Australian soap opera Neighbours has announced the return of a much-loved character, Sky Mangel, played by actress Stephanie McIntosh. This news comes shortly after the confirmation of Ian Smith’s reprisal of his role as Harold Bishop, Sky’s grandfather, marking an exciting development for long-time fans of the show.
First appearing in 1989, the character of Sky was originally portrayed by Miranda Fryer until 1991. She was then reintroduced in 2003, with McIntosh stepping into the role. Sky’s storylines have been notable, including a same-sex kiss with the soap’s first lesbian character, Lana Crawford, played by Bridget Neval, and a tumultuous relationship with Boyd Hoyland (Kyal Marsh).
Expressing her excitement about reprising the role, McIntosh said: “It’s so good to be back, it was almost like stepping back in time. Part of me feels like it was yesterday. Most of my family is here, and Melbourne feels like home, evoking a sense of nostalgia.”
The official Neighbours Instagram account teased Sky’s comeback to Ramsay Street, with a caption that read: “Hot on the heels of Harold… Sky will be dropping by to visit her dear old grandad. But what else has brought her back to Erinsborough? Stephanie McIntosh will be reprising her much-loved role in the coming weeks.”
Sky’s history on the show is rich and varied, with her departing in 2007 and making several returns since. She has been an integral part of anniversary celebrations, including the 30th and 35th milestones, and even made an unannounced cameo in the final episode in 2022.
McIntosh’s most recent appearance on the show in 2020 saw her character take on a new role as a senior detective investigating the death of Finn Kelly and Elly Conway’s involvement. This unexpected twist surprised both audiences and the actress herself, who shared her shock at the development: “I nearly fell over when they told me she’d become a cop. It was definitely the part of bringing her back that shocked me the most, in the best way possible!”
With Sky’s return, fans are eagerly anticipating her storyline and the reasons for her comeback to Erinsborough.
