The creator of popular Australian television show Neighbours, Reg Watson, has died aged 93.

Key points: Watson created popular Australian programs including Neighbours and Sons and Daughters

Watson created popular Australian programs including Neighbours and Sons and Daughters Kylie Minogue paid her respects to Watson on Twitter, saying the show had reached millions of people

Kylie Minogue paid her respects to Watson on Twitter, saying the show had reached millions of people Watson was given a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the media

The show announced his death on Saturday evening.

Neighbours, set on the fictional Ramsay Street, is Australia's longest-running drama and is due to celebrate its 35th year in 2020.

Executive producer of the show, Jason Herbison, described Watson as "a pioneer of drama" and "a lovely person to work with".

The producer and screenwriter was also known for creating Prisoner: Cell Block H (1979), The Young Doctors (1976) and Sons and Daughters (1982).

Fan favourites Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan on Neighbours in 1987, during their wedding episode. ( Supplied )

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Neighbours favourite Kylie Minogue paid her respects to Watson on Twitter, saying the show had reached millions of people.

"What a legacy Reg Watson leaves. For me, and millions of others, Neighbours impacted our lives. My thoughts and best wishes to his family and friends."

Actress Colette Mann posted she was "eternally grateful for his talent and grace".

"I was lucky enough to be cast in two of the great shows created by the brilliant Reg Watson ... before the days of the ubiquitous reality boom," she wrote.

Watson grew up in Queensland, and had roles as a radio actor and later an announcer.

He moved to the UK in 1955 where he became head of light entertainment at ATV.

In 2010, Watson was given a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the media as a pioneer in the creation and production of serial television drama.

ATV also paid tribute to Watson, describing him as a private man and a founding member of Associated Television.