Strong rumours continue about competition from UK terrestrial television channels ITV and Five as Neighbours contract is up for renewal.

Earlier in the month suggestions began that either station may make moves to poach Neighbours, which provides consistent viewing figures of a around 6 million in its competitive daytime slot, from the BBC.

Further news breaking over the last few days suggests that ITV may have offered up to four times as much per episode to take the show from the BBC. If true, the dramatic price increase may convince Fremantlemedia to switch to ITV.

The BBC is a public service broadcaster and as such may not be able to compete against strong financial offers. Media pundits suggest that if the speculation is true, it is very likely that Neighbours will make the move to ITV in 2008 when the existing contract expires.

Whilst the extra money will help the show the general response from fans has been negative. ITV is a commercial broadcast and so relies upon advertisements which would mean Neighbours would be interrupted by advert breaks. There is a degree of nostalgia when it comes to Neighbours and the BBC as the broadcast has aired the show exclusively for its entire history. The risk of rescheduling is greater on ITV who are more invested in viewing figures as it impacts upon their revenue. ITV also cut scenes from Home And Away fairly heavily when it aired the show and so there are fears that Neighbours will suffer a similar fate.

An official announcement about the move could be made in the near future once the contract is decided. The BBC has expressed commitment to the show.