Neighbours, episode 1: opening titles

On 18 March 1985, the first episode of Neighbours aired on Channel 7.

Initially a problem child – it was dropped by Channel 7 after tanking in the Sydney markets – it found a new life on Channel 10, where it became Australia’s longest-running drama series. It also took off in the UK, where audiences were fascinated by the accents, the slang and the depiction of a suburban life with big houses, big cars and perpetual sunshine.

In the opening scenes of the pilot episode, we’re introduced to Ramsay Street and its characters as Danny (David Clencie) rides his bike through the cul de sac. It’s an introduction to the village-like atmosphere of the show that would form the heart of its appeal – the dream of a suburbia where everyone was in and out of each other’s houses and formed tight bonds. 

We meet members of the Robinson, Clarke and Ramsay families, including Helen (Anne Haddy, who would remain a cast member for over a decade) and Scott (played here by Darius Perkins, who was soon replaced by fan favourite Jason Donovan). Des (Paul Keane), is preparing for his wedding day, but he’s about to be jilted – again.