Neighbours airs on-screen reference to Save Neighbours petition – but did you spot it?

 The show gives the real-life campaign a shout-out.

Neighbours has aired a subtle thank-you to the fan who started a petition to save the show.

In February, Neighbours superfan "Edward Skylover" launched a Change.org petition calling on Channel 5 to reconsider its decision to drop the iconic Australian soap.

The petition brought in 67,000 signatures and made headlines on both sides of the world, but Channel 5 refused to budge despite Neighbours being one of its most-watched shows.

Friday's Neighbours episode on Channel 5 (April 29) featured a veiled reference to the petition in a scene featuring Terese Willis and Chloe Brennan.

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The surprise moment came as Terese and Chloe discussed their favourite topic – Fashion Week at Lassiters.

Chloe told Terese: "The livestream tickets to the show are selling like crazy."

Terese asked: "Okay, who's managing them?"

Chloe replied: "Edward Skylover. The buzz he's generated is huge."

Looks like the Neighbours team were very grateful for the support.

It's not the first time that the show has given a secret shout-out recently, as another superfan, Alan – who runs the Neighbours HQ page on Twitter – also had a subtle reference on screen earlier this month.

Neighbours' script producer Shane Isheev, who came up with the idea, then tweeted: "Just a small little shoutout for being such a wonderful and loyal supporter of the show. Who knows what other superfan names might be popping up over the coming months?"

Channel 5 announced its decision to drop Neighbours in early February, vowing to focus on "increasing our investment in original UK drama" instead.

It's thought that talks with Neighbours' production company Fremantle broke down due to costs, with Channel 5 branding the Aussie soap's price tag "too expensive".

Although Fremantle searched for another UK broadcasting partner to team up with, the hunt was unsuccessful and production on Neighbours will now end in June. The final episode will air on August 1.

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A spokesperson for Fremantle said: "It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in the summer.

"Following the loss of a key broadcast partner in the UK, and despite a search for alternative funding, we currently have no option but to rest the show.

"Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out.

"The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world, launching the careers of dozens of household names along the way.

"But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves."

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play.