Alan Fletcher has put his ‘Neighbours’ longevity down to his co-star Jackie Woodburne.
The two soap stars – who have played Karl and Susan Kennedy since 1994 – have shared the screen for more than 20 years, and the 61-year-old actor paid tribute to the performer behind his on-screen wife.
Speaking on Thursday’s ‘Loose Women’ (16.08.18), he gushed: "To be honest with you, the only reason I’ve been here that long personally is because of this gorgeous woman here. I don’t think I’d have lasted the distance if I hadn’t got to work with Jackie."
The soap couple’s romance hasn’t always been plain sailing, with Karl having cheated on his partner in the past.
Reflecting on the public’s reaction to his character’s dishonesty – which included flings with Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles) and Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) – he joked it has actually been split.
He added: "A lot of women wanted to let me know what a scoundrel and horrible person I was, and there was an awful lot of young boys walking down the street going ‘Legend!’ So,it was a mixed reaction."
The two actors appeared on ITV’s daytime show with 23-year-old newcomer Bonnie Anderson – who was the first winner of ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ back in 2007 – and she opened up about how she’s settled in.
She said: "I’m so happy being here with these guys, it’s been a whirlwind this year, it’s so new to me – especially transitioning from music to acting. It’s incredible, and these guys teach me everyday."
Alan Fletcher credits Jackie Woodburne with Neighbours longevity
