After 37 years, Neighbours is coming to an end.
Channel 5 declared last month that it will no longer air the soap after the summer, forcing it to explore for other financial sources, which it appears to have failed to do.
“It is with sadness that we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in the summer, after nearly 37 years and nearly 9000 episodes broadcast,” a spokeswoman for production company Fremantle stated.
“We presently have no choice but to put the show on hold following the loss of a key broadcast partner in the UK, despite our efforts to find alternative funding.”
“Since the news broke, everyone at Neighbours has been touched by the outpouring of love and support from the audience.
“The show has transported a sunny piece of Australia into the homes of millions of people around the world, launching hundreds of popular names in the process.”
“However, as this chapter of Ramsay Street draws to a conclusion, we pledge to do everything in our power to give the programme the send-off it so richly deserves.”
In a statement, Channel 5 praised “the cast, Fremantle, and all of the production team for their wonderful work on this classic series” and commended “the cast, Fremantle, and all of the production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series.”
“Of course, we’d want to thank the fans for their unwavering support of Neighbours over the years,” the statement said.
Neighbours premiered in 1985 and was moved to Channel 5 in 2008, where it quickly became a staple of the afternoon lineup.
According to Digital Spy, the last episode will premiere in August.
Many Australian celebrities have benefited from it, including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, and Holly Valance.
In terms of what we may expect from the final few episodes, Lan Fletcher, who portrays Karl Kennedy on the serial, revealed that some familiar names will return to say their goodbyes.
On This Morning, he remarked, “I do know that it has been announced that the brilliant Harold Bishop will return to Ramsay Street near the end of the show.”
“Someone from Karl’s shady past is unmistakably returning, and there are a slew of other names in the mix.”
“I can guarantee you that the producers are working really hard to lure some of Neighbours’ most beloved characters to at least make cameo appearances.”
