Future of Neighbours TV show in doubt after 37 years on air

With the future of iconic Australian TV drama Neighbours under threat fans are trying to take matters into their own hands.

Fans are rallying behind iconic Australian TV drama Neighbours which is under dire threat after it was dropped by its UK broadcast partner.

The show, which is made in Melbourne and launched the international careers of household names such as Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Jason Donovan, Alan Dale, Jesse Spencer, Liam Hemsworth and Delta Goodrem, is facing its greatest battle for survival in its 37-year history.

Channel 5 in the UK has confirmed it is not renewing its contract with Fremantle, the company that produces Neighbours, and will cease airing the show in Britain as of June.

After news broke on Sunday a petition to keep the beloved show on air has attracted more than 13,000 signatures.

The petition calls on Channel 5 to continue to support the show, saying it has been a staple on UK screens for more than 35 years.

“Neighbours is more than just a TV show – it is a source of comfort and entertainment for generations of fans who have watched it for decades,” the petition says.

“It is one of the most loved TV shows in the UK and brings lots of viewers from all backgrounds to Channel 5’s catalogue of channels. Even Adele is a fan. Channel 5 – we plead with you – please find a way to keep Neighbours on air.”

Neighbours launched the careers of many stars, including Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.

The show will continue to film new episodes at it’s Nunawading studio until June 10, however it’s future remains unclear after that date unless Fremantle can find a new partner.

Channel 10, the home of Neighbours in Australia, remains committed to the show and is eager for it to continue.

The show will not film on Monday and cast and crew have been called to an all-staff meeting at 11am that morning.

In an email to cast, seen by the Herald Sun, the show’s executive producer Jason Herbison confirmed the drama’s uncertain future.

“As you know the future of the show has been uncertain for some time. Our audience remains steady and Channel 10 would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace C5,” Herbison wrote.

“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 cast of Neighbours in 1987.

Network 10 said was hopeful the show could be saved.

“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,” 10 said in a statement.

“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.”

Margot Robbie is among the many stars to have appeared on Neighbours.

Channel 5 said it was dropping Neighbours to focus on UK-made drama.

“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,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

“We’d also 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.”