Neighbours producers have reportedly admitted defeat in their search for a new broadcast partner, meaning that the iconic soap will come to an end this summer.

Earlier this year Channel 5 announced that it would be pulling its funding for the long-running Aussie soap, effectively condemning it to be axed if production company Fremantle was unable to find a replacement UK broadcaster.

According to The Sun, Fremantle made an "extensive search for alternative funding" but will announce on Thursday that they have been unsuccessful in their efforts.

"Fremantle have not commented on the situation since the news broke about Channel 5," a source told the newspaper.

"They have been working tirelessly to secure funding from other networks but sadly they've been unable to save the soap.

"The announcement will confirm that the soap will end this summer and that they have been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news broke."

First aired 37 years ago, Neighbours still commands a healthy audience in the UK, with an average of 1.4 million viewers tuning in every day on Channel 5.

Filming is expected to end down under at the start of June, with the final episodes being broadcast in August.