Neighbours: Is the hit Australian soap facing the axe?
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Neighbours could be set to face the axe after nearly four decades as Channel 5 cancels the Australian soap.
Channel 5 confirmed the news and explained the money will be dedicated to investing in original British dramas.
According to SkyNews, a statement said, “Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer.
“It has been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade, and we’d like to thank the cast, Fremantle and all of the production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series.
“We’d also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbours across the years.
“We recognise that there will be disappointment about this decision, however our current focus is on increasing our investment in original UK drama, which has strong appeal for our viewers.”
Channel 5’s decision means that unless Network 10 and Freemantle can find another UK channel to broadcast the Ramsay Street soap, it will face the axe entirely, as Channel 5 currently foots most of the production bill.
A spokesperson for Network 10 said, “As outlined in the email to Neighbours cast and crew, it is our intention to continue our association with Neighbours if another broadcast partner comes forward.
“Network 10 has an ongoing commitment to the show, the cast and crew and is hopeful that Fremantle will find a new production partner.”
An insider revealed, “Channel 5 pay Fremantle Australia many millions of pounds every year and, sadly, there’s a shortfall of about £5million in what it brings back in through advertising.
“There’s a lot of disbelief and sadness among those who know it’s struggling.
“They are currently in the process of approaching a number of former cast members, including Kylie, to make a special return.
“If it’s the end, it really would be something special to have her back in Ramsay Street one last time.”
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