The future of Australian soap opera Home and Away is under threat following a sharp decline in ratings and significant wage cuts imposed by Channel Seven. The show, which airs on Channel Seven in Australia and Channel Five in the UK, had already suspended filming last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Actress Sam Frost, who plays Jasmine Delaney, expressed uncertainty about the show's continuation during an appearance on Australian radio. 'I don't know, it just depends on when we can come back (to work),' she told presenters on Fitzy & Wippa Sydney Breakfast. Frost noted that production was already behind schedule due to bushfires and cast family issues before the pandemic hit.
Channel Seven bosses have slashed salaries for some top talent by 20 per cent, though specific names were not disclosed. The network also paused Home and Away episodes for two weeks amid the crisis, with the season eventually resuming on April 13, airing four times a week from Monday to Thursday.
In the UK, Channel Five has rationed remaining episodes, reducing broadcasts from five to two per week for both Home and Away and Neighbours. A statement confirmed the changes would take effect from March 30, with episodes airing on Mondays and Fridays to extend the lifespan of the soaps during the pandemic.
