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6 storylines that Neighbours keeps repeating

Photo credit: Channel 5/DigitalSpy/AH - Getty Images
Photo credit: Channel 5/DigitalSpy/AH - Getty Images

From Digital Spy

With 35 years and over 8,000 episodes under its belt, it's only natural to expect Neighbours to repeat the odd storyline now and again.

After all, with such a long and rich history, there are bound to be moments that have viewers thinking they've seen it all before.

With that in mind, join us as we take a playful look at a few of those storylines that crop up just a little too often in Erinsborough.

1. Keeping it in the family

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

What's soap without a bit of controversy? Weird family love triangles are a tried and tested trope, but it's fair to say Neighbours has been a little too keen on characters sticking with the same genetic pool in recent years.

Finn dated both Elly and Bea, Elly has been with Chloe and Mark, Amy was with Gary and Kyle… we truly could go on.

Biggest and most controversial of all was the love triangle with Terese, Paul and Leo. As Terese oscillated between father and son, things got even ickier as Leo then slept with Terese's daughter Piper. Won't someone please think of the uncomfortable family dinners?

2. Secret singers

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

Would Neighbours even be Neighbours without an unexpected chanteuse every few years? With such a strong legacy of actors-turned-singers in the show's history, it wasn't long before the show caught on and killed two birds with one stone by having the characters sing too.

Ever since Nina Tucker treated us to a rendition of 'Born to Try' bi-weekly, the show has loved a plot where a shy singer realises their talents, from Rachel Kinski to Madison Robinson.

3. The many redemptions of Paul

When he made his big return in 2004, it was fair to say Neighbours took Paul too far into panto villain territory, to the point where the character even faced the axe – before the writers realised that they could explain away his behaviour with a brain tumour. All well and good, until the show got a little boring and needed old Paul to spice it up.

So began Paul's rinse and repeat cycle of villainy and redemption. No character in soap has claimed to mend their ways more often than Paul.

Paul's vision of Jim Robinson in a Christmas bauble was a relatively recent turning point for the character, as he pledged to make his dad proud. It didn't last.

4. Hotel Wars

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

Who knew a suburban hotel complex could cause such endless power struggles? Yet, Lassiter's really has been the focal point of a lot of workplace drama in recent years. Whether it's been Paul and Terese's one-upmanship, takeover by the Quill group, battling the short-lived rival motel, or the constant change in majority shareholders – the hotel wars never end.

If the show ever needs a little filler plot, you can rest assured there will be fresh drama at Lassiter's to provide it.

5. Aaron gets a new job

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

Not everyone can walk into the perfect job the first time around. Or indeed, second or third. For Aaron Brennan, it took five or six attempts. Since his arrival in 2015, Aaron has racked up an impressive number of careers – most quickly discarded as quickly as he started them.

Having arrived as a former mine worker-turned-exotic dancer, he then tried his hand as a receptionist, bodyguard, executive assistant, social media manager, and a brand enthusiast, before finally settling on his current career as a personal trainer and co-owner of his own gym. Ultimately, it's the best and most believable route for his character, so at least he got there in the end.

6. Party girls with hearts of gold

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

If there's a character introduction that Neighbours does time and again, it's that of a party or 'bad' girl rocking up to cause some mischief. Arriving with a bang, these characters either have secret pasts, unwittingly make a move on unavailable men, or have their neighbours clutching their pearls – and usually leave a trail of destruction in their first week.

After a bit of love and neighbourly guidance, we see these characters soften and fast become the heart and soul of the show – and firm fan favourites.

In the grand tradition of Margot Robbie's Donna, who transformed from stalker to leading lady, we've had the likes Naomi and Xanthe Canning and Chloe Brennan in recent years.


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