Neighbours is reportedly facing the axe after nearly 40 years on TV.
The Australian soap opera, which was first aired in March 1985, is reportedly set to be cancelled because it is bringing in less advertising money than it costs to make it, according to a report.
It is reported that Channel 5, which partly funds the long-running show's production, has yet to agree a deal with production company Fremantle to continue creating the show. If no deal is agreed it is believed the show's final episodes could air in August this year - just three years short of its 40th anniversary.
It had previously been reported by other outlets that Channel 5, Fremantle and Australian broadcaster Channel 10 have been struggling to reach a deal to secure the show's future.
The Sun quoted a source as saying : “Channel 5 pay Fremantle Australia many millions of pounds every year and, sadly, there’s a shortfall of about £5million in what it brings back in through advertising. There’s a lot of disbelief and sadness among those who know it’s struggling.
“They are currently in the process of approaching a number of former cast members, including Kylie, to make a special return. If it’s the end, it really would be something special to have her back in Ramsay Street one last time.”
Although Neighbours is still shown in Australia, its main popularity is now in the UK, where it currently pulls in an audience of around 1.4 million viewers across the two daily showings at 1.45pm and 6pm.
The show launched in Australia in 1985 on the Seven Network. It was originally axed after just one year, but rival station Channel 10 offered a lifeline by picking it up the following year.
It launched in the UK in October 1986 on BBC One and in November 1988 a peak of 19.6 million viewers tuned in for the wedding of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell, played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue.
The show has been credited for launching the careers of Guy Pearce, Margot Robbie, Jesse Spencer, Natalie Imbruglia and others.
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