Neighbours crew vow to carry on, as residents of the real Ramsay St react to the show’s axing

The residents of the real Ramsay St have given their verdict to the shock news the long-running Aussie soap is about to vanish off screens forever.

The real life residents of Erinsborough say they’ll be thrilled to get their street back if the popular soap Neighbours is evicted from the hood.

The Network 10 show, which films in Pin Oak Court, in Vermont South, and a studio set in Nunawading, is under threat after British broadcaster Channel 5 pulled its support and funding from the long-running program.

Fremantle, the production company which makes the show, is scrambling to find a new partner to save Neighbours from possible axing.

But some residents in Pin Oak Court say a potential Neighbours nixing might mean a return to normal life without tourists, stickybeaks, blocked roads and randoms looking for Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Olympia Valance.

“There are perks that come with living on the Neighbours street, but there are many downsides,” Pin Oak Court resident and tennis coach Rob Lewis said.

He said the pandemic had slowed a constant procession of tourist buses, fans taking pictures in driveways, or knocking on doors.

“It’s been a big deal and a detriment,” Mr Lewis said.

“We’ve had tourists and visitors all over the street. There is security to stop any problems, but it’s something we’ve all gotten used to.”

Mr Lewis, who has lived in the street for four years, said he wouldn’t miss Neighbours if it was scrapped.

“It wouldn’t faze me,” he said. “I don’t watch the show, to be honest.”

He said the quiet cul-de-sac is notified a week in advance of filming plans.

“When they’re filming, they want to keep the street in pristine condition and make sure it’s presentable. We’re always mindful about that. It also means you don’t get ratbag people hanging around, which is nice.”

Some of the original cast members of the iconic soap including actor Stefan Dennis with Fiona Corke, Paul Keane, Anne Charleston, Jason Donovan, Kylie Minogue, Lisa Armytage, Ian Smith, Annie Jones, Craig McLachlan, (front l-r) Anne Haddy, Kristian Schmidt, Alan Dale, Katie Landers, Vivean Gray and Guy Pearce. 1980s /TV/programs/Titles/Neighbours

Two of the biggest stars to come from the Neighbours set - Kylie Minogue (Charlene) and Jason Donovan (Scott).

A few doors up, near the corner of Pin Oak Court and Weeden Drive, one resident said the street was surprised by the latest Neighbours cliffhanger. “We’ll get our street back,” the resident said. “Peace and quiet.”

As he retreated inside, a security guard sat on a folding chair on the footpath between Mr Lewis’ rented home and another house.

Nearby, Miles Shackley, who lives in the house occupied on the show by Dr Karl and Susan Kennedy, said: “It’s a shame that Neighbours might be finished. We see them filming outside once a week. It used to affect and impact us because our home is on the show, but now we see it as a bit of a novelty.”

Meanwhile, filming will resume on Neighbours on Tuesday for the first time since cast and crew learned the show had been abruptly dropped by its UK broadcast partner.

Staff met on Monday morning at its sprawling set in Melbourne to debrief and “rest” following the announcement by UK network Channel 5 Neighbours would no longer air after this summer, an insider said.

Meanwhile, Network 10 was hopeful producer Fremantle would be able to find a new production partner to ensure the iconic Australian soap’s future.

“It is our intention to continue our association with Neighbours if another broadcast partner comes forward,” a Ten spokesperson said.

“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.”

The show, which launched the international careers of household names such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Liam Hemsworth and Delta Goodrem, is facing its greatest battle for survival in its 37-year history, after Channel 5 confirmed it would not be renewing its contract with Neighbours producer Fremantle.

It said the show cost too much to film compared with the advertising revenue it generated.

Dedicated Neighbours fans have launched a desperate bid to save the long-running soap following news production could cease in June.

Thousands of devastated British viewers have now signed a petition begging UK network Channel 5 to “find a way to keep Neighbours on air” following news it was withdrawing its broadcast partnership with Australian production company, Fremantle Media, and won’t be renewing the contract.

Neighbours has only downed tools rarely in its 37-year history including for weeks during the early days of the pandemic, returning to shooting in April 2020. Pictures: Supplied/Channel 10

The cancelled deal has put the series’ future in jeopardy, as Channel 5 foots the majority of the production bill.

The change.org petition stated that Neighbours had “been a staple on UK screens for over 35 years – and has been watched by generations”.

“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.

“Channel 5 – we plead with you – please find a way to keep Neighbours on air.”

As of Monday afternoon, the petition had attracted more than 17,000 signatures.

Margot Robbie’s - who launched her acting career on Ramsay St - brother Cameron also followed in his sister’s pretty big shoes on Neighbours. Picture: Supplied/Channel 10

“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 UK viewers,” Channel 5 said in a statement

Neighbours draws around 1.5 million UK viewers daily, and up to 170,000 metro viewers in Australia.