Neighbours 'at risk of cancellation' after episodes are slashed to four a week

NEIGHBOURS is reportedly at risk of cancellation after its episodes were slashed in Australia.

The Channel 5 soap has aired for five nights a week for the last 36 years – but now it has been slashed to just four.

Instead of its usual Friday night edition, fans down under can watch a repeat of Friends instead – the sitcom that ended in 2004.

A statement announcing the shock decision, said: “From July 26, Neighbours will air four nights a week.

“On Fridays, viewers can laugh along with their favourite Friends.”

It has been claimed the decision has been made to let the UK broadcast catch up with the Australian transmission to stop spoilers from leaking.

However it is the first time in the show’s history that it hasn’t aired five nights a week.

Woman’s Day also reports that co-producer Channel 5 aren’t happy with the show’s current state.

The insider told the publication: “Channel 5 aren't happy.

“They think the show is stale. They're deciding whether to continue the show or not."

They added: "I can't stress how much this move shows Neighbours is no longer the powerhouse in the UK that it once was.

"Many believe this is the beginning of the end.

“It doesn't help that the cast's contracts are also said to be stripped back too – with many of them only being renewed for a few months at a time."

The Sun has contacted Channel 5 for comment.