Neighbours will screen a “movie length special” to mark Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s return to Ramsay Street as resident ‘homewrecker’ Isabelle “Izzy” Hoyland.

It follows UK Channel 5 looking for more primetime content to showcase the long-running soap.

Also returning for the special are Blair McDonough (Stu Parker), Andrew Bibby (Lance Wilkinson), Anthony Engelman (Kevin “Stonefish” Rebecchi) and Marisa Warrington (Sindi Watts).

TEN’s Head of Drama, Rick Maier, said: “Some stories are just too big, too dangerous and too much fun to tell in half an hour. Super-size Neighbours is a treat for all fans of our favourite show.”

Natalie said: “I feel very humbled that Izzy’s return will be an extended episode. Izzy always knew how to make an entrance and this is no exception! It was fabulous to be filming back at the studios where my career started and straight away I felt completely at home – and to reunite with Alan and Jackie again was a dream. Viewers can be assured Izzy is back with a vengeance, creating chaos. If you loved to hate her before, you will love to hate her even more.”

Executive Producer Jason Herbison said: “As well as Izzy Hoyland’s spectacular return, the 90-minute extended episode launches a number of exciting new stories involving all our current cast, some looking very different, and a number of past characters will be dropping in. It’s a prelude to what is ahead for the rest of the week which includes some shocking revelations, intrigue, desperation and of course romance, and there is more to come in the coming months.”

The episode centres around Toadie’s belated 21st birthday party, complete with a 1990s retro theme. Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) and her nemesis Izzy Hoyland are reunited in typically unconventional circumstances for the party. Susan is immediately on guard, knowing Izzy has an agenda which is certain to involve Karl (Alan Fletcher).

The drama-filled 90-minute special kicks off a plethora of stories which will unfold over the following weeks.

6.30pm Tuesday, 13 February on ELEVEN.

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