Following the shocking reports that Neighbours might be dropped from Channel 5, fans have launched a petition to prove that the soap has a loyal UK fanbase who don't want to see it go.

At the time of writing, the change.org petition has had over 2500 signatures within its first day of being published.

Among the fans who have signed is CBBC Newsround host Ricky Boleto, who tweeted: "You can't deny the Neighbours fans from their daily aussie fix."

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. You can't deny the Neighbours fans from their daily aussie fix. https://t.co/lJr1VSGyJj @NeighboursTV — Ricky Boleto (@rickyboleto) March 19, 2017

Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 5 and production company FremantleMedia regarding the reports, which began in the tabloid newspapers.

The reports state that the channel's owners, Viacom, don't see the appeal of the soap and are unwilling to renegotiate the show's return.

A spokesperson for both the network and production company has stated that they "don't comment on commercial contracts".

Channel 5

The worry is that if Neighbours is dropped from Channel 5 and another big-name UK broadcaster doesn't pick it up, the show will be axed completely.

In its home country of Australia, Neighbours only airs on a digital channel with a smaller viewership, while in the UK it is one of the most-watched shows on Channel 5.

Perhaps as a tribute to UK fans, the soap is set air 'London week' next week as the explosive conclusion to the Fake Dee Bliss storyline and, having seen it, it's pretty darn good.

While we don't know yet if Neighbours is in any real danger, there's no harm in signing the petition anyway, right?

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.

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