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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

Neighbours ending is huge 'loss to industry', says screenwriter as finale looms

Neighbours ending after 37 years is a huge 'loss in industry training' for aspiring actors, a long-time screenwriter said.

The Australian soap launched the careers of icons including Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.

And now, screenwriter Sarah Mayberry discussed the effects the series finale will have on many.

"The industry does not yet fully comprehend what they have lost in terms of industry training," Sarah told AAP.

"It's going to be a while before it sinks in that those opportunities are no longer there."

Sarah has been a writer on the show since 1998 and even penned 230 episodes of the long-running show.

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan in 1987 (AFP)
Margot's career was also launched on the show (Getty Images)

The Channel 5 soap will come to an end this Friday, July 29 after nearly four decades on screen.

Bosses have remained tight-lipped about the exact way the final plays out, they have promised a happy and emotional ending.

Alan Fletcher - who plays Karl Kennedy in the show - insisted there will still be more drama ahead in the coming days as the final looms.

Asked if the show's legacy will be celebrated in its final week, he told Metro.co.uk: "No question!

Russell Crowe also appeared in a couple of episodes (BBC)

"That’s exactly what the storyliners and the executive producer were aiming for. And there will be some nice little twists and turns in there to intrigue the audience.

"It wouldn’t be Neighbours without that! But there is also going to be a celebratory mood around the show."

He added: "There will be a few tears in a few living rooms when it airs on July 29!"

The show being axed was confirmed earlier this year, much to the disappointment of loyal fans.

Alan discussed the finale of the show (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)

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At the time, a spokesperson for Channel 5 confirmed the show would be ending, as they said in a statement: "Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer. It’s been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade, and we’d like to thank the cast, Fremantle and all of the production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series.

"We’d also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbours across the years."

They added: "We recognise that there will be disappointment about this decision, however our current focus is on increasing our investment in original UK drama, which has strong appeal for our viewers."

*Neighbours: The Finale airs as a double episode special on Channel 5 on Friday 29th July at 9pm.

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