Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Neighbours' Carl Kennedy admits it was a 'tough day' discovering axe after 28-year role

Neighbours actor Alan Fletcher, who has appeared as legend Carl Kennedy for 28 years, has admitted that it was a "tough day" discovering that the soap is set to be axed this summer.

The popular Australian soap - which began in 1985 - is expected to end in August this year, just a few weeks before it would have celebrated it's milestone anniversary.

Fremantle Australia had been in conservations for weeks in January with Channel 5 in a bid to keep the show on air, but the British channel chose to stop airing the show.

While Neighbours bosses have been trying to find a new home, they have not yet been successful and - as it stands - the soap will end this summer.

Appearing on This Morning, Alan told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield about the day they had been told the show could be ending forever.

He said: "The funny this is - and you'll know this Phil being an actor - we work on yearly contracts on a show like Neighbours so fro 28 years I've been expecting the phone call to say, 'Thanks, you're no longer required.'

"So, in a way, we're always steeled for that possibility. Of course, it's very disorientating to get that call to say that everyone's not required anymore! It was a tough day for everyone, I won't downplay that.

"But the main thing that leaps into mind, besides jobs of course, is the impact on fans and that's become very, very manifest with fans really speaking out about their love for the show."

Carl has appeared as legend Carl Kennedy for 28 years (Channel 5)

Quizzed on what fans could do to help, he simply said: "Watch!"

It comes after Channel 5 issued a statement earlier this month to confirm that the soap would no longer air on the channel.

A spokesperson said: "Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer. It’s been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade, and we’d like to thank the cast, Fremantle and all of the production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series. We’d also of course like to thank the fans for their loyal support of Neighbours across the years.

"We recognise that there will be disappointment about this decision, however our current focus is on increasing our investment in original UK drama, which has strong appeal for our viewers."

*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.