Jason Donovan has expressed his gratitude for the “incredible life” his role in Australian soap Neighbors has given him – but he insists the series should also “thank” him for what he put into the show.
The 55-year-old actor played Scott Robinson on the show from 1986 to 1989, before leaving the series after starting a career as a pop singer in 1988.
Film star Jason shot to fame through his character’s romance with Kylie Minogue’s supporting actress Charlene Robinson, with Scott and Charlene’s wedding on 1 July 1987 being watched by two million Australians.
Her Union was an even bigger hit when it aired in Britain a year later, attracting 19.6 million viewers, making it the third most watched British show of 1988.
And while Jason is grateful that Neighbors brought him fame, he insists he also owes a debt of gratitude to the producers, as he put in a lot of work during his time on the soap.
Jason Donovan has expressed his gratitude for the “incredible life” his role in Australian soap Neighbors has given him – but he insists the show also owes him “something” (pictured last month).
The 55-year-old actor played Scott Robinson on the show from 1986 to 1989, which he then left after starting a career as a pop singer in 1988 (Jason portrayed Scott Robinson alongside Kylie Minogue, who played his on-screen wife played Charlene in “Neighbors”). in 1988)
He told the Mirror: “It’s given me a fantastic life. “By then I’ll be in debt forever. But I put a lot of work into it. I also owe it a little.”
Kylie and Jason, who were dating in real life at the time, were household names in both countries and went on to pursue music careers in the UK.
Their on-screen relationship began after Scott mistook Charlene for an intruder at his neighbor Madge Ramsay’s house, before eventually discovering that she was Madge’s daughter.
After their marriage the couple left Erinsborough and moved to Brisbane.
Kylie left Neighbors in June 1988 after becoming the first person to win four Logie Awards in one year and the youngest recipient of a Golden Logie.
She then launched a phenomenally successful music career, selling more than 80 million albums worldwide.
After leaving Neighbors in 1989, Jason, like Kylie, pursued a pop career and although he may not have been as successful as his on-screen bride, he had a number of hits including Too Many Broken Hearts and Sealed With A Kiss.
Off screen, the couple spent a passionate night in a Travelodge between 1986 and 1989.
In 2022, they returned to Neighbors for the final episode on Channel 5, with the soap also receiving attention in Australia (pictured in the 2022 final episode).
Channel 5’s refusal to continue funding Neighbors meant that the show could no longer continue. It was later announced that it would make a return on Amazon Prime (Jason and Kylie appear in the 2022 final episode).
They were so popular at the time that they even recorded the number one Christmas single “Special For You”.
In 2022, they returned to Neighbors for its final episode on Channel 5, with the soap also receiving attention in Australia after Channel 5’s refusal to continue funding it meant it could no longer continue. It was later announced that it would be making a comeback on Amazon Prime.
Speaking about the final episode, Jason told the Mirror: “To be part of this show that was so important to so many people felt like the right thing to do: to show respect for what it’s done for our careers meant.”
“It was a great day, but it probably meant a lot more to the spectators than it did to us because so much time had passed. Kylie and I were there for four or five years, but Bure lasted 36 years. There were many other people involved.
“We all have great love and respect for each other and are very grateful for what we had. “But many things have happened in my life that are more important than just neighbors.”
Jason previously admitted he was “jealous” of Kylie because he remembers how she “always stood out” when they worked together on Neighbours.
The couple met as teenagers while starring in the soap and dated for five years before splitting in 1989.
Speaking to Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 this summer, Jason praised her achievements, saying: “Kylie works incredibly hard, she’s a great family man and person.” She also has a good sense of humor.
“She keeps coming back and you know her passion and love. It was clear from the start of Neighbors and the start of her music career that she had a gift.”
“Did she notice?” asked Scott.
Speaking about the final episode, Jason told the Mirror: “To be part of this show that was so important to so many people felt like the right thing to do.”
Jason and Kylie were so popular in the 80s that they even recorded the Christmas number one single “Special For You”.
Jason replied, “She’s the kind of person who can just walk into a room and record a song in two minutes.
“She can go, and I always remembered that in Neighbours, when she walked on set, I fiddled with the script the night before and Kylie read five pages that day and just got all the lines right.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be the biggest artist, but that’s the case, and she just built on that.”
“I was jealous, God, I wanted, I looked at it and said, ‘I want some of this,’ and I’m very open about it. I’m very honest about it.’
Source link
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
