward to the birth of a sibling for Isabella and Joshua.

Christian Clark (Will Griggs) has accidentally revealed that he's landed a role in the upcoming movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine in an interview with a small US newspaper.

Scott Michaelson (Brad Willis) is facing court proceedings again, five years after suing his client, former Neighbours actress Holly Valance (Flick Scully) for sacking him and breaching her contract. This time it's Michaelson being sued, with reports that New York skincare company emerginC is taking legal action against his beauty supply company CPL Group for delays and unauthorised product recalls.

Rick Maier has been appointed as the new Head of Drama at Ten following Sue Masters' resignation last month. Maier formerly worked as a scriptwriter for Neighbours , and we interviewed him in August 2003, when he had just finished working as Ten's Executive Producer for Creative Development, and he said at the time that he was still watching - and loving - Neighbours.

Maier's new role will see him responsible for the current and future drama output for the channel, as well as developing new primetime series.

Ian Smith (Harold Bishop) has been in the UK this week, publicising Neighbours' move from BBC One to Five and taking part in numerous television and newspaper interviews. As well as claiming that he constantly had to stop producers from bringing in a gay storyline for Harold, he has mentioned the constant streams of abuse he has received from many members of the public, citing one example when he was at his father's funeral and some other mourners from a nearby service ran over shouting "Harold Bishop!".

Marquise baby wear has celebrated their 75th anniversary in style, by collaborating with top Australian fashion designers and celebrities to produce one-of-a-kind baby wear for auction. Proceeds from the sale of these decorated singlets will go directly to Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. The CCIA is the only independent medical research institute in Australia dedicated to research into the causes, prevention, better treatments and ultimately a cure for childhood cancer.

Both Natalie Saleeba (Rosetta) and Natalie Blair (Carmella) have signed singlets up for auction, so why not visit www.ccia.org.au to check them out and make a bid.

With news that the Nine Network is planning a remake of classic Aussie soap The Young Doctors, a campaign is underway to get the original series released on DVD in its entirety. The show featured the likes of Jackie Woodburne and Alan Dale, as well as former Neighbours producer Stanley Walsh as Derek Holland.

Though two DVDs featuring selected episodes have been released, many fans would now like to see all 1396 episodes released. If you're a fan and would like to join the campaign, e-mail Umbrella Entertainment to show that the demand. You can contact Andrew Mercado at info@umbrellaent.com.au

There's been a slight change to the details for Sunday's Neighbours documentary on Five. The show, now titled Neighbours On Five will now be broadcast at 6.00pm, ten minutes earlier than previously advertised.

Neighbours moves to Five on Monday 11th February, screening at 1.45pm and 5.30pm.

Voting for this year's 50th TV Week Logie Awards is now open, and for the first time, voting can be completed online. Click here to make your voice heard.

From these initial votes, shortlists will be produced and announced in the coming weeks, when a second round of voting will begin. The ceremony will take place this year on Sunday 4th May.

Could Stephen Fry be the latest name to make a Neighbours cameo? During an interview with The Mirror newspaper, Caitlin Stasey (Rachel Kinski) explained that Stephen's sister is married to her Uncle Philip, and the two often see each other at family events, where he has expressed an interest in making a guest appearance "in the way people such as Neil Morrissey and the Little Britain guys have done."

Five has this week kicked off the next part of their advertising campaign to alert viewers that Neighbours will be moving on Monday February 11th. The television ads began two weeks ago, and their 'Same Ramsay Street, New Home' slogan will continue on the new ads, which will be seen on buses, and in newspapers and magazines. One of the ads is pictured below - but please be warned that it contains spoilers for UK viewers.

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