RTÉ is ‘in talks’ with Neighbours’ production company regarding the show’s uncertain future.
The Aussie soap is currently facing the axe, after Channel 5 confirmed reports that the show would disappear from their schedules this summer.
‘Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer,’ a spokesperson for the broadcaster told Metro.co.uk.
‘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.’
Channel 5’s reasons for dropping the show boil down to a desire to invest in ‘original UK drama’, which they claim has a ‘strong appeal’ for audiences.
But with the broadcaster having funded much of Neighbours’ production over the past few years, the show is facing the possibility of coming to an end indefinitely, with the final episodes set to air in August of this year.
Not all is hope is lost yet, however, as Network 10 – which produces Neighbours in Australia – is reportedly intent on continuing their association with the show, with a spokesperson telling TV Tonight that they are ‘hopeful’ Freemantle will find a new broadcast partner.
Over in Ireland, RTÉ has aired Neighbours for over two decades, after the channel acquired it in 2000.
When asked about the future of the soap, a spokesperson for the Irish broadcaster told Metro.co.uk: ‘RTÉ is currently in talks with Fremantle in relation to Neighbours.’
Fans, meanwhile, are determined to find Neighbours a new home.
#SaveNeighbours trended on social media shortly after the news broke and has done so repeatedly in the days that followed, while a petition to save the series having already garnered over 20,000 signatures. It can be viewed here.
Jackie Woodburne, who plays long-serving character Susan Kennedy, described the last 36 hours as a ‘rollercoaster’ during an appearance on Network 10’s The Project.
‘[There is] a lot of information to try and process’, the soap legend told host and presenter Carrie Bickmore.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5video
‘I feel still a bit shock and a bit overwhelmed’.
The 66-year-old revealed that she and her fellow cast members had a meeting with producers to discuss Neighbours’ fate, confirming that everyone was ‘sad’ and ‘crying’.
Neighbours has been a lynchpin of TV schedule in both its home country and here in the UK for almost four decades.
It’s catapulted some of the biggest names in the world into superstardom, including Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Liam Hemsworth.
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1:45pm and 6pm on Channel 5.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
Source: Read Full Article
