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London: Neighbours fans have launched a petition to keep the soap on British television after it was reported that its future could be in jeopardy.
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But The Sunday People newspaper has reported that talks between the channel and makers Fremantle Media have stalled, leading to fears the programme could switch to another channel or even be axed.
"The renegotiation of the Neighbours Channel 5 deal has become very fraught and is in jeopardy," one source told the paper.
"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."
Fans have launched a petition on the website Change.org to save the soap, which launched the careers of stars including Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
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"Due to issues between production companies, there is a real possibility that, unless an agreement is reached, Neighbours could be axed from UK TV," the petition reads.
"It is a huge part of British culture and has a massive UK following! We, the fans, are petitioning to Channel 5 and Fremantle Group to keep Neighbours on our screens!!"
Neighbours 2010 cast on the set are (L-R) Kym Valentine (Libby Kennedy), Margot Robbie (Donna Freedman), Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Alan Flectcher (Karl Kennedy) and Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy). Photo: Justin McManus
So far 2060 people have signed it.
A spokesman for Channel 5 said: "We don't comment on commercial contracts."