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Neighbours will go off air over Christmas from December 24 in the UK

From Digital Spy

Neighbours is set to take a break over Christmas in the UK ahead of a return in the New Year.

The Aussie soap currently has a big gap between its original air date Down Under and its transmission in the UK.

However, much like many other soaps, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the number of episodes this year has been reduced, and Channel 5 adjusted its broadcast schedule earlier this year, to keep the soap on air for UK viewers for as long as possible.

Photo credit: Fremantle - Channel 5
Photo credit: Fremantle - Channel 5

Related: 11 huge Neighbours spoilers for next week

Channel 5 has now confirmed that the soap will be off air in the UK after December 23's episode, returning on January 4.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties surrounding production, Channel 5 took a precautionary measure to reduce the number of Neighbours episodes earlier this year, ensuring that dedicated viewers could enjoy the soap for as long as possible," the channel said in a statement.

Photo credit: Fremantle - Channel 5
Photo credit: Fremantle - Channel 5

"Currently, Channel 5's full schedule means it is unlikely that we will be able to catch up with the transmission of episodes in Australia in the near future.

"Neighbours will return to UK screens on the 4th January 2021, and we hope that viewers will continue to enjoy watching Neighbours with the profound affection that we know many of them hold for the soap."

Earlier this year, Neighbours became the first soap to resume production amid the pandemic, and subsequently helped to give advice to other shows as they filmed with increased restrictions.

Neighbours airs on weekdays at 1pm and 5:30pm on Channel 5.


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