He’s been playing Karl Kennedy on Neighbours for 28 years.
In a gushing Sunday Instagram post, actor Alan Fletcher revealed how he’s managed to stay sane while working on the high-pressure soap for almost three decades.
The 65-year-old attributed his longevity to his long-time co-star Jackie Woodburne, 66, who plays his wife, Susan Kennedy, on the show.
‘One of the most asked questions I receive is “how have I managed to work on the same show for almost 28 years?”, began Alan’s post.
‘Here is the answer. Working with #jackiewoodburne makes every day at work creative and fun.’
‘There are many reasons to be sorry about the end of @neighbours, but losing this artistic cooperation will be at the top of the list. ‘All hail Queen Elizabeth!’
He signed off, ‘Please watch #neighbours to the end because the finish is going to be very special. @channel10au @channel5_tv’.
The long-running Australian soap will air its farewell episode on Monday, August 1, after fans were surprised to find it would be ending earlier this year.
In Australia and the United Kingdom, the episode will run on the same day on 10 Peach and Channel 5, respectively.
After an astonishing 37 years on the air, the Australian network revealed the series’ cancellation last month.
In June, the last episode will be shot in Melbourne.
Previously, Channel 10 and production company Fremantle informed MailOnline: ‘It is with sadness that we confirm that Neighbours will end production in the summer, following nearly 37 years and approximately 9,000 episodes broadcast.’
‘Following the loss of a key broadcast partner [Channel 5] in the UK, and despite a hunt for alternative funding, we have no choice but to put the show on hold for the time being.’
‘Since the news broke, everyone at Neighbours has been touched by the outpouring of love and support from the audience.’
‘The show has transported a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of people around the world, creating hundreds of popular names in the process.’
‘However, as this chapter of Ramsay Street draws to a close, we pledge to do everything in our power to give the show the send-off it so richly deserves.’
Stars like Kylie Minogue, who rose to stardom as Charlene Robinson on Neighbours before going on to have a great music career, have expressed their sadness over the show’s cancellation.
‘I’ll be forever grateful for the experience and the relationships I met on Neighbours,’ the pint-sized pop sensation tweeted.
‘We had no idea how big the show would become and how passionately viewers would take it to heart. Pure love! I can still hear Madge calling… CHARLENE!!!!’
In a statement, Channel 10 stated the show’s cancellation was a “tough decision.”
‘Today, Fremantle revealed that Neighbours will end production in June, following over 37 years and approximately 9,000 episodes,’ a representative for the network stated.
‘This tough choice was made after an unsuccessful search for an alternate UK broadcast partner.’
‘A much-loved fixture of our programme calendar for almost 35 years,’ the spokesman continued, ‘it has been a cornerstone of Australian television drama and Australian cultural exports.’
‘Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, is a world-famous cul-de-sac that has housed Scott and Charlene, Des and Daphne, Dr. Karl and Susan, Dee and Toadie, Aaron and David, and a slew of other residents.
‘Network 10 thanks to the cast, crew, production team, and Fremantle for bringing the ideal blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and throughout the world,’ said the network.
The show, which aired in Australia in March 1985, launched the careers of many Hollywood actors, including Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth.
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