Viewers of popular Australian soap Neighbours have been gutted to learn the future of the show is uncertain.
WATCH: Delta Goodrem on Neighbours
After news broke that the beloved show would be pulled off air in the UK, Neighbours fans have taken to Change.org to save Ramsay Street as filming halts Down Under.
The UK axing leaves the future of the soap in doubt in Australia as well, given that much of its production funding comes from the UK stakeholders.
Over 15,000 devoted viewers have signed a petition entitled “Don’t Axe Neighbours” in an attempt to keep the show on British free-to-air television network, Channel 5.
“Neighbours has been a staple on UK screens for over 35 years – and has been watched by generations. It now faces the axe due to reports that Channel 5 are struggling to come to a deal with Fremantle Media,” the petition reads.
“Neighbours is more than just a TV show – it is a source of comfort and entertainment for generations of fans who have watched it for decades – it is one of the most loved TV shows in the UK and brings lots of viewers from all backgrounds to Channel 5’s catalogue of channels. Even Adele is a fan. Channel 5 – we plead with you – please find a way to keep Neighbours on air.”
International fans of the show aren’t the only ones rallying behind it, Neighbours alum Jason Donovan, who starred as Scott Robinson alongside pop icon Kylie Minogue (Charlene Mitchell), has also addressed the controversial decision.
Upon learning the news, the actor tweeted: “@neighbours changed the Australian television landscape. It launched many careers over decades including mine. Engaged and entertained audiences for generations. Hoping that it will find a new home with another U.K. broadcaster and continue to provide opportunity and entertainment.”
A spokesperson from Channel 5 confirmed the decision to Digital Spy on Sunday.
“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.”
The representative added: “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.”
Fremantle Media executive producer Jason Herbison also spoke about the decision on Sunday afternoon, expressing that there are “ongoing discussions” about the show’s future overseas.
“Our audience remains steady and [Australian partner] Channel Ten would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace [Channel 5],” he said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We are so proud of the show, you all and everything that you’ve achieved. But for now, this chapter is closing and we want to work together to give Neighbours the amazing send-off it deserves.”
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