Neighbours fans slam Channel 5 for 'insensitive and 'heartless' move during finale

Neighbours fans in the UK spent much of their Friday eagerly awaiting, albeit with a tinge of sadness, the last ever episode of the Australian soap. Emotional reunions, a joyful wedding and a nostalgic tribute to past and present stars completed the programme's 37 year run last night (July 29).

The show first aired in 1985 and followed the cul-de-sac community of Ramsay Street within the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. But back in March, the end of the soap was officially confirmed after Channel 5 announced in February it would stop airing the show. Bosses issued a message to the soap's fans in which they apologised to Neighbours' loyal following and explained the reason behind its cancellation.

In the opening of the finale, it becomes clear Ramsay Street as the community once knew it is coming to an end as Susan Kennedy, played by Jackie Woodburne, looks at all the houses up for sale around her home.

READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street's Jack James Ryan shares message to 'brilliant' co-star as they confirm exit

The double-episode special also featured star-studded cameos from Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie and singer Natalie Imbruglia. Another fan-favourite character to return to their old hunting ground is Mike Young, played by Guy Pearce, who shows his daughter Sam (Henrietta Graham) around the area.

The wedding of Melanie Pearson (Lucinda Cowden) and Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) also provides moments of reunion and love as it sees the happy couple tie the knot, and brings Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) and Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) back together, as well as girlfriends Chloe Brennan (April Rose Pengilly) and Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta).

As the residents of Ramsay Street are at the