Sharon Johal, Nicholas Coghlan depart Neighbours

Neighbours actors Nicholas Coghlan & Sharon Johal, who play husband & wife Shane & Deepika “Dipi” Rebecchi respectively, are leaving the 10 Peach soap after 4 years.

Jason Herbison, Neighbours Executive Producer, said: “From their opening scenes four years ago, Sharon and Nick were completely committed to their characters and performance. They embraced some really challenging storylines as well as capturing loads of fun moments which have endeared them to the Neighbours audience here and in the UK. While Shane and Dipi are moving on for now, like all our families on Ramsay Street, the door is always open and in fact Sharon will be returning for guest appearance very soon.”

On Instagram Sharon Johal told fans, “Some of you may have seen this coming but to be honest I put the motions into play over a year ago. A number of reasons brought me to here, however inevitably my ambition for growth has ultimately been the decider.

“I am so excited for what the future holds. As you might’ve read, I’m already shadow-directing on Neighbours with Tenika and look forward to telling stories from my unique perspective, gaze and experience – whether that be behind the camera, in front of it, in writing or production, I intend to make positive impact.

“I am so utterly grateful for the opportunity and “break” this iconic show has given me. A show that has run for 35yrs+ requires no commentary, it speaks for itself. I have learned & grown so much in this time technically, professionally but also mentally as this job is rewarding yet challenging in so many ways.

“Some of you will (and have) ask me why. As one of the fastest running shows in the world, it is ALL-encompassing. Life is literally “on-hold” never knowing what your day looks like, long-term exhaustion from being up at 4am most days for years, depletion from exercising extreme vulnerability in and out of emotional states rapidly (where it’s not always processed appropriately), dealing with highly challenging people intimately long-term without reprieve, public scrutiny being trolled/bullied relentlessly online/offline etc. Rain, hail, shine or pandemic, THIS show goes on and combined with your ‘real life’ family, health and emotional stuff, it’s a lot. Last year was particularly an a$$hole of a year and personally I was tested to my core (some of which I’ll share with you soon) yet if I learned anything during lockdown, it was to question the point of ‘all of this’ and to prioritise what serves me and my family – for now, it’s this.

“I value all that I’ve learned. I want to take this opportunity to thank my friends, the crew, writers, make-up, costume, art and pre/post production departments on the show, on screen and off. The producers for choosing me as an actor and supporting this next stage of my career-it’s never really GOODBYE is it?”