Neighbours star Georgie Stone discovered show axe news on Twitter

 "I didn't know if it was real or not."

Neighbours star Georgie Stone has admitted that she only knew the show was being axed when she read about it on Twitter.

News that Channel 5 was dropping Neighbours leaked in the UK media on the evening of Saturday, February 5 – Sunday morning in Australia – and appeared to take some of the show's cast members by surprise.

Cast and crew were later informed that the media reports were true and that production would end on June 10. A cast meeting was held to discuss the sad news.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy about Neighbours' demise, Georgie – who plays Mackenzie Hargreaves – explained: "It is a real shame. I was really sad.

 Neighbours star Georgie Stone promises "hope" for Mackenzie after Hendrix's death

"I saw the news first online – on Twitter – and I didn't know if it was real or not until I got a call from one of the producers, saying that it was true.

"It's not fun to find out that you're losing your job via social media.

"I think I was going to leave at some point this year anyway, but I was sad that there wouldn't be future generations of young actors who get to have this experience on the show."

Digital Spy understands that the Neighbours team were informed in 2021 that Channel 5 had only agreed to a one-year contract renewal – much shorter than previous extensions – with an uncertain future beyond that.

 Neighbours star Lucinda Cowden responds to Toadie's surprise proposal for Mel

When Channel 5 ultimately decided to drop the show, the news leaked before it could be communicated to the full cast.

Paying tribute to Neighbours, Georgie added: "I don't know where I'd be without it. I wouldn't have had all this wonderful knowledge that I now have – and the love for this job.

"I also felt sad for the crew, whose home this was for decades and the actors whose home it was for decades.

"I'm just sad for the fans as well – because they've invested so many years into this beautiful show, which still has so much life in it. It's sad that it's coming to an end."

Neighbours had its final day of filming last week and the show's finale is scheduled to air on August 1.

Recent UK episodes, focusing on the tragic loss of Hendrix Greyson and Mackenzie's grief in the aftermath, have received high praise from fans who have hailed the show for going out on a high.

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.