Everybody needs good Neighbours, says Network 10 after UK blow to show

Network 10 wants to try to keep long-running soap Neighbours alive despite its major backer deciding it won’t renew its deal with the TV show.

Channel 5 has released a statement to media in the UK announcing it will turn its support towards more “original UK drama” instead of the Melbourne-made soap, which started in 1985 and drew millions of viewers in the United Kingdom and Australia for many years before losing steam in recent years.

Network 10, which has shown Neighbours since its took it from Channel 7 in 1986, moved the show to its 10 Peach digital channel in 2011 from its long-running place after the nightly news on Channel 10.

A Network 10 spokesperson told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald it wanted to find new support for the show.

“As outlined in the email to Neighbours cast and crew, it is our intention to continue our association with Neighbours if another broadcast partner comes forward,” the spokesperson said.

“Network 10 has an ongoing commitment to the show, the cast and crew and is hopeful that Fremantle will find a new production partner. We will provide further updates as they become available.”

A Channel 5 spokesperson said it was time to focus on local dramas.

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