Many Neighbours fans wanted Kylie and Jason to return to Ramsay Street for the show’s 30th anniversary special.

But Stefan Dennis had another character in mind – Paul Keane, who played Des Clarke, one of the 12 original characters in the show. And soap bosses agreed with him.

Stefan told Inside Soap magazine: “Of course, we all suggested Kylie and Jason because it was The Kylie and Jason Show there for a while.

“But one of my ideas was actually Keano, and they ran with that one.

Paul Keane and Annie Jones  as Des Clarke and Jane Harris in Neighbours (Fremantle/Channel 5)
Paul Keane and Annie Jones as Des Clarke and Jane Harris (Fremantle/Channel 5)

“My character invites Des back to Erinsborough to get him to help split up Amber and Daniel. Paul’s shrewd like that – it is very conniving of him.”

Des appeared in the Aussie soap from 1985 to 1990.

Neighbours celebrates 30 years on TV in the UK on March 18 with a number of big storylines planned to mark the occasion, including the return of 12 past characters.

Stefan said: “The anniversary is huge for us. Neighbours has set so many precedents and it is the only drama in Australia that has lasted 30 years.

“I don’t feel anything but respect for the show, and I hope it continues for a long time to come – whether I am involved or not. I feel proud to be part of something so special.”