Neighbours will be dropped from the Channel 5 schedule this summer,Digital Spy can confirm, while its production company Fremantle have shared that the show's production will be paused indefinitely while they search for a new broadcaster to collaborate with.

A statement from the show's British broadcaster officially verified the news following atabloid leak on Saturday evening.

In an official statement released toDigital Spy, a Channel 5 spokesperson explained: "Neighbourswill 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."

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The representative added: "We'd also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support ofNeighbours across the years. 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."

Fremantle Media executive producer Jason Herbison said in an email to staff and crew that the show's future had been uncertain for a time and that, while he was hopeful the show could find a broadcaster in due course, for now the show must be "rested".

"Our audience remains steady and [Australian partner] Channel 10 would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace [Channel 5]," Herbison said (viaThe Sunday Morning Herald). "These discussions are ongoing, however, there is no new broadcaster at the moment and production must end, effectively resting the show.

"We are so proud of the show, you all and everything that you've achieved. But for now, this chapter is closing and we want to work together to giveNeighbours the amazing send-off it deserves."

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The show's Australian broadcaster Channel 10 has also released a statement, echoing these sentiments.

"As outlined in the email toNeighbours cast and crew, it is our intention to continue our association withNeighbours if another broadcast partner comes forward. Channel 10 has an ongoing commitment to the show, the cast and crew and is hopeful that Fremantle will find a new production partner. We will provide further updates as they become available."

Channel 5's decision marks the end of an era, asNeighbours has been a crucial part of the station's daytime schedule since 2008, and the show itself has been on air more than 36 years.

Neighbours remains one of the broadcaster's most-watched programmes each week, but a report inThe Sun has suggested that Channel 5 pulled its funding for the show for budget reasons. The cost of fundingNeighbours' ongoing production was reportedly "too expensive" for the channel to continue with.

Digital Spy understands that Channel 5's final episode ofNeighbours will air in August.

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In the past couple of years, Channel 5 has found success with airing stripped 9pm dramas, such asThe Teacher,Lie With Me andCold Call.

The channel has also brought in large audiences with its adaptation ofAll Creatures Great and Small.

Neighbours' UK broadcasts originally aired on BBC One from 1986 until 2008, when Channel 5 put in a successful bid to take over.

The station has worked closely with the Australian team in recent years, organising late-night specials, on-screen competitions and big storylines to tie in with the UK broadcast schedule.

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).

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