Neighbours is facing the axe from British television

[Denver]

Neighbours is in danger of being axed because talks between producers and Channel 5 have reportedly stalled.

The popular Australian soap which first aired in the UK in 1986, could be ditched after broadcasters failed to agree new terms.

It is currently shown on Channel 5 but TV insiders claim talks with makers FremantleMedia to renegotiate a deal have stalled.

If an agreement can’t be reached then Neighbours could move to another channel or there is a real risk it could disappear from British screens completely.

A source said: “The renegotiation of the Neighbours Channel 5 deal has become very fraught and is in jeopardy. Channel 5 really want to keep the show.

“But the failure to reach a deal is being blamed on Channel 5’s new American owners Viacom refusing to sign off on the figures and not understanding the cultural importance of the show in the UK.

“Neighbours has become a British TV favourite and it would be a sad day if it were to go.”

Neighbours has remained popular with UK viewers and is known for catapulting Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan to global fame.

The show, regarded as Australia’s greatest soap export, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015.

It was first screened by the BBC and saw around 21 million viewers tuning in at its peak in 1990 but switched to Channel 5 nine years ago.

Channel 5 has declined to comment.

www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/neighbours-facing-axe-british-television-10054291

[LaLaLand]

I remember how EVERYONE used to watch Neighbours, including us, when I was growing up throughout the 90's and early 00's then suddenly it just stopped being a "thing".

Remember Lou, Harold, Madge, Dr. Carl and Susan, Libby, Toadie, Helen Daniels and her grandkids! The Scullys... Memories.

[RichardG]

does anyone still watch it tho

[Rob!]

Never seen an episode in my life

[Smithy]

and not understanding the cultural importance of the show in the UK.

Erm

[reece(:]

I don't know anyone that watches it, same with Doctors

[Strictly Jake]

Used to love neighbours especially during the flick and Steph scully years, and sky and Boyd and then whoever Margot Robbie played. But I stopped watching like 6 or 7 years ago. Home and away I have got into recently so I hope they don't axe that!

[Jason.]

Honestly haven't watched an episode of it since like 2006

[user104658]

I remember how EVERYONE used to watch Neighbours, including us, when I was growing up throughout the 90's and early 00's then suddenly it just stopped being a "thing".

When it moved from 5.35pm BBC1 after Byker Grove / Grange Hill* and newsround :flutter: to dirty filfy Channel 5. Channel 5 ruins everything :bawling:

*Not Blue Peter, those were the bad days.

[Drew.]

I remember how EVERYONE used to watch Neighbours, including us, when I was growing up throughout the 90's and early 00's then suddenly it just stopped being a "thing".

Remember Lou, Harold, Madge, Dr. Carl and Susan, Libby, Toadie, Helen Daniels and her grandkids! The Scullys... Memories.

back in the BBC1 days when it was on straight after all the kids shows. Good times

[Niamh.]

I remember how EVERYONE used to watch Neighbours, including us, when I was growing up throughout the 90's and early 00's then suddenly it just stopped being a "thing".

Remember Lou, Harold, Madge, Dr. Carl and Susan, Libby, Toadie, Helen Daniels and her grandkids! The Scullys... Memories.

same, Home and Away was always better anyway

[Wizard.]

I used to watch it! Along with Hollyoaks. Hope that gets the axe next.