The way soap lovers watch Neighbours and Home and Away is about to change, as Channel 5 has announced the start date for its new primetime programming.
In light of Channel 5’s intention to freshen up its news output, both Neighbours and Home and Away revealed last month that their episode timeslots will be modified.
The Australian soaps will now show at new times – and, in the case of Home and Away, on a new channel – after Ofcom granted the station permission to expand its 5 pm news programming.
The evening edition of Neighbours will be delayed by half an hour, airing at 6 p.m. on Channel 5, while the 6 p.m. program of Home and Away will air on 5STAR.
The new modifications will take effect on Monday, November 8, according to Channel 5 today (October 25).
A spokeswoman told Digital Spy in a statement outlining the changes: “Channel 5’s news output is becoming an increasingly important component of the offering it delivers for viewers as the channel’s audience grows.
“Neighbours will move to Channel 5 in the evenings at 6 pm, following Ofcom’s approval of Channel 5’s 5 pm News Bulletin expansion.
“The weekday 1.45 pm program will stay unchanged, so viewers will still be able to catch up on My5 and watch their favorite Neighbours twice a day.”