Former Neighbours star Madeleine West gets emotional as she discusses show axe

 "It was such an honour to be part of such an iconic show."

Former Neighbours star Madeleine West appeared on talk show Studio 10 to discuss the show's cancellation.

"What an honour it was and has been to work on a show like Neighbours, and how heartbreaking it is that it is finishing," she told the hosts.

West, who isn't currently in the show, is best known for her roles as Dee Bliss and Andrea Somers on the soap.

During the interview, West discussed her time on the Australian series and revealed that her role was initially meant to be a lot smaller.

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"It was initially just a two-week role, which became 11 weeks, which then became 6 months and here we are some twenty-something years later and it has become such a pivotal part of my life.

"It was my absolute training ground. It's where I learnt my craft and more importantly my passion for storytelling so I can't thank Neighbours enough for that opportunity," she added.

West was initially killed off in the soap but returned 17 years later to play her own twin and called it "the kind of challenge that every actor wants".

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The soap star recalled a touching experience where she met the mother of a baby who was dying of cancer who referred to her as a "friend".

"It was only at that moment that I realised that being beamed into people's living rooms five days a week – you become part of their family."

An emotional West added that the soap has been a source of comfort and companionship for those who are alone.

"The cast of Neighbours has been their best friend for 37 years and it's so heartbreaking and it's going, I just want to thank the gods of Neighbours for giving me that opportunity."

Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. The series finale will air in the UK on July 29 at 9pm on Channel 5.