Following news that Channel 5 had ended its collaboration with Australia’s Channel 10, Neighbours star Annie Jones has spoken out about the possibility of the long-running serial being cancelled.
The actress, who plays Jane Harris on the show, told the Herald Sun: “I pray the show will be rescued in some way,” adding that she was “shocked” by the news.
“For the sake of our upcoming film and television producers, we need Neighbours to continue.”
Between 1986 to 1989, the actress played Harris for the first time, and then again in 2018 until now.
Jones’ remarks came after Natalie Bassingthwaighte, another Neighbours star, expressed her dismay at the possibility of the show’s cancellation.
“It’s devastating for everyone who’s been engaged in the previous almost 40 years, but especially for the people who are there today – it’s their livelihood,” Bassingthwaighte, who portrayed Izzy Hoyland between 2003 and 2006, told Daily Mail Australia.
“All I want is for someone to come in and save the day. I believe there is still hope, but my heart breaks for everyone who is affected “According to Bassingthwaighte.
She went on to say that she had discussed the soap’s closing moments with other cast members and that it was “a difficult time for everyone.”
The show is on the verge of being cancelled when Channel 5 said that it will not extend its contract with Fremantle (the company that owns Channel 10) to air the soap.
Without a UK broadcast partner, Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison has declared that “production must halt, essentially resting the show.”
Filming for the soap would come to an end on June 10 unless another broadcaster steps in to “save the day,” according to Fremantle in an email to all employees.
Neighbours airs on Channel 5 (UK) weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm and on 10 Peach weekdays at 6.30pm (Australia).
