Die-hard As a campaign to save Neighbours gets traction, fans have helped push the show’s classic theme tune to the top of the UK charts.
Barry Crocker, a Gold Logie winner, released the Neighbours theme tune in 1985. The song, written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, was broadcast until 1992 when it was replaced with a rerecorded version of Crocker’s original tune, performed by Melbourne artist Greg Hind.
Following the end of the show in the United Kingdom, fans rushed to social media to try to push the theme song to number one, demonstrating their love for the long-running series.
The campaign appeared to be a success, as the 80s classic rose to the top of the charts, beating out Elton John, Ed Sheerhan, and Adele.
What if we would all download the original Neighbours theme from Barry Crocker on iTunes & Spotify and try to get it in the charts to show how much we love it! Maybe that could help to raise more attention to how much we love and need @NeighboursTV in our lives. #saveneighbours pic.twitter.com/FtI1oxDtwc
— Corine (@FloatingIsland) February 8, 2022
Hardcore fans of the series have not only pushed the Neighbours theme to number one, but they’ve also started a Change.org petition to save the much-loved show. Over 43,000 signatures have been collected in support of a petition to keep the show on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom.
“Neighbours has been a staple on UK TVs for almost 35 years – and has been watched by generations,” says Edward Skylover, who created the petition.
He stated, “It now risks the axe due to allegations that Channel 5 is struggling to reach an agreement with Fremantle Media.”
“Neighbours is more than just a TV show; it is a source of comfort and enjoyment for generations of fans who have watched it for decades. It is one of the most popular TV shows in the UK, attracting people from all walks of life to Channel 5’s lineup of channels.” Adele is a fan as well. We beg you, Channel 5, to find a solution to keep Neighbours on the air.”
Neighbours have a record-breaking 36-year run, having launched the careers of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Margot Robbie.
Following a report in the UK tabloid The Sun about the show’s termination, Channel 5 stated that British viewers will no longer be able to see the small-screen mainstay until it is taken up by another broadcaster.
While the show has been a “much-loved” feature of the Channel 5 schedule for more than a decade, a spokeswoman for the network told The Guardian that they “recognize” there will be “disappointment” over the decision, the network’s “present focus is on growing our investment in original UK drama.”
