EXCLUSIVE: Jordy Lucas says it’s a ‘missed opportunity’.

Neighbours’ Jordy Lucas has called out the show after rare items ended up at an op shop. Photos: Instagram/becbrewinthrift / Channel 10

A former Neighbours cast member has called out the show after a collection of rare props, scripts, and various paraphernalia were ‘dumped’ in a Melbourne op shop earlier this month. A viral video showed the items had been donated to This N That Community Store in Forest Hill, which is where the long-running soap opera was filmed before its cancellation earlier this year.

While Yahoo Lifestyle recently revealed that the op shop plans to sell the items online to reach the show’s global fanbase, Jordy Lucas admits it’s disappointing they were donated in the first place. The actress and podcast host, who played Summer Hoyland on Neighbours, tells Yahoo Lifestyle that she wishes the show had given more thought to how they would dispose of old costumes and props.

“I’m certainly not bashing op shops and I love that the props and wardrobe will get a second life, [but] I do think this was a missed opportunity to give back to long-time fans of the show,” she said.

“Neighbours fans are the most loyal, enthusiastic group, and it’s because of them that the show lasted as long as it did. They banded together in a big way to get the show revived in 2022/2023.

“If more time and thought had been put into this, many of them could have had a piece of the show to keep forever.”

Items included scripts, Erinsborough High backpacks, Dr Karl’s briefcase, and various characters’ licenses and Medicare cards. Photos: Instagram/becbrewinthrift

‘One last chance’

Jordy, who recently spoke on her podcast That’s Showbiz, Baby! about why the recent ending of Neighbours feels particularly final, points out that the show had “plenty of time” to do something “more thoughtful” as it was cancelled in February.

“I do think they could have auctioned off pieces for charities, more fan giveaways, and even given older cast members the chance to visit the studio one last time to choose a keepsake,” she added.

“Old sets and props could have been donated to drama schools to give back to the industry.

“Neighbours was special because it had heart. This was one last chance to give back to everyone that made up the family — cast, crew, and fans.”

As for which items Jordy would want to purchase herself, she says she would love to have an Erinsborough High Bag or her character’s old school blazer.

“I know they had this because I wore it when I went back for a few eps in 2023,“ she said.

“I would also have paid good money for Karl and Susan’s infamous Blue Box. I’ve always wondered what was in there.”