February 6, 20223 yr I think it was on the rocks about 3-4 years ago due to negotiations regarding funding. Clearly there’s a point where it’s not sustainable for both broadcasters when no one is really watching in the country that makes it and the other country has to fork out the majority of the production costs for a show they don’t make.
February 6, 20223 yr But Channel 5 axing means it won’t be supported financially therefore is an overall axe. Another broadcaster would have to step in and just how likely is that?
February 6, 20223 yr Yeah for years now Neighbours has only been getting produced due to its funding from being aired in the UK. If that stops then it gets axed on Australia too.
February 6, 20223 yr They're looking for a new UK partner to show it https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60277939
February 6, 20223 yr If it's true that Channel 5 are making a £5m loss on the show, I don't think it's surprising to see it axed. Channel 5 is focusing on original content these days, and is doing very well for it. I can't see any other British broadcaster being keen to pick up a loss-making import. First, Holby City getting axed and now Neighbours. Not a good time for the long-running soap genre in the UK!
February 6, 20223 yr this even gets more viewers than hollyoaks It’s the 4th most watched soap in the UK, behind EastEnders and ahead of Doctors.
February 6, 20223 yr Author No wonder they made such a big thing about EE's 25th, seeing as the country that watches Neighbours is also the UK!!
February 6, 20223 yr 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],” Mr Herbison said. “These discussions are ongoing, however, there is no new broadcaster at the moment and production must end, effectively resting the show.” Staff have been asked to attend a meeting on Monday and filming will continue until June 10.
February 6, 20223 yr I feel that the move to 6pm didn't do Channel 5 any justice. People at that time either watching local news or having their dinner. I could see it coming when the UK got ahead of Australia
February 6, 20223 yr I really do hope they can find a new partner to keep it on air, i know it will be hard but you just never know, its such an iconic show.
February 7, 20223 yr If it is to finish up who are some characters everyone would like to see return? For me: Lou Carpenter Malcolm, Libby and Billy Kennedy Daniel Robinson Realistically I could see the three Kennedy children all returning. I might add more as I think of them.
February 7, 20223 yr By the way, is Home and Away safe? Does Home and Away also depend on British money or is the soap produced solely by the Australians? It would be a shame if two Aussie soaps had to disappear just because the Brits lost interest in them.
February 7, 20223 yr Just had a quick look and it appears Home and Away is still on one of Australia’s main channels, whereas Neighbours was moved to a multichannel a few years ago. It seems to be getting at least double the viewers and so it’s likely less reliant on Channel 5 funding. I think it’s less about the viewership in the UK and more about the costs, although they might be able to justify the costs if it was getting exceptional ratings for the timeslot. I’m sure they don’t want to see it go but they just can’t justify the high costs, especially for a show they don’t actually make.
February 7, 20223 yr Gutted for the new regular cast member announced today, what rubbish timing. I saw Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne have responded and it’s all just really sad. Imagine finding out like this after almost 28 years in the job. After taking in this news after a busy weekend, it’s a shame the show is ending because of financial reasons rather than a general decline. Good I suppose that it can end on some what of a high. But I’d be less bothered if it had ended 10 years ago at the tail end of the Susan Bower era. Given that that era caused the show to lose its place on Ten in Australia, I’m putting this entirely down to her. She was shit. As for who I’d bring back for a finale: Harold and Lou-if the actors are up for it, this is a must. Heck, go the whole hog and bring back GHOST MADGE. Scott and Charlene-unlikely but they’re the Holy Grail of returnees Janelle Timmins-just a hoot of a character Sky Mangel-I know the last return wasn’t that well received but if we just forget she’s a cop, it’d be great to see her. Izzy Hoyland-can’t think why she’d be back but she’s an icon. Libby, Billy and Mal-reunited one last time. Lyn and Steph Scully Elle Robinson Des Clarke-would be good to wheel him out one last time.
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