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but everyone else is apparently getting on with life in their houses (off screen) they dont jet 2 and from london every week they only came back a couple of weeks ago and susan has only just got back from her MS trial with her illness should does seem to run about a lot. or did they send her away just for the story of elly struggling with the school and that silly parent
Imagine if their kids came to visit them! One is a Captain now in the Chicago Fire department
:bow:Quote:
Originally Posted by Rowdydog12
Not a spoiler, but the Kennedy's real-life house is up for sale. Does anyone have a spare $1million??…
Watch the video in the link for an internal tour of the house.
Neighbours' Kennedy house is up for sale – here's what it really looks like inside
That's when good neighbours become real neighbours.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...tion-for-sale/
In breaking Neighbours news, the famous Kennedy house is up for sale! Fans needn't worry for the beloved Karl and Susan, however, as it's only the owners of the real-life house used in exterior shots who are upping sticks.
5 Pin Oak Court, otherwise known as the Kennedy residence on Ramsay Street, is now on the market for just over 1 million Australian dollars, giving fans the chance to own their very own slice of Erinsborough history.
The four-bedroom property in South Vermont, near Melbourne, not only boasts an impressive garden and outdoor entertaining area, but according to estate agents, it "offers the quintessential family address".
In a promotional video for the house, which reveals how the Kennedy abode would look if it wasn't for the magic of television sets, agents describe the chance to own 5 Pin Oak Court as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". Strewth
Some will dream, others will act, but one thing is for certain: After 20 years, the opportunity to purchase one of Australia's most iconic courts are rare," we're told.
Before you commit to such a purchase, why not check out Neighbours' intriguing new side project Erinsborough High? For a chance to scout out the local school in the area, pop over to Channel 5's on-demand service, which launched the five-part series earlier this week.
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
It’s nice inside apart from the curtains. Rumor has it, a British ex pat, who owns two of the other houses, may buy it.
if you own the real life houses, do you get an income from the production company? I'd assume so, but couldn't guess at how much per year.
Yes you do. Apparently it’s quite a lot.
'The tour guide was commendably well informed about these things and even brought up the change of the Kennedy's front door along with details of exactly how much real life residents are paid yearly for the trouble of being involved with the show. Let's just say that it would serve as a perfectly reasonable household income...'
about 2/3 down: http://perfectblend.net/features/footstep-tour.htm
intriguing.
Not a spoiler, but for anyone interested, Alan Fletcher (Karl) has released a Christmas single:
'It's enormously satisfying': Veteran Neighbours star Alan Fletcher releases a Christmas single dedicated to his wife Jennifer Hansen... and his co-stars are set to feature in the video clip
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...as-single.html
Holding My Girl – New Christmas Music from Fletch
http://alanfletcher.net/general-upda...-music-fletch/
How can they fit so many in their house, is Finn ever getting his own place
Elly moves out. Finn is leaving at some point. Hendrix is on the sofa lol.
maybe they will all have to move out...
https://www.realestate.com.au/news/r...of-tv-history/
Digital Spy article. Neighbours to film in Dublin:
Neighbours legends Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne to film secret storyline in Dublin
Karl and Susan are heading to the Emerald Isle.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...dburne-dublin/
Neighbours' Karl and Susan Kennedy are set to be part of a new storyline for the soap on the other side of the world.
Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne will film scenes in Dublin later this month, according to RTÉ – the latter originally born in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson said that Woodburne is "so delighted to bring cast and crew over to her side of the hemisphere".
"We're very excited about Neighbours coming to film in Ireland for the first time ever," they continued. "An Irish generation have grown up watching and loving Neighbours and fans here have a very special relationship with it and its characters."
Digital Spy has reached out to Neighbours for further comment.
Neighbours is soon to mark its 35th anniversary on air with a special week from March 16 that includes 11 returning characters, five weddings, and three deaths.
"We have a reputation for going big with our milestones, and this is our biggest yet," executive producer Jason Herbison previously said. "We're excited to deliver our viewers a double dose of Neighbours, which will lead to three deaths and five weddings.
"There's warmth and nostalgia as well as high drama and – for the first time ever – we'll have a week-long narrative taking place separate to the happenings of Erinsborough.
"Neighbours is 35 years young, and we are celebrating with a bang!"
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pantherboy
So that means Karl and Susan don't die!
cancelled now over coronavirus
Yes, new Digital Spy article:Quote:
Originally Posted by lizann
“Neighbours axes Ireland filming & live 35th anniversary event due to Coronavirus fears”
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...onavirus-axed/
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours horror for Susan Kennedy in special two-hander episode with Finn Kelly
Will she survive?
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...dy-finn-kelly/
Neighbours will air a special two-hander episode for Susan Kennedy and Finn Kelly next week.
Susan (Jackie Woodburne) will become Finn's next target in the aftermath of the 35th anniversary episodes, which see the villain cause terror on Pierce Greyson's island.
The show's episode on Monday, March 23 only features Susan and Finn (Rob Mills), with some high-stakes scenes on the way.
Following the terrifying events on the island, Finn returns to Ramsay Street and surprises Susan at the Kennedy house.
Giving Susan a false version of events, Finn claims that Elly Conway and baby Aster are still safe and well on the island.
He also suggests that Bea Nilsson is staying at a cabin in the Snowy Mountains, heartbroken after they broke up.
Finn manages to convince Susan to go to the mountains with him to check on Bea. However, she realises something isn't right when she discovers Aster in the car, which contradicts Finn's previous story.
Backed into a corner, Finn admits that he's planning a new future for them – wanting himself, Susan and Aster to be a family together.
Although horrified by Finn's erratic behaviour, Susan knows that she's going to have to play this very carefully if she wants to get out of the situation alive.
As seen in Neighbours' newly-released spoiler pictures, Susan gets tied up to a chair by Finn once they reach their destination.
Further scenes on Tuesday, March 24 then see Susan face up to the possibility she might die after angering Finn with a failed attempt to escape.
While Finn keeps himself busy outside, Elly (Jodi Anasta) manages to sneak into the cabin to rescue Susan.
Elly successfully gets Susan out of there, but just when they reach the car, Elly decides that she can't let Finn get away with his behaviour for any longer.
Although Susan begs her not to, Elly leaves the safety of the vehicle and prepares to take matters into her own hands.
Meanwhile, evil Finn has dug a hole for Susan, planning to finish her off. Who will make it out of the showdown alive?
Neighbours airs these scenes on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
I really don’t like how all this has played out. Finn’s exit could have been way better.
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours trouble for the Kennedys as Samantha Fitzgerald's return story is revealed
Watch out, Elly!
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-return-story/
Neighbours has revealed more details of Samantha Fitzgerald's return storyline.
Simone Buchanan is coming back on screen for a guest stint as Samantha, who'll be going head-to-head with the Kennedys in upcoming episodes.
As we revealed last month, Claudia Watkins – mum of Finn Kelly and Shaun Watkins – hires Samantha as a lawyer as she secretly plans a custody battle for her granddaughter Aster.
When Claudia (Kate Raison) first returns to Ramsay Street, she puts on a show of support for Elly Conway, Bea Nilsson and the rest of the Kennedys after their ordeal with Finn.
Claudia also seemingly accepts Elly's innocence, as Elly remains under suspicion of murder following Finn's death.
However, when Claudia speaks to Mark Brennan and Sky Mangel for an update on the case, she can't help noticing the ongoing discord between the two detectives.
Claudia then heads to a meeting with Samantha, which reveals her plans to discredit the Kennedys and prove that they're not fit to take care of Aster.
Samantha is open with Claudia about how she has her own history with the Kennedys.
Rather than being put off by this, Claudia immediately locks her in as the woman for the job.
Neighbours fans will remember that Samantha first appeared on the soap in 2008, when she was brought in as the estranged wife of Daniel Fitzgerald. Her main storylines included a love triangle with Daniel and Libby Kennedy, while her struggles with bipolar disorder were also explored.
In 2010, Samantha returned as the prosecutor when Steph Scully went on trial for killing Ringo Brown in a road accident.
Neighbours airs these scenes on Friday, April 17 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Monday, April 6 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours reveals return storyline for Karl Kennedy's old flame
Karl crosses paths with Olivia Bell again.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...a-bell-return/
Neighbours is bringing back a blast from the past as Karl Kennedy's old flame Olivia Bell will be seen in Erinsborough again.
Alyce Platt last played Olivia back in 2012, more than seven years ago. Her guest return will air in Australia next week.
Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Olivia will be seen chatting after crossing paths with each other at The Waterhole.
Karl and Susan's marriage is in trouble at the moment after Karl admitted that he partially blames Susan for Finn Kelly's murderous actions, which claimed the lives of Gary Canning and Prue Wallace.
So what will Olivia's return mean for Karl and Susan?
Olivia will be seen on Wednesday, May 6 in Australia, but with the UK falling behind due to scheduling changes, Channel 5 viewers will have to wait until June to see what happens.
In 2012, Olivia was introduced as a potential love interest for Karl when they met through a dating website. The pair had two dates before Olivia declined a third.
Alyce told The Courier in February that she was enjoying being back on set.
"I stepped back into a bit of acting as well. I've gone back to Ramsay Street," she explained. "I'm doing a little bit on Neighbours at the moment, which is wonderful. I'm enjoying it a lot, actually."
And Olivia isn't the only character making a comeback. Actress Morgana O'Reilly is returning for the first time since 2015, as her character Naomi Canning pays Sheila a visit in the aftermath of Gary's death.
Neighbours currently airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and weekdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours – who is Karl Kennedy's old flame Olivia Bell?
A face from the past returns to Erinsborough.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...s-olivia-bell/
Neighbours is about to give Karl Kennedy a blast from the past, just as his marriage to Susan comes under further strain.
Show bosses are bringing back the character of Olivia Bell, who was a short-lived love interest for Karl eight years ago.
Need a quick reminder on Olivia? Look no further.
Who is Neighbours character Olivia Bell?
If you're struggling to remember Olivia, don't worry – she was a guest character in 2012 and only appeared in two episodes.
At the time, Karl was single and looking to get back into the dating game after yet another split from his wife Susan. With encouragement from local teen Natasha Williams, Karl started looking for love online and embellished his dating profile to impress the ladies.
Karl and Olivia exchanged messages and they arranged a first date in The Waterhole (then known as Charlie's Bar).
By this point, the Erinsborough doctor was already regretting the lies on his profile and planned to come clean, but mischievous Tash had other ideas and took the deception even further.
Heading over to Karl and Olivia's table, Tash pretended to be starstruck by Karl due to his part-time singing career. She claimed that her mum was Karl's biggest fan and asked for a photo and autograph, hoping Olivia would be fooled into thinking that he was a VIP.
Olivia made life easier for Karl by admitting that she had exaggerated some of her own profile, making out that her writing career was more successful than it was in reality. This gave Karl the chance to confess to his own white lies and end the charade.
With everything out in the open, Olivia and Karl later met for a second date. Karl was out to impress once again, taking inspiration from Heston Blumenthal as he created a posh home-cooked lunch.
Sadly, Olivia was put off by Karl going to such impressive effort when it was only their second date. Karl realised that he'd gone OTT and begged for a third date to put things right, but Olivia couldn't be talked round and suggested they should stop seeing each other.
Karl and Susan went on to reunite in 2013 and all was right in the world again – phew.
Neighbours spoilers – what is Olivia Bell's return storyline?
Olivia's return forms part of the ongoing storyline focusing on the Kennedys' marriage issues. Life hasn't been the same for Susan and Karl since the big finale of Finn Kelly's storyline, which left Susan plagued with guilt and regret for bringing the supervillain back into everyone's lives.
This week, Karl crosses paths with Olivia by chance when they're both at The Waterhole. Olivia, who now lives in nearby Eden Hills, recognises Karl from their previous dates and heads over to say hello.
While Olivia is still single, Karl fills her in on how he reunited with Susan. However, he also admits how difficult things have been lately and finds himself opening up to Olivia.
In the coming days, we'll see Karl start to spend more time with Olivia, appreciating having someone to talk to. However, some Ramsay Street residents start to suspect that the dirty doc could be returning to his old tricks…
Who plays Neighbours character Olivia Bell?
Alyce Platt is reprising her role as Olivia for this new stint of episodes.
Alyce has an interesting history with Neighbours, as she previously played medical student Jen Handley – a show regular – in 1995 and 1996.
Speaking in 2012 about returning as a completely different character, Alyce laughed: "It was definitely deja vu sitting in the make-up room – and to be playing opposite Fletch, who I worked with all those years ago, is hilarious.
"[It's a] different character and very different time – the internet was a complete unknown when I was first on Neighbours."
Alyce's other screen credits include roles in Sons and Daughters, A Country Practice and City Homicide.
Away from the acting world, Alyce has worked as a TV presenter and singer.
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours' Susan Kennedy to make a surprising decision as Finn Kelly story is revisited
But Karl has significant concerns.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...elly-decision/
Neighbours spoilers follow for UK and Australian viewers.
Neighbours' Susan Kennedy makes a surprising decision on Australian screens next week, as Finn Kelly's death is revisited.
The Kennedys are confronted by the return of Olivia Bell, whose book last summer caused problems for their marriage after she betrayed their trust. But Susan chooses to take Olivia's new offer seriously ? despite Karl's concerns (via TV Week magazine).
In upcoming scenes, Susan (Jackie Woodburne) is open to the idea of discussing Finn's demise which has haunted her since it happened one year ago.
Olivia (Alyce Platt) wants Susan involved with her second book, said to be a 'more truthful' version of events.
Karl (Alan Fletcher), however, is distressed by the idea, believing Olivia to be manipulative and untrustworthy. He also has concerns that reliving these traumatic memories could affect Susan's mental health.
Karl ends up accepting Susan's choice to speak to Olivia about Finn's end, but is still worried Olivia might trick Susan into giving comments that could harm their reputation.
Susan is adamant to go through with this, insisting that she will only tell the truth.
"Finn Kelly remains a dark shadow, even in death," Woodburne explains. "Susan is hopeful that by laying it all out in detail, she'll finally be able to move on from the painful legacy he left behind."
These scenes air in the UK in five weeks' time.
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Digital Spy article:
Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne explains Finn Kelly's shock return storyline
Susan Kennedy comes to terms with last year's drama.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-kelly-return/
Neighbours spoilers follow for UK and Australian viewers.
Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne has discussed the reasons behind Finn Kelly's surprising return on Australian screens next week.
The villain, played by Rob Mills, will be back for a brief reappearance as Susan uses a visualisation technique to come to terms with the ordeal she endured. The technique is suggested by David Tanaka, as Susan watches Finn's video diaries recorded before his death as part of her research for Olivia Bell's book.
"David thinks that if Susan can visualise Finn, she can use that technique to ask him all the questions that have remained unanswered since his death," Woodburne explained to TV Week magazine.
"Susan felt she could never again let in anyone who might need help into her life in case she made the same mistake again.
"After exploring this with her 'imagined' Finn, she comes to understand that she's a nurturing person and just has to risk failure in order to enjoy rich and loving relationships."
While Susan initially keeps her visualisations a secret from her husband Karl, she eventually opens up to him when things start to get out of control.
Mills recently told The Herald Sun that he loved being back one year after his character drowned.
"It was weird to be back on set but also good to see their happy faces and I love working with the cast and crew," he said. "I'm just rapt they have continued filming the whole way through.
"I love that my character has never really left and it has haunted people."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
DS article:
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher teases "big mistake" in Karl Kennedy's future
"And it's not an affair."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...nnedy-mistake/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has teased what lies ahead for his character Dr Karl Kennedy.
The actor has given fans a preview of what Karl will be up to next ? and it doesn't seem his relationship to his wife Susan (Jackie Woodburne) will be any less rocky.
"Susan has realised that Karl is a deeply, deeply flawed person and she can't change him so she just has to accept his flaws and learn to love them," Fletcher said in an interview with Studio 10.
"Although, this is a little bit of a spoiler alert in a sense, Karl is about to make another big, big, big mistake," the actor continued.
"And it's not an affair."
Fletcher has been playing the GP on the soap since 1994, although he had previously been cast in a smaller, different role for a three-week stint.
The actor also addressed the soap's uncertain future after Channel 5 announced it will no longer screen on its network from August this year.
"It's really up and down a little bit," Fletcher explained.
"You kind of expect these things are gonna happen. You have to steel yourself as an actor, you're on a one-year contract and you go, 'Ok, the show could end at any time for me,'" he said, adding that a possible cancellation would put a lot of people's jobs at risk, not just his.
"I think of the hundreds of people who are not going to be working anymore," he said.
"And, most of all, the fans because Neighbours isn't like Squid Game, you know, where you watch one season and you go, 'Oh, they ought to do another season.' Neighbours is part of people's lives and I'm gutted that it's ending."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
DS article:
Neighbours' Karl Kennedy grows jealous over Clive Gibbons in new scenes
He's left feeling inadequate.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...clive-gibbons/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours has revealed Karl Kennedy will be faced with a new challenge in upcoming episodes of the Channel 5 soap.
Karl ? played by Alan Fletcher ? is set to battle a rising jealousy over Clive Gibbons' (Geoff Paine) increasing popularity amongst his loved ones over the wealth of material possessions in his name.
The first to be wowed will be Toadie, Melanie and Susan. The trio are left enchanted as they witness the grandiosity of Clive's luxurious penthouse, leaving Karl feeling inadequate in comparison.
Unable to think clearly, he becomes overwhelmed by dreadful thoughts and doubts about his capability to provide for Susan.
He wishes to give her the lifestyle she's always wanted ? for them to spend their last decades together lavishly and with no need left unmet.
But he quickly comes to the realisation that their golden years threaten to dissolve right before his eyes if he doesn't step up his game.
Desperate to build his wealth, Karl will find himself on a mission to detect the best investment opportunities for himself, when he chances upon the fashion mogul, Montana Marcel.
Dazzled by her business mind and accomplishments, he becomes eager to invest in her newest start-up ? only for Susan, who is considerably more clear-minded on the matter, to shut it down.
But will Karl let go of this worry on his mind so easily?
Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 7 at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Thursday, April 28 and Monday, May 2 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
As I posted in the spoilers thread, this makes no sense.
Karl and Susan should be loaded. Not only are they both well paid, like Clive, but they (all three) have been for a long time, and they have supers which must be due soon. And a big house in Melbourne. And neither of them spend any money on anything.
DS article:
Neighbours' Karl Kennedy to betray Susan with secretive move
Has he made a bad decision?
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...susan-montana/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours' Karl Kennedy is set to go behind Susan's back following her objections over his investment plans on the soap.
Karl has been keen to prove he can provide for his wife, especially given his jealously over Clive Gibbons' wealth and the way the latter has gained popularity with his loved ones.
Feeling inadequate, Karl wants to up his game so he can provide for his and Susan's golden years, and sees an opportunity in fashion mogul Montana Marcel.
While he wants to invest in her start-up, Susan expresses disapproval, and in new scenes airing next week, Karl remains determined to prove to his wife that he can give her the life she deserves.
Still, Susan won't budge over the Montana situation, and he ends up betraying her by secretly going to Montana with a $20K cheque for her cosmetic line.
Despite investing and feeling pride over his decision, however, Karl still doesn't tell Susan, waiting for the opportune moment.
Yet his actions may be about to prove disastrous, as Karl is unaware that Montana's empire is about to collapse.
Will Susan find out, and if so, how will she react to her husband's actions?
In other Neighbours news, the soap's Australian network recently reacted to Channel 5's decision to drop the soap, and the show subsequently ending, with Network 10's Beverley McGarvey calling it "devastating".
The series finale's airdate has recently been confirmed, along with a change in schedule in Australia so that the last ever episode can air at the same time as in the UK.
Neighbours airs these scenes on Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14 at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
DS article:
Neighbours' Karl Kennedy upsets Susan with new betrayal
The couple's financial future is under threat.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...usan-betrayal/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours favourite Karl Kennedy has some explaining to do next week after betraying his wife Susan.
A new storyline sees Karl make the risky decision to invest in Montana Marcel's business as he aims to boost his future retirement funds.
Karl has started reconsidering his current investment portfolio as he feels under pressure to give Susan the life she deserves when they both retire.
While Karl thinks that investing in a success story like Montana is a no-brainer, he's unaware that her business empire is on the brink of collapse.
To make matters worse, Karl goes ahead with the investment behind Susan's back after she has encouraged him not to proceed.
In next week's episodes on Channel 5, Karl becomes over-confident in his investments and starts pompously dishing out financial advice to anyone he meets.
Hospital boss Clive Gibbons doesn't agree with Karl's recommendations, which gives him cause to question his investment in Montana.
As Karl starts to secretly regret the risk he has taken, he feels anxious about continuing to lie to Susan.
Montana tries to set Karl's mind at ease by promising him that he'll see some fast returns.
Later though, Susan finds Karl's ripped-up original cheque for Montana. She thanks him for not investing, unaware that he later wrote a second cheque.
Karl struggles to keep up the lie and it's not long before the reality of the situation is exposed to Susan.
Susan is furious with Karl and takes matters into her own hands by asking Montana for their money back.
Knowing the investment won't end well for the Kennedys, Montana feels guilty for the ruin she'll cause them.
Just when Montana considers giving the money back as a kind gesture, she overhears Susan bad-mouthing her.
Does this mean Susan will miss her chance to get the investment back?
Neighbours airs these scenes on Tuesday, April 19, Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22 at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Monday, May 16, Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19 at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
$20k = financial ruin?
For Karl and Susan.
Um, okay. There must be more to it.
Sky News story:
Neighbours: Karl Kennedy star Alan Fletcher on the final goodbye, a possible UK soap tour spin-off, and the contents of Karl and Susan's sex box
He's been known as Dr Karl Kennedy for almost 28 years after becoming a resident of Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, in 1994. As he prepares for Neighbours' last ever episode, Alan Fletcher speaks to Sky News about his time on the show and his music career.
https://news.sky.com/story/neighbour...x-box-12599455
It was must-see teatime viewing for generations, the home to Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie before they became mega stars, the street that gave us Harold Bishop's return from the dead and Bouncer's dream, and where good Neighbours became good friends.
While the soap moved from the BBC to Channel 5 and lost UK viewers over the years, for those who grew up in the 1980s and '90s it was always more than just a TV show.
From Paul's affair with his wife's twin sister - caught out by the baby monitor! - and Todd being killed on his way to stop Phoebe having an abortion, to the tornado and plane crash in more recent years, Neighbours brought typical soap melodrama, tragedy and sexy affairs, but as the sunnier, more glamorous Australian cousin of its British counterparts.
While the big screen and polished dramas get the critical acclaim, the vast majority will never see the love that soaps build with their audiences. The characters are a constant in our lives, the (mostly) friendly faces who invite us in to their highs and lows and provide hot topics for the school playground and, lets's be honest, office catch-ups.
And none more so than Dr Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher. After 28 years in Erinsborough, he and his on-screen wife Susan (played by Jackie Woodburne) are officially Ramsay Street's longest-serving residents.
Despite Dr Karl's affairs - who can forget Susan's slap? - and illegitimate child and recent questionable investment, he and Susan remain together and he is arguably Neighbours' best-loved star. Not just beloved on screen, he has also built a fan base as a musician - first with his band Waiting Room and now as he prepares to release his debut solo album.
So as we prepare for the end (sob), who better to speak to about saying goodbye to Ramsay Street?
"We will finish filming the final scenes on 10 June," says Fletcher (must remember to call him that, the urge to write Dr Karl is strong). "I'm on a break from Neighbours now until mid-May, so I will go back and do the last four weeks of the show, which promise to be - this is a big statement - possibly the best episodes of Neighbours ever made, because we have a lot of returning guests.
"It's going to be an absolute hurricane of filming and I think the fans are going to love it."
So far, Harold Bishop (played by Ian Smith) has been confirmed to return, he says, and there are many more. Can we expect the likes of Kylie and Jason bringing back Scott and Charlene, perhaps Margot Robbie or even Russell Crowe, too? And can Fletcher reveal anything about how it's going to end? Surely it can't all have been a dream, Dallas-style? Or could it end with a T-Rex attack, like Byker Grove? (Yes, really).
"Well, I would dearly love to [give a spoiler], if I knew," says Fletcher. "Here's the thing? I can't tell you something I don't know about. The ink is still drying on that last episode, they waited to write it for as long as possible because they didn't know who was going to come back... and now they are keeping that so guarded.
"It's such top secret stuff, I don't know when I'll find out. I guess... three weeks before it happens and my script lands in my inbox. So I could be sly and call you up then." (Obviously Sky News is holding him to this).
"I'm assuming that whatever that last scene is, everyone will turn up and fill the studio," he says. "This has happened before when actors have left the show, where they're filming their last scene and it might just be two people on the set, you know, discussing their love, and there are 150 people in the studio, in the dark, waiting for the scene to finish.
"This will be extraordinary, I know it will be. It'll be so emotional. I think a lot of people just won't know what to say. They won't know what to do. It'll be like, what do we do now?"
Karl and Susan to move to the UK?
As such popular characters, has he ever considered pitching a Karl and Susan spin-off? "What would be fun would be Karl and Susan go travelling through the UK and just accidentally turn up in every UK soap as tourists," he suggests.
"We could be in EastEnders and go for a pint at the pub and I could go on to the set of Doctors and be asked to help save a life in the street. We'd have a grand old time. Up to Corrie and then go across to Emmerdale. Brilliant."
And if he could keep any Neighbours memorabilia? "There's one piece of memorabilia that will be absolutely capital to get your hands on," he says. "It's the portrait of the three Kennedy children painted by Helen Daniels sitting over our fireplace. It's been there for literally 27 years. That's a cracker.
"There's also a picture of me from back in the '70s when I had a moustache and sort of semi-long hair, which was actually from a play, that belongs to me. So the first thing I'm going to do on the last day of filming is rush over and actually grab what belongs to me.
"But I don't know there's going to be any opportunity to try and slyly pinch anything because I believe it will go into storage as being historical. Basically, it's history, it'll be all going to a museum, I think."
'I'm not looking for pop stardom'
fter Neighbours, Fletcher acknowledges acting could get "a bit tricky, because of course everyone associates me with Dr Karl". For now, he has decided to concentrate on music.
After performing with rock band Waiting Room since 2004 - releasing two albums and touring the UK 10 times in eight years, as well as maintaining a weekly residency in Melbourne for 12 years - he began to realise his passion for Americana and folk music in 2020.
The resulting album, Dispatches, is set to be released later this year, with the first single - Sorry Is The Word, a duet with former Neighbours star Alyce Platt (Jen Handley and later Olivia Bell; swapping characters is allowed in soap) - released earlier in April.
"The music I'm very keen to really work hard on and I'm looking forward to having a little bit of a break so I can actually write music and record it," Fletcher says. "At the moment, I've got 10 songs, but you know what? It's very likely I'll write another one that I like better and some stuff will end up getting the boot. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to the future."
He later adds: "I'm not looking for any sort of pop stardom or anything. I'm just looking to play my music as honestly as I can, and I don't care if there's 10 people watching."
Inspired by the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton and Keith Urban, Fletcher says his solo shows will be very different to his appearances with Waiting Room back in the 2000s - which often took place at university nights as students turned out to see Dr Karl on stage.
"That was party time," he says. "There's lots of jumping around being silly, but this music is a little more subdued. And when I'm playing in the UK, I'll be playing as a three-piece, so it'll be more about the words and more about what I'm singing than the antics."
What's in the blue box?
Fletcher also has his "evening with" show, The Doctor Will See You Now, which after COVID cancellations is set to finally tour the UK in September. And of all the questions people want to ask about Dr Karl, it's one about his sex life that comes up most.
"Everyone wants to know what's in Karl and Susan's blue box that they keep under their bed, because that's their marital aid," he says, laughing. "It's basically implied that it forms a rather large part of their love life - but no one knows what's in it."
Like the ending of Neighbours, Fletcher is staying tight-lipped on this one, too. You'll have to tune in at the end to see if a blue box reveal forms part of the final hurrah. Unlikely, perhaps - but stranger things have happened in soap.
And:
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher teases huge secrecy over final ever episodes
"It's such top secret stuff."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...inal-episodes/
karl looks thin and bald
Not a spoiler, but for any interested Karl/Alan Fletcher fans in the UK:
Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals new project ahead of filming final ever episodes
The Karl Kennedy star is heading out on the road.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...nnedy-uk-tour/
Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has revealed his next project after he wraps filming as his iconic soap character Karl Kennedy.
With Neighbours due to bow out this summer after 37 years on the air, Alan has confirmed that he will be heading to the UK in September to perform a string of live shows about the 28 years that he has spent on Ramsay Street as Karl.
The Doctor Will See You Now is described as "an interview-style show, which will undoubtedly go off-script", also featuring video footage and music from Neighbours.
During the show, Alan will look back on his time on Neighbours and provide some fascinating insights into his life and career, in an evening which is described as "funny, fabulous, heart-warming and full of details about the history of one of the biggest stars in soap".
"I have appeared in hundreds of theatrical performances in my 43 years as an actor, but this is the first time I will lay myself bare for an audience," Alan said. "I want to give fans a frank and truthful insight into my life on Neighbours in an entertaining and fun way."
Each performance will also feature a Q&A segment, allowing fans to put their burning questions to the actor, while a limited number of meet and greet tickets will be available for each venue.
The Doctor Will See You Now will be visiting venues in Glasgow, Newcastle, Cottingham, Edinburgh, Doncaster, Worthing, Crickhowell, Stratford, London and Milton Keynes across September.
Tickets can be booked at alanfletcher.net.
With Neighbours due to wrap up in just a few months' time, Alan has teased that there has been so much secrecy surrounding the soap's final ever episodes that he doesn't actually know what's going to happen yet.
"Here's the thing... I can't tell you something I don't know about. The ink is still drying on that last episode, they waited to write it for as long as possible because they didn't know who was going to come back... and now they are keeping that so guarded," he said.
"It's such top secret stuff, I don't know when I'll find out. I guess... three weeks before it happens and my script lands in my inbox."
What we do know is that we can expect to see over 20 iconic returning characters from the soap's history, including Charlene Mitchell (Kylie Minogue) and Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan).
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play.
DS article:
Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reassures fans over health after fan concern over hair loss
"I know a lot of you are going to be pretty shocked."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...ins-hair-loss/
Neighbours veteran Alan Fletcher has laid to rest a few fan concerns on social media.
Known for playing Karl Kennedy for close to three decades, the Aussie usually sports some facial fuzz to go with his grey hair, but now he's completely bald on both accounts.
Speaking via the soap's official Twitter channel, Fletcher explained the situation this week.
"A lot of fans have expressed a little concern about my health on the internet and there's been some media inquiries as well, so I just wanted to put something to rest," he said. "I'm absolutely fine, I'm fit and well working on Neighbours and having a great time.
"But, I can report to you I do have a disorder called alopecia areata.
"Now, if you watched the Oscars, you know that's the thing that caused a bit of a discord between Will Smith and Chris Rock in referencing Will Smith's wife."
Jada Pinkett Smith's own alopecia diagnosis became the subject of one of Oscars host Rock's jokes, leading eventual Best Actor winner Smith to walk onstage and slap the comedian across the face.
https://twitter.com/neighbours/statu...s-hair-loss%2F
"Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss. I started to lose hair in my beard and then on my scalp in patches, so eventually 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.
"UK audiences have seen Dr Karl without hair, Australian audiences are going to see it on June 2, so stay tuned for that," Fletcher added before cheerily whipping his cap off.
"I know a lot of you are going to be pretty shocked, but I have no problem with it. In fact, it's kind of fun!"
The Neighbours legend, who briefly portrayed a different character named Greg Cooper in the late '80s, encouraged fellow alopecia sufferers to seek out professional support if they're struggling too.
"Alopecia areata can be quite serious for people, particularly from an emotional point of view," he said. "Sudden hair loss is really troubling for a lot of people, and particularly for young people who can be terribly bullied.
"There is support out there. There are alopecia areata associations in Australia and in the UK, so reach out for help if you need it."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play.
Susan marching down the street to slap someone for making a comment about it would be a delightful finale.
Keep my husband's name out your... mouth!
That would funny.Quote:
Originally Posted by Danners9
Nowtolove.com.au article:
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.
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...s-ending-71294
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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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."
And some more photos:
Neighbours veteran Jackie Woodburne battles the winter chill by clutching a hot water bottle as she films her final scenes on Ramsay Street
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...ay-Street.html
DS article:
Neighbours lines up emotional Susan Kennedy scenes in series finale
Get ready to say one last goodbye to Susan and Karl.
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...-karl-kennedy/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours will come to an end next week, but by the look of things it will only be Susan and Karl Kennedy left on Ramsay Street by the time the soap draws to a close.
As next week gets underway, Chloe Brennan has put number 24 up for sale and is ready to start a new life away from Erinsborough ? perhaps with Elly Conway.
But Chloe is far from the only one as numbers 22, 26, 30 and 32 are all also put up for sale, much to the shock of the Kennedys at number 28.
Karl and Susan are horrified when they see all of the for-sale signs have been put up, and they have no choice but to contemplate what life will be like on Ramsay Street with a completely new set of neighbours.
Harold Bishop asks the couple if they would be the new custodians of the Ramsay Street history book and while they agree, Susan struggles with Harold's request to write a new introduction.
But Karl and Susan have no time to mourn the loss of all their friends, as they have Toadie and Melanie's wedding to help organise ? as well as some fresh drama from Izzy Hoyland to deal with.
Making the best of it, the Kennedys try not to dwell on all the changes coming, and pull out all the stops to make sure that Toadie and Melanie have a magical day to remember.
But how will Ramsay Street's longest-serving residents cope with all their friends moving to new places?
Neighbours comes to a close after 37 years and just over 8,900 episodes next week with an hour-long finale airing in a primetime slot.
Channel 5 have also lined up two specials to run immediately after it airs the finale in the UK, one about stars from the show's history and one about the many actors who made the move into the music world.
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5 and streams on My5. The series finale will air in the UK on July 29 at 9pm on Channel 5.
In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach and streams on 10 Play. The series finale will air in Australia on July 28 at 7.30pm, simulcast on 10 and 10 Peach.
It does seem very hard to believe that all these people are leaving Erinsborough at the same time.
Just trying to ride out the property boom before it collapses completely. Can't blame them, really. They will all probably move to Summer Bay - or back to Summer Bay, for some.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruffed_lemur
DS article:
Neighbours to revisit forgotten Karl and Susan Kennedy storyline in new season
"Susan does start to act out."
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/nei...rgotten-story/
Neighbours spoilers follow.
Neighbours will revisit Karl and Susan Kennedy's financial woes in the show's new season.
The popular couple hit the rocks early last year when Karl went behind Susan's back to invest in Montana Marcel's doomed business plans.
Karl sadly lost his investment when Montana was arrested and Susan was furious over his betrayal.
Unfortunately, the full consequences couldn't be explored on screen when Neighbours was cancelled by Channel 5 and the show's focus shifted to setting up the nostalgia-filled final episodes.
peaking to Digital Spy and other press about the Kennedys' next scenes, Alan Fletcher ? who plays Karl ? teased: "They're not actually in a remarkably different place. I mean, having lost $200,000 is not something that Karl's going to get away with lightly! But when we come back, the Kennedys are surrounded by drama ? more so than causing it.
"[Executive producer] Jason Herbison's brilliance ? and the whole story department's brilliance ? is that they never forget anything. So what they can do is they can bring back things from the past.
"In our case, the fact that Karl lost $200,000 is still not wasted on Susan. That's good, because you shouldn't go through those sorts of things and then suddenly everyone goes: 'Oh, let's pretend it didn't happen'. It's huge."
Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan, continued: "Susan does start to act out in a way that is completely out of character. By spending an awful lot of money on tat, really! She doesn't know why she's doing it and doesn't really want it.
"But it's because she's still carrying anger about Karl losing that $200,000. It's an interesting story to tell about how we repress stuff. We think everything's okay and we've moved on, but sometimes we haven't. So that's an interesting story."
Another blast from the past for the Kennedys is the presence of Karl's daughter Holly Hoyland, who's now a regular character in the show.
Lucinda Armstrong Hall has reprised her role as Holly, as announced by the show in May.
Alan continued: "That's genius again, because Holly is now around 20 and so she's very much the boss of herself. Karl has been the absent father. For Susan, she loves Holly, but she has grave concerns about the fact that Holly is not taking responsibility and Karl's not doing enough about it.
"She's a bit lost when we first find her. So she's got a really interesting journey to run. I know for me, it's going to be a very interesting journey as well, because Karl has to re-learn how to parent."
Jackie added: "Holly is not showing a lot of respect. She's using the house as a bit of a drop-in. Susan is saying to Karl: 'Be a parent, step up, don't just tell her what to do'. So that's good too.
"But what's interesting, too, is that in every house, there are these small domestic stories going on, against a much bigger backdrop of just amazing stories. There's a two-year time jump ? and you might find out what happened during that time further on down the line.
"The stories are just phenomenal. It's fantastic."
Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.