After 37 years on air and almost 9000 episodes filled with emotional character deaths, dramatic moments and progressive storylines in recent years, the beloved Australian classic Neighbours has been cancelled.
The news was confirmed yesterday, where it was revealed that the show will cease production in June after failing to find alternative funding following the loss of a key UK broadcast partner.
A statement on Twitter said: "To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team."
"We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours."
The long-running drama had become synonymous with Australian culture, with many watching the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce and countless other Aussie actors start their careers on Ramsay Street.
With the cancellation of Neighbours hitting audiences hard — both here in Australia and around the world — many have taken to social media to both mourn and celebrate Australia's longest running drama.
@neighbours @msmansk Used to watch Neighbours as a kid after school in London and promised myself I’d move to Australia one day… been in Sydney 20 years now! Sad to see you go.
One of the biggest losses to the TV landscape we’ll ever see. #Neighbours delivered countless iconic TV moments, and yet it still has so much life left in it. I’ve so many fond memories of watching it growing up, and still love it to this day. I’ll never get over this. 💔 https://t.co/AzbaGvsNWv
Thank you for being some of the best parts of my childhood. Holidays and sick days I would watch at 1:25pm and then again in the evening. Tell me I wasn’t the only one to do that? 👀 https://t.co/EbLwExzxPj
@neighbours I’ll be forever grateful for the experience & the friends I made on @neighbours. We had no idea how big the show would become and how passionately viewers would take it to heart. Pure love! 💞🏡 I can still hear Madge calling … CHARLENE!!!!
@neighbours I'm so sorry to hear Neighbours will end. Aside from being the incredible launch pad it's been no one can deny the effect it's had throughout millions of homes around the world. It's bonded all of us in immeasurable ways. A true honour to have been a part of it. Great memories Xx
@neighbours Watched the show with near religious devotion and then the stars aligned and I was on the show for 18 months.. eye opening, nurturing. I was so lucky to have had the experience I did, it helped me grow into who I am today. A lifetime ago but a time look back in with fondness…💔
@neighbours This was my Neighbours generation. Every night after high school, I tuned into Ringo, Declan, Rachel, Zeke, Donna, Kate, Summer, and Andrew. Sad to see iconic show come to an end. 😔
@neighbours Absolutely devastated. This show has been with me my entire life. Can’t believe it’s coming to an end. The current cast and crew are incredible. I just know you guy will do the show proud. Really sad day
@neighbours Extremely saddened by this, it’s like losing a loved one who’s been in your home for as long as you can remember. Always a comfort no matter what. The quality has been top lately & glad it’s going out on a high. I’d happily pay for a streaming Neighbours channel or box set!
@neighbours Heartbroken. Never missed an episode of Neighbours since it began! It can never be replaced. It will be like a bereavement to me. Best wishes & good luck to all the cast & crew past & present. Thank you for giving us so much joy & entertainment over the years. 👏👏👏
RIP to a national treasure that will never be forgotten! 💛
And in honour of Neighbours being laid to rest, share your favourite storylines (no matter if they're cute, progressive, bizarre or just downright iconic) in the comments below!