Jason Donovan has stated that while the cancellation of the Australian soap opera Neighbours is disappointing, it is now time to rejoice.
Neighbours premiered in 1985 and covers the lives of those who live and work in Erinsborough, a fictional Melbourne suburb.
From 1986 through 1989, Donovan, 53, played Scott Robinson on the soap.
After failing to seek new funding after being dumped by its broadcaster earlier this year, the series, which is set in the cul-de-sac neighborhood of Ramsay Street, will end production in June.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Donovan said: “I think it’s sad… but I think it’s time to celebrate Neighbours.
“It has kept my family employed for a long time, to be honest.
“My daughter is currently in it, my dad was in it, I think we should be grateful for what it’s given Australia, it’s given actors, producers, writers, directors.”
Scott, played by Donovan, was the on-screen lover of Charlene Mitchell, played by Kylie Minogue, an Australian actor and singer.
Scott and Charlene were the power couple on Ramsay Street, and their fans loved them.
When their wedding originally aired in Australia, it drew in over two million viewers, and when it was screened in the United Kingdom in 1988, it drew in about 20 million.
The ceremony went down in history as one of the most-watched television events of the decade.
“My father fought incredibly hard for Australian content in television in the 1970s because governments at the time wanted to bring in cheaper exports, and it’s as a result of that that we have productions like Neighbours, Priscilla, Muriel’s Wedding, Moulin Rouge, an identity through the arts,” Donovan continued.
We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June. pic.twitter.com/YwlDZPb7zB
— Neighbours (@neighbours) March 3, 2022
Minogue, 53, said she will be “forever thankful” for her time on Neighbours when the show’s cancellation was revealed.
“We had no clue how large the program would become and how passionately people would take it to heart,” she said on Twitter, paying tribute to the soap.
“Pure love! I can still hear Madge calling… CHARLENE!!!!”
Hollywood stars like Margot Robbie and Liam Hemsworth got their start on the show.
