Matt Wilson reveals his plans to say goodbye to long-running soap Neighbours

Australia’s long-running soap Neighbours was officially axed on Thursday, and now one of its popular stars has announced his plans to say goodbye in a very personal way.  

Matt Wilson, who plays the hunky Aaron in the series, told his Instagram followers he will be sharing his special memories of the show until production concludes on 10 June.

‘I love this place and will miss it dearly,’ he said on Instagram. 

Goodbye Neighbours! Star Matt Wilson has revealed his plans to say goodbye to the long-running soap in his own special way after Network 10 confirms show will be axed after 37 years 

He promised to post a picture and a story to go with it once a week, drawn from his own album of photos.

‘Sad to say Fremantle are officially resting the show after 37 solid years!,’ Matt posted.

‘I’ve got a lot to say about my life changing experience on the show and the incredible crew and cast I’ve been fortunate to work with.’

He said, ‘if not for you, for me to look back and remember the 7 years I’ve had here. Time to celebrate Neighbours.’ 

Wilson, who plays the hunky Aaron in the series, told his Instagram followers he will be sharing his special memories of the show until production concludes on 10 June

Wilson, who plays the hunky Aaron in the series, told his Instagram followers he will be sharing his special memories of the show until production concludes on 10 June 

He posted the message with a photo of himself in character with co-star Takaya Honda, who plays his husband on the show, David. 

The actors featured in a landmark moment – the first same-sex marriage on Australian TV.

The Aaron and David characters tied the knot on the show in 2018, soon after gay marriage was legalised in Australia in 2017. 

Magda Szubanski, an outspoken advocate for the gay, lesbian and transgender community, played the celebrant.

Meanwhile, Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison has given fresh hope that the iconic Aussie soap could one day return to screens, emphasising that the soap is ‘rested’ rather than fully cancelled.

News of its abrupt departure from UK’s Channel 5 sent the show into a tailspin, with network bosses in Australia scrambling to find a new international broadcasting deal to cover production costs or face the closure of Ramsay Street for good.

Network 10 and Fremantle, the show’s producer, confirmed the news that Neighbours was cancelled on Thursday, and said the final episode will be filmed in June.

In a statement issued to MailOnline, they confirmed: ‘It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in the summer.

He posted the message with a photo of himself in character with co-star Takaya Honda, who plays his husband on the show, David. The actors featured in a landmark moment - the first same-sex marriage on Australian TV

He posted the message with a photo of himself in character with co-star Takaya Honda, who plays his husband on the show, David. The actors featured in a landmark moment – the first same-sex marriage on Australian TV 

‘Following the loss of a key broadcast partner in the UK, and despite a search for alternative funding, we currently have no option but to rest the show.

‘Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out. The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world launching the careers of dozens of household names along the way.

‘But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves.’  

Network 10 addressed the end of the series in a statement to Australian media on Thursday, admitting it had been a ‘difficult decision’.

‘This difficult decision came after the search for an alternative UK broadcast partner proved unsuccessful.’

They added that the series would ‘not air on 10 Peach beyond September 2022’, marking the end of its decades-long run.

‘A much-loved stalwart of our program schedule for over 35 years it has been a staple of Australian television drama, and Australian cultural exports,’ they added.

‘Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, is a cul-de-sac recognised all over the world and has been home to Scott and Charlene, Des and Daphne, Dr Karl and Susan, Dee and Toadie, Aaron and David and many, many more neighbours.

‘Network 10 thanks the cast, crew, all the production team and Fremantle for bringing the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and around the world.’

They also praised ‘the Australian fans and audiences for their continued support of the series’.

‘Their encouragement particularly in the past few weeks has been incredible. It shows that our audience still want Australian scripted drama,’ continued the statement.

‘We have listened to them and there are exciting new local projects in the pipeline, which is great for our audience and for the local industry.

‘We are confident that the cast, crew and writers will bring their distinctive warmth, style and humour to the Neighbours set as they embark on filming the final episodes over the coming months.’  

The Aaron and David characters tied the knot on the show in 2018, soon after gay marriage was legalised in Australia in 2017

The Aaron and David characters tied the knot on the show in 2018, soon after gay marriage was legalised in Australia in 2017 

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