Neighbours veteran star Alan Fletcher has taken to Twitter to address fans' concerns about his health following recent episodes airing in the UK showing him with no hair. The 65-year-old has spoken publicly reassuring fans that he is "fit and well" but that he has been diagnosed with alopecia.
The actor is best known for playing the role of Dr Karl Kennedy on the hit Australian soap Neighbours - which is due to air its final episode this Summer, after 37 years. In a video on the Neighbours social media account, Alan teased the finale by holding a copy of the script for the last ever episode, saying it was going to be "sensational".
But the star added "the real purpose" of the video was to address some concerns, from fans and the media, about his health. "So I just want to put something to rest," he explained: "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.
"I started to lose hair into 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". Alan took off his cap to reveal his new look adding: "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".
Fans of the Australian soap were quick to share messages of support, with many praising Alan for speaking up about his hair loss. David tweeted: "I adore @alanfletcher and the hardest thing about #Neighbours ending is not watching him and Queen #JackieWoodburne on my TV every day. I am glad Alan is okay and is fit, healthy and legendary as ever". Michelle added: "Glad he is well and amazing to speak up about it" and Lou said: "What a lovely inspirational (and personal) message from the lovely @alanfletcher".
Sian posted: "I have to say @alanfletcher I was so glad to see this. Not only you have brought awareness to this condition, I was very concerned about you so it was good to see it wasn't anything sinister. I'm glad you have been able accepted the condition with such humour. You look great" and Lizzie Archer shared: "Thanks for being so open about Alopecia Alan. It’s such a hard thing to deal with for so many people, so thank you for de-stigmatising it ! Hope you stay well and we all send you our best wishes X".
Neighbours airs weekdays on Channel 5 from 1.45pm, you can also watch all episodes on My5.
