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A fight over the Neighbours

Contractual negotiations over Neighbours continue between the BBC and Fremantle with news today that the broadcaster is ready to walk away from a deal that is on the table.

Last week it was reported that rival broadcaster ITV was offering Fremantle £80,000 an episode. The BBC is said to have upped its offer from £25,000 to £70,000.

But it has also called Fremantle greedy and unprofessional.

One BBC source has gone so far as to say, “one of the reasons the show has the status it does in Australia is that it is shown on the BBC. Let them see what happens if it goes elsewhere.”

Ouch.

That’s when good Neighbours become good ex-Neighbours?

In addition to ITV, Channel Five is also interested.

One only hopes that if there’s more money in the kitty (and that is clear) that more is injected back into production, cast and creatives.

Sources: Daily Telegraph, Digital Spy.

3 Responses

  1. Without BBC, Neighbours would have been axed a LONG time ago. It’s the international revenue that’s keeping the show on the air.

    The ratings have been awful, and that’s no surprise. Neighbours probably has one of the worst ensemble casts I’ve ever seen on TV, and the dialogue only accentuates that. I say get it off the air, and fast.

  2. I think the BBC are kidding themselves if they think it has a “higher status” in Australia because it is on the BBC … what crap! And suddenly the BBC find an extra 45K an episode … how rude!
    But at least, with more money, it may turn into a decent show … (sorry, still can’t stand to watch it, even with the wonderful Rowena … I tried, I really did!).

  3. I dont think people in Australia realise just how big Neighbours is overseas, esspecially the UK & Europe. I hope it stays on the BBC personally, why mess up a perfectly good relationship!
    Good to see Neighbours ratings in Australia picking up to with the wonderful Rowena Wallace gracing our screens again!

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