EXCLUSIVE: Sophie Dillman, widely known for her role as Ziggy Astoni on the iconic Australian soap opera Home and Away, has stated she is unsure what the cancellation of rival show Neighbours means for the show.
Sophie Dillman, star of Home and Away, has acknowledged she “doesn’t know” what the cancellation of rival serial Neighbours will entail for the show.
Last month, it was announced that the renowned Australian serial Neighbours would be canceled after nearly 40 years on the air, due to a lack of funding from UK network Channel 5.
Its Australian network, Fremantle Media, tried to find new means to fund the show, but after lengthy talks, it was unable to find a new home for Neighbours.
“Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 after this summer,” said a statement from Channel 5. We’d like to congratulate the cast, Fremantle, and the entire production crew for their amazing work on this landmark series, which has been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade.
“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.”
Channel 5 also expressed gratitude to its ardent supporters.
As the long-running show comes to an end later this year, a number of cast members have expressed their sadness, including Sophie from Home and Away, who shared her disappointment with her co-stars.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, she explained: “I’m devastated that Neighbours is gone. It was such an iconic Australian television show.
“I knew so many people working on it and it’s heartbreaking to see.
“It was such a great starting ground for not only actors but cast, crew and directors. So we’re heartbroken to know that it’s gone.”
The star went on: “I don’t know what that means for Home and Away but it’s certainly… when we heard we were all very, very sad.”
Despite the fact that both Home and Away and Neighbours are currently broadcast on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, Home and Away’s home production business is owned by Seven Network, which means they are not experiencing the same issues.
Fans of Home and Away may rest assured that there will be lots more drama in Summer Bay.
Many Australian actors, however, have been in both Home and Away and Neighbours, as well as UK soaps such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and EastEnders.
Both Channel 5 soaps have included actors such as Guy Pearce, Rebekah Elmaloglou, and Isabella Giovinazzo.
- Home and Away: Ethan Browne reveals major tragedy ahead for Tane Parata
- Home and Away spoilers: Lukas Radovich teases possible exit for Ryder with big new plan to ‘live his best life’Â
- Former onscreen lovers Sarah Roberts and Zoe Ventoura enjoy a well-overdue Home and Away reunionÂ
- Cheers to a new job! Sam Frost joins friends for a pub crawl in Newtown
