Neighbours fans were shocked last weekend by the announcement that UK broadcaster Channel 5 would be pulling its funding from the popular Australian show, placing the soap in jeopardy of axe should it not find an alternative broadcaster to assist production.
Amid the news, a fan petition was started calling for the show to be saved after 36 years on air, citing it as a "source of comfort and entertainment for generations of fans". Now, the petition has amassed an incredible 50,000 signatures in a week, with numbers continuing to climb.
The soap has also achieved another milestone this week as its iconic theme tune has earned the number one spot on iTunes.
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Fremantle Media, who partnered with Australia's Channel 10 and the UK's Channel 5 to produce the show, outlined its hopes for the soap continuing, though acknowledged at least for now there must be a hiatus.
"Our audience remains steady and Channel 10 would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace [Channel 5]," executive producer Jason Herbison said (via The Sunday Morning Herald). "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."
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Current and previous cast members have been vocal in their sadness at the situation and keenness for various parties to step in and help the show stay on air.
Former star Rob Mills, who played Finn Kelly on the soap until last year, has even asked the Australian government to provide additional funding, emphasising Neighbours' importance for providing thousands of jobs within numerous departments of the television industry.
Annie Jones, who's portrayed Jane Harris since 1986, echoed these sentiments stating: "I pray the show will be saved somehow. We need Neighbours to continue for the sake of our upcoming film and television makers."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
