NEIGHBOURS creator Reg Watson has died aged 93.
The TV legend, who founded the popular Aussie soap, passed away on Friday.
A statement posted on the soap’s website read: “Everyone at Neighbours is sad to hear of the passing of our creator, Reg Watson.
“He was a pioneer of drama, prolific in his output and by all accounts a lovely person to work with.
“His legacy lives on in Ramsay Street to this day.’ – Jason Herbison – Neighbours EP.”
Neighbours is Australia’s all-time longest running drama and is due to celebrate its 35th year in 2020.
Stars who have lived on fictional Ramsay Street include Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Jason Donovan.
‘A LEGEND’
Other celebs such as Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth and Natalie Imbruglia have also made an appearance on the show.
Donovan, who played Scott Robinson in the soap, wrote on Twitter: “Many Australian careers have a lot to thank for this man. A legend….Mr Reg Watson.”
Watson moved to Britain from his native Australia in the 1960s and spent ten years working as a producer on Crossroads.
He later moved back to Australia, where he launched TV shows including Prisoner and Sons and Daughters in his role as head of drama at Reg Grundy productions.
But he shot to fame in the 1980s after creating Neighbours with television producer Reg Grundy.
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The show originally failed and was cancelled but managed to gain a legion of fans after being picked up by another network.
It is also popular in the UK, where it is still being aired on Channel 5.
In 2010, Watson was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the media.
