CONFIRMED: NEIGHBOURS AXED… but will there be a lifeline?

The UK broadcaster of Neighbours has confirmed they have axed the iconic Aussie show and it’s unlikely 10 can keep producing it without them

UK Broadcaster Channel 5 has confirmed reports it will not be renewing its deal with Fremantle and will stop airing long-running soap Neighbours.

The writing was on the wall in July last year when the network decided to bump the show from its traditional 5.30pm weekdays slot for news.

Channel 5 released a statement saying:

“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.”

Insiders on the show tell TV Blackbox rumours have been circulating for the past month the show was facing an uncertain future.

While failing to reach a deal with Channel 5 does not necessarily mean the show will cease, the financial model of the production relies on a UK broadcaster and the big money associated with that deal.

So unless production company Fremantle can find another home the show is done.

And the simple fact is that is the most likely outcome.

While 10 might be tempted to try and save the stalwart, it’s doubtful any other UK broadcaster would be willing to pay big money for a show which has failed to attract significant audiences in recent years.

A spokesperson for Channel 10 indicated the network was keen for the show to continue telling TV Blackbox;

“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.”

While 10 might want to continue with the show the decision is essentially out of their hands. Without the majority of the production budget coming from an international broadcaster the show is dead.

In its heyday, the UK airing of Neighbours delivered over 3 million viewers in its lunchtime airing on BBC and an additional 2.6m for the repeat at 5.30.

It was a powerhouse.

That’s why Channel 5 made a big bid for the show and took the rights away from the BBC in 2008.

When the decision was made by Channel 5 to move the show it was rating around 32,000 at lunch and was doing 351,000 in the 5.30 slot in overnight figures.