Carrie Bickmore reveals ‘weird’ Aussie celeb crush during emotional Neighbours interview

One Neighbours star has opened up about what’s going on behind the scenes of the show in an emotional TV interview.

The Project host Carrie Bickmore revealed she once harboured a “weird” crush on a well-known Australian celebrity during Monday’s episode of the show – and she made the confession to none other than his on-screen wife of the past 27 years.

Bickmore told longtime Neighbours actor Jackie Woodburne, who has played Susan Kennedy on the soap since 1994, that she used to have a crush on her on-screen husband Dr Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher.

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Jackie Woodburne (right) has played Susan Kennedy on Neighbours since 1994.

Given the 23-year age gap between 41-year-old Bickmore and 64-year-old Fletcher, she acknowledged it was a “weird” choice for a childhood crush.

“I was a Neighbours girl, not a Home And Away girl. I was in love with Dr Karl – I have to be honest, sorry Susan …”

“You and a lot of other women, I’ve got to say,” quipped Woodburne.

“I was quite young, which was the weird part about it,” Bickmore said with a laugh.

Peak 90s Neighbours! The Kennedy family, L-R: Libby, Karl, Susan, Malcolm and Billy. Picture: Channel 10

An at-times emotional Woodburne appeared on the show as the cast and crew of Neighbours reel from the news the long-running soap may soon cease production after 37 seasons. She explained she and her colleagues had rallied together as they dealt with the news.

“It’s been a rollercoaster … a lot of information to try and process. I’m still in shock, still a bit overwhelmed,” she said.

“We had a meeting today where our producers gave us some more information – really nothing new. We’re all sad, crying and very emotional about it all, but we’re all so determined to bring this show home as best we can.”

Woodburne described the environment on-set through the years as “more than a family. We work so fast, and we respect the show and respect the fans, but we have so much fun. I have laughed so much in the past 27 years, and been paid at the same time.”

Woodburne and Fletcher in Neighbours circa 2002.

It was reported in recent days that, three years shy of its 40th anniversary on screens, Neighbours now faces the axe as a new deal has not been struck between production company Fremantle Australia and the show’s key financial backer, UK TV station Channel 5.

“Channel 5 pay Fremantle Australia many millions of pounds every year and, sadly, there’s a shortfall of about £5 million ($9.5m) in what it brings back in through advertising,” a source told The Sun.

“There’s a lot of disbelief and sadness among those who know it’s struggling.”

The news has led to an outcry among the show’s loyal fans, who have launched an online petition begging Channel 5 to “find a way to keep Neighbours on air.”

Despite the dire outlook, Woodburne asked fans not to give up hope the show may still find a way to continue.

“I just want everyone to keep their fingers crossed and not give up hope – anything is possible.”

Originally published as Carrie Bickmore reveals ‘weird’ Aussie celeb crush during emotional Neighbours interview