Celebrity

Neighbours icon Alan Fletcher shares his heartbreak after filming his final scenes as Karl Kennedy

The actor has played Karl Kennedy for almost 28 years.
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Alan Fletcher has filmed his final scenes outside his and co-star Jackie Woodburne’s iconic Ramsay Street home.

The 65-year-old, who has played Dr Karl Kennedy on the long-running soap since 1994, took to Instagram to share a snap of himself and his on-screen wife on set as production for Neighbours begins to wrap up ahead of its finale episode.

“Yesterday was the last day of location for the Kennedy clan. #jackiewoodburne and I have stood under this arch outside 28 Ramsay Street many times over the last 28 years,” he penned.

“Jackie Woodburne and I have stood under this arch outside 28 Ramsay Street many times over the last 28 years.”

(Image: Instagram)

“Emotions starting to well up as we finalise filming all together on Friday. Stay tuned. The last episodes are amazing!!!”

Alan’s current and former Neighbours co-stars shared their sadness over the show’s ending, with Rob Mills commenting: “Love you guys. Thanks for letting me crash for a while. Hug soon. Congrats on a mammoth effort mate.”

Benjamin Turland wrote: “Very special ❤️❤️” while April Rose Pengilly simply commented “😭❤️”.

The beloved soap was axed after Channel Five in the UK, the show’s biggest financial backer in recent years, announced that it will not renew the program after this coming British summer.

Alan’s nostalgic post comes three months after he plead with Channel 10 to save the show.

Alan and co-star Jackie Woodburne have played Karl and Susan Kennedy since the 90s.

(Image: Ten)

“It’s official, all attempts to #SaveNeighbours have been unsuccessful and #fremantle has confirmed the show will end production in June this year,” Alan penned on Instagram in March.

“This is a sad day indeed. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the millions of fans all around the world who have supported our iconic drama for 37 wonderful years. And huge thanks to our broadcast partners @channel10au and @channel5_tv who have been incredible supporters of the show for so long.

Alan then pleaded with fans: “Please stick with the show right to the end because the final episodes will be an incredible celebration with returning characters and extraordinary story lines.”

The actor continued by reflecting on his own Neighbours experience and gave a special shoutout to Jackie Woodburne who plays his on-screen wife Susan Kennedy.

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“On a personal level @neighbours has been my creative home for almost 28 years. It has provided me with enormous artistic satisfaction and deep, everlasting friendships that I will treasure forever.

“Most especially my artistic partnership with the spectacular #jackiewoodburne who has truly made the journey the greatest joy imaginable.

“The show has also connected me to thousands of people who have supported my work on and offscreen through my music and stage appearances. I am filled with #gratitude #staytuned #celebrateneighbours #farewellneighbours #pleasestickwithus.”

Past and present Neighbours cast members shared their support in the comments with Alan.

“It’s really marvellous. It’s just a real honour to be part of television history in Australia.”

(Image: Ten)

“Beautiful Alan. Congratulations on all you have built over the last 28 years. Xox,” penned Lucy Durack.

Meanwhile Dan MacPherson remarked: “I’ll never forget my time with the Kennedy’s mate 🙏🏼❤️”

In 2019, Alan and Jackie reflected to TV WEEK on 25 years on working together on the soap.

“It’s really marvellous. It’s just a real honour to be part of television history in Australia,” Alan said.

“25 years is an incredibly long time but it feels like yesterday!” Jackie added. “Time has gone so quickly and we’ve seen so many people come and gone. It’s been wonderful.”

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