Actors on Neighbours are apparently “extremely afraid” of losing their jobs following speculations that the classic Australian sitcom may be cancelled.
Channel 5 said it would not be airing the soap after the summer, shocking fans of the show that launched the careers of artists such as Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie.
Fans and show regulars, notably Jason Donovan, who played blonde bombshell Scott Robinson, have all spoken out in support of the show.
The show’s younger stars, on the other hand, are thought to be worried about their future.
“They’re scurrying,” a source added. Some have instructed their agents to set up meetings with the casting directors of Home and Away.
“It’s finally dawning on them that they’re on the verge of losing their jobs.
“They’re all terrified,” Woman’s Day reports.
The distraught stars were recently photographed crying after exiting crisis talks regarding the show’s survival in Australia.
The cast was sighted leaving Nunawading Studios in Melbourne, featuring April Rose Pengilly, Tim Kano, Jackie Woodburne, Jemma Donovan, Tim Kano, Freya Van Dyke, and Matt Wilson.
April, who plays Chloe Brennan, covered her face with sunglasses.
She also had a copy of the Neighbours script in her possession.
While the younger cast members are thought to be concerned, the senior members of the cast are said to be more optimistic.
Actors such as Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne, who play Karl and Susan Kennedy, and Ryan Moloney, who plays Toadfish, are reported to have known the news was coming “for some years.”
“They’re in the process of severance discussions, and considering their current salary – some are earning $15,000 per week before royalties – they’re all happy to leave gracefully,” the insider added.
The representatives for Neighbours have been approached by The Mirror for comment.
Despite the rumours, there is still hope for the show, according to a report by TV Tonight.
“As stated in the email to Neighbours cast and crew, if another broadcast partner comes forward, it is our goal to maintain our affiliation with Neighbours,” a Network 10 spokeswoman told the publication.
“Network 10 is committed to the show, its cast and crew, and hopes that Fremantle can find a new production partner. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.”
Following the news that the show would be cancelled in the UK, a Channel 5 representative said: “After this summer, Channel 5 will no longer broadcast Neighbours. We’d like to congratulate the cast, Fremantle, and the entire production crew for their amazing work on this landmark series, which has been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade.
“Of course, we’d like to thank the fans for their unwavering support of Neighbours over the years.
“We understand that this decision will cause sadness, but our present focus is on boosting our investment in original UK drama, which has a great appeal for our audiences.”
