Neighbours' Ryan and Alan: 'Russell Crowe wanted to come back but we said no!' (VIDEO)

Now the 30th anniversary celebrations for EastEnders are over, the next BIG event in soapland is the 30th birthday of Neighbours!

As the Erinsborough Festival gets underway on screen this fortnight, we'll see the return of past Ramsay Street residents, including Harold (Ian Smith), Madge (Anne Charleston), Des (Paul Keane) and Nina (Delta Goodrem).

We caught up with Neighbours stars Ryan Maloney (Toadie) and Alan Fletcher (Karl) to discuss the anniversary episodes, why Hollywood star, Russell Crowe (who appeared in four episodes of Neighbours back in 1987), won't be appearing and whether or not Erinsborough's favourite singing doctor, Karl, will be taking to the stage to perform alongside guest pop star, Delta Goodrem...

"There is some music," reveals Alan Fletcher, who plays Dr Karl Kennedy. "I can't promise you a duet. But you can be sure if there is an opportunity to sing, Karl will take it up!"

Watch the interview with Ryan Moloney and Alan Fletcher, above. The anniversary celebrations begin this week with the return of Harold Bishop!

Don't miss Neighbours, weeknights on Channel 5.

Simon has long been a fan of soap operas, and especially loves OVER-THE-TOP plots involving evil twins, hair-pulling catfights and natural disasters.

Anyone remember the Sunset Beach earthquake/tidal wave?

Or when Krystle Carrington got locked in the attic and replaced by look-a-like Rita in Dynasty?!

Simon has written for a variety of TV and childrens’ magazines/websites including Inside Soap, Nickelodeon, What’s On TV, Radio Times, Metro, Girl Talk, Disney Girl, Toxic! and Digital Spy.

He has reported LIVE from the red carpet at The British Soap Awards interviewing glammed-up stars from soapland, and hosted a Facebook LIVE session for Metro with Home and Away legend Ray Meagher (Alf "Stone the flamin' crows!" Stewart) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Aussie soap.