The BBC may have to fight to keep Australian daytime soap Neighbours as ITV and Five look to poach the show.

The soap's current contract with the BBC ends later next year and discussions about a new deal are currently going on.

ITV could use the show to boost its afternoon schedule, or put the show on ITV2. The channel is currently looking for a "teen-oriented soap," though a ITV spokeswoman said ITV2 was looking for a home-grown series.

Five is also believed to be interested in bidding for Neighbours, which is made by Grundy, owned by Five's parent company RTL.

The BBC has said it is "committed" to the show, "but only if the price was right."

The show currently manages around 3 million viewers for its 1.35pm lunchtime outing and around 2.6 million for its 5.35pm episode.