Alan Fletcher has addressed fan concerns regarding his health following his recent balding.
In a video shared to the show’s Twitter account, the 65-year-old veteran Neighbours star reassured viewers that he is fine.
He revealed that he has alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.
Alan’s new bald look was unveiled in recent Neighbours episodes, causing fans to express their displeasure.
‘A lot of fans have expressed concern about my health on the internet, and there have been some media enquiries as well,’ he stated in the video.
‘I am perfectly fine.’ I’m in good shape and having a terrific time working on Neighbours. However, I can inform you that I suffer from alopecia areata.’
Alan claimed that the disease causes “patchy hair loss,” so he opted to cut it all off.
‘I started losing hair in areas in my beard and subsequently on my scalp.’ So I shaved off my beard, and then my hair became so uneven on my head that I had to get rid of the majority of it as well,’ he revealed.
While the episodes with him bald had already begun airing in the UK, he claimed they would begin airing here on June 2.
Alan pulled off his baseball cap and revealed his new appearance after wearing it for the majority of the video.
‘I understand that many of you will be surprised, but I have no objections. It’s actually rather enjoyable,’ he added.
Despite this, he admitted that alopecia areata “may be pretty significant for folks, especially from an emotional standpoint.”
‘Sudden hair loss is really upsetting for a lot of people, especially young people who are often bullied,’ he stated.
Alan wrapped up the video by assuring followers that he is “totally fit and well” and thanking them for their concern.
In March, Neighbours tweeted that production on the long-running soap would come to an end.
‘After over 37 years and approximately 9,000 episodes broadcast, we regret to inform you that Neighbours will be ending production in June,’ they wrote.
‘We simply have no choice but to put the show on hold following the loss of our important broadcast partner in the UK, despite a thorough hunt for alternative funding.’
‘We know this is a big disappointment to our amazing, dedicated fans, as it is to all of us on the team. We appreciate all of your messages and support, and we pledge to end the programme on a positive note. We’ll be commemorating Neighbours from now on.’
