COLETTE MANN'S NEW LEASE ON LIFE!

SHE'S SAID GOODBYE TO NEIGHBOURS ... AND A WHOPPING 20KG!

- Joshua Joynes

With news that one of Australia's favorite soaps, Neighbours, is officially over, former star Colette Mann says she's without a doubt devastated for the cast and crew - but is very much looking forward to the future.

"I like to think it couldn't go on without Sheila Canning, but I don't quite think that is the case," jokes Colette, whose beloved character went off air around the same time the cancellation was made public.

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Interestingly, Colette says production gave the Neighbours team a heads up about a possible cancellation in June 2021 - months ahead of the recent headlines.

“I've been in the industry for 50 years - I know I only look 35, but I'm a realist.

When they told us that last year ... I knew it would come to an end,” says the actress, who admits the announcement "wasn't a huge shock”.

With a career spanning five decades, which boasts acting as well as theatre and production work, Colette is perhaps best placed to divulge what really spelt the end of the series.

"The show is 37 years old. The reason I think it's finishing is because Channel 5, who has been an amazing supporter of the show, has decided to spend its money on UK content. As Australians, we can't complain about that ... we're always pushing for homegrown content," she reasons.

"They were the lion's share of the funding and so when they pulled out, the show couldn't continue. It's been cut back a lot in recent years - it couldn't be made with what is left. Nobody would want to see the show die like that, so it's probably the best thing that could happen,” she says.

While Colette is undeniably different to her character, Sheila, she does admit there has been some overlap.