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Neighbours is in danger of being axed because talks between producers and Channel 5 have reportedly stalled.

The popular Australian soap which first aired in the UK in 1986, could be ditched after broadcasters failed to agree new terms.

It is currently shown on Channel 5 but TV insiders claim talks with makers FremantleMedia to renegotiate a deal have stalled.

If an agreement can’t be reached then Neighbours could move to another channel or there is a real risk it could disappear from British screens completely.

(Image: channel 5)

A source said: “The renegotiation of the Neighbours Channel 5 deal has become very fraught and is in jeopardy. Channel 5 really want to keep the show.

“But the failure to reach a deal is being blamed on Channel 5’s new American owners Viacom refusing to sign off on the figures and not understanding the cultural importance of the show in the UK.

“Neighbours has become a British TV favourite and it would be a sad day if it were to go.”

Neighbours has remained popular with UK viewers and is known for catapulting Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan to global fame.

The show, regarded as Australia’s greatest soap export, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015.

(Image: Rex Features)

The series follows the residents of Ramsay Street including Kylie and Jason’s characters iconic characters Charlene and Scott.

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It was first screened by the BBC and saw around 21 million viewers tuning in at its peak in 1990 but switched to Channel 5 nine years ago.

Channel 5 has declined to comment.