In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the TV industry, Toadfish Rebecchi, better known as Toadie from Neighbours, has announced he’s packing his bags for Bendigo to star in the latest Law & Order spin-off, Law & Order: Bendigo.
“It was just time for a new challenge,” said Toadie while holding a novelty gavel at the press conference at the Talking Tram. “I’ve represented everyone from con artists to wedding arsonists. Now, I’m ready to tackle the hard-hitting crime scenes of Bendigo. This place is like Gotham City but with more heritage-listed buildings and fewer billionaires.”
The show’s producers are confident that Law & Order: Bendigo will resonate with viewers, especially given the show’s realistic portrayal of Bendigo’s justice system, which mostly consists of law enforcement saying, “Ah, let ‘em go.”
The pilot episode “HSP Justice” will see Toadie representing a client accused of stealing a Halal Snack Pack and Coke after a big night out, only to reveal that the real crime was the audacity to charge $25 for a late-night snack.
Fans of Neighbours are reportedly torn between heartbreak and excitement at the news. “I can’t believe Toadie’s leaving Ramsay Street,” said long-time viewer Karen from Spring Gully. “But I’m keen to see how he handles Bendigo’s crime wave. Maybe he can finally sort out the parking inspectors. They’re worse than Paul Robinson.”
The Executive Producer of Law & Order: Bendigo, Gavin Currie, is confident Toadie’s character will bring the right mix of legal expertise and lovable larrikinism to the show. “We needed someone who could handle the complex moral questions of Bendigo justice, like whether or not you still have to pay for parking at 5:10 if it’s free after 5:30.”
Law & Order: Bendigo is set to premiere next year, with guest appearances already confirmed from other Neighbours alumni, including Karl Kennedy, who will portray a washed-up GP-turned-antiques dealer, and Harold Bishop, running a bootleg DVD stand at the Sunday market.
In true Law & Order style, the Bendigo spin-off promises to deliver the usual dramatic courtroom showdowns but with an added dash of country charm. Expect to see Toadie tackling Bendigo’s most challenging cases – from a Myki ticket evasion to a high-stakes legal battle over who invented the Chiko Roll.
With production set to begin soon, locals are already on the lookout for Toadie filming around town. “I hope they cover people getting caught throwing e-scooters into Lake Weeroona,” said one excited resident.
Law & Order: Bendigo is expected to premiere next year. Toadie promises it will be “everything you’ve ever wanted from a legal drama, with the added benefit of seeing me wrestle Cogho in the pilot episode.”
Erinsborough’s loss is Bendigo’s gain, and if anyone can solve the city’s most challenging cases while maintaining an impeccable mullet, it’s Toadie.
* Dun Dun *
