Petition to save 'Neighbours' as iconic Aussie soap may be canceled

A petition to save Neighbours already underway as it's been revealed that the show may be on its last legs if urgent action isn't taken. Fans of the Ramsay St based soap are bereft after learning the sad news, which might be happening very soon.

TV fans across the globe have resolutely tuned into the Australian soap opera Neighbours for decades. Just as it's revealed that one of its biggest-ever stars, Kylie Minogue, 'plans' to move back to Australia the sad news is that the show is on the way out.

The popular show began in 1985 and has been the launchpad of several actors' careers including Russell Crowe, Natalie Imbruglia, and Jason Donovan—who spoke out about the potential end of the series.

According to Deadline, the reason that the 37-year-old show will stop airing in six months is that UK broadcaster Channel 5, which has partially funded the show in recent years, said it will no longer do so.

"The much-loved 37-year-old Australian soap will stop airing in six months if producer Fremantle fails to find another UK co-commissioner," explains Deadline. "Australia’s Network Ten part funds the show for its 10 Peach channel but will not pay the full amount."

Fans, predictably, have shared their ire about potentially losing their favorite show. One Twitter user said, "Oh come on! #Neighbours can't be cancelled. The new sets. The new cinematography. I look forward to every episode and hang on every word. #SaveNeighbours"

As a matter of fact, fans have gone so far as to start an online petition. At the time of writing this article, the petition has just shy of the 25,000 signatures needed to get it over the line.

The show's current cast members are also speaking out about their devastation. Neighbours veteran Jackie Woodburne, who has played Susan Kennedy since 1994, described the casts' emotions.

Speaking on The Project, Susan said, “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."