Neighbours legend Toadie to leave Ramsay Street after 30 years

Ryan Moloney, known for his iconic role as Toadie Rebecchi on Neighbours since 1995, has announced his departure from the Australian soap.

The 44-year-old actor has been a staple on Ramsay Street for three decades and will now transition to a behind-the-scenes role as a director.

Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi first appeared as a mischievous teen at Erinsborough High, often involved in get-rich-quick schemes and clashing with teacher Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne), who would later become a maternal figure in his life.

The boisterous Rebecchi family moved into Ramsay Street, ushering in a new era for Neighbours following its golden years in the late '80s.

In a video shared on social media, Maloney introduced himself as “Formerly Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi from Neighbours”, before explaining: “That’s right, I did say formerly, because after 30 years of playing Toadie, I will be leaving Ramsay Street.”

Moloney will now transition to a behind-the-scenes role as a director (PA)

He continued: “I can’t tell you what is going to happen to the character, whether or not we are going to see him again. Maybe I could be the next Jim Robinson and just…” before clutching his chest to imitate the heart attack Jim’s character suffered back in 1993.

“Or maybe I’ll be the next Harold Bishop and just keep popping back over the years.”Moloney, who is embarking on a live show called Toad On The Road, added he will not be leaving Neighbours behind altogether and will be heading behind the camera to work as a director.

He said: “Although I won’t be bringing you our fantastic storylines from in front of the camera, I do hope to 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 a director, so I really hope you enjoy that.

“Before I go, I would just like to take the opportunity to say thank you all so much for all the love that you have shown me and Toadie over the years, for three decades, in fact.

“I’m going to miss you and I’m going to miss him and I’m going to miss Erinsborough. But whatever you do, make sure you do not miss what is going to happen on Ramsay Street.”

Executive producer Jason Herbison said of his departure: “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.”

Toadie is the second longest-running continuous character on the show after Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher.

The details of Toadie's exit are still under wraps, but it has been revealed that his on-screen departure at the end of the year will coincide with Moloney's upcoming UK tour, Toad on the Road.

Neighbours airs on Amazon Freevee in the UK

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