Tim Robards QUITS Neighbours after making the 'gut-wrenching decision' to leave behind his TV career to support his pregnant wife Anna Heinrich

By MONIQUE FRIEDLANDER FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

Former Bachelor Tim Robards has announced he is leaving Neighbours, just two years after joining the show.

Tim, who plays wealthy businessman Pierce Greyson in the soap, was originally scheduled to film his final scenes in September - news that hadn't been announced until Wednesday.

However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the 37-year-old will wrap up four weeks early so he can return to Sydney for the arrival of his first child with wife Anna Heinrich. 

Saying goodbye: Tim plays wealthy businessman Pierce Greyson in the soap

Saying goodbye to Ramsay Street: Former Bachelor Tim Robards (pictured) has announced he is leaving Neighbours, just two years after joining the show

After spending most of Anna's pregnancy in Melbourne, where Neighbours is filmed, Tim said on Wednesday he had finally been forced to choose between his career and his responsibilities as an expectant father.

'I made the gut-wrenching decision to depart Neighbours early as my responsibilities as a husband and father have to take precedence,' he said. 

'If I've learnt anything in this pandemic it's that the health and wellbeing of my family has to come first.'

Out: It comes after former Bachelor Tim announced he is leaving Neighbours, just two years after joining the show. Tim said he had finally been forced to choose between his career and his responsibilities as an expectant father

'I made the gut wrenching decision': After spending most of Anna's (right) pregnancy in Melbourne, where Neighbours is filmed, Tim said on Wednesday he had finally been forced to choose between his career and his responsibilities as an expectant father

Tim joined the cast of Neighbours in July 2018, and his filming requirements forced him and Bondi-based lawyer Anna into a long-distance relationship.

For two years, he spent his weeks in Melbourne and returned to Sydney on weekends to be with his wife.

However, recent travel restrictions made this commute impossible and he found himself with no choice but to move back to NSW permanently.

New chapter: Due to strict COVID-19 lockdown travel restrictions, Tim will wrap up four weeks early so he can return to Sydney for the arrival of his first child with Anna

New chapter: Due to strict COVID-19 lockdown travel restrictions, Tim will wrap up four weeks early so he can return to Sydney for the arrival of his first child with Anna

Pierce has been recast for the character's final scenes, with lookalike actor Don Hany, 44, stepping in to replace Tim. 

Known for his roles in acclaimed dramas Offspring, White Collar Blue and East West 101, Don will likely have no trouble filling reality star Tim's shoes. 

Interestingly, Don's wife, actress Alin Sumarwata, previously appeared on Neighbours between 2011 and 2013 as Vanessa Vilante. 

Same name, new face: Meanwhile, the role of Pierce has been recast for the character's final scenes, with lookalike actor Don Hany (pictured) stepping in to replace Tim

Same name, new face: Meanwhile, the role of Pierce has been recast for the character's final scenes, with lookalike actor Don Hany (pictured) stepping in to replace Tim

Lookalikes: Known for his roles in acclaimed dramas Offspring, White Collar Blue and East West 101, Don will likely have no trouble filling Tim's shoes
Connection: Interestingly, Don's wife, actress Alin Sumarwata, previously appeared on Neighbours between 2011 and 2013 as Vanessa Vilante

Lookalikes: Known for his roles in acclaimed dramas Offspring, White Collar Blue and East West 101, Don (right) will likely have no trouble filling Tim's (left) shoes

Neighbours' executive producer Jason Herbison said on Wednesday: 'With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to limit movement and with the risk of Tim potentially not being able to travel, we all felt that in these astonishing times, Tim should return home to Sydney to be with his wife, Anna, ahead of the birth of their first child.

'We thank Tim for his passion for Neighbours and wish him and Anna every happiness as they embark on parenthood.'

Tim's final episode on Ramsay Street will air on Monday, October 19.

Bowing out: Tim's final episode on Ramsay Street will air on Monday, October 19

Bowing out: Tim's final episode on Ramsay Street will air on Monday, October 19

Tim RobardsAnna HeinrichNeighboursSoaps

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