Alex Kinski

Alex Kinski

Alex Kinski, played by Andrew Clarke, made his first appearance on 10 August 2005. The character and Clarke's casting details were announced shortly before he made his debut. Jackie Brygel of TV Week reported that widower Alex would be arriving with his two teenage children, Rachel (Caitlin Stasey) and Zeke (Matthew Werkmeister). Of the family, Clarke said "The Kinskis are pretty quirky. They're a bit of an odd bunch." Brygel confirmed that Alex was a love interest for established character Susan Smith (Jackie Woodburne). Clarke confessed that he had always wanted to be in Neighbours and added that it was "very nice" to be joining the cast. A month after the character's introduction, he was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. Clarke explained that Alex has a blood test following a gas leak, and he learns that he has an aggressive form of cancer. The diagnosis prompts Alex to propose to Susan. Clarke told Brygel: "Alex really does love Susan and that's got nothing to do with his condition." Alex keeps his condition a secret from Susan, and when he is "overcome by feelings of doubt" he ends their relationship instead. Brygel observed that he quickly realises he has made a mistake and, knowing that his children need a mother, he proposes. Clarke admitted that his character was "scared" to tell Susan about his diagnosis, and while he is not a liar, he is not "a forthright kind of guy" either. The character's departure aired on 13 December 2005, as Alex dies shortly after marrying Susan and reconciling with his eldest daughter Katya Kinski (Dichen Lachman). A Daily Record reporter branded Alex "the most boring man in town".