Karl Kennedy legend Alan Fletcher Reveals the Behind-the-Scenes Pain of Saying Goodbye to ‘Neighbours’
Karl Kennedy legend Alan Fletcher breaks silence on ‘sadness’ of Neighbours’ axing
Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher has broken his silence on news of the soap’s recent axing, saying he’s ‘living in hope’ it can be saved.
Last month, it was revealed that Neighbours will end in December after primary funders Amazon pulled the plug, two years after reviving the Australian serial.
The show was previously axed in 2022 after longtime UK broadcaster Channel 5 pulled out, creating a funding shortfall.
Reacting to the latest announcement, Alan – who has played Ramsay Street’s Dr Karl Kennedy since 1994 – said he is celebrating all that the soap has achieved despite the sadness felt by cast, crew and fans alike.
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In a post on Instagram, he wrote: ‘I am keenly aware of how many of you are feeling about Neighbours coming to an end. I see your posts, read your messages and emails. All the stories you have shared with me over the years about what Neighbours means to you have inspired me to give the show all my energy and passion.
‘But in the midst of sadness I think it is important to celebrate what we have all achieved together,’ Alan wrote.
‘Because of the fans, Amazon and Channel TEN gave Neighbours two more years of life which meant we achieved 40 years on air. For that I am deeply grateful to these broadcasters and all who went before them, BBC, Channel 5 and all the other international distributors.
‘I celebrate that Neighbours has become a cultural icon adored by millions around the world. I celebrate the hard work of thousands of dedicated, passionate industry professionals who have lovingly crafted the show into a brilliant drama that will live forever. I celebrate all the cast and crew who have taken skills learnt on the show and used them to shine on the world stage and I celebrate the lasting friendships I have made with so many wonderful people, on and off screen and in the audience.
‘Most of all I celebrate YOU,’ he continued. ‘Your love of Neighbours has infinitely enhanced my personal and professional life and ensured we achieved this historic milestone.’
He added: ‘I look forward to celebrating our shared passion for Ramsay Street for years to come and, like you, I will live in hope that another source of funding can be found.’
Kym Valentine, who played Alan’s on-screen daughter Libby Kennedy, commented: ‘Well said dad.’
Former star Lucinda Cowden, who played Melanie Pearson, said: ‘I celebrate the joy that you create on set on a daily basis and how blessed I was to be made to feel like an honorary Kennedy… thank you. Sending so much love.’
Takaya Honda, who played David Tanaka wrote: ‘Well said mate! You were one of the most welcoming people on set, my time on the show could not have been the same without your gentle and hysterical guidance!
‘I feel so sorry for all those artists who have lost the opportunity to step on that set and be steered by you.’
He added: ‘I’m so honored to have shared my time with you and to be able to now call you my friend.’
Alan’s long-time co-star Stefan Dennis, who has played Paul Robinson since the first episode of Neighbours in 1985, recently called the show’s axe a ‘sad ending to an iconic piece of Australian television history’.
