BBC Drop Neighbours - 5th May 2007 12:20pm
Originally Posted by Digital Spy
BBC chiefs have pulled out of negotiations for Australian soap Neighbours, according to a report in The Mirror today.
The show will now leave BBC screens next year after distributor Fremantle refused to accept the corporation's offer of £70,000 per episode, instead demanding that executives match ITV's bid of £104,000.
It is now believed that the bidding war for the soap will continue between ITV and Five. ITV are keen to secure a daytime hit after struggling since Paul O'Grady defected to Channel 4 in 2006, while Five are hoping to create an Aussie soap hour by running Neighbours and Home and Away back-to-back.
The show will now leave BBC screens next year after distributor Fremantle refused to accept the corporation's offer of £70,000 per episode, instead demanding that executives match ITV's bid of £104,000.
It is now believed that the bidding war for the soap will continue between ITV and Five. ITV are keen to secure a daytime hit after struggling since Paul O'Grady defected to Channel 4 in 2006, while Five are hoping to create an Aussie soap hour by running Neighbours and Home and Away back-to-back.
Lol, I am slightly surprised, but its good to see that the BBC are not wasting public money.
Digital Spy Report