AUSTRALIAN soap Neighbours has revealed the fate of a beloved character amid a huge cast shake-up.
The soap has revealed that the character of Byron Stone has been recast for the new series, as the show prepares to make a comeback.
Former Australian Big Brother star Xavier Molyneux has been cast as Byron Stone
In the final weeks of the soap’s run, the character had previously been played by Joe Klocek, 28, who left just before the grand finale with Kylie Monogue and Jason Donovan.
However it’s now been announced that former Big Brother Australia star Xavier Molyneux, 26, will be joining the soap to play Byron.
Earlier this year the actor and aspiring singer was spotted with Mischa Barton, 37, on the set of Ramsay Street.
He is no stranger to treading the boards, as he previously had various roles in local theatre.
According to his Instagram, the star is somewhat of a model, having joined Precision Modelling agency in Australia back in December 2021.
He’s also posted various videos of himself singing as he strummed along to his guitar whilst advertising various gigs.
Announcing the move, the soap’s official Instagram post read: “We’re very excited to announce that Xavier Molyneux will be taking on the role of Byron Stone.
“The son of Jane Harris, Byron will be thrust into the heart of the Ramsay Street drama when Neighbours returns this September.”
This comes after Neighbours previously revealed the first photographs of Mischa Barton with two Ramsay Street legends ahead of the show’s premiere.
The former OC star posed with long-serving actors on the soap, Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher, who play Karl and Susan Kennedy, clutching the iconic Ramsay Street sign.
The new season of Neighbours began production on April 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia.
It was announced back in February 2022 that the long-running soap had been cancelled.
One reason for the Neighbours cancellation was due to Channel 5 pulling out of broadcasting the soap.
Now the legendary soap has been saved by Amazon Freevee and will premiere in the autumn of 2023.
It’s been revealed, Mischa, 37, will be playing the role of Reece Sinclair – an American newcomer to Erinsborough who is “not who she seems to be”.
He’s a keen model having signed up to a prestigious modelling agency
The actor is also an aspiring singer, having posted a string of videos onto his social media where he promotes his gigs
