His time in Erinsborough may be over, but there’s no rest for the wicked for Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher. Three months on from the conclusion of the beloved Australian series, the actor has joined forces with British soap stars for a new project.
The actor, who played Karl Kennedy on the soap, has co-authored a “powerful” new audio drama with Malcolm J Hogan, with the project aiming to raise awareness on the “unseen lives” of unpaid male carers.
Titled Hidden Men, the hour-long drama tells the “deeply human stories about the emotional realities of caring”, with the story following Arthur (voiced by Fletcher) after his partner is diagnosed with dementia.
Prime Video / FremantleMedia Australia
Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 — including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV
“The story unfolds through five interwoven monologues following characters Sid, Jack, Danny, Arthur and Freddie, each navigating the pressures of caring while trying to maintain work, relationships and identity,” reads the logline.
“Scenes move between kitchens, gardens, public transport and community spaces where caring responsibilities quietly shape everyday life,” it continues, adding that it captures the “the realities of balancing love, responsibility and emotional strain”.
In addition to Fletcher, several soap stars feature in the production, with former EastEnders star Matthew James Morrison and ex-Coronation Street actor Scott Wright joining Corrie and Hollyoaks star Ryan Mulvey.
“When I read the script, I thought ‘this is something that’s going to be so valuable’,” Fletcher told BBC Radio Sheffield. “I think it’s something that’s going to give people a lot of solace.
“Our society is full of carers, people looking after others and doing wonderful things for people, but often they’re completely unheralded. This would be a beautiful piece of human spirit that I think would resonate with a lot of people.”
“Hidden Men was created to reflect stories that are happening every day but are rarely acknowledged,” added South Yorkshire-based writer Hogan, for whom the project is a “deeply personal” work.
Prime Video / FremantleMedia Australia
Related: Neighbours star shares disappointing verdict on show’s future
“As a male carer myself, I know how many men carry these responsibilities quietly. If the work helps someone feel less alone or encourages greater understanding, then it has done its job.”
The audio drama is currently available to stream via multiple platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music, with more information and listening links available here.
Neighbours concluded in December 2025, but classic episodes are available to watch via Prime Video and YouTube.
Read more Neighbours coverage on our dedicated homepage
For exclusive soap star interviews, gossip, spoilers and theories every week, don’t miss the Soap Scoop podcast from Inside Soap magazine. The latest episode delves into next week’s soap spoilers for EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale – and also includes a deep dive into what Weatherfield newcomer Jodie Ramsey is really up to!