Neighbours legend quits soap after 30 years as character makes shock exit

A beloved Neighbours star has made the heartfelt announcement that they're set to depart from the iconic Ramsay Street.

Veteran Australian actor Ryan Moloney, who has portrayed the much-loved character Toadie Rebecchi for nearly three decades, is taking a step back from acting to pursue a career in directing, yet he will remain within the Neighbours fold.

On Thursday, (June 27), Moloney released an emotional video reflecting on his time on the show and expressed to fans how much he'll miss embodying his character and the essence of Erinsborough.

Ryan remarked: "After 30 years playing Toadie, I will be leaving Ramsay Street. I can't tell you what is happening to the character - maybe I could be the next Jim Robinson. Or maybe I'll be the next Harold Bishop and keep popping back over the years."

"And although I won't be bringing you our fantastic storylines from in front of the camera, I will be bringing them to you from the other side, behind the camera. I've just started director training and have just finished filming my first episode as director - so I really hope that you enjoy that. Thank you all for the love that you have shown me and Toadie over the years.", reports the Daily Star.

"Three decades, in fact. I'll miss you, I'll miss him, and I'll miss Erinsborough... but whatever you do, make sure you don't miss what's going to happen on Ramsay Street."

Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison also commented: "Toadie is an Australian television icon and Ryan is Ramsay Street royalty. The street won't be the same without seeing him every week however there's every chance he will pop back in the future."

"In the meantime, we're thrilled to support his directing ambitions and can't wait for viewers to see how Toadie's season-long story arc plays out. Ryan's been instrumental in the journey and has blown us away with his performance."