Rob Mills calls on Scott Morrison to save iconic Australian TV soap, Neighbours

A former Neighbours actor has issued an impassioned plea to the prime minister, asking him to step in and save the iconic Australian soap.

Former Neighbours star Rob Mills has called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to save TV soap Neighbours.

The actor, singer and musical theatre star has issued an impassioned plea for the Australian Government to step in after British broadcaster Channel 5 cancelled its deal to screen the show in the UK.

“Throw us a bone #Scomo @scottmorrisonmp,” Mills wrote on his official Facebook page.

“As artists we will always find the light. But geez its getting dark in this country. Would love to have a leader who valued #TheArts more in this country. Considering how much everyone has relied on them the last two years.”

A social media post by Rob Mills called on Scott Morrison’s help to save Neighbours.

The post included an old promo image for the show with the slogan, ‘Neighbours End Game’.

Channel 5 provided substantial financial backing to keep the show running at a cost rumoured to be around $20 to $25 million each year.

Without the support and despite local broadcaster Channel 10 stating it wants to continue with the show, it is likely to be cancelled permanently without a British partner.

“It’s an institution. A living, breathing, creative machine that has employed 1000s of people over the 37 plus years it’s been bringing Australian stories to life,” he wrote. “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, producers the list goes on. I can’t help but think of 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.”

Rob Mills and Jackie Woodburne on set of Neighbours

Mills, 39, played schoolteacher Finn Kelly on Neigbours from 2017 to 2021.

The show has run since 1985 and provided a start for big names including Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Margot Robbie.

It is shot in suburban Melbourne and is set in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough.

“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.”