Neighbours’ Alan: “I knew Margot Robbie would go on to great things”

Actor Alan Fletcher (who plays Karl Kennedy) chats to Closer’s Fran (left) about the show’s A-list stars, Karl’s infidelity and doing a live episode

e’s the Ken Barlow of Ramsay H Street, who’s clocked up an impressive 21 years as Dr Karl Kennedy in Neighbours . And 58-year-old actor Alan Fletcher says he’s never been happier on the Aussie soap as he’s poised for more dramatic storylines this year.

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During his two decades playing Dr Karl, Alan has seen many Hollywood stars begin their careers on the show.

As charming and charismatic as ever in the flesh, Alan tells Closer : “I knew Margot Robbie would go on to great things. I thought: ‘There’s nothing this girl can’t do.’ Her comedy timing was impeccable and she wasn’t fazed by dramatic scenes. It’s no surprise she’s gone on to be a success. Jesse Spencer [who starred in US drama House ] was brilliant and Kylie Minogue was a terrific actress. A lot of LA producers love working with Australian soap actors as the shows train them so well. You have to cope with a fast turnover of episodes and there’s no time to be a prima donna!”

‘karl’s a silly old fool’

Alan – who is married to Australian newsreader Jennifer Hansen – joined the soap in 1994 and his affair-blighted relationship with Susan (played by Jackie Woodburne) soon became a central storyline.

He explains: “The issues of trust in a relationship are something everyone can relate to. Karl’s easily manipulated, particularly if a woman flatters him. He’s got a big ego, like a lot of men! Much to Susan’s desperation, she sees her husband getting led around by the nose. But they’re destined to be together. She’s the only one prepared to tell Karl to his face he’s a silly old fool.”

Outside of his role, Alan is the lead singer of rock band Waiting Room and takes on the odd theatre role. But he doesn’t intend to leave Ramsay Street any time soon. He says: “It’s a great show and I’ve worked on some amazing storylines. There’s lots of clowning around and banter with the crew.”

While British soaps Coronation Street and Eastenders have featured live episodes, Alan’s not sure it would work for Neighbours

He says: “It’s a terrific gimmick, but it changes the show you’re doing. There’s also the potential for things to go wrong and you have to play it safe. If you want to give viewers the best episode, why do it?”

future storylines

Alan’s set for more dramatic storylines. He says: “Two women are about to come into Karl’s life and it’ll raise questions about how he conducts himself. One will be a blast from the past. I don’t think it’s likely Karl will have another affair, but there’s never going to be a dull moment between him and Susan.”