THE STORY OF US
THE NEIGHBOURS FAVOURITE AND HIS SMOOTH FM STAR WIFE TALK LOVE AND MARRIAGE
Their love story began in 1986 when they crossed paths at a Melbourne comedy venue – and Jennifer Hansen and Alan Fletcher have been by each other’s side ever since.
“We hit it off straight away that night and we stayed later than anyone else,” says TV newsreader turned Smooth FM breakfast news presenter Jennifer. “We went to a little bar upstairs and I still have the little plastic giraffe from the cocktail that Fletch bought me.”
As for Alan, who for 24 years has portrayed Ramsay Street’s resident medico Dr Karl Kennedy, he soon realised Jennifer was The One.
“It was on the second date for me,” he says.
To which Jennifer adds with a laugh: “It took me longer. I was very keen, but I was cautious about saying the ‘L’ word. Fletch was the first one to say ‘I love you’ and I wasn’t quite ready, so when he said it I just said ‘thank you’! But we definitely got there. I just wanted to be absolutely sure.”
Engaged in Bali in 1989, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful Melbourne church ceremony in March the following year.
“It was a fairytale wedding,” Jennifer says. “Friends of ours organised for the Welsh male choir to sing.”
“Jen was like a princess,” recalls Alan. “She was so excited – she was just beaming the whole day and exuding energy and happiness.”
Twenty-three years ago, the couple welcomed their daughter Veronica into the world, and son Tom made his arrival some two years later.
“Veronica’s an apprentice pastry chef, so she’s very creative in the kitchen – not great for our diets, but we’re very proud of her wonderful creativity,” says Jennifer, “and Tom’s studying at Melbourne Uni.
“With our own careers, Alan’s still very much enjoying Neighbours and I feel that I’ve had a resurgence in my career, now that I’m at Smooth FM.”
On set, Alan continues to share his work days with Jackie Woodburne, who plays his beloved TV wife Susan.
“And the most beautiful TV wife a woman could have her husband have!” says Jennifer with a big smile.
“Occasionally, we all go out together – and that’s really fun,” says Alan. “Jackie and I have a very long friendship.”
It’s clear, however, that family has always come first for Jennifer and Alan.
“We’re very blessed that we’ve had some great family holidays and this year we’re planning a Christmas in New York with the kids, which will be very special,” Jennifer says.
Notching up more than three happy decades together is no mean feat for any couple. So what is Jennifer and Alan’s secret?
“I think we’re good at celebrating anniversaries and making time for date nights,’ says Jennifer.
“Over the years, we’ve had our moments, like everyone else. But you get through it and things move on and get even better.”
Alan couldn’t agree more. “You have to learn to keep loving and to discover the love over and over again,” he reflects. “I don’t think a marriage that is all wine and roses would be very enjoyable. The enjoyment from marriage comes from the contrasts because you learn about yourself.”
ALAN FLETCHER & JENNIFER HANSEN