Sophie Dillman, star of Home and Away, has acknowledged she “doesn’t know” what the cancellation of rival serial Neighbours will entail for the show.
Last month, it was announced that renowned Australian serial Neighbours would be cancelled after nearly 40 years on the air, due to a lack of funding from UK network Channel 5.
Its Australian network, Fremantle Media, tried to find new means to fund the show, but after lengthy talks, it was unable to find a new home for Neighbours.
“Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 after this summer,” said a statement from Channel 5. We’d like to congratulate the cast, Fremantle, and the entire production crew for their amazing work on this landmark series, which has been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade.
“We understand that this decision will cause sadness, but our present focus is on boosting our investment in original UK drama, which has a great appeal for our audiences.”
Channel 5 also expressed gratitude to its ardent supporters.
As the long-running show comes to an end later this year, a number of cast members have expressed their sadness, including Sophie from Home and Away, who shared her disappointment with her co-stars.
“I’m devastated that Neighbours is gone,” she told the Daily Star exclusively. It was one of Australia’s most well-known television shows.
“I knew a lot of individuals who were working on it, and it’s very sad to see.”
“It was a fantastic launching pad for not only actors, but also cast, crew, and directors.” As a result, we’re devastated to learn that it’s no longer there.”
“I don’t know what it means for Home and Away,” the star continued, “but it’s certainly… when we heard, we were all very, very upset.”
Despite the fact that both Home and Away and Neighbours are currently broadcast on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, Home and Away’s home production business is owned by Seven Network, which means they are not experiencing the same issues.
Fans of Home and Away may rest assured that there will be lots more drama in Summer Bay.
Many Australian actors, however, have been in both Home and Away and Neighbours, as well as UK soaps such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and EastEnders.
Both Channel 5 soaps have included actors such as Guy Pearce, Rebekah Elmaloglou, and Isabella Giovinazzo.
On Channel 5, Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:15 p.m.
