Neighbours icon Alan Fletcher has revealed via the soap’s official Twitter channel that he has alopecia.
The popular actor, 65, has played Erinsborough medic, Dr Karl Kennedy, since 1994 and usually sports some face fur to go with his grey hair.
But eagle-eyed soap fans have recently spotted that Karl has been completely bald on screen, with his character wearing a flat cap in all of his scenes, and it has been referred to in the script.
Now Alan has fully explained the situation to fans in his own inimitable style.
Speaking on a video via the official Neighbours Twitter, he said: “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.
“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 has been open about having alopecia while other famous people with the condition include Bake Off presenter Matt Lucas, US actress Viola Davis and TV presenter Gail Porter.
Alan continued: “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 soap legend went on to acknowledge that the condition can be hard for sufferers to come to terms with. He went on: “Alopecia areata can be quite serious for people, particularly from an emotional point of view.”
“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.”
Former cast member Collette Mann, who played Sheila Canning, replied: “Well done Alan … you look very sexy xxx”
BBC Newsround presenter and Neighbours fan Ricky Boleto said: “So good to hear you’re well, Alan. This video will help a lot of young people coming to terms with alopecia.”
Alan will be touring the UK this September in his ‘Dr. Karl in conversation’ show, The Doctor Will See You Now.
Neighbours continues weekdays at 1.45pm and 6pm on Channel 5, streaming on My5
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
