OHMYGOSSIP — Natalie Imbruglia hopes fan pressure can help to save ‘Neighbours’.
The 47-year-old actress starred on the Australian soap in the early 90s, and she hopes that another broadcaster will throw its support behind the soap, after Channel 5 announced it was axing the show.
Asked about Channel 5’s decision, Natalie – who previously played the part of Beth Brennan – replied: “Oh, I think it’s really sad!”
Natalie left the soap in 1994, but she thinks it remains an important part of British life.
She asked: “I mean, who wants life without ‘Neighbours’? Let’s face it.”
Fans of the soap are trying to ensure the show remains on British TV screens beyond the summer – and Natalie hopes they’re able to influence the situation.
She told ‘Heart Breakfast’: “I think at this point we just thought it was gonna go on forever so, I, you know … people are petitioning. Here’s hoping they pull it off.”
Channel 5 acquired the rights to the soap in 2008. However, the broadcaster recently announced that it will stop airing ‘Neighbours’ from this summer, with the network planning to focus on “original UK drama” instead.
The UK broadcaster largely funded the production costs because it was not commercially viable for Australian broadcaster Network 10 to fund the Freemantle Media-produced show alone.
However, a Network 10 spokesperson recently said: “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,
“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.”
Tune into Heart Breakfast with JK and Kelly Brook (in for Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden), weekdays from 6:30am – 10am.
Source: VacationHunter.Online