When a scandalous affair rocked the Kennedy’s steady marriage in the late ’90s Neighbours fans were outraged.
Dr Karl’s (Alan Fletcher) steamy fling with younger colleague Sarah (Nicola Charles), shattered his marriage to Susan (Jackie Woodburne).
“The biggest TV WEEK moment for me was when there was a cover of me with Jackie and Nicola relating to Karl’s affair,” Alan, 60, says.
To this day, the cast of Neighbours have a reminder of the seismic moment at their Nunawading sets in Melbourne.
Susan was furious when she found out about Karl and Sarah’s affair.
“That was a big story and we actually have the poster of the cover in a frame in our green room as a reminder to everyone of the past,” Alan adds.
He believes the affair storyline came at a time when the show needed refreshing.
“The glory days were starting to fade a little bit as the original cast started to disappear, he explains.
“And so that storyline, and a lot of really other good storylines, was really when Neighbours underwent a renaissance and it really revitalised the show.”
When asked who his favourite co-star has been over the years, Alan can’t go past Jackie, who portrays his on-screen wife Susan.
Karl and Susan have been through a lot over the years.
“The highlight of Neighbours will always be my relationship with Jackie,” he says.
“Jackie and I are firm and fast friends which makes my work life so enjoyable.”
As for who he’d love to see make a return to the show – former co-star Jesse Spencer, who played the Kennedy’s youngest son is top of the list.
“It would be marvellous to see him again,” Alan says.
