Kym Valentine returning to Neighbours after settling lawsuit

Australian actress Kym Valentine is returning to her role on long-running soap opera Neighbours, just months after settling a discrimination lawsuit with TV bosses behind the show. The star played Libby Kennedy on the popular series between 1994 and 2004, when she left to focus on motherhood. She returned in 2007 but took time out on several occasions between 2008 and 2011 due to health issues.
She has not been seen onscreen since that year (11), and last July (13), Valentine launched legal action against production company FreemantleMedia Australia and the show’s former producers, Susan Bower and Neal Kingston, over allegations of unlawful discrimination. She demanded compensation for lost wages, an apology and reinstatement to the show.
A settlement was reached in November (13), although the terms were kept confidential.
Now the actress has confirmed she will reprise her role for three weeks as part of a celebration marking her on-screen parents’ 20 years on the soap.
A statement from the actress reads, “I’m really looking forward to catching up with old friends at Neighbours, as well as getting to know many of the new cast. Playing Libby was a very important part of my life and I can’t wait to reintroduce audiences to her.”
Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne play Valentine’s on-screen parents Karl and Susan Kennedy. The episodes will air later this year (14).