Neighbours is officially OVER: TV bosses confirm Australian soap will be axed after 37 years and apologise to devastated fans
- The beleaguered soap opera has faced an uncertain future following its cancellation by UK broadcaster Channel 5, where it has spent the last 14 of its 37 years on British TV
- Network 10 and Fremantle, the production company responsible for its development, confirmed it will be taken off air indefinitely in an official announcement on Thursday
- The soap has been on air in Australia since 1985 but is now facing the chop three years before its 40th anniversary
- Neighbours still draws 1.2 million viewers a day in the UK
- Fremantle Media executive producer Jason Herbison said in an email to staff that the soap’s future has been ‘uncertain’ for a time
Australia’s long-running soap Neighbours has officially been axed after 37 years on-air.
Network 10 and Fremantle, the show’s producer, confirmed the news on Thursday and said the final episode of the iconic soap will be filmed in June.
A spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in the summer.
‘Following the loss of a key broadcast partner in the UK, and despite a search for alternative funding, we currently have no option but to rest the show.
‘Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out. The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world launching the careers of dozens of household names along the way.
‘But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves.’
Neighbours is OVER: Australia’s long-running soap Neighbours has officially been axed after 37 years on-air
The beleaguered soap opera has faced an uncertain future following its cancellation by UK broadcaster Channel 5, where it has spent the last 14 of its 37 years on British TV.
The show will be taken off-air indefinitely after an ‘extensive search for alternative funding’ ended in failure.
It has left die-hard fans of the long-running show – which commanded as many as 16 to 20 million viewers a day at its peak – completely devastated.
It come after more than 60,000 viewers of the Melbourne-based soap signed a petition to keep it on British TV, but to no avail.
Bosses will now aim to create a suitably dramatic conclusion, with fan-favourite Ian Smith, 83, poised to return for one last time as hapless former Ramsay Street resident Harold Bishop.
Peter O’Brien, 61, is also set to feature as Shane Ramsay some 37-years after playing the character during its very first episode in 1985, The Sun reports.
All over: The beleaguered soap opera has faced an uncertain future following its cancellation by UK broadcaster Channel 5, where it has spent the last 14 of its 37-years on British TV. (the cast are pictured in 1995)
No more: The iconic Ramsay Street sign will no longer be a fixture on TV screens in both Australia and the UK, where it has been incredibly popular
Legendary: Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan became household names thanks to their roles as young couple Charlene and Scott Robinson
‘There is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to make sure the final few weeks of Neighbours are truly special,’ the source added.
‘They are still waiting to hear back from a number of former stars but Peter has agreed to return and will start filming in May.’
Natalie Imbruglia, 47, who starred as Beth Brennan before finding pop stardom with hit single Torn, has also said she will reprise her role should the show bow out indefinitely.
She told The Sun: ‘I would consider going back, I think it would be lovely to walk through those doors.’
Saying goodbye: UK broadcaster Channel 5 announced it would no longer be airing the Australian soap in February (pictured, the cast of 1986 including Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue)
News of its abrupt departure from UK’s Channel 5 sent the show into a tailspin, with network bosses in Australia scrambling to find a new international broadcasting deal to cover production costs or face the closure of Ramsay Street for good.
The series announced that production would be ceasing on the long-running in a tweet on Thursday.
‘We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June,’ they wrote.
They added: ‘Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.
‘To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.’
Network 10 addressed the end of the series in a statement to Australian media on Thursday, admitting it had been a ‘difficult decision’.
‘Today, Fremantle confirmed that Neighbours will cease production in June, after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes,’ a network spokesperson announced.
‘This difficult decision came after the search for an alternative UK broadcast partner proved unsuccessful.’
They added that the series would ‘not air on 10 Peach beyond September 2022’, marking the end of its decades-long run.
‘A much-loved stalwart of our program schedule for over 35 years it has been a staple of Australian television drama, and Australian cultural exports,’ they added.
‘Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, is a cul-de-sac recognised all over the world and has been home to Scott and Charlene, Des and Daphne, Dr Karl and Susan, Dee and Toadie, Aaron and David and many, many more neighbours.
‘Network 10 thanks the cast, crew, all the production team and Fremantle for bringing the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and around the world.’
They also praised ‘the Australian fans and audiences for their continued support of the series’.
‘Their encouragement particularly in the past few weeks has been incredible. It shows that our audience still want Australian scripted drama,’ continued the statement.
‘We have listened to them and there are exciting new local projects in the pipeline, which is great for our audience and for the local industry.
‘We are confident that the cast, crew and writers will bring their distinctive warmth, style and humour to the Neighbours set as they embark on filming the final episodes over the coming months.’
Meanwhile, British broadcaster Channel 5 confirmed the end of its 14-year deal with Neighbours in February, with a spokesperson telling MailOnline that the decision to axe the soap comes as the channel’s ‘current focus is on increasing our investment in original UK drama.’
The Australian soap has been aired in its home country since 1985, but has received a notably warmer reception in Britain over recent years. It is now facing the chop altogether, three years before its 40th anniversary.
Devastated: Actor Rob Mills, who played Finn Kelly on the soap between 2017 ad 2021, recently admitted he was sad to see the show on the brink after enjoying long periods of success during its 1980s and ’90s heyday
Fans were quick to express their disappointment with the news, with one writing on Twitter: ‘This makes me so sad. It is the only show I rush home for. The only show I MUST WATCH every day. Come on @CBC HELP!! #SaveNeighbours.’
Another said: ‘I love Neighbours – so sad to see it’s been axed!’, while a third moaned: ‘Sad to hear Neighbours is being axed! Come on BBC, Do the right thing and bring it home back to BBC 1? You know it makes sense.’
A fourth commented: ‘No!!!! How can this happen???’ as a fifth said: ‘Not gonna lie, I’m truly gutted by this. I’ve watched this show my whole life, it’s gonna leave a huge void. So many laughs and great memories, gonna miss this show.’
Reaction: Fans were quick to express their disappointment with the news, with one writing on Twitter: ‘This makes me so sad. It is the only show I rush home for. The only show I MUST WATCH every day. Come on @CBC HELP!! #SaveNeighbours’
Actor Rob Mills, who played Finn Kelly on the soap between 2017 ad 2021, recently admitted he was sad to see the show on the brink after enjoying long periods of success during its 1980s and ’90s heyday.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear the news about the possibility of @neighbours finishing up in June.
‘It’s an institution. A living, breathing, creative machine that has employed 1000’s of people over the 37 plus years it’s been bringing Australian stories to life. It gave a job and training to so many actors, directors, writers, costume designers, wardrobe hands, hair and makeup artists, set designers, casting agents, agents, soundies, camera operators, and assistants, caterers, cleaners, security guards, admin staff, publicists, social media teams, producers the list goes on… let’s not forget the Editors!
‘@Neighbours produces the equivalent of 2 FEATURE FILMS a week! Take that TikTokkers! I can’t help but think if this were mining or aviation, the government would step in and help.
‘If they are all about Jobs Jobs Jobs like they say they are… well, this show employs hundreds if not 1000s of Aussies every single year.’
Reaching out to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, he added: ‘Throw us a bone @scottmorrisonmp. As artists we will always find the light. But geez it’s getting dark in this country. Would love to have a leader who valued more in this country. Considering how much everyone has relied on them the last two years.
‘I loved my time on this show. I met and worked with some incredibly talented and warm and generous people. Fingers crossed there’s a solution.’
Emotional: Neighbours actress Jackie Woodburne (pictured) – who has starred on the iconic Aussie soap for 27 years – fought back tears as she revealed on Australian talk show The Project that it’s been a ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions
Devastated: The cast of Neighbours looked utterly shell-shocked as they left set of the soap after a meeting with production bosses about the possible axing. Pictured left: April Rose Pengilly, right: Jason Donovan’s daughter Jemma
Fast exit: Actress Freya Van Dyke only recently joined the soap as Zara Selwyn and looked upset following the crisis talks
Neighbours still draws 1.2 million viewers a day in the UK. By comparison, Channel 4’s Hollyoaks gets around 600,000 viewers and fellow Aussie drama Home & Away, which Channel 5 also broadcasts in the UK, draws around 400,000 a day.
The decision from Channel 5 doesn’t stem from audience numbers, instead it’s a question of focus, with the broadcaster wishing to redistribute budget to homegrown dramas which they have seen huge success from over the past two years.
Shows such as nightly drama The Teacher starring Sheridan Smith has been met with critical acclaim as well as a healthy audience share. Evening dramas also mean more eyes on the adverts.
In January, the channel said it expects its profits for last year to be the biggest since it launched, thanks to their lockdown hits such as All Creatures Great and Small and Our Yorkshire Farm, which have seen advertisers flocking to fill their timeslots.
A Channel 5 spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline that they are shifting focus to UK drama, stating: ‘Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer.
‘It’s 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.’
End of an era! Channel 5 ended its decade long association with iconic Aussie soap (Jason Donavan and Kylie Minogue pictured on show in 1988)
Channel 5 bought the UK broadcasting rights to the soap in 2008 in a 10-year £300m deal, after its hugely successful run on the BBC.
The shortfall in funding from Channel 5 is significant enough for bosses to tell cast and crew that they will be forced to ‘rest’ the soap come June, and unless a new deal can be made it will be axed for good.
Although the show is filmed Down Under, UK broadcaster Channel 5 foots most of the production bill and the advertising revenue brought in by the programme does not match up to the outgoings, The Sun reports.
A source said: ‘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.
Telling the tale: The show has featured some gripping storylines involving characters such as Madeleine West and Ryan Moloney’s Dee Bliss and Toadie Rebecchi
Fremantle Media executive producer Jason Herbison said in an email to staff and crew this week that the soap’s future has been ‘uncertain’ for a time, and that Channel 5’s decision means they will be forced to ‘rest’ the soap.
‘Our audience remains steady and [Australian partner] Channel 10 would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace [Channel 5],’ Herbison said (via The Sunday Morning Herald).
‘These discussions are ongoing, however, there is no new broadcaster at the moment and production must end, effectively resting the show.
‘We are so proud of the show, you all and everything that you’ve achieved. But for now, this chapter is closing and we want to work together to give Neighbours the amazing send-off it deserves.’
The show’s Australian broadcaster Channel 10 has also released a statement, echoing these sentiments.
‘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.
‘Channel 10 has an ongoing commitment to the show, the cast and crew and is hopeful that Fremantle will find a new production partner. We will provide further updates as they become available.’
Class act: Amid the news UK broadcaster Channel 5 won’t renew the series, Jackie revealed that she and her co-stars are ‘determined to bring this show home as best we can’
Speculation the serial could be facing the chop has been mounting for a while, with Fremantle and Australian network Channel 10 also struggling to come to a deal.
Channel Ten announced the show would be slashed down to four episodes a week instead of five in July last year.
‘From July 26, Neighbours will air four nights a week. On Fridays, viewers can laugh along with their favourite Friends,’ a spokesperson told TV Tonight at the time.
At the time, Channel 5 also announced it would be cutting broadcasts of Neighbours and Home and Away from five nights a week to just two due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An insider told Woman’s Day: ‘Channel 5 aren’t happy. They think the show is stale. They’re deciding whether to continue the show or not.’
Rollercoaster: The 66-year-old was emotional as she revealed it’s been a ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions over the past 24 hours, with the cast having attended a crisis meeting with producers on the Melbourne set that day (pictured as Susan Kennedy, the wife of Dr. Karl Kennedy, portrayed by Alan Fletcher)
‘I can’t stress how much this move shows Neighbours is no longer the powerhouse in the UK that it once was. Many believe this is the beginning of the end.’
Neighbours has launched the careers of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Margot Robbie and it’s current cast have reacted with shock at the sudden news their jobs could be axed.
Veteran actress Jackie Woodburne appeared on the verge of tears as she discussed the news during an appearance on Australian talk show The Project.
The 66-year-old, who has starred on the show for the last 27 years, was emotional as she revealed it’s been a ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions, with the cast having attended a crisis meeting with producers on the Melbourne set that day.
When asked by host Carrie Bickmore how she’s feeling, Jackie said that she’s still ‘in shock’ and is ‘overwhelmed’ by the situation.
Gone: Fremantle Media executive producer Jason Herbison said in an email to staff and crew this week that the soap’s future has been ‘uncertain’ for a time. Pictured: the show’s 2021 cast
‘Oh Carrie, it’s been a rollercoaster absolutely… the last 24 hours or 36 hours as you can imagine,’ she said. ‘[It’s] kind of a lot of information to try and process but I still feel a bit in shock, a bit overwhelmed.’
Jackie, who is known for portraying Dr. Karl Kennedy’s wife Susan Kennedy on the soap, said she’s ‘certainly’ been in touch with the cast amid the shock news.
‘[I] certainly have. We had a meeting today where our producers gave us some more information and really nothing more that’s already been out there,’ she revealed.
‘But look, I have to say the feeling was one of… it was just… it was quite lovely. Everybody was sad, we were all crying, we were all very emotional about it all, but we’re all so determined to bring this show home as best we can.’
Filming was paused as news of its cancellation broke, with cast and crew having been called to an all-staff meeting at 11am that morning.
Not enough: Despite recent high-profile casting like Aussie expat Tammin Sursok, the decision places the series’ future in jeopardy given Channel 5 foots most of the show’s production bill
The soap first hit UK television screens in 1986 when it was shown on BBC One.
Two years later, nearly 20million viewers switched on to watch Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene (Kylie) get married.
That year, Kylie left the show to launch her legendary pop career, with Jason quitting a year later to break out as a singer himself.
The Kylie and Jason public obsession reached fever pitch when the couple got together in real life and they had a hit record together, Especially For You.
The soap has also seen a number of international stars set foot on the Melbourne set, including Russell Crowe, Margot Robbie, Natalie Imbruglia, Delta Goodrem, Liam Hemsworth, and Holly Valance.
Hollywood star: Margot Robbie (pictured in Neighbours, right) has since hit the big time starring in blockbuster movies
Multi talented: Holly Valance left her role as Felicity ‘Flick’ Scully in 2002 to pursue a music career and scored a hit with Kiss Kiss
Film veteran: Russell played ex-con Kenny Larkin in four episodes in the eighties
Superstar: Delta Goodrem, who played Nina Tucker, has since been a coach on Australia’s The Voice and has had eight number one singles and three number one albums in Australia and sold over six million albums worldwide
Playing the part: Chris Hemsworth launched his career playing wheelchair-bound hunk Josh Taylor (right) on the street from 2007 to 2008 (pictured left in 2020)
Russell played ex-con Kenny Larkin in four episodes in the eighties, while Liam launched his career playing wheelchair-bound hunk Josh Taylor on the street from 2007 to 2008.
Margot started her on screen life as Donna Freeman in Neighbours 2008 and Natalie left her role as Beth Brennan and kissed goodbye to her onscreen surfer-dude husband Brad Willis to launch a singing career in 1997.
Delta, who played Nina Tucker, has since been a coach on Australia’s The Voice and has had eight number one singles and three number one albums in Australia and sold over six million albums worldwide
Holly left her role as Felicity ‘Flick’ Scully in 2002 to pursue a music career and scored a hit with Kiss Kiss.
End of an era: The series announced that production would be ceasing on the long-running in a tweet on Thursday
Reports emerged last month that Neighbours’ future is in jeopardy after British broadcaster Channel 5 announced it would no longer air the show.
According to a report by TV Tonight at the time, production was brought to a halt on the long-running soap and cast were called into a meeting.
‘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,’ a spokesperson for Network 10 told TV Tonight.
‘Network 10 has an ongoing commitment to the show, the cast and crew and is hopeful that Fremantle will find a new production partner. We will provide further updates as they become available.’
In a statement to Digital Spy last month, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the network was focused on ‘increasing our investment in original UK drama’.
Meanwhile, Fremantle Media executive producer Jason Herbison said the show would be ‘rested’, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald.
‘Our audience remains steady and Channel 10 would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace Channel 5,’ Herbison said in an email to staff last month.
‘These discussions are ongoing, however, there is no new broadcaster at the moment and production must end, effectively resting the show.’
Neighbours’ most memorable storylines
Scott and Charlene’s wedding
Perhaps the most famous Neighbours moment, 20million people tuned in to watch Scott and Charlene Robinson, played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue, get married in November 1988.
The pair’s friend and family were seen in floods of tears as Charlene walked down the aisle to Angry Anderson power ballad Suddenly, with neighbour Nell Mangel catching the bouquet.
Mark leaves Annalise at the alter
Mark Gottlieb and Annalise Hartman’s nuptials didn’t go to plan in 1994. While both parties were nervous on the day, Mark left Annalise at the alter, saying he couldn’t marry her.
However, it wasn’t totally down to Annalise as he decided marriage wasn’t for him and decided to become a priest.
The death of Helen Daniels
Helen Daniels, played by the late Anne Haddy, established herself as the grandmother of Ramsay Street.
Embroiled in some gripping storylines, over the years she saw her life stolen by a conman, she had an affair with her daughter’s fiancé, and she fell down some stairs before suffering a stroke.
In a bid to bring the warring Ramsay and Robinson families together, she gathered them round to watch Scott and Charlene’s wedding together but, as they bickered over their differences, she quietly passed away on the sofa in her sleep.
The Lou, Madge and Harold love triangle
Madge Ramsay (Anne Charleston), Harold Bishop (Iain Smith) and Lou Carpenter’s (Tom Oliver) lives were entangled before the show even hit screens, with the trio knowing one another from their school days.
Madge fell head over heels for ‘Jelly Belly’ Harold but was also strongly attracted to cheeky Lou.
However, Madge’s life took an unexpected turn for viewers when she married Fred Mitchell, with their relationship soon becoming troubled.
Madge and Harold later got back together and he proposed much to the distaste of Lou who attempted to win Madge over. Madge eventually married Harold in 1988.
After Harold’s death, Lou set his sights on Madge once more and the pair planned to marry but they called it off when he realised he wasn’t a match for Harold.
Harold returns from the dead
Harold was killed off on the soap when he was swept out to sea when Madge’s back was turned, leaving nothing behind other than his glasses.
However, he made a shock return to Erinsborough five years later, declaring he’d suffered from amnesia, with Helen Daniels running into him by chance while browsing in a Salvation Army shop.
He returned to Ramsay Street to be reunited with Madge.
Madge’s death
Madge appeared on the show from 1986 to 1992 and again from 1996 to 2001 as a much-loved character.
After Harold’s return, the pair renewed their marriage vows and fostered a child but she was later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Doctors told her she had just months to live but further tragedy struck when her life was shortened even further after she developed septicaemia after cutting her finger.
Before her death, Lou confessed his undying love for her and she died in the arms of Harold.
Susan’s memory loss
In typical soap style, Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) totally lost her memory after slipping on the milk from a spilled bowl of cereal in 2002.
She was convinced she was 16 years old again, a situation that left her incredibly confused when she found herself by chance at a 70s-themed birthday party.
Toady’s heartache
Jarrod “Toadfish” Rebecchi, played by Ryan Moloney, found was first heartbroken just hours after his wedding to Dee Bliss (Madeleine West) in 2003 when he lost control of their car and drove it off a cliff, with her body never being found.
In 2010 he left Steph Scully (Carla Bonner) at the alter when he realised she didn’t love him and during his third wedding to Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey) in 2013, a gas bottle exploded during the reception, destroying their marquee and leaving Sonya with a fractured skull and no memory of the wedding. Characters Priya Kapoor and Rhys Lawson were also killed in the blast.
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