Neighbours confirms show will be axed after 37 years

Iconic TV soap Neighbours has been axed after 37 years, it has been confirmed.

The show’s producers confirmed the news in a post from the Neighbours Twitter account on Thursday.

“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,” the Twitter post read.

The production costs for Neighbours had been paid for by UK network Channel 5 but, last month, it confirmed it would no longer air the show.

On Thursday, Neighbours confirmed to fans that it had been unable to find another network to fund the show and the final episode would air in Australia in September.

“We simply have no option but to rest the show,” the statement said.

“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.”

Audience figures for the show have been dwindling in Australia with Wednesday night’s episode getting just 123,00 viewers nationally and only 8000 in Perth.

In comparison, Home and Away continues to be Seven’s most-viewed drama with 552,000 nationally watching on Wednesday and 85,000 in Perth.

Network 10, which airs the show down under, described the soap as a “staple” of Australian television.

“Network 10 thanks the cast, crew, all the production team and Fremantle for bringing the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and around the world.”