Petition to save axed Neighbours approaches big milestone

Stephen Patterson

Published February 8, 2022 1:38pm Updated February 8, 2022 1:39pm

The petition to save Neighbours from being axed is on the cusp of reaching yet another huge milestone, as it approaches a whopping 35,000 signatures.

The long-running series’ fate is up in the air, after Channel 5 confirmed that it would drop it from their schedules later this year.

Devoted fans were heartbroken, and thus they wasted little time in fighting to save the show, determined to prevent it from disappearing forever.

One viewer in particular, called Edward Skylover, created a petition on Change.org in the hopes of rallying support and – spoiler alert – it did the trick.

Within hours of Channel 5 confirming the news, the petition had wracked up 10,000 signatures.

Two days later, almost reached 35,000 people have signed!

‘Neighbours has been a staple on UK screens for over 35 years – and has been watched by generations,’ wrote Edward, describing why the petition was launched.

MORE: Why axing Neighbours is a HUGE mistake and how the soap can still be saved

Karl, Susan and Paul in Neighbours — The Aussie soap is still incredibly popular in the UK (Picture: Fremantle)

‘It now faces the axe due to reports that Channel 5 are struggling to come to a deal with Fremantle Media. Neighbours is more than just a TV show – it is a source of comfort and entertainment for generations of fans who have watched it for decades.

‘It is one of the most loved TV shows in the UK and brings lots of viewers from all backgrounds to Channel 5’s catalogue of channels. Even Adele is a fan. Channel 5 – we plead with you – please find a way to keep Neighbours on air.’

The Aussie soap, which launched in 1985, has been a huge success both in its home country and here in the UK.

In fact, it’s still popular over here, with 1.5 million people on average tuning in on a daily basis.

#SaveNeighbours has repeatedly trended on social media in the wake of the show’s axing, as viewers hope and pray that another broadcaster will pick it up.

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Interestingly, this is actually a possibility.

Network 10, who produce the show in Australia, is reportedly intent on continuing their association with the show, with a spokesperson telling TV Tonight that they are ‘hopeful’ Freemantle will find a new broadcast partner.

RTÉ, which airs the soap in Ireland, is currently ‘in talks’ with Fremantle.

If you would like to show your support, click here to sign the petition.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.