Neighbours star April Rose Pengilly has shed some light on why Pierce Greyson was recast for his final scenes.

It was announced earlier this week that Don Hany will be replacing original Pierce actor Tim Robards to film some final scenes for the character, so Tim can return to Sydney to be with his wife ahead of the birth of their first child.

The creative decision to recast such a memorable character only for his exit scenes has caused confusion for some viewers, with many questioning why Pierce wasn't simply written out off-screen.

However, Chloe Brennan actress April Rose Pengilly has now explained on her Instagram Story that it would have been too complicated to simply have Pierce disappear.

neighbours   don hany as pierce greyson
Channel 5
Don Hany as Pierce Greyson

"We are so sad to lose [Tim], but we're in crazy times here, and this really was the best thing for the show and the complex storyline in which Pierce is involved (hence why he couldn't just suddenly be written out," she wrote to fans.

The actress went on: "I know it will be a little strange to have Pierce SUDDENLY be a totally different man, with all of us acting like nothing has changed (believe me, it was a bizarre adjustment for us too!), but we are all doing our best to take care of ourselves and each other and still give you the Neighbours you love."

april rose pengilly explains pierce's neighbours casting
April Rose Pengilly//Instagram

Robards has also taken to Instagram following the announcement of his Neighbours departure to thank fans for supporting him.

"Don Hany, the legend Don Hany, will be stepping into this role," he added. "He is a legend in the Australian acting industry, and I'm sure he'll do a good job.

"I'm sure he'll smash it, and I just want to say thanks, mate. Thanks for stepping in, and I hope you guys welcome him with open arms."

neighbours   tim robards as pierce greyson
Jackson Finter//Channel 5

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).


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