Yahoo Movies Former Neighbours star Joe Klocek responds to Byron Stone recast news
Former Neighbours star Joe Klocek has responded to the news that his character Byron Stone has been recast for Amazon Freevee's upcoming revival.
It was announced last week that Xavier Molyneux would be taking over the role from Klocek, who played the character in the final weeks of the soap's Channel 5 run last year, and left a few days before the finale.
When a fan commented on one of Klocek's Instagram posts asking why he wouldn't be returning to Ramsey Street, the actor replied: "Work and life has taken me elsewhere but Byron Stone is in good hands!"
Related: Neighbours cast 2023 – who's returning for the show's revival?
Klocek's Instagram page reveals that he's been busy travelling around Europe in recent months, so it was likely his own decision not to return.
The soap's official Twitter page confirmed the Klocek-approved recasting on July 15 with a photo of Molyneux alongside his on-screen mum, Annie Jones.
"We're very excited to announce that Xavier Molyneux will be taking on the role of Byron Stone," read the caption. "The son of Jane Harris, Byron will be thrust into the heart of the Ramsay Street drama when Neighbours returns this September."
Related: Neighbours first look as Chloe Brennan and Elly Conway return to Ramsay Street
Earlier this year, Molyneux was pictured on the Neighbours set alongside The OC star Mischa Barton, though there was no confirmation on which character he'd be playing at that point.
Barton will be playing the guest role of Reece, an American who's new to Erinsborough and not quite who she appears to be.
"I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with," the actress said after her role was announced in April.
Neighbours returns in the second half of 2023 with new episodes streaming free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.
Read more Neighbours coverage on our dedicated homepage
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