Ramsay Street is in for a tumultuous week as the show’s finale approaches, with the Turner, Willis and Robinson families all facing serious turmoil.

This year’s series will wrap up as Christmas arrives in Erinsborough – but not everyone is feeling the festive cheer.

A preview for the finale shows Lou Carpenter announcing to his loved ones that he is planning to fake his own death.

The much-loved Neighbours character, played by the show’s longest-running cast member Tom Oliver, has been appearing infrequently since May to allow the 77-year-old actor more time off – and now he could be set for a longer break.

Josh and Amber in 2013
Josh and Amber in 2013 (Channel 5)

Meanwhile, Amber Turner’s (Jenna Rosenow) decision to leave town with baby Matilda will spark a custody row. And as she wrestles with whether to go through with her plan and leave behind Josh Willis (Harley Bonner).

But Josh is facing a difficult dilemma of his own, as Steph Scully (Carla Bonner) questions him over her recent car accident: “Were you driving the car that forced us off the road?”

There will also be a dramatic kidnapping, with Paige Smith (Olympia Valance) facing a terrible ordeal.

The scenes will air in two weeks’ time on Channel 5.