Neighbours, an Australian soap opera, has been cancelled due to a lack of a new home.
For nearly 30 years, the daily drama about the residents of Ramsay Street has aired on British television, launching the careers of artists such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Margot Robbie.
Channel 5 stated that the long-running soap would be axed from its schedule, leaving Fremantle Media, the show’s production company, scrambling to find a new home.
The corporation, however, was unable to do so. The show has now been cancelled, with the final episode airing on August 1, 2022.
Why was Neighbours cancelled by Channel 5?
Channel 5 claims that by cancelling the programme, money will be reallocated to original UK shows.
“Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 after this summer,” a representative for the channel said.
“We’d like to congratulate the cast, Fremantle, and the entire production crew for their excellent work on this landmark series, which has been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade.”
“Of course, we’d like to thank the fans for their unwavering support of Neighbours over the years.”
“We understand that this decision will cause sadness; but, our present priority is on boosting our investment in original UK drama, which has a great appeal among our viewers.”
When will Neighbours’ final episode air?
The final episode of Neighbours will air on Channel 5 on Monday, August 1, 2022.
According to TV Tonight, 10 Peach, an Australian broadcaster, will begin airing double episodes in June so that Australian viewers can watch the show’s finale on the same day as UK viewers.
What has been said about the cancellation of Neighbours?
The production company has said that they have been unable to find another channel to replace Neighbours.
“Fremantle have not commented on the subject since the news about Channel 5 broke,” a source told The Sun. They tried everything they could to get funds from other networks, but they were unable to salvage the soap.
“The announcement will clarify that the soap will end this summer, and that they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from fans since the news surfaced.”
“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes effort going on to make the final few weeks of Neighbours genuinely unique.
“‘A number of former actors have yet to respond, but Peter has decided to return and will begin production in May,” says the source.
Channel 5 was said to have been in talks with Fremantle Australia for weeks in order to keep Neighbours on the air, but no agreement was reached.
Ian Smith, who plays Harold Bishop, has stated that he will return for the finale, as have Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovon, who had been absent for nearly 30 years.
The two will have a particular role in the Australian serial, according to executive producer Jason Herbison.
“Scott and Charlene are the quintessential Neighbours pair, and it would feel wrong to conclude the programme without them,” he remarked.
Peter O’Brien, who plays Shane Ramsay, will also return, according to The Sun.
When was the first episode of Neighbours aired?
The soap, which first aired in 1985, has long been more popular in the United Kingdom than in Australia, so this announcement has cast doubt on its survival.
Neighbours, Australia’s longest-running drama series, premiered on Australia’s Seven networks in 1985, but the station cancelled it before Ten took it up the following year, and it became a worldwide hit.
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.
It has been carried on digital channel 10 Peach in Australia since 2011, after losing its slot following the nightly news on the main channel, and has been funded by the UK broadcaster.
“@neighbours transformed the Australian television scene,” said Donovan, who played Scott Robinson from 1986 to 1989. Many careers, including mine, have been launched as a result of it over the years.
“For generations, it has enthralled and entertained audiences.” I’m hoping it’ll find a new home with a UK broadcaster and continue to provide opportunities and enjoyment.”
