Cancelled soap Neighbours saved by Amazon with new episodes to begin filming in 2023

Australian soap Neighbours has officially been saved from cancellation by Amazon four months after the last episode aired.

Fans of the show were left distraught when it was announced earlier this year that it was coming to an end after 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes.

The move came after UK broadcaster Channel 5 decided to pull it from their schedule, with showmakers Fremantle confirming a short time later that it was the end of the road for the show, which first jump-started the careers of stars including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Imbruglia and more.

Neighbours signed off in style in July, with many of its former stars, including Minogue and Donovan (senior and junior - Jason’s daughter Jemma played Harlow), returning for the final episode.

Now, in a soap-worthy plot twist, a new series will start filming in Australia next year after Fremantle signed a deal with Amazon Freevee. A number of fan favourites are due to return, including Stefan Dennis as Paul Robinson, Alan Fletcher as Karl Kennedy, Jackie Woodburne as Susan Kennedy, and Ryan Moloney as Toadie Rebecchi.

“Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world,” said Jennifer Mullin, Fremantle’s CEO. “We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home.”

As well as creating a new series of the soap, Amazon has announced it will be hosting the show’s back catalogue, giving viewers access to 37 years’ worth of classic episodes.

“Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street,” said Lauren Anderson, Amazon’s head of AVOD programming.

“With the power of streaming, we’re able to offer thousands of Neighbours episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series – and current fans to relive their favourite moments.”