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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Vickie Scullard

Home and Away facing the TV axe after 31 years as ratings hit all-time low

It used to be a tea-time staple for millions but Home and Away is facing the axe after 31 years.

The Australian soap, based in the fictional town of Summer Bay, is in danger of being cancelled after ratings have hit an all-time low.

According to reports, show bosses are believed to be rethinking its future following a slump in viewing figures while reality TV shows continue to dominate the schedules.

The soap first aired back in 1988 and is currently aired in the UK on Channel 5 and Channel Seven in Australia.

Home and Away currently airs in Oz at 7pm for 30 minutes from Mondays to Thursdays, while in the UK it airs twice - 1.15 and 6pm over on Channel 5.

Alf (centre) played by Ray Meagher (Channel 5)

The Mirror reports that sources blamed the later broadcast slot in Australia and a slew of very popular reality shows, such as Married At First Sight which airs on a rival Aussie channel, dominating the national conversation.

The publication says Channel Seven is said to be 'under pressure' to make changes to its scheduling but could pull the soap altogether.

Home and Away trailer 2019

This is likely to sadden fans of the long-running soap, which was a staple part of the TV calendar throughout the 1990s along with rival Aussie programme Neighbours.

Memorable faces including Alf, Sally and Fisher made up the sun-kissed cast, with the first episode introducing long-standing characters Tom and Pippa who arrived into the Bay with their five foster children.

The soap has often challenged stereotypes over the years such as featuring same sex couple policewoman Charlie Buckton having a relationship with guest character Joey Collins back in 2009.

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