Neighbors will be cut from the UK TV schedule after nearly four decades, with Channel 5 saying it will increase investment in original UK drama instead.

In a statement provided to Sky News, a Channel 5 spokesperson said: “Neighbors will no longer be shown on Channel 5 beyond this summer.

“It’s been a much-loved part of our program for over a decade, and we want to thank the cast, Fremantle and the entire production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series.

“We would also like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbors over the years.

“We recognize there will be disappointment about this decision, but our current focus is to increase our investment in original British drama, which has strong appeal to our viewers.”

It comes after reports that Channel 5, Fremantle Media and Australian broadcaster Channel 10 had tried to strike a deal to secure the show’s future.

The soap opera, which is filmed in Australia, has depended on Channel 5 funding in recent years.

It reportedly attracted an audience of over one million viewers in the UK through two daily broadcasts.

In Australia, it airs on a digital channel to a smaller audience.

Neighbors began its depiction of the lives of residents of Ramsay Street in 1985 and was shown in the UK for the first time the following year.

According to The Sun, which first raised doubts about the show’s future, producers are considering bringing back pop star Kylie Minogue for a guest appearance.

Minogue began her soap opera career as tomboyish mechanic Charlene Robinson, but left in 1988 to pursue music.

Since then, the soap has launched the careers of a number of Australian actors, actresses and musicians, including Alan Dale, Craig McLachlan, Delta Goodrem, Guy Pearce, Jesse Spencer and Margot Robbie.