Claudia Byatt
TV

Surprise new addition to Neighbours reboot cast

 The hit soap Neighbours has revealed a surprising cast announcement with the arrival of an iconic celeb.

The British-American former star of the US series The OC, Mischa Barton, who rose to fame as Marissa Cooper on the early 2000s teen drama will make her way to Ramsay Street as production for the reboot is underway.

British-born Barton, 37, will have guest appearances as Reece, an American who is new to the area and not quite what she appears to be, according to a statement by Amazon.

“I’m excited to be part of this iconic show’s next chapter, and I am really looking forward to being back in Australia, a place I know and love,” the actress said.

“I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with.”

Neighbours’ executive producer, Jason Herbison said, “With Neighbours launching on Amazon Freevee in North America, we are beyond excited to have an actor of Mischa’s calibre join us for the beginning of this exciting new chapter. Mischa’s character is dynamic and unpredictable and will have an instant presence on Ramsay Street. Our loyal viewers are going to love her, locally and abroad.”

Production for the show is currently underway in Melbourne, with the reboot to be aired in Autumn 2023.

March 2023 saw many new cast additions, announcing the return of several familiar faces.

The show ended its 37-year run in July 2022 after Fremantle failed to secure an alternative home for the Ramsay Street residents, but luckily for fans, a streaming giant stepped in to save the day.

Neighbours will return to its old home on Channel 10 but will be available to stream for free for the UK and the US on Amazon Freevee.

The soap will also be available to stream ad-free on Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand seven days after the free-to-air viewing.

Image credit: Twitter

Tags:
Neighbours, Reboot, Casting, TV, Mischa Barton