Neighbours favourite Dr Karl Kennedy debuts dapper new look for Movember

Much-loved actor Alan Fletcher is set to debut a bold new look, with his long-time Neighbours character Dr Karl Kennedy growing a moustache on-screen to raise funds and awareness for men’s health charity Movember.

The freshly sprouted Mo will be proudly broadcast on Channel 5 (1.45pm & 5.30pm weekdays) featured in an ongoing story arc from the end of this month, in support of men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

While Alan has personally supported Movember for many years, this is first time his on-screen persona Dr Karl has participated in the annual Mo-growing campaign and marks a significant change to the famous TV doctor’s signature look.

Alan Fletcher said: “This year it’s more important than ever to get behind Movember. While not everyone will be thrilled by the new addition to Dr Karl’s upper lip – my apologies in advance to Susan - we know that often it’s the worst moustaches that start the best conversations.

“For me, this was a fantastic opportunity to use the Neighbours platform to highlight the importance of men’s health. It’s been exceptionally tough for a lot of men across the UK with financial and economic pressures on top of a global pandemic, and unfortunately it won’t be easing up any time soon.”

He continued: “Dr Karl even has his own Mo Space donation page, so we’re looking forward to his moustache having a real world impact outside the show - by raising funds so that Movember can continue to carry out ground-breaking medical research, cancer tests and treatments, and important mental health interventions.”

Movember’s Rachel Carr said, “We’re so thrilled to have Alan, who is an Aussie soap legend, flying the hairy flag for Movember this year. This is also the first time ever that Movember has been integrated into a storyline on TV, so it’s been incredible to have the team at Neighbours really get behind and embrace the Mo in a year that is our most important yet.

“Every donation, no matter how small adds up. By getting behind Dr Karl Kennedy’s Movember efforts, you can help us to continue funding and applying research to prevent our fathers, brothers, partners, sons and mates from dying too young.”

Donate to Dr Karl’s moustache at movember.com/m/drkarlkennedy