Exciting news awaits fans of the long-running soap opera Neighbours as the show gears up to introduce a fresh LGBTQ+ family when it returns to screens this September.
Joining the beloved cast will be the Varga-Murphy family, a four-member unit comprising of mums Cara, portrayed by Sara West, and Dr Remi, played by Naomi Rukavina, along with their sons JJ, portrayed by Riley Bryant, and Dex, played by Marley Williams.
In a video shared on Neighbours’ official Instagram account, West and Rukavina introduced themselves as the on-screen lesbian couple Cara and Remi, expressing their enthusiasm for being part of the revamped Neighbours.
Rukavina eagerly shared, “We, along with our screen sons, are very excited to join the new Neighbours and to let you know that we will be on screen this September.”
This inclusion of the Varga-Murphy family is a significant step towards increased LGBTQ+ representation in the media, as emphasised by both actors in an official statement.
West, who portrays Cara, remarked on her character’s deep love for her family and the importance of reflecting on the beautiful LGBTQIA+ community. She expressed her pride in being a part of that community and eagerly anticipated sharing the family’s story with viewers. Rukavina echoed these sentiments, commending Neighbours for showcasing diverse and authentic representations of Australian families in a genuine and non-tokenistic manner.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support and excitement from fellow cast members and fans.
Georgie Stone, April Rose Pengilly, Charlotte Chimes, and Rebekah Elmaloglou, among others, expressed their enthusiasm with clapping emojis in the comments section. Fans also chimed in, with one ecstatic supporter writing, “Thank you for bringing in more LGBTQIA+ representation!” Another eagerly anticipated the arrival of another LGBT couple on Ramsay Street, expressing excitement for their upcoming screen debut in September.
Neighbours has a proud legacy of embracing LGBTQ+ storylines and characters. The show made headlines in 2018 for airing the first-ever same-sex wedding on Australian television. Since then, it has continued to celebrate diverse relationships, including a lesbian wedding and the introduction of the first trans character, Mackenzie Hargreaves, portrayed by Georgie Stone. Countless queer characters have been introduced over the years, with fan-favourite couple Chloe (April Rose Pengilly) and Elly (Jodi Gordon) capturing hearts along the way.
In 2022, Neighbours faced uncertainty when Channel 5 ended their contract, resulting in a grand finale featuring renowned Neighbours alumni such as Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie. However, the show found new life when Amazon Freevee acquired it. Now entering its 37th year, Neighbours is set to make a triumphant return to screens in September 2023, much to the delight of its loyal LGBTQ+ fanbase.
