Neighbours axed for good after Channel 5 drops soap from schedule

Long-running Aussie soap Neighbours has been cancelled.

The show has been running for almost 40 years having first aired in March 1985 Down Under before premiering a year later in the UK on BBC One.

The series, which moved to Channel 5 in 2008, will end this summer.

Channel 5 announced in February that it will no longer air the soap beyond August when its current contract with makers Fremantle concludes.

In a statement they said: “Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer.

“It has 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.”

Neighbours has now confirmed that the move will see the soap’s decades-long run come to a permanent end.

They said in a statement: “We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June.

“Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.

“To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team.

“We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours. ”

It was previously claimed that plans were being put in place to go out in style, hoping to invite back famous former cast members such as Kylie Minogue.

Other stars who rose to fame on the drama, which has aired almost 9,000 episodes, include Jason Donovan, Delta Goodrem, Guy Pearce, Jesse Spencer and Margot Robbie.

For now you can catch Neighbours in the UK weekdays on Channel 5 at 6PM.

You can watch episodes online and catch up via My5 here