Neighbours rumoured to be facing the axe amid claims of Kylie return

Long-running Australian soap Neighbours is set to turn 37 years old next month.

But the iconic TV series’ days might be numbered, sources have told The Sun this weekend.

Bosses at the UK’s Channel 5, who ‘foot most of the production bill’ for the show, have reportedly not yet struck a deal with Neighbours’ Australian producers to renew the series.

A source told the UK newspaper: ‘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.’

It appears Channel 5 bigwigs are resigned to the show wrapping up and are determined to send it out on a high note.

Executives ‘are currently in the process of approaching a number of former cast members, including Kylie [Minogue], to make a special return,’ the report claims.

Last goodbye: Executives ‘are currently in the process of approaching a number of former cast members, including Kylie [Minogue], to make a special return.’ Pictured here with co-star Jason Donovan

Daily Mail Australia have contacted Fremantle Australia for comment. 

Neighbours was first broadcast by the Seven Network on 18 March 1985.

The Freemantle Australia-produced series was quickly cancelled after underperforming in the Sydney market, before being purchased by Network Ten.

Ten have aired the series locally since 20 January 1986.

Rising star: In the UK, the series first aired on BBC1 in 1986. Two years later nearly 20 million viewers tune in to see tomboy mechanic Charlene Robinson (played by Kylie Minogue) wed Scott (Jason Donovan). Minogue pictured in 2021

In the UK, the series first aired on BBC1 in 1986.

Two years later nearly 20 million viewers tune in to see tomboy mechanic Charlene Robinson (played by Kylie Minogue) wed Scott (Jason Donovan).

It currently still pulls in 1.2 million UK viewers every day in its current Channel 5 home.

Still popular: It currently still pulls in 1.2 million UK viewers every day in its current Channel 5 home