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Thread: Neighbours axed by Ch5!

  1. #11
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    I just hope they didn?t find out like we did.

  2. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by kaz21 View Post
    I just hope they didn?t find out like we did.
    There would have been internal rumblings for some time, plus they got the email that was leaked to the press. So effectively, they found out about a day or so before we did, really.

    Today's meeting would have been just confirmation of what has already been said - that unless a new international partner came to the table, that Neighbours would conclude filming on June 10.

    It would have been a chance to ask questions and give them a chance to air their concerns and work through the initial shock of this news together.
    Last edited by GrrArgh; 07-02-2022 at 12:47.

  3. #13
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    Is the Australian channel so strapped for cash that they need to air Neighbours in UK too for a price? It is so popular and Channel 5 is a commercial channel, unlike BBC who stopped Neighbours some 10 years or so ago... does not make sense to me unless viewers numbers have dropped dramatically???

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  5. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Perdita View Post
    Is the Australian channel so strapped for cash that they need to air Neighbours in UK too for a price? It is so popular and Channel 5 is a commercial channel, unlike BBC who stopped Neighbours some 10 years or so ago... does not make sense to me unless viewers numbers have dropped dramatically???
    Neighbours is expensive to produce, and Channel 10 and Fremantle Australia cannot afford to produce it themselves. 10 stopped contributing as much when the show moved to 10Peach (then Eleven) about a decade ago. It's not on the main channel anymore in Australia, so 10 isn't contributing as much. But 10 also hasn't been in a good financial position for some time. It was only the purchase of 10 by ViacomCBS (who also owns Channel 5) that has saved the network. If anyone could come to the party, it could be ViacomCBS seeing they own both 10 and Channel 5 and potentially would have the money to keep Neighbours going.

    In Australia, though, Neighbours doesn't bring in enough viewers to move back to the main channel, but manages to do decently in terms of multichannels. It also contributes heavily towards 10's Australian drama quota, which is mandated by the Australian Government. If they lose Neighbours, they have to fulfil their drama quota through new shows, which could potentially be a lot more costly.

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  7. #15
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    Full Jackie Woodburne (Susan) interview on Ch10's 'The Project' on Monday night:


    https://youtu.be/URx5AB7ba9g



    And the Digital Spy article on the interview:


    Neighbours legend Jackie Woodburne "in shock" over the show's axe from Channel 5
    Susan Kennedy actress says the soap's cast are "all very emotional".

    https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...channel-5-axe/

    Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne has admitted that she is "in shock" and "overwhelmed" after the news broke over the weekend that the long-running soap has been axed by Channel 5.

    It has been confirmed that Channel 5 is dropping the Australian series from its schedule this summer, with production company Fremantle sharing that production on the soap will be paused indefinitely from June while it seeks a new UK broadcaster to collaborate on the show with.

    Jackie, who has played the iconic Susan Kennedy on Neighbours for 27 years, has told The Project that the soap's cast and crew are still trying to process the news, revealing that they have all been pulling together to support each other.

    "It's been a rollercoaster, absolutely, the last 24 hours or 36 hours, as you can imagine. Kind of a lot of information to try and process. I still feel a bit in shock, a bit overwhelmed," she said.

    "We had a meeting today where our producers gave us some more information, really nothing more than what's already been out there, but, look, I have to say, the feeling was one of... it was just, it was quite lovely.

    "Everybody is sad. We're all crying, we're all very emotional about it all, but we're all so determined to bring this show home as best we can."

    The actress was full of praise for everyone who works on Neighbours, calling them "more than a family".

    "These are people that all choose to be there and we work so fast and we care so passionately about the show, and we respect the show and we respect the fans," she said. "And we have so much fun. I mean, I have laughed more in the 27 years than I probably should have and been paid at the same time."

    Although there is still an opportunity for the show to be given a reprieve, Jackie was asked how the soap might wrap up this summer if production does come to an end, and she promised that everyone involved will do all they can to make it special.

    "Would you want to be a writer in that room trying to wind up a show after 38 years in a way that's going to please everybody? I mean, no pressure at all!" she said.

    "But I know that everyone wants to honour the show and do it with love and with pride and dignity. So it will be big, but I think it will maintain all of those touchstones that have been so important to us."

    ackie added that it would be "awesome" if iconic former Neighbours stars such as Kylie Minogue were to return to see the soap off, but said that the show's current cast "will do it proud".

    "I just want everyone to keep their fingers crossed and not give up hope - anything's possible," she concluded.

    Neighbours' Australian broadcaster Channel 10 has confirmed that it has "an ongoing commitment to the show", saying: "It is our intention to continue our association with Neighbours if another broadcast partner comes forward" and that it is "hopeful that Fremantle will find a new production partner".

    Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).




    Also:

    Neighbours star Alan Fletcher addresses show's uncertain future: 'We need a hero'
    Karl Kennedy actor speaks out on "huge shock" of Channel 5 axing.

    https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ertain-future/

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  9. #16
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    Wow , wonder if Aaron will find a job or do something before the end of time...?

  10. #17
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    Some of the latest articles:


    Why Neighbours deserves a lifeline after Channel 5 axe news
    Save our Neighbours!

    https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...rves-lifeline/



    Neighbours star Geoff Paine addresses hopes for show reprieve after fan petitions
    There's hope for Ramsay Street yet.

    https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...oap-axe-hopes/



    Neighbours theme hits number one on iTunes chart after passionate fan campaign
    The fans are certainly there for one another.

    https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...er-one-itunes/

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  12. #18
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    ViacomCBS has become Paramount, formally announced in the last few hours.

    They own both Ch5 in the UK and Ch10 in Australia. Maybe Neighbours will find a new home on Paramount+ when it is launched in the UK. Slated for 'early 2022' which is, er, now.

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  14. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Danners9 View Post
    ViacomCBS has become Paramount, formally announced in the last few hours.

    They own both Ch5 in the UK and Ch10 in Australia. Maybe Neighbours will find a new home on Paramount+ when it is launched in the UK. Slated for 'early 2022' which is, er, now.
    Unlikely. If Paramount were to save Neighbours, they'd be doing so now. The show doesn't fit in with what they're looking for in their streaming selection.

  15. #20
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    A couple of DS articles - Harold Bishop will be returning...



    Neighbours star confirms Harold Bishop return ahead of show's finale
    It wouldn't be the same without him.

    https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...return-finale/

    Neighbours' Alan Fletcher has confirmed that Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) will return ahead of the soap's finale.

    The actor, who has played Dr Karl Kennedy on the Australian series for 28 years, appeared on Monday's (February 28) episode of This Morning to talk about the show's final few episodes and some surprise returns.

    The soap has been gracing people's screens for 37 years now but is slated to air its final episode during the summer after Channel 5's announcement that it would no longer air it.

    Still, the beloved series continues to pull in a consolidated audience of around 1.4 million viewers in the UK across the two daily showings at 1.45pm and 6pm.

    Speaking to the hosts, Fletcher commented on whether there is any possibility of loyal viewers seeing some of their old favourites returning to Ramsay Street for the show's final farewell.

    He said: "I do know that it has been announced the wonderful Harold Bishop will return to Ramsay Street towards the end of the show. Someone from Karl's sordid past is definitely coming back and there are many, many other names in the pot.

    "I can assure you that the producers are working very, very hard to try and entice some of the most loved characters from Neighbours to at least make some appearances."

    However, Fletcher remained coy about whether or not certain icons who got their start on the show might be making an appearance ? namely Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.

    "I can't give away any spoilers on that yet but that's going to be the joy of those last episodes. Just sitting there and going 'oh look who's here!'" he said.

    When asked about his own future plans, Fletcher went on to add that he hoped this newly-acquired free time might mean finally touring his show 'The Doctor Will See You Now' later this year, which was originally slated to launch in 2020, as well as working on his music ? he prefers Americana now ? and playing a few festivals.

    Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).



    And:

    Neighbours star Alan Fletcher plays down hope of last-minute reprieve for show
    "The show really must end."

    https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...hope-reprieve/

    Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has opened up about how the cast and crew feel about the soap being given the axe and shared his thoughts on whether there is a chance to save it.

    Speaking on Monday's (February 28) episode of This Morning, the Dr Karl Kennedy actor said that it's time for the Australian soap to come to an end after 37 years on air following on from Channel 5's announcement that it would no longer air Neighbours.

    Despite fans petitioning to save the show, Alan Fletcher has now played down hope that the soap could continue to air on Channel 5 ? but he didn't rule out hope that Neighbours could return again in some form one day in the future.

    "Channel 5's been a wonderful, wonderful partner for Neighbours for many, many years," Fletcher explained.

    "In the current business environment, [Channel 5] have made the decision to change directions and of course, that's their prerogative. We thank them for the wonderful support they've given us over the years, but unfortunately, their priorities have changed.

    "I'm afraid that's just the realities of TV land," he finished.

    When asked by Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield whether the cast are looking at how the soap could be saved, Fletcher continued to say that the focus now is delivering a "spectacular" ending for fans.

    "We've had wonderful stewardship of a show that's loved by millions of people, and now we've got the responsibility to bring that show home in a way that's going to make it really, really special," he added.

    He continued: "Once you turn the ship and say, 'We have to head in this new direction of finishing the show up', it can't be swung back around super quick.

    "Now, if somewhere down the track, a different type of Neighbours was born or a different funder came along, of course, that would be marvellous. But the reality is the show really must end in August and finish production in June."

    As for how fans can help support Neighbours in the immediate future, Fletcher added that the best thing to do is to keep watching.

    "I hope everyone understands how appreciative we are of all that support," he said.

    "The best thing, if people really want to support Neighbours and they want to give it a chance in the future is to watch it now, to be frank. To watch it right through to the end of August, get those viewer figures up so that maybe, maybe someone out there will say, 'Hey, this is a super popular show maybe it has a life in some other estuary.'"

    Earlier this month, Fletcher shared a taste of what's next for his character as he teased that Karl is about to make a "big mistake".

    "Although, this is a little bit of a spoiler alert in a sense, Karl is about to make another big, big, big mistake," the actor told Studio 10. "And it's not an affair."

    Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

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