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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jasmine Allday

Neighbours axed after 40 years as bosses look to Kylie Minogue to make special return

Neighbours has been axed after 40 years on screens.

The popular soap - which began in 1985 - is expected to end in August this year, just a few weeks before it would have celebrated it's milestone anniversary.

It is believed Fremantle Australia have been in conservations for weeks with Channel 5 in a bid to keep the show on air, but there has yet to be a deal made, with fans now fearing this could be the end of the much-loved show.

The soap has seen some of the world's biggest stars make their acting debut including singers Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, actress Margot Robbie as well as Hollywood actors Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth.

Kylie and Jason in Neighbours (Channel 5)
Margot Robbie appeared as Donna in Neighbours (Channel 5)

A spokesperson for Channel 5 said: "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. We’d also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbours across the years.

"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."

It is believed there is a gap in revenue of millions of pounds from what the show makes in advertising and what it costs to produce.

"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," a source explained to The Sun.

"There’s a lot of disbelief and sadness among those who know it’s ending. They are currently in the process of approaching a number of former cast members, including Kylie, to make a special return."

Jemma Donovan - the daughter of Neighbours royalty Jason Donovan - joined the show recently (Fremantle)

The insider added: "Now it’s the end, it really would be something special to have her back in Ramsay Street one last time."

It comes after it was revealed Amanda Holden has been busy filming scenes for the show.

"My first day on set was such a fun and surreal experience. If I’d told my 12-year-old self I would one-day appear in Neighbours I’d have never believed it!" she said late last year.

"So many people were beeping in their cars and passersby assumed that Jemma was my real daughter because we look quite similar! I can’t wait to continue the journey of my character Harriet."

Amanda was joined in her scenes by Jemma Donovan, who plays Harlow Robinson on the show, and is the real-life offspring of Ramsay Street icon Jason Donovan.

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