Jordy Lucas, who portrayed Summer Hoyland on the popular Australian serial, has expressed her sadness when Channel 5 announced it will no longer carry the show.
A statement from the channel said: “Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer.
“It’s been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade, and we’d like to thank the cast, Fremantle, and all of the production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series.
“We’d also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbours across the years.
“We recognize that there will be disappointed about this decision, however, our current focus is on increasing our investment in original UK drama, which has strong appeal for our viewers.”
Jordy, who played Summer Hoyland on Neighbours from 2010 to 2013, has expressed her shock at the news, telling the Daily Star: “I was devastated to hear the news because the program holds such a particular place in my heart.
According to The Sun, the show’s cast and crew were not notified of Fremantle’s decision in Australia, with a source saying: “The decision has not been communicated to the Melbourne cast and crew.
“They will be devastated. Neighbors is an institution people grew up with.”
Speaking about the report, Jordy said: “I’m sure they are pretty devastated. I can’t imagine how they must feel.
“They definitely should have been given the heads up. In addition to the cast, the crew and everyone behind the scenes should have been told to.
“The show employs so many people, it’s heartbreaking that so many people will lose consistent work.”
Jordy went on to say that she believes it would be a mistake for the show to be canceled permanently, and she hopes that another network will support Neighbours in order to keep it on the air.
She added: “It may be my own bias, but I definitely think the show is irreplaceable! Obviously, these decisions are based on business and figures, but I feel like there will be a hole left in so many lives.
“The show is such a springboard for young actors. It’s also one of only 2 shows in Australia that consistently employs actors and crew, so it’s a huge loss for our film & TV industry.”
In order to reclaim some viewers, the Neighbours star also said that if the show is given another opportunity, it should “remain focused on why people loved it in the first place.”
Jordy has launched the website itsallher.com, which focuses on news and “honest media for Australian women” since leaving the serial.
