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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Vicki Newman

Neighbours end date confirmed after 37 years as bosses apologise to fans

Neighbours is definitely ending after 37 years on screen, with bosses confirming when they'll cease production of the Aussie soap.

Apologising to fans, a spokesperson wrote on the show's official Twitter account: "We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June.

"Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show

"To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours."

Kylie Minogue as Charlene and Jason Donovan as Scott (AFP)

Devastated fans quickly began sharing their memories of the Aussie soap.

One replied: "Used to watch Neighbours as a kid after school in London and promised myself I’d move to Australia one day… been in Sydney 20 years now! Sad to see you go."

A second echoed: "Same here, I moved from London to Brisbane after Neighbours made me fall in love with Australia!"

While one fan begged: "Please tell me we'll at least be able to watch all the episodes in an archive somewhere, or the YouTube channel."

Some of the stars (Handout)

And another wrote: "So sad it’s ending but thank you for all the hard work the cast an production team have put in over the past 37 years. You have brought joy to millions of people all over the world. You will be missed."

Yesterday, Channel 5 bosses had confirmed the show would be ending, announcing in a statement: "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.

Holly Valance (BBC)

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

They added: "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."

And sources had claimed that Freemantle Media had been working tirelessly to find a new home for the show, but that sadly no one was interested in taking it on.

The soap has launched the careers of some of Australia's biggest stars, including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Holly Valance.

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