BREAKING NEWS:
It’s official.
Fremantle has confirmed Neighbours will end production in June after being unable to find another UK broadcast partner.
A Fremantle spokesperson said: “It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in June.
“Following the loss of a key broadcast partner in the UK, and despite a search for alternative funding, we currently have no option but to rest the show.
“Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out. The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world launching the careers of dozens of household names along way. But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves.”
10 had been keen to continue the show but while the serial has delivered annual local drama points, their license fee for a multichannel drama does not cover production costs.
A 10 spokesperson confirmed it would not air on 10 Peach beyond September 2022.
“A much-loved stalwart of our program schedule for over 35 years it has been a staple of Australian television drama, and Australian cultural exports,” they said.
“Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, is a cul-de-sac recognised all over the world and has been home to Scott and Charlene, Des and Daphne, Dr Karl and Susan, Dee and Toadie, Aaron and David and many, many more neighbours.
“Network 10 thanks the cast, crew, all the production team and Fremantle for bringing the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and around the world.
“We thank the Australian fans and audiences for their continued support of the series. Their encouragement particularly in the past few weeks has been incredible. It shows that our audience still want Australian scripted drama. We have listened to them and there are exciting new local projects in the pipeline, which is great for our audience and for the local industry.
“We are confident that the cast, crew and writers will bring their distinctive warmth, style and humour to the Neighbours set as they embark on filming the final episodes over the coming months.”
The news comes despite fan campaigns to #SaveNeighbours, including digital sales for the theme tune by Barry Crocker, and an online petition at over 60,000 signatures.
Former stars had also taken to social media to pledge their affection for the show. Some names are being courted to make a guest appearance in the lead-up to the finale.
Ian Smith is confirmed to return as Harold Bishop, while UK reports suggest Peter O’Brien will return as Shane Ramsay.
Neighbours is Australia’s longest running drama series ever, and one of the longest-running in the world.
It first began on air in 1985 on Seven before moving to 10 in 1986, as luck would have it with the same Ramsay Street location just a 5 minute drive away. It became a television phenomenon with millions of Brits and Aussies watching the soapie storylines first crafted by writer Reg Watson.
It would go on to make stars of Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, Jesse Spencer, Natalie Imbruglia, Delta Goodrem, Craig McLachlan, Holly Valance, Jay Ryan, Alan Dale, Eliza Taylor, Brett Tucker, Stefan Dennis (its longest serving cast member), Annie Jones, Ryan Moloney, Jackie Woodburne, Alan Fletcher and more.
Ultimately, thousands of cast and crew worked on the show over its nearly 4 decades. It was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame in 2005.
Whitehorse local council is also now investigating a heritage overlay for Pin Oak Court.
“The street’s ‘unremarkableness’ is the reason why it has resonated with generations of viewers,” the National Trust’s Victorian branch has said. “It’s the quintessential suburban cul-de-sac, and part of the Australian story.”
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