Neighbours fans IN TEARS after THIS unexpected twist aired today

Neighbours logo
(Image credit: Kris Dollman)

Mackenzie and Richie are the new fan favourite...

Today's Neighbours has left fans emotional after airing a special scene between Mackenzie Hargreaves and her boyfriend Richie Amblin.

While the pair have been fan favourites for a while now, today's Neighbours cemented the couple in everyone's hearts when they shared a tearful moment.

Neighbours, Mackenzie Hargreaves

Mackenzie is excited to finally feel like her true self (Channel 5) (Image credit: Channel 5)

After a lifetime of waiting, the day of Mackenzie's gender confirmation surgery has finally arrived.

But while best friend Harlow Robinson - not to mention the entire Rebecchi family - all watched to be by her side at the hospital, Mackenzie asked everyone not to fuss as she faced this huge milestone.

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However, when Harlow threw boyfriend Hendrix an 18th birthday party he will never forget, Richie was surprised to be getting grief from some of the other kids from school.

Thankfully Richie stood up for his girlfriend as his nemesis taunted him about Mackenzie's surgery... and he soon left the party to be by her side.

Neighbours, Mackenzie Hargreaves

Mackenzie is shocked when Richie reveals a huge secret ahead of her surgery today... (Channel 5) (Image credit: Channel 5)

However, once there, Richie's awkward explanations about his sudden appearance left Mackenzie convinced he was having trouble understanding her reasons for wanting the surgery.

Thankfully, however, she had got the wrong end of the stick, and Richie soon returned, clad in a hospital gown for comedy value, to explain how he really felt.

The pair shared an honest chat about their relationship and Mackenzie pointed out that she was going through this surgery for her and no one else.

Neighbours, Mackenzie Hargreaves, Richie Amblin

Things are getting serious between cute couple Mackenzie and Richie (Channel 5) (Image credit: Channel 5)

But it was only when Richie explained that what he really wanted to tell her was that he loved her, that the nations's hearts melted.

Fans took to social media to share how much they're loving the cute couple...

As Mackenzie went into theatre, excited to finally feel like her true self, Shane and Dipi Rebecchi were thrilled to see her looking so happy.

With a brand new chapter starting for the character, we can't wait to see what happens next.

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.