Neighbours star Alan Fletcher got viewers talking as he made a rare appearance on This Morning. The actor, who is famed for playing Karl Kennedy in the Australian soap, joined Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary live in the studio on Monday's edition (July 11) of the ITV daytime show.
He was on hand to chat about the end of the long-running soap which is now just a matter of weeks away. Back in March, the end of the soap was officially confirmed after Channel 5 announced in February it would stop airing the show.
Bosses issued a message to the soap's fans in which they apologised to Neighbours' loyal following and explained the reason behind its cancellation. The show’s Twitter account said at the time: "We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June.
"Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show." It has since been confirmed that Neighbours will end with a double-episode special on Channel 5 at 9pm on July 29.
After watching a montage of Alan as his character Karl and his wife, Susan, played by Jackie Woodburne, on This Morning, host Dermot said: "Oh man, that was a trip wasn’t it." Alan, who has starred in the soap since 1994, admitted he was becoming a bit “teary” and replied: “It’s wonderful to be here, I’ve got a bit of a tear going on here now.”
Alison then remarked: "28 years on the show, I’m not surprised!" before asking: "When you watch that back does it bring back lovely memories?" But the 47-year-old soon noticed their guest appeared emotional and reached out to grab his knee as she exclaimed: “Oh you’re really crying, really getting emotional!”
"Well, it does trigger all that wonderful emotion that you had when you actually shot the scenes," the soap legend replied. Speaking about filming his final scenes with, Alan said: "Jackie and I you know we’ve busted up and got back together, we’ve busted up and got back together and every time the tears are very real, they feel real and the moment feels real."
And some This Morning viewers were surprised to see him on the show. @riariariaria82 tweeted: "Bald Dr K is really messing with my head. #ThisMorning." @patriciarreade shared: "#thismorning I didn't recognize 'Dr Karl Kennedy' Omg. #Neighbours."
But @HeyHoEatPie was quick to hit out: "Seeing some of the rude and ignorant comments in regards to Alan Fletcher's appearance, he has alopecia #thismorning." Back in May Alan addressed his hair loss after fans shared concern over his health.
He wrote on Instagram: "There's been concern expressed on the web that I am unwell. I can assure you I am fit and well and very busy filming the last episodes of Neighbours EVER! I have a disorder called alopecia areata that causes patchy hair loss. I have recorded a video explaining the condition which you can view on my website and on the Neighbours Facebook page."
He then added: "Thank you for your concern and support. Fletch." In a video uploaded to Neighbours' official Twitter, he removed his hat to show his new look and said many people would be shocked. He said: "I shaved my beard off, and then my hair became so patchy on my head I had to get rid of most of that as well.
"Now UK audiences have seen Dr Karl without hair, Australian audiences will see on 2 June so stay tuned for that. I have no problem with it, in fact, it's kind of fun. But one thing I will say is that alopecia areata can be quite serious to people, particularly from an emotional point of view.
"Sudden hair loss is really troubling for a lot of people, particularly for young people who can be terribly bullied. There is support out there. But let me assure you I'm absolutely fit and well and thank you for your concern."
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