Stefan Dennis has broken his silence in the wake of the sad news of Neighbours’ latest cancellation. The actor, who plays Ramsay Street stalwart Paul Robinson, branded the axing of the beloved Aussie soap a ‘crushing blow’ to both the industry and the fans.
![[Paul Robinson holds his head in his hands as Terese offers support over a brew in Neighbours]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stefan-Dennis-Paul-Robinson-Rebekah-Elmaloglou-Terese-Willis-ca9e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
It was confirmed last week that Neighbours will end in December, with primary funders Amazon pulling out two years after their free ad-supported service resuscitated the series. Neighbours was previously axed by longtime UK broadcaster Channel 5, who wanted to produce more ‘original drama’.
The show ended in 2022 with a star-studded finale featuring big names including Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Guy Pearce, who all rose to fame in Erinsborough. Amazon Freevee subsequently revived Neighbours, which returned to screens in 2023 on the ad-supported service.
The closure of Freevee, however, left Neighbours’ fate up in the air. The show transferred to the free section of Amazon Prime, where it frequently charts at the top spot of the most popular section in the UK. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.
Up Next. But the streaming service has opted against renewal, with Neighbours set to end later in the year. Stefan, who has played Paul Robinson since the very first episode in 1985, has spoken out in the wake of the news, with a ‘special message’ aimed at those who have ‘loved and supported’ Neighbours over the years.
‘It has taken some days to respond after the unexpected news on Friday,’ he wrote on Instagram. ‘I was absorbing, digesting and reflecting on what has happened, not because I was losing something I love dearly but because it’s the sad ending to an iconic piece of Australian television history.
‘This is a crushing blow to both the industry and a show which has employed, helped and nurtured so many. I feel for all of you who are losing a faithful vault of daily entertainment and my heart goes out to all the cast, crew and production staff. ‘I have had the pleasure of working with an on going group of very loyal and passionate colleagues.
‘I have also had the privilege and honour of crossing my working paths with some of the greatest and most respected names in television, film, stage and music (in all departments) over the years and can easily say I have enjoyed and treasured those moments.
‘So a huge, flag raising salute to all involved over the decades. I cannot begin to tell you about my life that has been Neighbours but I’m glad I strapped in because it has been one hell of a ride. ‘So thank you to all of you for your dedication, support, love and viewing for the last 40 years.’.
Despite the looming end, Neighbours fans aren’t giving up without a fight, with a petition having been launched to find the popular soap a new home. At the time of writing, it has garnered an impressive 5,300 signatures. The previous petition, which was launched in 2022 to save the serial after Channel 5’s axing, is thought to have played a pivotal role in Amazon Freevee’s decision to invest, so it seems not all hope is lost.
Neighbours streams for free Mondays to Thursdays from 7am on Amazon Prime Video. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
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