‘I’m happiest sitting on a tractor on my farm now’: Ryan Moloney reveals
‘I’m happiest sitting on a tractor on my farm now’: Ryan Moloney reveals why he’s ruling out a return as Toadie on Neighbours after 30 years
Ryan Moloney lifts the lid on life post-Neighbours
Neighbours is a soap institution, loved not only in Australia but also in the UK, where it became a cultural phenomenon. One of the show’s biggest stars is Ryan Moloney, who played Jarrod “Toadfish” Rebecchi from 1995 to 2025.
The soap had a dramatic farewell in 2022 before being picked up by Amazon for a second run, which concluded in December 2025. Toadie eventually left Erinsborough for a new life in Colac, a decision Ryan has admitted was prompted by producers, but he tells JoeFortune he’s found happiness in the quiet life.
Opening up about the show’s future, the 46-year old admits he’d love Neighbours to make a return for the fans, but his beloved character won’t be a part of it.
He also opens up about the hardest storyline to film, the iconic actor that’s least like their character, and the wildest storyline he pitched that actually made the cut.
Toadie’s had some wild storylines over the years. Have there been any you refused to do?
Part of being an actor, especially in a soap, is taking a leap of faith and making unbelievable things feel real. There were times I read scripts and thought, “Oh man, that’s not working. No, we’re not doing that.” I’d want to change it or push it into something better. But then I had to step back and tell myself, hang on, that’s just my ego talking. Once I did, I’d look at the writer’s intention and try to make it work.
Even with Toadie’s storylines over the last 12 months, I asked myself, what world does this make sense in? The answer I found was that it works if he’s having a psychotic breakdown. He’s terrified of losing love again after Dee, Sonya, and Melanie, so he ends up sabotaging it himself.
One of the wildest was the Fake Dee storyline. What did you make of that?
One day, someone pitched a storyline, and I jokingly guessed that it was Dee coming back and having an evil twin. That offhand comment ended up inspiring the storyline. It was great but a pain to shoot. We only had one Madeleine West, who was the actress, so we had to film everything twice!
How do you think the character evolved over the years? Were you happy with who he became?
It often felt like the showrunners thought, “You can do drama, so let’s do drama for the next 20 years.” That fun, roguish side gradually disappeared, which was a shame. I missed the lighter storylines and would grab any chance to bring that energy back.
Who has been your favourite co-star to work with?
Honestly, it’s those you connect with on a deep level, where there’s complete trust and respect. Eve Morey was incredible. I could go anywhere with her in a scene. The House of Trouser boys, Jackie Woodburne who plays Susan Kennedy, and Alan Fletcher who plays Karl; they’re all amazing. I’ve been lucky to work with so many brilliant people.
Who is the least like their character?
Ian Smith, who plays Harold Bishop. Why? I couldn’t say! I wouldn’t want to spoil the illusion, but he’s definitely not like Harold.
How hard was it to find fame so young?
It was just my life. I didn’t have much context for anything else because I hadn’t experienced it. Sure, fame young comes with challenges, but also incredible experiences you wouldn’t get otherwise. And it gave me the chance to build a life for my family and future. It’s been an amazing ride.
Do you think being on a soap for so long makes it easier or harder to get new roles?
It should make it easier because we’re so experienced. Soap actors have a huge range, handle countless scripts, and work at a fast pace. But yes, there’s the risk of typecasting. One thing I’ve always wanted is to play a character people despise but end up rooting for.
After 30 years of long days and crazy hours, how long did it take to adjust to life after Neighbours?
Honestly, it’s only just starting now. The year after I left, I did some cameos and directing, so it was still busy. This year has been the first real taste of freedom, and it’s been really nice.
What does life look like now, and what are your hopes for the future?
I just want to do things that are fun. I started Fixit Farm Solutions about 13 years ago, and I absolutely love building and working on farms, mine and others. Beyond that, I enjoy fun side projects. These days, I’m perfectly happy just sitting on a tractor, mowing someone’s grass!