The UK’s Channel 5 has recently announced that it would no longer air the iconic Aussie soap Neighbours, following the network’s decision to “focus on increasing their investments in original UK drama” which has stronger appeal for their viewers.

“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,” said their spokesperson.

“We’d also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbours across the years.”

Neighbours launched the international careers of a number of Australian TV personalities, such as Kylie Minogue, Alan Dale, Craig McLachlan, Delta Goodrem, Guy Pearce, Jesse Spencer and Margot Robbie.

And unless a new network backer comes to pick up the soap, this might just be goodbye for the show, after a nearly four-decade run on UK televisions.

Neighbours first aired in the UK in 1986. Credit: Fremantle Media/Shutterstock.
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Australian broadcaster Network Ten is said to be highly determined on saving the show. On Sunday, they told the show’s cast and crew that filming will be paused to make way for a meeting, discussing the steps needed in finding another broadcast partner.

“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,” said a spokesperson from the network.

“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.”

According to The Sun, producers are even considering bringing back pop star Kylie Minogue for a guest appearance.

The wedding of Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene (Kylie Minogue) was a famous Neighbours moment in 1988. Credit: Channel 5.
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Neighbours depicts the lives of the residents on Ramsay Street. The show’s first broadcast was on Channel 7 in 1985 but was subsequently axed. After a year, it was picked up by Network Ten and went on to become a worldwide hit.

It is currently the longest-running drama series on Australian television and in 2025, it will mark its 40th anniversary.

Channel 5’s decision to let go of the soap came as a surprise as the show still attracts an average of 1.5 million viewers in the UK per day.

Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane? Here are some of the best moments of the Aussie classic TV show:

Credit: The Age & Sydney Morning Herald​

 

[Bertie]

I certainly won't miss it. Don't watch it. About time for a new show after 4o years anyhoo. And not a bloody reality show, they are all crap.

 

[JayKay]

Having NEVER seen it, I won't miss it, but how will it affect this Australian industry? Will there be other opportunities for our young actors?

 

[Dot]

It has and will continue to launch the careers of young Aussies. I have watched it for many years as I have Home and Away which has also launched careers of other aspiring actors.