FURIOUS Neighbours fans are calling for a boycott of Channel 5 after it confirmed the "heartbreaking" decision to axe the Australian soap opera.

Thousands have signed online petitions calling for the show to be saved after the broadcaster said that it will no longer screen the soap beyond August, claiming it is to increase its investment in UK drama instead.

Victoria Waters, who lives in Polegate was among the first to sign the petition.

She said: "Neighbours is one of the few soaps that transports me to a happy place.

"The brightness, the sun, the characters, the street, the nostalgia. It simply cannot go.”

Unless Neighbours is picked up by another broadcaster it will come to the end of the road after 37 years in August.

The long-running show helped to launch the careers of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, as well as Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Guy Pearce. 

The Argus: Neighbours launched the career of Kylie Minogue Neighbours launched the career of Kylie Minogue

Australian broadcaster Network Ten says it is determined to save the soap, but it needs a new backer.

Channel 5 thanked fans for their "loyal support" over the years, but now faces a huge backlash over the "shock" decision to axe the show which still attracts more than a million daily UK viewers. Fans include singer Adele.

The hashtag SaveNeighbours has been trending on Twitter.

Fan Amanda Dean, from London, said: "I love this programme. I remember my nan and my mum watching this when I was growing up.

"And now I watch it with my daughters and my nine-year-old granddaughter who loves it too. Please don't scrap it."

Brenda Beech, 79, from Walsall, West Midlands, said: "It is heartbreaking: afternoons just won't be the same."

Aussie actress Jordy Lucas, who played Summer Hoyland in the soap, tweeted: "So sad to hear about Neighbours. Broken heart: really hope they can find another UK partner.

"The show is a springboard for young actors and steadily employs so many crew. Such a shame."

A Ten spokesperson said: "it is our intention to continue our association with Neighbours if another broadcast partner comes forward.

“Network 10 has an ongoing commitment to the show, the cast and crew and is hopeful that Fremantle will find a new production partner.”

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.