Karl Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''
Neighbours
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera, which has aired since 18 March 1985. It was created by television executive Reg Watson. The Seven Network commissioned the show following the success of Watson's earlier soap '' Sons an ...
'', played by
Alan Fletcher. The actor previously appeared in the soap in 1987 as mechanic Greg Cooper. He made his first screen appearance as Karl during the episode broadcast on 20 September 1994. Karl and his family were created by ''Neighbours'' storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots. Karl was given the job of local GP to give him immediate links with other characters. Debuting shortly before his wife,
Susan Kennedy
Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Jackie Woodburne. The character and her family were created by storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots ...
, he is the longest-running continuously-appearing character in the series' history.
Creation and casting
In 1994, the ''Neighbours storyliners decided to introduce the "solid" Kennedy family.
They felt that they needed to take the show back to its roots when it seemed that all the houses on Ramsay Street were populated with misfits and distant relatives.
Susan (
Jackie Woodburne
Jacqueline Anne Woodburne (born 5 February 1956) is a Northern Irish-born Australian actress, who is notable for her roles in TV soap operas.
Since 1994, Woodburne has played teacher Susan Kennedy in ''Neighbours''. She first became notable for ...
) was given the job of teacher at the local school and Karl was made the local GP, giving the family immediate links with other characters.
Fletcher had previously starred in ''Neighbours'' as
Greg Cooper
Gregory John Luke Cooper (born 10 June 1965) is a former New Zealand rugby union player. A fullback, Cooper represented Hawke's Bay, Otago and Auckland at a provincial level and the in Super Rugby. He was a member of the New Zealand nationa ...
for a three-week guest role in 1987.
When the character of Karl Kennedy came up, Fletcher auditioned for the role in the same way as he had for the role of Greg.
He was subsequently cast in the show again seven years after his first appearance.
Fletcher admitted that when he joined the show again he thought he would be there for a year.
In 2009, Fletcher celebrated the 15th anniversary of his character's arrival on Ramsay Street.
In 2014, Fletcher celebrated 20 years on the show. He commented "I am planning to hang around for quite a while longer because I do love it too much, we're talking at the moment about a continuation."
Development
Marriage to Susan Kennedy
Susan and Karl were childhood sweethearts who married in 1978, before they both graduated from university.
Karl has cheated on Susan and the couple have broken up and divorced, but they later reunited and have remarried.
Karl and Susan are best friends who enjoy each other's company, share a deep connection and take joy in each other's quirks and ways.
Woodburne described them as having a "really solid foundation for a marriage" and she has said that she does not want to see Susan and Karl's relationship break up again.
A writer for
Holy Soap
Holy Soap is a UK television and entertainment website founded in June 2009 by the British television company Channel 5. The website is the official UK home of the Australian soap operas '' Home and Away'' and '' Neighbours'', which are broadcast ...
has called Susan and Karl "contenders for the friskiest couple on Ramsay Street".
Following their "passionate arguments", the couple enjoy making up together as they have a healthy attraction for each other.
Fletcher says he and Woodburne find the scenes "funny". Fletcher said "Karl and Susan every now and again do go through a phase where they become slightly more amorous than in their tougher times and tougher storylines – suffice to say it's not bawdy, but I think the audience will enjoy the fun aspect".
Karl and Susan have been caught in the nude together on three occasions; at the beach, in
Lou Carpenter
Lou Carpenter is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Tom Oliver. He made his first screen appearance on 30 March 1988. Oliver appeared for a brief time, having been initially contracted for six months, ...
's (
Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver (born 12 June 1938) is a British-born Australian retired actor who started his career in theatre in his native country, before emigrating to Australia.
Oliver, a staple of the small screen since the early 1960s, is best known for h ...
) spa and when they went skinny-dipping in the bush.
Character reflection
Upon the news that ''Neighbours'' would be concluding on 28 July 2022, Fletcher said that the finale would be a "huge celebration of the show, but a celebration that goes back 37 years. It'll be quite memorable."
He described Channel 5's decision to cancel the show a "harsh reality", but understood why the decision had been made.
When asked of his favourite storyline, Fletcher said, "Well, it's hard to get past the Izzy/Karl/Susan triangle, because unlike the Sarah affair, which was very much an affair, the Izzy storyline was a lot more complex. Karl left Susan mentally for Izzy, before he left her physically. Izzy actually had no interest in Karl. It was only when Izzy found out she was pregnant with another man's child, and that man had died in the Lassiters fire, that she said: 'I'll take you Karl, so you can be the father to my child'. Of course, she faked the date of her pregnancy at the hospital. It was an incredible story. Susan's reaction to Karl having a baby with another woman was spectacular. She really gave it to me in the street. It had many twists and turns and finished beautifully."
Fletcher also stated that he enjoyed comedic storylines, especially the serial's 7000th episode, where Karl shares a nude lunch.
Fletcher explained that his least favourite storyline as Karl was when "he got himself a job as a pharmaceutical rep. He discovered that the company that he was working for were selling expired medicines in third world countries", and he thought the storyline unrealistic for ''Neighbours''.
Fletcher added that he and Woodburne were "very excited" for Izzy and Malcolm's returns in the final episodes.
Upon the idea of Karl and Susan leaving the street at the end of the serial, Fletcher responded, "For me to fulfil my fantasy that Karl and Susan go on holiday on the last episode and turn up over the next year in every UK soap as tourists – for that to happen, I guess we'd have to leave!"
Storylines
Karl met his wife, Susan at university and they had three children together;
Malcolm
Malcolm, Malcom, Máel Coluim, or Maol Choluim may refer to:
People
* Malcolm (given name), includes a list of people and fictional characters
* Clan Malcolm
* Maol Choluim de Innerpeffray, 14th-century bishop-elect of Dunkeld
Nobility
* Máe ...
(
Benjamin McNair
Benjamin John McNair (born 25 August 1974, London) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Malcolm Kennedy in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' which he played from 1994 to 1997 returning briefly in 2002, 2004, 2011 and 2014 with a cameo a ...
),
Libby (
Kym Valentine
Kym Valentine (born 24 May 1977) is an Australian actress best known for her long running intermittent portrayal of Libby Kennedy in the soap opera ''Neighbours.''
Early life
Valentine was born in Blacktown, Sydney, and grew up in Granville. ...
) and
Billy (
Jesse Spencer
Jesse Gordon Spencer (born 12 February 1979) is an Australian actor and musician. He is best known for his roles as Billy Kennedy on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' (1994–2000, 2005, 2022), Robert Chase on the American medical drama ...
).
After he is suspected of causing the death of a patient, Karl decides to move his family from the countryside to Erinsborough. The move is initially difficult on the family, but they eventually settle into the community. Karl goes into partnership with
Tamsin Caldo (Soula Alexander) at the local medical centre. The children begin causing problems for Karl. Billy befriends
Toadfish Rebecchi
Jarrod Vincenzo Rebecchi (commonly known as "Toadfish" or "Toadie") is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Ryan Moloney. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 23 January 199 ...
(
Ryan Moloney
Ryan Moloney (born 24 November 1979) is an Australian actor, known for his portrayal of the fictional character Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' since 1995.
Career
Moloney's first acting experience was with ...
), who Karl dislikes, while Libby falls for an older guy and Malcolm begins dating
Danni Stark
Danielle "Danni" Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Eliza Szonert. She made her debut during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993 and remained in the show until 13 November 1996, with a br ...
(
Eliza Szonert
Eliza Szonert (born 29 January 1974) is an Australian actress. Born in Victoria, Australia, Szonert played Danni Stark in Australia's long-running soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1993 to 1996. Szonert reprised the role in 2005 for the show's 20th ...
). Karl becomes friends with his neighbours,
Philip Martin (
Ian Rawlings
Ian Rawlings (born 9 March 1959) is an Australian actor. He is best known for his long-running roles in soap operas '' Sons and Daughters'' and ''Neighbours''. He also appeared in the short-lived serial ''The Power, the Passion''.
Career ''Sons ...
) and Lou Carpenter. He starts treating Kate Cornwall (Christie Sistrunk), a patient with an incurable disease. He develops a close friendship with her and just before she leaves, they share a kiss. When Kate dies, Karl struggles with his grief and admits to Susan that he was attracted to Kate. Karl's father,
Tom (
Bob Hornery
Robert James Hornery (28 May 1931 – 26 May 2015) was an Australian actor. He won both the Helpmann Awards and the Equity Awards lifetime achievement award, with a career spanning 60 years, in both Britain and Australia. He was well known for ...
), comes to stay with the family and he reveals he is not Karl's biological father. Karl assures Tom he will always consider him as his father, but he decides to track down his biological father, Ronald Davies-Smythe (Tony Hawkins). Ronald visits the family once, before dying.
Karl clashes with Libby's boyfriend,
Darren Stark
Darren Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Todd MacDonald. He made his first on-screen appearance on 20 July 1993 and was originally played by Scott Major. When the character was released from ...
(
Todd MacDonald
Todd MacDonald (born 1973 in British Columbia, Canada) is a Canadian Australian actor who is best known for his roles on the soap opera '' Neighbours'' and the drama series ''The Secret Life of Us'' and '' Rush''.
MacDonald graduated in 1996 fro ...
), and a feud between Karl and Darren's mother,
Cheryl
Cheryl is a female given name common in English speaking countries.
There are several prevailing theories about its etymology. The most common is that it has Italo-Celtic roots and is an Anglicised version of either the French name Cherie (from ...
(
Caroline Gillmer
Caroline Gillmer (born 1955) is an Australian actress, best known for her roles in various television series, such as ''Prisoner'' as Helen Smart and ''Neighbours'' as Cheryl Stark. During her time off sick from ''Neighbours'', Gillmer was t ...
) begins. They later call a truce and when Cheryl is knocked down by a lorry, Karl tries to help her. He gives her painkillers, but Cheryl dies. Karl later realises that Cheryl may have been allergic to the drugs he gave her and thinking he caused Cheryl's death, Karl stops practising medicine. However, when Karl saves Malcolm's life by performing a tracheotomy on him, he decides to resume practising medicine and takes over the lease on the surgery at the Lassiter's Complex. Karl allows Toadie to stay with the family after his own family leave. When Malcolm leaves home, he sends his friend
Joel Samuels
Joel Samuels is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Daniel MacPherson. MacPherson secured the role after auditioning for casting director Jan Russ, who suggested that the script producers wri ...
(
Daniel MacPherson
Daniel Donald MacPherson (born 25 April 1980) is an Australian actor and television presenter, known for his roles as Joel Samuels in ''Neighbours'', PC Cameron Tait in ''The Bill'', Sergeant Samuel Wyatt in Sky and Cinemax's '' Strike Back'', ...
) to Erinsborough to stay with Karl and Susan. Karl become attracted to his receptionist,
Sarah Beaumont
Sarah Beaumont (also Hannay) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Nicola Charles. Shortly after Charles moved to Australia, she was encouraged to try out for a part in the serial by a drama coach. The ...
(
Nicola Charles
Nicola Charles is a British- Australian author and actress, known for her role as Sarah Beaumont in Australian soap opera '' Neighbours''.
Career
Charles trained as an actress and dancer in the UK and started her career in British televisio ...
). He helps her to become a nurse and when he comforts her about a break up, they kiss. Karl tries to distance himself from Sarah, but she falls for him. Karl tells Sarah that he cannot be with her as he loves Susan. Toadie learns of the kiss and tells Billy, who then tells Susan on the same day that their friends Philip and Ruth are getting married. After breaking down in tears, Susan slaps Karl across the face and asks him to move out of the family home. The separation between Karl and Susan has ramifications for their family and friends; Libby ends her friendship with Sarah and both Libby and Billy side with Susan instead of Karl.
Karl moves into a flat and the distance between Karl and Susan is widened when an old university friend,
Martin Chester (Gil Tucker), arrives in Erinsborough and comforts Susan. She kisses Martin, but realises she loves Karl and they reunite. Sarah becomes engaged to
Peter Hannay
''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera created by Reg Watson. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1999, by order of first appearance. All characters w ...
(
Nick Carrafa
Nick Carrafa is an Australian actor best known for his television roles as Tony Romeo on the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'' and Alfredo on the comedy series ''Acropolis Now''.
Career
Carrafa began his career with a guest role in the se ...
) and on the day of her wedding, Karl gives her a lift. Following the wedding, Karl and Sarah kiss again, before Sarah and Peter leave for good. Karl clashes with new neighbour,
Joe Scully
Joe Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Shane Connor. He made his first on-screen appearance on 20 October 1999, along with his family.
Development
In October 1999, the five-strong Scully fam ...
(
Shane Connor
Shane Connor (born 3 April 1959) also billed/credited as Shane Feeney-Connor, is an Australian actor, who has had extensive experience in stage, television and film productions, both locally and internationally in the United Kingdom and United St ...
), over the boundaries of their households. Libby gets engaged to
Drew Kirk
Andrew "Drew" Kirk is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Dan Paris. Following his decision to move into acting, Paris won the role of Drew after attending his first ever audition. He admitted that he in ...
(
Dan Paris
Daniel Paris (born 15 June 1973) is an Australian actor and photographer. He is best known for playing the role of Drew Kirk in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours''.
Personal life
Paris was born in Perth, Western Australia and was raised ...
) and Karl gives her away at the wedding. A few months later, Karl, Susan and Libby attended Malcolm's wedding. Karl offers Susan's nephew,
Darcy Tyler
Darcy Tyler is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Mark Raffety. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 15 November 2000. The following year, Raffety became a series regula ...
(
Mark Raffety
Mark may refer to:
Currency
* Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark, the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
* East German mark, the currency of the German Democratic Republic
* Estonian mark, the currency of Estonia between 1918 and 1927
* Fi ...
), a job at the surgery and they later become partners. Darcy tries to convince Karl to sell the practice to a private medical company, but Karl refuses and offers to buy Darcy out of the partnership. Susan slips on some spilt milk and develops retrograde amnesia, which causes her to lose thirty years of her memory. Susan rejects Karl as she cannot remember him and decides to divorce him. Drew dies and Karl supports Libby. Soon after, Susan falls in love with Karl again and they decide to remarry. Susan regains her memory halfway through their vows.
Karl is fined for drink-driving after he has a few glasses of wine at a medical conference and is stopped by the police. He is banned from driving for six months and his fine is doubled when he attends court. Karl starts drinking behind Susan's back and she suspects he is having an affair with
Izzy Hoyland
Isabelle "Izzy" Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Natalie Bassingthwaighte. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 1 September 2003. Izzy was introduced as Max ...
(
Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Natalie Bassingthwaighte (; born 1 September 1975) is an Australian recording artist, actress, and Celebrity, television personality. Born and raised in Wollongong, New South Wales, she began her career in musical theatre. She later pursued an ...
). Susan's suspicions grow when Karl begins to use breath freshener more often and arrives home at odd hours. However, she is forced to apologise after Karl assures her nothing is going on. Susan discovers Karl's drinking problem when she finds he has drunk a whole bottle of wine and all the scotch. Susan decides they should spend some time apart and she goes to Adelaide. Karl begins spending time with Izzy and when Susan returns, Karl asks her for a trial separation. He later admits that he no longer loves Susan and he moves out and rents a flat nearby. Karl has sex with Izzy and they begin a relationship. Izzy later announces she is pregnant. Susan takes the news badly as does Libby, Malcolm and Billy. Susan files for divorce and they divide their assets without lawyers. They share a kiss and decide to remain friends.
Karl proposes to Izzy, who accepts. After she falls down some steps and miscarries, Izzy begins staying out and partying, while Karl starts drinking again. They sort their issues out and decide to go ahead with the wedding. However, Izzy gets spooked by her ex-boyfriend,
Gus Cleary
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the show in 2004, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the shows e ...
's (Ben Barrack) presence and tries to leave. She returns and Karl forgives her. Karl goes away to the country for the weekend and he suffers a heart attack while changing a tyre on his car. Karl believes he is dying and calls Susan to tell her he loves her. The paramedics arrive and Karl is taken to Erinsborough Hospital, where Susan is waiting. Karl learns he was not the father of Izzy's child and they break up. Susan becomes engaged to
Alex Kinski
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'' in 2005, by order of first appearance. They were all introduced by the show's executive producer Ric Pellizzeri. The 21st season of ''Neighbour ...
(
Andrew Clarke), a man Karl is treating for terminal cancer. Karl urges Alex to tell Susan the truth about his illness, but he refuses. Karl then tells Susan the truth and encourages her to seize her chance of happiness with Alex. Karl begins dating
Jenny McKenna (Carrie Barr), but they break up when Jenny realises Karl still loves Susan. Karl acts as a witness at Susan and Alex's wedding and he comforts his former wife when Alex dies hours later.
Karl begins dating Jenny again and he asks her to move in with him. However, when Jenny's political career takes her away from Erinsborough more and more often, they break up again. Karl and Susan start growing closer and after they take care of Tom together, they kiss. They decide to get back together, but keep their relationship a secret from Susan's stepchildren,
Rachel
Rachel () was a Biblical figure, the favorite of Jacob's two wives, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, two of the twelve progenitors of the tribes of Israel. Rachel's father was Laban. Her older sister was Leah, Jacob's first wife. Her aun ...
(
Caitlin Stasey
Caitlin Jean Stasey (born 1 May 1990) is an Australian actress and singer. She is known for her role as Rachel Kinski in ''Neighbours''. Previously she played Francesca Thomas in '' The Sleepover Club'', although her breakthrough movie role ca ...
) and
Zeke
Zeke is a masculine given name and nickname, sometimes a shortened form (hypocorism) of Ezekiel, which may refer to:
People
* Caleb Bailey (nickname "Zeke", 1898-1957), US Marine Corps brigadier general and athlete
* Zeke Bella (1930–2013), Ame ...
(
Matthew Werkmeister
Matthew Werkmeister (born 30 January 1992) is an Australian stage and television actor. He is best known for his role as Zeke Kinski in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 2005 to 2011 and 2014.
Career
Werkmeister began his career with the Chil ...
). When the children find out, they find it hard to accept, but eventually give the relationship their blessing. Karl moves in with Susan and the children and quits medicine after a mistake on a paternity test. Karl decides to become self-sufficient and plants an organic vegetable patch in the back garden. During a trip to London, Karl and Susan run into a pregnant Izzy and they try to help her out. Karl proposes to Susan and they marry on a boat on the Thames. The ceremony is interrupted when Izzy turns up and goes into labour. Karl helps to deliver her daughter, who she names
Holly
''Ilex'' (), or holly, is a genus of over 570 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. ''Ilex'' has the most species of any woody dioecious angiosperm genus. The species are evergreen o ...
(Chaya Broadmore). Susan learns Karl is Holly's father and she tells him when they return home. Karl then goes back to London to spend time with his daughter.
When he returns, Karl starts working for Vivex Pharmaceuticals company. He learns some of their drugs are faulty from
Steve Parker (
Steve Bastoni
Steve Bastoni (born 4 March 1966) is an Award winning, Italian-born Australian actor. He became a household name in Australia for his role as Constable Yannis 'Angel' Angelopoulos in ''Police Rescue'' and as Steve Parker in ''Neighbours''. H ...
) and reports this to the company. Trouble-shooter Christian Johnson (
Neil Pigot
Neil Pigot (born 28 December 1961) is an Australian actor who is perhaps best known in Australia for his role as Inspector Falcon Price in the highly successful television series ''Blue Heelers''. Pigot has appeared in over 100 episodes of televi ...
) arrives and tells Karl that some batches had a problem and that it was being dealt with. However, Karl and Steve become suspicious that there is a cover up going on and Karl decides to proof of corruption. Vivex promote Karl and give him his own personal assistant Julia Sanders (Raelene Isbester). Karl and Julia break into a warehouse and to find some proof, but they are caught by security. Julia reveals that Christian is planning to set Karl up and when he is arrested, she admits to the police that Karl is innocent and that she has proof that Christian set everything up. Susan is diagnosed with
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This d ...
(MS) and Karl returns to work at the hospital to help out with their finances. Karl befriends
Nicola West
Nicola West is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Imogen Bailey. She made her on-screen debut on 5 May 2008. She departed the show on 8 October 2008. The character has been central to many storylines in ...
(
Imogen Bailey
Imogen Bailey (born 7 July 1977, Canberra) is an Australian model, actress and singer. As a model she has been featured on the cover of men's magazines, including ''Ralph'', ''FHM Australia'', ''Black+White''. On TV Bailey has appeared in vario ...
) and when she takes blood from a patient without permission, he helps her cover it up. Nicola tries to blame her malpractice on Karl and he is suspended by the hospital board. However, Nicola later tells the board that she took the blood and Karl is reinstated.
Zeke goes missing following a rafting accident and Karl and Susan later find him living with
Phil Andrews (
Robert Mammone
Robert Mammone (born 1969 in Adelaide, South Australia) is an Australian actor. He is known for his role as AK in ''The Matrix'' movies, as Sid Walker in the soap opera ''Home and Away'' and as Tim Palmer in '' Sons and Daughters''. He was also ...
). They bring him home and realise he is suffering from amnesia. The family help Zeke recover his memories. A few months later, Karl realises Zeke is suffering from
anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorders are a cluster of mental disorders characterized by significant and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and fear such that a person's social, occupational, and personal function are significantly impaired. Anxiety may cause physi ...
and he takes him back to the scene of the rafting accident to help him. Karl begins writing a medical column for the local newspaper and he co-presents a radio show on PirateNet with Zeke. Karl is sacked from the radio show when he plays his own music, but Zeke begins a successful campaign for him to be reinstated. Karl suffers a health scare and is taken to the hospital, where he clashes with
Doug Harris (
Mahesh Jadu). Karl takes part in a
Million Paws Walk with Dahl, the
Galah
The galah (; ''Eolophus roseicapilla''), also known as the pink and grey cockatoo or rose-breasted cockatoo, is the only species within genus ''Eolophus'' of the cockatoo family. Found throughout Australia, it is among the most common of the c ...
, but Dahl goes missing and Karl blames
Rebecca Robinson's (
Jane Hall) cat. Lou finds Dahl and he and Karl compete to see who can attract her back. Dahl flies into Toadie's house and Toadie brings her back to Karl.
Ringo Brown
Ringo Brown is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Sam Clark. Clark was given the role after he entered and won a '' Dolly'' magazine competition. He made his first screen appearance during the episode b ...
(
Sam Clark
Samuel James Clark (born 18 October 1987) is an Australian actor, singer-songwriter, best known for his role as Ringo Brown on the Australian soap opera, ''Neighbours'' and Leo in the Fox/Paramount live musical television special '' Grease: Live. ...
) asks Karl to be his best man at his wedding to
Donna Freedman
Donna Freedman (also Brown) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Margot Robbie. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 2 June 2008. Donna was initially introduced as a gu ...
(
Margot Robbie
Margot Elise Robbie (; born 2 July 1990) is an Australian actress and producer. Known for her work in both blockbuster and independent films, she has received several accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards, four Golden Glob ...
). Karl is devastated when Ringo dies a few months later after being hit by
Stephanie Scully's (
Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner is an Australian actress, known for playing the role of Stephanie Scully in the soap opera '' Neighbours'', a role she played from 1999 to 2010. She was also a guest on '' Celebrity Big Brother Australia'' in 2002. Following her d ...
) motorbike.
Karl and Susan compete for Citizen of the Year, but they both lose out to Lou. Following a fire at the Scully house, Karl comes up with a plan for a male nude calendar to help raise money for the repairs. He makes a bet with
Jade Mitchell
Jade Mitchell is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Gemma Pranita. Pranita's casting was announced on 7 September 2010 and she began filming her first scenes the day before. The actress was in Russia w ...
(
Gemma Pranita
Gemma Pranita (born 18 December 1985) is a Thai-born Australian actress. Pranita was encouraged to join the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) by her drama teacher, and from 1999 to 2003, she competed at state level in the Sha ...
), who is overseeing the women's calendar, that whoever raises the most money will win the
Men's Shed
Men's sheds or community sheds are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia around the 1980s as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of older men. Howev ...
. The women win, but after seeing the state of the shed, they give it back. When Karl thinks Libby is being consumed by work, he tries to set her up on a date with his colleague,
Jonathan Swan
Jonathan Swan (born 7 August 1985) is an Australian journalist who works as a political reporter for ''Axios''. He won the Emmy Award in 2021 for his interview with then-US president Donald Trump.
Early life
Swan was born and raised in Austra ...
(Gary Abrahams). Libby is embarrassed and she fakes a relationship with
Lucas Fitzgerald (
Scott Major
Scott Ian Major (born 4 July 1975) is an Australian actor and TV and film director, best known for his roles as Peter Rivers in the 1994 television teen drama series ''Heartbreak High'' and Lucas Fitzgerald in soap opera ''Neighbours''.
Career ...
) to get her own back. Susan invites
Summer Hoyland
Summer Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Jordy Lucas. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 May 2002. The character was originally played by Marisa Siketa f ...
(
Jordy Lucas
Summer Hoyland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Jordy Lucas. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 May 2002. The character was originally played by Marisa Siketa f ...
) to stay without consulting him and Karl later tells his wife that he thinks they are heading in different directions. He worries that he is not enough for her, but they make up and plan a holiday together. Karl gives Susan's friend,
Jim Dolan (Scott Parmeter), some medical advice and manages to rile the new doctor,
Rhys Lawson (
Ben Barber). Malcolm returns home for a visit and detects all is not well with Karl and Susan. Karl becomes angry when he learns Susan wants to postpone their holiday to care for Jim.
Karl asks Jim to keep his distance from Susan for a while, but later confesses that he overreacted. Karl helps save Jim when he collapses and he later witnesses Susan kissing Jim. Karl and Susan leave the hospital to talk and Jim dies. Susan is angry with Karl for keeping her from Jim and she goes away to plan his funeral. Rhys covers for Karl when he makes a mistake on a prescription form. Karl joins Susan and on their return, they announce they have decided to separate. Malcolm initially blames Susan for the separation, but Karl tells him he initiated it. Karl learns Malcolm is having an affair with Jade and he orders them both to end it. Susan also finds out and is disappointed when she realises Karl knew. When they get stuck in a storage shed, Karl and Susan reminisce about the past and they share a kiss, but Karl realises it was a goodbye and Susan moves out. Susan notices their dog,
Audrey
Audrey () is an English feminine given name. It is the Anglo-Norman form of the Anglo-Saxon name ''Æðelþryð'', composed of the elements '' æðel'' "noble" and ''þryð'' "strength". The Anglo-Norman form of the name was applied to Saint Aud ...
, is not well and she and Karl come together for her final days. Susan tells Karl that she wants Audrey to be buried somewhere that she can visit often. They argue, but put aside their differences when Audrey's body, which was placed in an esky, is collected by a hard rubbish collector. Karl rescues the esky and he and Susan bury Audrey at
Sonya's (
Eve Morey
Eve Morey (born 4 June 1983) is an Australian actress. Her roles have included Lucy Green in '' Pig's Breakfast'' and Sonya Rebecchi in the soap opera '' Neighbours'', the latter role played from 2009 to 2022. She has also appeared in '' All Sai ...
) nursery.
Karl begins dating his colleague
Jessica Girdwood
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera that was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2011, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the shows execut ...
(
Glenda Linscott). Karl learns Jimmy Edwards, a friend from university, has died and he attends the funeral with Susan, where he sings a duet with Jimmy's widow,
Valerie
Valerie may refer to:
People
*Saint Valerie (disambiguation), a number of saints went by the name Valerie
*Valerie (given name), a feminine given name
Songs
*"Valerie", a 1981 song by Quarterflash, from ''Quarterflash''
*"Valerie", a 1982 son ...
(
Grace Knight
Grace Ethel Knight (born 23 December 1955) is an English-born Australian vocalist, saxophone player and songwriter. During the 1980s she was a mainstay of Indie pop group Eurogliders which formed in Perth, Western Australia. Knight later became a ...
). Karl later has dinner with Jessica, but feels like he is boring her with stories of Jimmy. He then invites Susan to share a drink with him at home. Jessica finds out about Karl and Susan spending the evening together and tells Karl that he can have her or Susan, but not both. They later end their relationship. Valerie sends Jimmy's drums to Karl and he decides to restart his band, The Right Prescription. He invites
Adrian Pearce (Christopher Waters) and
Ajay Kapoor (
Sachin Joab
Sachin Joab is an Australian actor. He took an interest in acting during primary school and attended various acting schools and workshops. Since graduating from the National Theatre, Joab has appeared in several films and television, including ...
) to join. Karl expresses a concern for Susan's health when he learns she has taken on extra work at the newspaper office, but she reassures him she is looking after herself. Susan informs Karl that she has a date and he invites her to watch The Right Prescription play their first gig at Charlie's. Karl bonds with Susan's date,
Bernard Cabello (Bruce Alexander) and
Andrew Robinson (
Jordan Smith) offers to manage the band. Karl goes on holiday to Peru, but he cuts the trip short and tells Ajay that he missed having Susan with him.
Karl tries online dating and meets
Olivia Bell (
Alyce Platt
Alyce Mary A Platt (born 19 December 1963) is an Australian actress and singer. As an actress, she had roles in the TV soap operas '' Sons and Daughters'' and '' Neighbours'', and worked as a TV presenter and game show host, including on ''Sal ...
). Karl and Olivia go on a couple of dates, but Olivia rejects a third after realising Karl wants something serious. Susan's sister,
Carmel
Carmel may refer to:
* Carmel (biblical settlement), an ancient Israelite town in Judea
* Mount Carmel, a coastal mountain range in Israel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
* Carmelites, a Roman Catholic mendicant religious order
Carmel may also ...
(
Kirsty Child), comes to visit and gets on well with Karl. Summer warns Karl that Carmel likes him, but he takes no notice until she tries to make a move on him, which he rejects. After having dinner together on night, Karl and Susan almost kiss. Karl believes that Susan is hiding her feelings for him and he admits that he wants them to get back together. Sarah Beaumont returns to town and she and Karl catch up. He asks her not to tell anyone that they had sex together during their affair, especially Susan. Karl is surprised when Susan gives him divorce papers. He invites Sarah to join him for a drink and they kiss, but soon realise that it was a mistake. Karl tells Susan the truth about how far things went with Sarah and she admits that deep down, she knew. On the way to lodge the divorce papers, Karl changes his mind and goes home. Susan turns up and tells him that she does not want to get divorced either. They forgive each other for their past mistakes and Susan moves back in.
Karl counsels Ajay through his grief when his wife,
Priya
Priya may refer to:
* Priya (given name), a given name of Indian origin
* Priya (actress)
Karpagavalli better known by her stage name Priya is an Indian actress who worked on South Indian movies. She was a prominent lead actress during the ...
(Menik Gooneratne), dies and he diagnoses Lucas with testicular cancer. When Steph returns to Erinsborough, Susan hints to Karl that she should stay with them. Thinking about losing Ringo, Karl rejects the idea. However, impressed by how supportive Steph is towards Lucas, Karl relents. Steph opens up to Karl about her time in prison and missing her sons. He becomes concerned when Steph stops taking her anti-psychotic medication and treats her when she suffers a psychotic break. Karl is put out when Ajay asks
Georgia Brooks
Georgia Brooks is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Saskia Hampele. The actress was travelling through Kakadu with her boyfriend when she received a call from her agent about a regular role on ''Ne ...
(
Saskia Hampele
Saskia Hampele is an Australian actress. She began her acting career in 1997 with an appearance in children's television series ''The Gift (Australian children's TV series), The Gift''. Hampele worked as a counselor at The Reach Foundation and t ...
) to fill in for him in the band. Georgia proves to be popular, which initially upsets Karl. But when Ajay leaves town, Karl invites Georgia to join the band permanently. Izzy contacts Karl to tell him that Holly (
Lucinda Armstrong Hall
Lucinda Armstrong Hall is an Australian actress. She is noted for her recurring television role as Holly Hoyland in '' Neighbours'', and for her performance in Ingrid Veninger's film '' Porcupine Lake'', for which she received a Canadian Screen ...
) is coming for a visit. Karl is delighted to spend time with his daughter, while Susan is exasperated when Holly is rude to her and Karl does not see she is running rings around them. Karl and Susan realise Holly is not happy that Izzy has seemingly abandoned her and Karl asks Izzy if Holly can stay with him. Susan senses that Holly misses her mother and Karl then takes her back to England. Karl trains for the local fun run, but ends up injuring his ankle.
Rhiannon Bates (Teress Liane) and her son,
Jackson
Jackson may refer to:
People and fictional characters
* Jackson (name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the surname or given name
Places
Australia
* Jackson, Queensland, a town in the Maranoa Region
* Jackson North, Qu ...
(Finn Woodlock), move in, when Rhiannon learns Karl is looking for a drummer for his band. When Karl and Susan argue over who should look after Jackson, he runs away, but is found shortly after.
Matt Turner (
Josef Brown
Josef Brown (born 8 October 1969) is an Australian actor, dancer and choreographer. Brown attended The McDonald College of the Arts and the Australian Ballet School, where he was promoted to soloist in 1994. He joined the Sydney Dance Company ...
) persuaded Karl to run for mayor against Paul. Karl is disappointed when Susan initially refuses to support his decision. Karl fails to notice Susan having an MS relapse, until Paul announces it at an election debate. He eventually loses the election to Paul, despite having had the opportunity to expose Paul's dodgy past when approached by Paul's enemy
Marty Kranic
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the soap in 2013, by order of first appea ...
(
Darius Perkins
Darius Anton Perkins (28 October 1964 – 2 January 2019) was an Australian actor. He was the original actor in the role of teenager Scott Robinson in the soap opera ''Neighbours'' in 1985 before the role was taken over by Jason Donovan the foll ...
). Susan tells Karl that he did the right thing not playing dirty as he would have stooped to Paul's level.
When Karl's pig Lennie and Chop the sheep push through the fence into Number 26 and destroy the vegetable patch,
Sheila Canning
Sheila Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Colette Mann. The character was teased by the show's executive producer Richard Jasek in January 2012. The following month Mann's casting was ann ...
(
Colette Mann
Colette Mann (born 17 February 1950) is an Australian actress, singer, TV and radio presenter, choreographer and author/writer and media personality, she has been in the entertainment industry for over 50 years.
Mann appeared in two Grundy Orga ...
) demands that Karl get rid of them. Susan agrees makes Karl realise that the animals would be happier with more freedom and sends them to a hobby farm. Karl visits Holly in London and returns having dyed his hair black. When Susan probes why he has done this, he reveals that someone mistook him for Holly's grandfather and he felt bad. He returns his hair to grey. He and Susan are delighted when Zeke returns to Erinsborough to get married, and Susan realises she wants to be a celebrant. Karl accidentally ruins her first potential ceremony, but as an apology helps her organise the ceremony of Matt and his wife
Lauren Turner
Lauren Turner (born May 8, 1986) is an American singer and songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. Turner placed in the top 12 girls on the tenth season of ''American Idol''.
Early life
Turner was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, was raised in ...
(
Kate Kendall
Kate Kendall (born 27 July 1973) is an Australian actress and director. She played Angie Piper in the long-running Nine Network Australian drama '' Stingers'' from 1998 to 2004. Kendall has appeared in television series '' The Librarians'' (2 ...
). Susan brings Holly to Australia to surprise Karl, and also hires Libby as stand-in deputy principal for a few weeks. Karl drops hints that Libby should return to Erinsborough permanently, but she cottons on and tells him she is happy with her life away from Melbourne. Karl writes an erotic novel under the name E. M. Williams, but when Susan has a difficult time coping with the attention it receives, Karl asks Lou to pretend to be E. M. Williams.
Alex Kinski's nephew,
Nate (
Meyne Wyatt
Meyne Wyatt (born 14 August 1989) is an Australian actor. Wyatt graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2010 and appeared in several theatre productions around the country. For his performance in ''Silent Disco'', Wyatt was name ...
), moves in. When a tornado hits Erinsborough, Karl has to guide Susan through an emergency tracheotomy over the phone, when Lou becomes trapped and starts choking. Malcolm visits his parents and informs them that Catherine is pregnant. He asks Susan and Karl to relocate to England and help him and Catherine out with the baby. Susan and Karl reminisce about their time on Ramsay Street and, after speaking with Lou, Toadie and Paul, they decide to stay. Susan tries counselling Nate through his
posttraumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental and behavioral disorder that can develop because of exposure to a traumatic event, such as sexual assault, warfare, traffic collisions, child abuse, domestic violence, or other threats on ...
, but she becomes affected by Nate's stories and Karl urges her to find a professional for Nate. Karl finds a
scratchcard
A scratchcard (also called a scratch off, scratch ticket, scratcher, scratchum, scratch-it, scratch game, scratch-and-win, instant game, instant lottery, scratchie, lot scrots, or scritchies) is a card designed for competitions, often made of ...
in a card from Malcolm and he wins $7000. He briefly loses it through a hole in his pocket, but finds it at Toadie's house. He commissions
Kyle Canning
Kyle Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Chris Milligan. The actor successfully auditioned for the six-week recurring role of Kyle and he made his first on screen appearance on 26 November 200 ...
(
Chris Milligan
Christopher Milligan (born 14 June 1988) is an Australian actor. From 2008 to 2022, he played Kyle Canning in the television soap opera ''Neighbours''. He initially started out as a recurring cast member, until he was promoted to the regular ca ...
) to make him a new bed and Sonya to redesign his garden. Karl visits Lennie and Chop at the farm and decides that he wants another pet. Susan bans him from getting anymore farm animals, and Karl buys a pottery pig as a compromise. He later buys an
Axolotl
The axolotl (; from nci, āxōlōtl ), ''Ambystoma mexicanum'', is a paedomorphic salamander closely related to the tiger salamander. Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. I ...
, but becomes spooked by it and gives it to
Chris
Chris is a short form of various names including Christopher, Christian, Christina, Christine, and Christos. Chris is also used as a name in its own right, however it is not as common.
People with the given name
* Chris Abani (born 1966), N ...
(James Mason) and Nate.
Karl counsels
Erin Rogers
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the soap in 2014, by order of first appearance. All chara ...
(
Adrienne Pickering
Adrienne Pickering (born 22 February 1981) is an Australian actress.
Early life and education
Born in rural Queensland, Pickering was educated at the University of Queensland, where she majored in psychology and drama. She later undertook her ...
) through her drug treatment program, but he is forced to ask a nurse to be present at their meetings when Erin propositions him. After visiting
Brad Willis (
Kip Gamblin
Kip Gamblin (born 5 July 1975) is an Australian ballet dancer and actor. From 2003 until 2005, Gamblin played Scott Hunter in ''Home and Away''. The part earned him the 2004 Logie Award for Most Popular New Male Talent. After moving to the UK, ...
) at the Men's Shed, Karl accidentally picks up a bottle of chemical
catalyst
Catalysis () is the process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance known as a catalyst (). Catalysts are not consumed in the reaction and remain unchanged after it. If the reaction is rapid and the catalyst recyc ...
that Brad was using to make a surfboard. Karl drinks the liquid, which immediately burns his oesophagus. Karl is rushed to the hospital, but he soon recovers. Karl interviews oncologist
Nick Petrides
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the soap in 2015, by order of first appearance. ...
(
Damien Fotiou) for a position at the hospital and becomes enamoured with him. Karl later learns Nick has been treating Paul for leukaemia and agrees to keep it a secret. After realising that he has put on weight, Karl forms a cycling club with Toadie, Kyle, Nate and Lou. He bets Susan that he can lose more weight cycling than she can walking. After Nick is exposed and arrested for faking Paul's leukaemia, Karl is tasked with double-checking Nick's patient files. He finds a file on
Rhonda Brooks (Kim Denman), Georgia's mother. He approaches her and asks about her treatment, learning that Nick did not take advantage of her. After learning Susan has a separate bank account that contains her
mad money
''Mad Money'' is an American finance television program hosted by Jim Cramer that began airing on CNBC on March 14, 2005. Its main focus is investment and speculation, particularly in public company stocks.
Cramer defines "mad money" as th ...
, Karl is dared to spend big and so he invests in
Daniel Robinson's (
Tim Phillipps
Tim Phillipps is an Australian actor perhaps best known for his roles in the soap opera '' Neighbours'', drama series '' Bed of Roses'' and the movie '' Animal Kingdom''. He has also appeared in the American television series ''Once Upon a Time' ...
) Off Air bar. Karl discovers some of his prescriptions have been stolen and Nate's friend
Tyler Brennan
Tyler Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Travis Burns. The actor was asked to audition for the role in 2014, while he was working in the United States. After winning the role, Bu ...
(
Travis Burns) confesses to taking them to get painkillers. After Tyler's brother throws him out of his house, Karl allows him to stay with him and Susan. When Karl suspects Tyler has taken his guitar, Tyler lashes out at him, Karl later apologises when Susan admits to sending it away for repair, and understands that Tyler's reaction relates to his troubled relationship with his father. Karl and Susan argue when he admits to sympathising with Brad, who has feelings for Lauren, despite being married. Karl and Susan's grandson
Ben Kirk
Ben Ian Kirk (also Kennedy-Kirk and Fitzgerald) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', last played by Felix Mallard. The character was previously played by Noah Sutherland, Sean Berends and Blake O'Leary. He made ...
(Felix Mallard) moves in, while Libby is in China for work.
After
Jimmy Williams (Darcy Tadich) is struck by a car while out on his bike, Karl launches a campaign to install bike lanes on the roads.
Aaron Brennan
Aaron Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Matt Wilson. The actor originally auditioned for the role of Tyler Brennan and participated in a long casting process, during which he sent the pro ...
(Matt Wilson) helps Karl with the campaign, and Sonya approves the bike lanes, despite opposition. Susan's niece
Elly Conway
Eleanor "Elly" Conway (also Brennan) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Jodi Gordon. She was originally played by Kendell Nunn from her first appearance on 13 December 2001, until her departure in ...
(
Jodi Anasta
Jodi Lee Gordon (previously Anasta; born 1 February 1985) is an Australian actress and model. From 2005 to 2010 she portrayed Martha MacKenzie in '' Home and Away''. Gordon won the Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent in 2006. Gordon c ...
) comes to stay when she gets a job at the school. Karl treats Elly when she is bitten by a snake and suffers a miscarriage. Karl questions his colleague
Maureen Knights (Judith Chaplin) about her son
Cooper
Cooper, Cooper's, Coopers and similar may refer to:
* Cooper (profession), a maker of wooden casks and other staved vessels
Arts and entertainment
* Cooper (producers), alias of Dutch producers Klubbheads
* Cooper (video game character), in ...
's (Charlie Hannaford) home life, after he suffers a head injury. Cooper soon admits that Maureen caused the injury and she tries to justify her actions to Karl, but he tells her there is no excuse. Karl befriends first year resident
David Tanaka
David Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Takaya Honda. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside ...
(
Takaya Honda
Takaya Honda (born 6 September 1987) is an actor and television presenter. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Josh in the children's television series ''A gURLs wURLd'', Klaus Thomson in the comedy series ''The Family Law'' and David Tanak ...
), who confides in him about his search for his father when he is caught looking at medical records. Karl attends Brad's stag night, and the following day he is one of the first people on the scene when a hot air balloon crashes. He finds a badly injured
Regan Davis
'' Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on 18 March 1985 and currently airs on digital channel Eleven. The following is a list of characters that appeared in the soap in 2016, by order of first appearance. ...
(Sabeena Manalis) and realises that she will die if he does not help her. He uses a drill to relieve the pressure on her brain. At the hospital, Karl enquires about Regan's condition and Nurse
Eve Fisher (Abbe Holmes) informs him that Regan died shortly after surgery. Nurse Fisher reports Karl for malpractice, after she smells alcohol on his breath. Karl tries to help Brad when his health deteriorates due to a mystery illness. Karl takes leave from the hospital, but on his return, he diagnoses Brad with arsenic poisoning. Karl learns Nurse Fisher has a grudge against him for his part in Maureen losing her job and he asks Maureen for her help. The coroner clears Karl of any wrongdoing during the inquest into Regan's death.
Karl buys some jewellery for Susan from
Brooke Butler (
Fifi Box
Fiona Box is an Australian radio broadcaster, television presenter and actress.
Career
Box's early career was spent in regional Australia working at stations 2MC/ROXFM Port Macquarie, 3TR Traralgon and 3GG Warragul.
In 2000, Box co-hosted a la ...
), but later learns that the jewels are fake. He falls out with the Canning family even though
Gary Canning
Gary Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Damien Richardson. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 November 2014. Richardson previously appeared in the show in 1992. ...
(
Damien Richardson) vows to pay him back. Karl becomes concerned for Susan's health when she suffers another MS relapse. He persuades her to go to a retreat in Thailand. When they return, Susan is angry with Karl and it emerges that he tried to bring some seeds and a
Durian
The durian (, ) is the edible fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus ''Durio''. There are 30 recognised ''Durio'' species, at least nine of which produce edible fruit. ''Durio zibethinus'', native to Borneo and Sumatra, is the onl ...
into the country, but was stopped at customs because of the smell, which he blamed on Susan soiling herself. Karl runs against Sheila for the leadership of the Liveability Committee, but drops out when Sheila blackmails him about the customs incident. She later allows him to take over from her while she deals with her grief at the death of a former partner. Karl's ideas find support from
Shane Rebecchi
Shane Rebecchi is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours''. He was originally played by Greg O'Meara from his first appearance on 8 September 1994. Shane was introduced along with his parents and two younger ...
(Nicholas Coghlan), but he is fired after he is wrongly accused of removing the statue from the Lassiter's Complex. Shane is chosen to take over from Karl. They briefly fall out when Shane accuses him and Ben of writing graffiti around the town, and later sabotaging Shane's lawnmower. After Erinsborough wins the Most Liveable Suburb award, Karl argues with Susan and Sonya about how the money should be spent.
Izzy and Holly return to Erinsborough. Izzy informs the Kennedys that she has inherited £41 million from her late husband. She offers to invest in the building of a new hospital wing, as long as Karl receives the naming rights. Izzy soon tells Karl that the real reason she has returned is to ask him to father another child with her. Karl initially considers the offer, which puts a strain on his marriage, but ultimately declines. Izzy then
steals his sperm sample from the hospital to impregnate herself. Karl asks Izzy to take a pregnancy test, which is negative. Izzy then admits that she actually wanted Karl back, as she felt happier with him. She leaves Erinsborough without Holly, who stays with Karl and Susan before leaving for a school exchange trip. Karl is tasked with analysing the some test results from a medical trial and discovers participant 18D has a blood clot. Karl soon learns he is 18D and he is diagnosed with
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a type of venous thrombosis involving the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs or pelvis. A minority of DVTs occur in the arms. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness, and enla ...
(DVT) and put on blood-thinners. After he accidentally cuts his finger, Karl rushes to the hospital and he tells Susan about his condition. Karl tries to raise finds for his new MRI screening project, despite
Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine), the hospital's COO, telling him it will likely fail. Karl's project receives interest from
Rita Newland (
Lisa Kay
Lisa Kay, is an English actress who has also worked in Australia.
Early life and education
Kay grew up in Levisham on the North York Moors and has three sisters, Samantha, Sara and Caroline.
Kay first trained as a dancer with Sandra Burnha ...
), who offers to fund it for a year.
After learning Susan has gone missing in the bush while on a school trip, Karl makes his way out there alone to help with the search. Karl's health deteriorates and he struggles to breathe. He falls down a bank, causing a dislocated knee and a broken leg.
Xanthe Canning
Xanthe Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Lilly Van der Meer. The character's introduction was teased by actress Colette Mann, who plays Sheila Canning, during an interview in October 2015. ...
(Lilly Van der Meer) finds him and calls the emergency services, but she is then forced to perform CPR when Karl's heart stops. Karl is rushed to the hospital where he has to undergo surgery for a
pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an pulmonary artery, artery in the lungs by a substance that has moved from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (embolism). Symptoms of a PE may include dyspnea, shortness of breath, chest pain p ...
. Rita tells the Kennedys that she wants to instigate an experimental MS treatment trial at the hospital. Karl supports the idea, and Susan wants to take part in the trial, but Clive opposes it. Karl nominates himself for a vacant seat on the hospital board, so he can put forward Rita's idea. David is also nominated, but Karl wins after Clive votes for him. Clive explains that he did not want to vote against the majority, and that he still does not support the trial. Karl has a minor health scare and Rita hires him an assistant called Patrick, who is actually
Finn Kelly
Finn Kelly is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Rob Mills. The actor relocated to Melbourne, where the show's studios are located, for the role of progressive high school teacher Finn. Mil ...
(
Rob Mills
Robert Mills (born 21 June 1982) is an Australian actor, television host and singer-songwriter. He was one of the finalists from the first season of ''Australian Idol''. He co-hosted the late-night quiz show '' The Mint'', and was a regular sin ...
), the man who tampered with Susan's medication in order to take her job. Finn alters the data from overseas studies, causing Karl to be blamed and stood down. He is later cleared, but learns that Rita is no longer funding the MS trial.
Karl becomes
Chloe Brennan Chloe Brennan may refer to:
* Chloe Brennan (One Life to Live), Chloe Brennan (''One Life to Live'')
* Chloe Brennan (Neighbours), Chloe Brennan (''Neighbours'')
{{hndis, Brennan, Chloe ...
's (
April Rose Pengilly
April Rose Pengilly (''pen-GILL-ee''; born 12 April 1988), also known as April Rose, is an Australian actress and model.
Early life
April Rose Pengilly is the daughter of INXS member Kirk Pengilly and designer Karen Hutchinson. She attended Wen ...
) confidant when he informs her that she has Huntington's disease. He urges her to tell her brothers, as they could have inherited the gene too. Karl starts researching his family tree, and learns he has several half-siblings on his father's side, but none of them want to meet. Karl receives a reply from a half-sister,
Jemima Davies-Smythe (
Magda Szubanski
Magdalene Mary Therese Szubanski ( ; born 12 April 1961) is an Australian comedy actress, author, singer and LGBT rights advocate. She performed in ''Fast Forward'', '' Kath & Kim'' as Sharon Strzelecki and in the films ''Babe'' (1995) and ' ...
), who he and Susan try to find. Jemima comes to Erinsborough and ends up replacing Susan as celebrant at
Aaron Brennan
Aaron Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Matt Wilson. The actor originally auditioned for the role of Tyler Brennan and participated in a long casting process, during which he sent the pro ...
(Matt Wilson) and
David Tanaka
David Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera '' Neighbours'', played by Takaya Honda. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside ...
's (
Takaya Honda
Takaya Honda (born 6 September 1987) is an actor and television presenter. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Josh in the children's television series ''A gURLs wURLd'', Klaus Thomson in the comedy series ''The Family Law'' and David Tanak ...
) wedding. Karl and Jemima bond over a shared interest in music and songwriting. When Karl learns that Jemima has nowhere to stay, he invites her to move in, upsetting Susan who suspects Jemima is a gold digger. Jemima encourages Karl to redecorate and they take a sledgehammer to some shelves, prompting Susan to ask Jemima to leave. Jemima then reveals that she is actually a millionaire and wants to support them financially for the rest of their lives. Karl and Susan turn her offer down and help her reconcile with her daughter in Boston.
Reception
Fletcher has earned various award nominations for his role as Karl. At the 2007
''Inside Soap'' Awards, Fletcher was nominated for Best Actor, Best Couple (with Jackie Woodburne) and Best Storyline for Susan and Karl's wedding. The following year, Fletcher was again nominated for Best Couple with Woodburne. 2009 saw Fletcher nominated for Best Actor, he was also nominated alongside Woodburne, Valentine, Stasey and Werkmeister for Best Family. At the first
Digital Spy Soap Awards
Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, ...
ceremony, Fletcher was nominated for Most Popular Actor.
He and Woodburne were also nominated for Best On-Screen Partnership, and their 2007 storyline in London was nominated for Storyline of the Year.
2011 saw Fletcher nominated for Best Daytime Star at the ''Inside Soap'' Awards. He won the Best Daytime Star accolade in 2016, and he received a nomination in the same category in 2018.
In 2022, Kate Randall from ''
Heat
In thermodynamics, heat is defined as the form of energy crossing the boundary of a thermodynamic system by virtue of a temperature difference across the boundary. A thermodynamic system does not ''contain'' heat. Nevertheless, the term is al ...
'' included Karl and Susan in the magazine's top ten ''Neighbours'' characters of all time feature. In 2007, Australian newspaper the ''
Herald Sun
The ''Herald Sun'' is a conservative daily tabloid newspaper based in Melbourne, Australia, published by The Herald and Weekly Times, a subsidiary of News Corp Australia, itself a subsidiary of the Murdoch owned News Corp. The ''Herald S ...
'' placed Karl's affair with Sarah at number eight on their list of ''Neighbours'' Top Ten moments.
They said "In one of the most shocking storylines, no one could believe that the perfect Dr Karl, played by Alan Fletcher, could cheat on his wife of many years, Susan, played by Jackie Woodburne. But, that's exactly what happened when he couldn't resist his receptionist Sarah Beaumont played by the vampy Nicola Charles".
In 2009, Karl came tenth in a poll by British men's magazine ''
Loaded'' for "Top Soap Bloke". The following year, he was voted the third "Most Popular Doctor". Karl and Susan were placed at joint second place on the ''
Huffpost's'' "35 greatest Neighbours characters of all time" feature.
Journalist Adam Beresford described Karl as a "the doctor with the implausibly broad array of medical specialisms."
[ He believed that Susan and Karl were a "dream team" and "the bedrock of Ramsay Street". He assessed that the Kennedy's were a "a solid, dependable family unit" until Karl's affairs. He was also certain that "whatever life throws at them, Karl and Susan will make it."][ In 2021, Karl was placed eighth in a poll ran via soap ]fansite
A fansite, fan site, fan blog or fan page is a website created and maintained by a fan or devotee about a celebrity, thing, or particular cultural phenomenon.
Fansites may offer specialized information on the subject (e.g., episode listings, bi ...
"Back To The Bay", which asked readers to determine the top ten most popular ''Neighbours'' characters. In a feature profiling the "top 12 iconic Neighbours characters", critic Sheena McGinley of the ''Irish Independent
The ''Irish Independent'' is an Irish daily newspaper and online publication which is owned by Independent News & Media (INM), a subsidiary of Mediahuis.
The newspaper version often includes glossy magazines.
Traditionally a broadsheet new ...
'' placed Karl as her eighth choice. She stated that Karl has "pinballed from upstanding pillar of the community to alcohol dependent, to veg patch enthusiast, and back to being a conscientious doctor." Lorna White from ''Yours'' profiled the magazine's "favourite Neighbours characters of all time". Karl was included in the list and was hailed a "''Neighbours'' icon". Sam Strutt of ''The Guardian
''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'', and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers ''The Observer'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardian'' is part of the Gu ...
'' compiled a feature counting down the top ten most memorable moments from ''Neighbours''. Strutt listed Karl and Izzy's affair in sixth place and scathed "Dr Karl just couldn’t keep it in his pants." He concluded that the countless stories the affair birthed was "classic soap fodder".
In 2010, to celebrate ''Neighbours''' 25th anniversary ''Sky
The sky is an unobstructed view upward from the surface of the Earth. It includes the atmosphere and outer space. It may also be considered a place between the ground and outer space, thus distinct from outer space.
In the field of astronomy, ...
'', a British satellite broadcasting company profiled 25 characters of which they believed were the most memorable in the series history. Karl is in the list and describing him they state: "Karl and Susan became a truly legendary soap couple in an age when they have become thin on the ground. On paper, it's not quite clear why – they're just a pleasant, middle-class couple, and Karl can be a bit moany sometimes. But the important thing is it works, and watching the writers break them up and put them back together several times has made for great telly. And you know it's only a matter of time before Karl adds another unexpectedly sexy neighbour to his cheatin' list..." Nicky Branagh from Studentbeans.com included Karl in her list of the "Top ten hottest Aussie soap guys" and she stated "It's not worth thinking about a Ramsay Street without Dr Karl Kennedy in it. Now in his 18th year in the role, Alan Fletcher has charmed ''Neighbours'' viewers with his medical skills, smooth moves and his tendency to parent anyone who walks through the Kennedy door. Now a smooth crooner and frequenter of student nights in the UK to boot, Fletch has made it to the top of our ultimate Aussie soap heart-throbs list."
Michael Cregan for ''Inside Soap
''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...
'' enjoyed the pottery pig storyline, saying "Never let it be said that life is dull on Ramsay Street. Now that Karl Kennedy has got a massive pottery pig called Elvis, what could possibly go wrong? Apart from a few filthy looks from Susan of course..." Ben Pobjie of ''The Sydney Morning Herald
''The Sydney Morning Herald'' (''SMH'') is a daily compact newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and owned by Nine. Founded in 1831 as the ''Sydney Herald'', the ''Herald'' is the oldest continuously published newspaper ...
'' thought Karl's "peculiar childlike enthusiasm that makes him such great comic relief" was "his most endearing feature apart from his tendency to periodically have affairs with younger women."
References
External links
Karl Kennedy
at the Official AU ''Neighbours'' website
Karl Kennedy
at the Official UK ''Neighbours'' website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kennedy, Karl
Neighbours characters
Fictional physicians
Fictional radio personalities
Television characters introduced in 1994
Fictional bartenders
Fictional salespeople
Fictional musicians
Fictional singers
Fictional guitarists
Kennedy family (Neighbours)
Male characters in television