The long-running Australian serial Neighbours has announced that it would end production in June.
The show’s future had been in doubt since Channel 5 announced last month that it would no longer run it.
“We are very sorry to say that after over 37 years and approximately 9,000 episodes broadcast, we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June,” the show’s Twitter account said on Thursday morning.
We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June. pic.twitter.com/YwlDZPb7zB
— Neighbours (@neighbours) March 3, 2022
“We simply have no choice but to put the show on hold following the loss of our important broadcast partner in the UK, despite a thorough hunt for alternative funding.”
“We know this is a big disappointment to our amazing, dedicated fans, as it is to all of us on the team. We appreciate all of your messages and support, and we pledge to end the programme on a positive note. We’ll be commemorating Neighbours from now on.”
For more than 30 years, the daily drama about the people of Ramsay Street has aired on UK television, launching the careers of actors such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Margot Robbie.
Channel 5 claims that by cancelling the programme, money will be reallocated to original UK shows.
Neighbours, Australia’s longest-running drama series, premiered on the Seven network in 1985, but was cancelled before being taken up by Ten the following year, where it became a worldwide hit.
Since 2011, it has been shown on digital channel 10 Peach in Australia, with funding provided by the UK broadcaster.
Neighbours first aired on BBC One before moving to Channel 5 in 2008.
Amanda Holden, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ryan Thomas, and Janet Street-Porter have all appeared as guest stars on the show in recent years.
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Neighbours axed after 37 years as Australian soap fails to find new broadcaster