Famous Aussie soap star. Liverpool fan. That sounded like 'the perfect blend' to us, so we popped down to the Neighbours set to interview Alan Fletcher (AKA Dr Karl Kennedy) about Wednesday's game versus Melbourne Victory and his passion for the Reds.
You're a big Liverpool fan, aren't you?I can't begin to tell you how exciting it is to have the club here after all these years - the first time. It has such significance and the place is going crazy for it.
Why are you such a fan?Liverpool Football Club - it's the family aspect of it, and the fact there are fans all over the world. I can go and watch a game at the pub here in Melbourne and it's like being at the ground. It's that exciting. I wish the time difference was a bit better because I have to get up at 3am. Anfield is just so iconic - it means so much.
How did you first get that connection with Liverpool?It really hit home when Craig Johnston was there. Having an Australian at Liverpool was incredible. Liverpool the city itself has meant so much to me since I was a tiny boy. The music scene - The Beatles. You'll Never Walk Alone is my favourite song regardless of the connection to the club. I feel like Liverpool is my second home.
What did you think when you heard Liverpool were coming to Melbourne?It's a dream come true. My boy is 16-years-old and he's never seen Liverpool play live, but he stays up to watch them at night. It was so exciting when I got those tickets in my hand, and gave him his ticket too, because we'll be there together it's a really special thing. To think there'll be 95,000 people at the MCG - it'll be the biggest football match I've ever been to.
What have you and your friends been talking about ahead of this game?The biggest thing is, will Luis play? Will Stevie Gerrard play? The other thing is, nobody must get injured. It's a friendly, boys.
Do you think occasions like this can make football even bigger over here?There have been a lot of big changes in football over here lately. We've completely revamped the A-League and as a result popularity has grown immensely. Harry Kewell came out and played for Melbourne Victory recently, and that really helped them, and now he's going to play for Melbourne Heart. Robbie Fowler has played out here, so there's been some fantastic imports and it's proving really popular now.
Dr Karl Kennedy - are you aware of what a cult hero he is in England?I'm aware of it because I get over at least twice a year, and I'll be back over again for panto this year. I love it. I love that fact people are warm to me, they come and see my band play.
What about down here - do you get many Scousers coming over?Whenever we do a Neighbours night we always check to see if there are any Scousers in, and if there are enough we do You'll Never Walk Alone. All the Manc fans go crazy! Chris Milligan (who plays Kyle in Neighbours) is a Liverpool fan too and we have a good following among the set.
http://www.lfctour.com/news/latest-news/dr-karl-lfc-visit-means-so-much
