End of an era for All Saints

The end forAll Saints.

After 11 years and 12 seasons, the doors will finally close on the All Saints Western General Hospital.

Channel Seven announced the end of the long-running soap opera following on-going speculation about the future of the show.

The medical series will wrap production in late August but continue on screen until the end of the year.

"All Saints is a show which viewers and Seven have loved," said Seven director of Programming and Production Tim Worner.

"However, an audience shift and increased production costs are behind this decision."

Earlier this year the show underwent a major revamp, adding its Medical Response Unit to the show, with a helicopter and additional cast members. But the move also added to the budget, with location costs eating into the expense of the episodes.

All Saints remains a major success story in Australian drama. When it wraps on episode #493, it will still be seen in 17 other countries. Its long run is only bettered by Blue Heelers' 13 seasons and 510 episodes. A Country Practice also ran for 12 years -- at two episodes a week.

The show will be remembered for its earnest cast, juggling medical emergencies at the same time as keeping a lid on their emotions and personal lives.

How fondly we will look back on Georgie Parker as Terri Sullivan, the unforgiving Dr Frank Campion (John Howard) and the rock solid Yvonne "Von" Ryan (Judith McGrath). McGrath is the only original cast member left on the show.

Other memorable performers to grace the Emergency Room include Libby Tanner, Erik Thomson, Christopher Gabardi, Wil Traval, Jolene Anderson, Conrad Coleby, Chris Vance and the late Mark Priestley.

"The cast and crew deserve the highest admiration and respect for what they have achieved. All Saints has made a significant contribution to the rich history of Australian drama," said Worner.

All Saints will continue to be screened until the end of the year.