Dr. Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher)

[Bad Wolf]

finally an answer!!

[Amz84]

at last we know!!

[alan45]

Neighbours favourites Karl and Susan Kennedy have turbulent times ahead in the coming months as their marriage comes under intense strain once again. Viewers have recently seen Susan start to spend time with seriously-ill Jim Dolan and the situation spirals out of control in forthcoming episodes as her new companion becomes the focus of all her attention, leaving Karl out in the cold and questioning the future of their marriage. The worsening problems between the couple lead to the Kennedys' eldest son Malcolm making a return to the Street, but can he help to save their relationship? Digital Spy recently chatted to Alan Fletcher, who plays Karl, to hear more about the storyline.

You've been filming some intense scenes recently showing Karl and Susan's marriage running into trouble again…
"Yes, Karl and Susan are at a point in their lives where their children are grown up and they are floundering a bit because they are trying to work out what the next phase of their life will be. Karl is very frustrated that Susan's attention is diverting away from him at this crucial point and this will become a matter of great tension as things progress."

Often we've seen Karl's behaviour tearing the Kennedys apart, but this time Susan is at the centre of the problem. Is it refreshing to explore this new dynamic?
"Yes it is, because so often it is easy to fall into cliché when it comes to relationships, and this story is very exciting because it's not something that has been touched on before - in that it's not a story about infidelity, it goes much deeper and is much more about what happens to people in mid-life."

Here in the UK, we've just seen Karl give Susan his blessing over spending some time with Jim. Do you think he had any doubts at that point?
"He is fine with her seeing Jim because he appreciates he is a man without family and he deserves support, but for Karl he also worries that Susan might embrace this opportunity too strongly and get it out of proportion. He feels that supporting Jim should not become the sole occupation of Susan's life and she should be more balanced about the way she is behaving."


As the story progresses, what's the main point of dispute? And who do you think is more to blame - Susan or Karl?
"The main point of dispute is in terms of focus. Karl is very excited about new things with Susan now the children have moved on and they're free to do what they like. However, he sees his wife filling her life up with distractions - caring for Summer, caring for Jim Dolan and he is concerned that she is not prepared to give him the focus that he feels he deserves or their marriage deserves. Who is to blame? I'll let the viewers decide that because like every great story, there is no black and white."

As a doctor, Karl has perhaps been involved in similar sad situations with ill patients. Do you think he can relate to what Susan's going through in some ways?
"He can very much, but it's not just the fact that he himself has had to witness patients who are terminally ill pass away. It's more to do with there being traces of Alex Kinski's death, and that Susan feels that she didn't necessarily support Alex sufficiently in his last days. I think it's Karl knowing that she has unresolved issues here."


Jackie Woodburne said recently that she feared the writers would split up Karl and Susan with this storyline. Did you share the same worries?
"From a professional point of view of course - I've worked with Jackie now for 17 years, we have a wonderful working relationship and I know the audience enjoys our on-screen relationship very much. But in reality, a show like Neighbours will always need to push the boundaries and move in different directions. I think even if Susan and Karl were not together as a married couple, that wouldn't mean that our working relationship would cease and maybe it would lead to some very interesting storylines in the future."

Karl and Susan have become known for great comedy but also great drama. Do you have a preference between the two?
"I do have a preference for the comedy, I have to say. I think Neighbours is a very successful programme because we have a light touch and while we do some wonderful heavy drama, for many fans the hallmark feature of the programme is the comedy. I like the fact that as Karl has grown older, he has become a bit of a duffer and gets up to some silliness and I very much enjoy exploring that."


What's it been like to have Benjie McNair, who plays Malcolm, back on set over the past few weeks?
"It's been absolutely super. One of the other great things about Neighbours is its historical context, particularly for audiences who have watched the show for many years as devoted viewers. They talk to me all the time about the past and their affection for past characters and I know that Benjie is extremely popular with the audience here and in the UK. He is lovely to work with and gives us wonderful fuel for the fire."

We know that Malcolm plays quite a significant role in the storyline, so how does he react to the situation involving his parents?
"Malcolm is deeply concerned, as are Libby and Billy, about the state of his parents' marriage. He is there out of this concern, prompted by Libby. He doesn't react well to the possibility that his parents will split up and does whatever he can to salvage the situation…"


The new doctor Rhys Lawson will be hitting our screens in the UK soon. Does Karl share many scenes with him?
"Karl does share many scenes with him. Karl is quite an arrogant man and certainly has an enormous amount of ego and pride, and facing a new young doctor who is full of enthusiasm and extremely ambitious, can be somewhat galling for Karl. So expect some fun confrontation but also cleverly the writers have explored what Rhys and Karl might have in common."

John Wood has also been cast as Martin Chambers, another new doctor. How does he interact with Karl?
"I'm not sure exactly how the relationship will pan out between Karl and John's character, but I do know that he is a wonderful foil for the Karl and Rhys relationship. We are yet to explore where this will go but it is marvellous to have an actor of John's enormous stature in the industry working on a show like Neighbours, and he is going to bring a lot to the show."


There have been a lot of new castings announced by Neighbours recently, including some real veterans of Aussie drama. Does that make it an exciting time for the show?
"Very much so. Neighbours is at a peak it hasn't enjoyed for quite some time. We are doing massive ratings on Channel 5 and in Australia it is the top-rating digital programme in the entire country - Channel 11 are absolutely thrilled with the results. This fantastic resurgence in Neighbours and the casting of veterans of the industry, such talented actors, is a mark of that and the fact these people want to work on our show is an indication of just how prestigious Neighbours is."

Jackie Woodburne said recently that playing Susan remains a challenge due to the storylines she gets. Is it the same for you with playing Karl?
"Yes it is amazing, isn't it? After 17 years, every week I pick up a batch of scripts and think, 'This is going to be interesting, how am I going to find a way to play this?' The wonderful thing about our show is that you never know what to expect. One day you will be playing high comedy and the next it's high drama, and you're often asked to do things that you wouldn't necessarily expect from the character too - and that is one of the things about the rich tapestry of being an actor which I love so much."

Looking into the long-term, what do you hope the future holds for the Kennedys?
"Well I think whatever happens in terms of the status as a married couple, the Kennedy family will continue to be a central pillar in Neighbours because the audience has indicated to me they love to see us around. I hope we will be able to provide wonderful foils for the other characters and always surprise an audience. I think we should only be here as long as we continue to surprise - you never want to become predictable."

Can you give us one last cryptic teaser on what's next for Karl and Susan?
"Midlife crises occur in many different ways and they occur for both men and women. They begin to question what they want out of life and what direction their life should start taking. Exploring that all makes for great television!"

[Perdita]

Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher has shared some early hints on next year's storylines with Digital Spy - and it sounds like fans will need to get the tissues ready.

Cast and crew at the long-running soap went off for their annual Christmas break last week, but not before Fletcher filmed some heartbreaking scenes in his role as fan favourite Dr Karl Kennedy. Could there be more tragedy ahead for Ramsay Street's residents?

Now in London for a Neighbours promotional visit, Fletcher told Digital Spy: "There is a massive story coming up, which I am involved with in a certain way.

"Literally on the last day at work before taking our break, I was filming with tears pouring down my cheeks. That story will be out next year and I just know that it's going to have a huge impact on fans."

Fletcher also hinted that Karl may have to do some soul-searching next year - and it might not be a huge surprise to learn that there's a woman involved.

Susan and Karl are left reeling when Ben confesses to accidentally starting the school fire
© Channel 5
"Karl has a chequered history of being a bit of a bad boy," he explained. "That's pretty much settled down, but there are some females coming into Karl's life that are going to push the boundaries a little bit again.

"It'll make Karl have a little bit of a think about who he is and how he behaves. That's going to be a lot of fun for my character."

Delivering even more good news, Fletcher also revealed that Lyn Scully (Janet Andrewartha) isn't the only familiar face heading back to Ramsay Street in 2016.

Janet Andrewartha as Lyn Scully in Neighbours
© Rex Shutterstock FremantleMedia Ltd
He said: "It's marvellous having Lyn back on the Street. Janet Andrewartha is one of the best actresses we've ever had on Neighbours. She's fantastic and the quality of her work just shines out when she's on the show. She'll be a major part of Steph's storyline next year.

"Our producer Jason Herbison is very good at knowing which characters would be great to bring back into the show again. The result is that we've had some fantastic characters returning.

"We've actually got another character who has just come back into the show again. I'm not going to tell you who it is because it's too much of a spoiler, but she is very much a big part of Karl's life so it's a terrific story."

[Mirjam]

Please let it not be Sara again!

[Perdita]

Sophie Ramsey is to return in February from what I have seen on other sites

[TaintedLove]

I was hoping it was going to be Izzy. Oh well

[Perdita]

It might be still ...

[Perdita]

All Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher wants to do his pass UK citizenship test.

Who wouldn't want Dr Karl Kennedy on call around these parts? But Neighbours superfan and part-time citizenship tester Jamie doesn't make it easy for him in this funny new video.

Dr Karl is shocked to discover that Sooty isn't real, and believes that the animals which feature on the Royal coat of arms are a pair of Corgis. Good answer (but it's a lion and a unicorn).

However, although he fails the test, he's given one way to redeem himself. Can he match the rhyming slang?

The video was made to celebrate the news that UK and Australian audiences will be watching the same episodes on the same day from January.

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neig...fun-new-video/

[Perdita]

Geordie Shore's Scotty T certainly gets more than he bargained for when he pesters Neighbours star Alan Fletcher for spoilers in an amusing new video.

The Karl Kennedy actor humours the reality TV star by revealing several fake but amusing scenarios, involving several of the Ramsay Street residents.

Scotty T was left gobsmacked to learn that Brad Willis will turn into one of the biggest soap lotharios of all time, seducing Sonya Rebecchi, Sheila Canning and even Aaron Brennan!

https://youtu.be/TvLy_IkewOg

Fletcher continues to use his imagination as he 'reveals' that his on-screen wife Susan will soon be sporting a new image, as well as embarking on some fun of her own.

Scotty T recently filmed a cameo appearance on the Australian soap and his scene - which will see him cross paths with Aaron - will be on screen next year.

And he won't have to rely on the Neighbours stars for spoilers for much longer, as UK and Australian audiences will be watching the same episodes on the same day from January.​


Geordie Shore's Scotty T has filmed a cameo appearance in Neighbours
© Instagram

Neighbours is airing its last episode of the year on Channel 5 today (December 18) and will be back on Monday, January 4, when fans from both sides of the world can watch the drama unfold on the same day.