There was a Neighbours reference in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again – did you spot it?

By Deputy Chief EditorAugust 16, 2018

137 1 minute read

There was a Neighbours reference in Mamma Mia 2 (Picture: Rex)

So it turns out the makers of Mamma Mia 2 are big fans of Paul Robinson and co in Neighbours.

Who knew?!

For those die-hard Neighbours fans who also happen to have watched Mamma Mia 2 several times the mention might have been obvious, but for those not quite as tuned in it could have easily passed you by.

It was radio presenter and podcast host Geoff Lloyd who noticed the little nod, and tweeted director Ol Parker for confirmation.

And confirmation he got.

Thats Mr Udagawa right there (Picture: Channel 5)

In asking if there was a Neighbours reference, Parker tweeted back: It was Udagawa right?

When Geoff revealed his excitement at the confirmation, Parker added: I just thought it might make people like you and I happy. Theres another homage in that scene as well; the Japanese business name comes from one of the best jokes ever.

IT MADE US SO HAPPY OL!

If you didnt spot the reference, it was when Colin Firths character Harry was in Japan attending a meeting with a firm called, you guessed it, Udagawa.

Toshiro Udagawa, AKA Mr Udagawa was played by Laurence Mah and first appeared back in 1986 with Paul Robinson as a potential investor in the Daniels Corporation.

He later became the main investor in Lassators, the famous hotel in Erinsborough. He is the father of James and Hiro, the latter was thought for a while to be the father of Leo and David before they realised it was in fact Paul Robinson.

For those who dont remember his face, this is Mr Udagawa, who appeared last year when the family showed up in Erinsborough to try and take back control of Lassiters, giving manager Terese one heck of a headache in the process.

[embedded content]