Filming on Neighbours will come to an end on June 10 unless a deal can be reached to save the show, it has emerged.
Over the weekend Channel 5 confirmed reports that it had decided to end its deal with production company Fremantle Australia in order to 'increase investment in original UK drama' instead.
The Aussie soap has been on the air since 1985 and receives the lion's share of its production budget from Channel 5, which took over UK broadcasts from the BBC in 2008.
Local broadcaster Network 10 is unable to fund the show by itself and as a result, production is due to cease unless a new UK broadcaster sweeps in at the last moment.
According to media reports in Australia, the last day of filming has now been set as June 10, with the final episodes due to air at some point in August.
In an email to staff on Sunday afternoon, Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison wrote: "Our audience remains steady and Channel Ten would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace [Channel 5].
"These discussions are ongoing, however, there is no new broadcaster at the moment and production must end, effectively resting the show.
"We are so proud of the show, you all and everything that you've achieved. But for now, this chapter is closing and we want to work together to give Neighbours the amazing send-off it deserves."
A fan petition urging Channel 5 to reconsider its decision has now reached more than 25,000 signatures.
Neil Wilkes
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