OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Neighbours’ has been axed in the UK.
The long-running Australian soap will no longer broadcast on Channel 5 – who acquired the rights in 2008 – from this summer, with the network planning to focus on “original UK drama” instead.
A spokesperson for Channel 5 said: “’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 viewers.”
When they acquired the rights to the soap, Channel 5 largely funded the production costs for the show because it was not commercially viable for Australian broadcaster Network 10 to fund the Freemantle Media-produced show alone.
The Australian network are keen to save the programme but will need to find a new backer.
They have told the current cast of the show that filming will be paused on Monday (07.02.22) for a meeting about its future and that they are looking for a new broadcast partner.
A Network 10 spokesperson 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.”
The Seven Network originally had the rights to the show when it started in 1985, but axed it and it was picked up by Network 10 the following year and became a worldwide hit, with BBC One the original UK broadcaster.
Source: VacationHunter.Online