Annie Jones is returning to ‘Neighbours’.
The 53-year-old actress – who played Jane Harris from 1986 to 1989 – quit the Australian soap opera to try her hand at other roles, but left the showbiz life behind once her mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as she dedicated her life to caring for her.
Now, Annie is ready to permanently reprise her role as her character, who is known as "Plain Jane Superbrain", after making a guest appearance as part of the soap’s 35th anniversary celebrations that saw her marry old flame Des Clarke (Paul Keane).
The Australian star has no regrets about leaving fame behind, and believes it has made her a better person.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I left just after Kylie and Jason, it was my decision. I just wanted to do other things, join other shows and do other jobs. A great number of actors had gone on to do amazing things after ‘Neighbours’.
"I don’t regret it. It’s probably made me a better person in many ways. I think you learn from the stuff that life throws at you, that’s what it’s all about, life experiences."
Sadly, Annie’s mum died in 2016, but she is proud of how the experience has shaped her to be a better actress.
She added: "It’s made me a different actress too. Empathy is the number one most important thing for any actor.
"Anyone who has had anything to do with Alzheimer’s or dementia will know what it’s like. It’s heartbreaking, seeing someone disappear before your eyes."
Annie has kept in touch with her old friends and co-stars Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce, and is hoping for a nostalgic reunion episode of ‘Neighbours’.
She added: "Every now and then we cross paths. They all live abroad these days and they’re very busy, but I know they would love to come back because they feel very strongly about the show.
"They possibly would come back if they had the time, you never know."