Neighbours star Annie Jones reveals the heartbreaking reason she put her career on hold for years after leaving the show… as she prepares to make a triumphant comeback
Neighbours star Annie Jones has revealed the heartbreaking reason why she turned her back on her successful acting career, after leaving Neighbours in 1989.
The 53-year-old revealed this week that she chose to ditch the limelight to look after her late mother Elizabeth, who battled Alzheimer’s disease and died in 2016.
Speaking to The Mirror, Annie said she has ‘no regrets’ about looking after her mother and said it’s made her a ‘better person.’
Candid: Neighbours star Annie Jones revealed this week the heartbreaking reason she put her career on hold for years after leaving the show… as she prepares to make a triumphant comeback
‘I think you learn from the stuff that life throws at you, that’s what it’s all about, life experiences,’ Annie said, adding that it’s made her a ‘different actress.’
She added: ‘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.’
Family first: The 53-year-old revealed this week that she chose to ditch the limelight to look after her late mother Elizabeth, who battled Alzheimer’s disease and died in 2016. Pictured with former Neighbours co-star, Guy Pearce
Annie’s mother – who was based in Melbourne – was diagnosed with the disease five years after she left Neighbours. She died in 2016.
On Monday, Annie revealed that she will be returning to Neighbours as a series regular.
She first rose to fame playing Jane ‘Plain Jane Superbrain’ Harris on Neighbours back in 1986.
‘Jane is returning to her old neighbourhood and bringing with her an insight into what her life away from Ramsay Street has been like for the past 30 years,’ Annie said in an official statement.
She’s back: On Monday, Annie revealed that she will be returning to Neighbours as a series regular. Charlotte Chimes (pictured) is set to play Annie’s onscreen daughter Nicolette Stone on the long-running soap, and it turns out it’s a dream come true for her
She added: ‘Audiences will learn more about her family life, as fans are introduced to her daughter for the first time.’
Charlotte Chimes is set to play Annie’s onscreen daughter Nicolette Stone on the long-running soap, and it turns out it’s a dream come true for her.
‘I’m not going to lie, I have Margot Robbie on my vision board three times,’ Charlotte said in the press release.
‘But, little did I know I that I’d also end up on Australia’s most iconic series following in her footsteps’.
It’s not the first time, however, Neighbours fans have seen a glimpse of Annie back on Ramsay street.
Earlier this year, she surprised viewers when she appeared in a guest role for the soap’s 35th anniversary – and by all accounts she can’t wait to get back.
‘I’m so thrilled to be back playing Jane Harris!’ Annie said, before also adding she’s also ‘grateful to again be working with the dedicated cast, crew and team’.
Annie starred on Neighbours between 1986 and 1989, a period which is often referred to as the glory years of the soap.
Neighbours airs weeknights 6:30pm on 10 Peach.
Familiar face: Annie starred on Neighbours between 1986 and 1989, a period which is often referred to as the glory years of the soap