Neighbours announced for shock 2023 return following Channel 5 axe

 We're heading back to Ramsay Street!

Neighbours is set to return to screens with a brand new home.

The Australian soap was cancelled by Channel 5 earlier this year following 37 years on air, with the last episode airing in July.

But in a shocking twist, the iconic show is returning for a brand new series in 2023.

Following the fanfare surrounding the ending, streaming service Amazon Freevee started conversations with Fremantle, and the platform will now be the home to the Ramsay Street soap.

It will air exclusively for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and USA, as well as hold streaming rights to thousands of episodes from the previous seasons.

The series will also stream on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Australia’s Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new episodes.

Neighbours stars Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy) and Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) have been announced to be returning to reprise their leading roles, while Jason Herbison is also returning as executive producer.

Production on the revitalised series will start early next year, and the world premiere will be in the second half of 2023.

Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD original content and programming for Amazon Studios, said in a statement: "Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street.

"With the power of streaming, we’re able to offer a catalogue of thousands of Neighbours episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series and current fans to relive their favourite moments.

"We look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers."

Jennifer Mullin, global CEO for Fremantle, added: "Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world.

"We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home with Amazon Freevee.

"Thanks to the innovative Amazon Freevee platform, many classic episodes will be available to fans, and Neighbours will go back into full production in Australia early next year, providing our fans with new episodes.

"This partnership with Amazon Freevee marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to collaborating with them, along with our long-term and valued partner in Australia, Network 10."