Annie Jones didn't have the "energy" or "emotional capacity" to return to 'Neighbours' before her April comeback.
Annie Jones
The 51-year-old actress reprised her role as Jane Harris, who was better known as Plain Jane Superbrain, on the Aussie soap on April 6th this year, and while she has always wanted an Erinsborough return, she couldn't commit to a lengthy stint because she was looking after her mother.
She said: "The possibility has always been there, but I've kind of been held-up - well not held up, that's an awful thing to say - I've been looking after my mother, who had Alzheimer's for many years.
"And so I didn't have the energy, I suppose. The emotional capacity to work on a show full time, especially like 'Neighbours'.
"And so I did a few guesties here and there, short stints. But I was really creating something long-term.
"It's like going home and putting on an old pair of shoes."
And Annie admits it feels strange to be regarded as one of the older members of the cast, compared to her first stint in the show, which spanned from 1986 to 1989.
Speaking on 'Loose Women', she added: "It's crazy, because back in the day we were the youngies, and now we're the oldies!"
Shortly before her 'Neighbours' return, Annie admitted she was keen to head back to the Australian soap after being left "unsatisfied" by her guest stints.
She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "The idea of working and working hard at something I really missed tempted me back.
"I've done a few guest stints over the years but it leaves me a little unsatisfied, because with a guest role they tend to be shot over a day or two and it's all over.
"You kinda just get into it and you're finished.
"I was really, really hanging out for a longer run at a show."