Neighbours cast and crew last week gave actress Eve Morey a standing ovation at a screening of her final episode, attended by Fremantle Global CEO Jennifer Mullin.

The special two-hander episode was given a private screening at Como Cinemas, South Yarra and proved to be a tear-jerker as Morey’s character Sonya Rebecchi succumbed to cancer in the arms of Jarrod ‘Toadie’ Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney).

In attendance were Fremantle Australia CEO Chris Oliver-Taylor, producer Jason Herbison, Oliver Rawlins group director of communications (UK), Fremantle’s Australian execs, and cast and crew -many of whom had just flown home from an exuberant appearance in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.

The episode marked Morey’s exit from the 10 Peach soap after a 10 year run on the show.

Jason Herbison explained that he and Morey both agreed Sonya would never leave Toadie of her own accord, the only choice was death, the result of ovarian cancer. While Morey vowed no sad speeches on set, producers surprised her with a farewell at Como Cinemas with their global CEO in attendance.

“I want to say thank you to everyone. The story was a great one. I really appreciate everyone’s consideration to make it come alive,” a tearful Morey said.

“I was overwhelmed by the love and care for the story and making sure that we finished Sonya in a way that was incredibly truthful. It was really wonderful.

“Thank you to Kate (Kendall) she did such a beautiful job.”

Morey will remain part of the Neighbours team as a drama coach for younger performers.

On social media Neighbours fans were also full of praise and admitting to tears after Morey’s final episode.

Herbison said calls to Ovarian Cancer Australia had increased since Sonya’s diagnosis on air.

On Instagram, Ovarian Cancer Australia said, “The last few weeks have featured an incredibly important and powerful storyline with Sonya on @neighbours about #ovariancancer. Thank you so much @neighbours for ovary-acting with us and in turn creating much needed awareness of #ovariancancer.

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