Neighbours star Alan Fletcher explains dramatic change in his appearance

Alan Fletcher has revealed he has an autoimmune disorder after fans questioned his drastic change in appearance.

Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has revealed a dramatic change in his appearance is due to being diagnosed with Alopecia areata.

The autoimmune disorder causes patchy hair loss, which he started to notice in February.

It is also the condition that Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from, which ultimately caused the infamous slapping incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Fletcher, who plays Dr Karl Kennedy, and is one of Ramsay St’s longest serving cast members at almost 30 years, said he was in good health but wanted to be open about the situation.

He is still filming scenes with the condition to be cleverly written into the storyline ahead of the soap ending next month after 37 years.

Alan Fletcher has revealed his bald head

Fans reached out to Alan Fletcher after a change in his appearance. Picture: Instagram

The Neighbours star has made clear that while his appearance has changed he is in good health.

“There has been some conjecture about my health on social media in recent days that has

prompted me to post a video explaining my situation,’’ Fletcher, 65, told the Herald Sun.

“I have recently suffered significant hair loss, so it is only natural that people would express concern.

“I am pleased to report that am in excellent health and thoroughly enjoying filming the

episodes of Neighbours that will close the show.

“I can promise viewers these last moments will be wonderful.”

Fletcher said he started to suffer patchy hair loss in his beard area and despite how it looks, he feels well.

“I immediately sought medical advice, and, despite best efforts, my hair loss could not be

arrested,’’ he said.

Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher.

“Eventually the best choice was to shave off any remaining hair on my face and

scalp.

“This dramatic change to my appearance it is not a sign of grave ill health and I remain

positive and fully engaged in my work and social life.

“This is not the case for all sufferers of alopecia, particularly young people who can suffer

anxiety and depression because of the radical change to their appearance.

“While there is not a straightforward cure for this condition many sufferers experience

spontaneous hair regrowth in time. And treatments and support are out there.

“The Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation is an excellent point of contact in conjunction with

medical advice — aaaf.org.au.”

Fletcher, who joined Neighbours in 1994, still intends to head to the UK soon for his show “The Doctor Will See You Now”.

The final episode of Neighbours will air on August 1.