Lorraine Bayly

Neighbours is a long-running Australian soap opera, running daily episodes of 25 minutes. The series follows the daily lives of several families who live in the fictional Ramsay Street, Erinsborough - although in fact it is restricted to the small cul-de-sac of six houses at the end of the street - and includes the usual soap staples of births, deaths, and marriages.

The Sullivans ran from 1976 until 1983 and was set during the second world war and post war Melbourne, Australia. Central characters included Dave and Grace Sullivan and their children John, Tom, Kitty and Terry. Ida Jessop lived next door and Maggie ran the local pub. In later years other central characters to be introduced included Jim Sullivan (who married Alice) and Kate Meredith. Actors to stay during the shows complete run were Paul Cronin (Dave Sullivan), Susan Hannaford (Kitty Sullivan), Steven Tandy (Tom Sullivan), Vivian Gray (Ida Jessop), Vikki Hammond (Maggie Baker) and Norman Yemm (Norm Baker). Famous Guest Stars included Kylie Minogue, Sam Neil and Mel Gibson. Produced 1976 - 1982 1114 x hour episodes (first episode 90 minutes) Started broadcasting 15 November, 1976 (Nine Network Australia) Shown in the UK regionally on the ITV network.