Jason Donavon reveals his DAD was in Neighbours before him and daughter Jemma joined the cast
NEIGHBOURS legend Terence Donovan has a very famous son who followed in his footsteps.
Soap fans may not be aware that Terence, who played Doug Willis on the Australian show, is the father of TV favourite Jason Donovan.
Terence also appeared in Home and Away in 1990 where he portrayed one of the most memorable villains Al Simpson.
He followed this immediately with the role of in Neighbours, where he appeared regularly until 1994.
Jason appeared on BBC Breakfast and told presenters Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson that it’s time to “celebrate” the show.
“I think it’s time to celebrate Neighbours,” Jason said.
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“It has kept my family employed for a long time, to be honest. My daughter’s in it, my Dad’s in it.”
He continued: “We should be grateful for what it has given Australia.”
“[What] it’s given actors, producers, writers, directors. My father, in the 70s, fought very hard for Australian content in television, because the governments at the time wanted to bring cheaper exports in.
“It’s as a result of that that we have productions like Neighbours, Priscilla, Muriel’s Wedding, Moulin Rouge.”
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Terence made a brief appearance in 2005, when he reprised his role for the show’s 20th-anniversary special and returned in 2016, culminating in the character’s death.
Jason shot to fame in Neighbours in 1985, playing Scott Robinson, before beginning a career in music three years later.
In 1988 nearly 20 million in the UK watched Scott marry Charlene.
Jason and Kylie also dated, and both launched pop careers, bagging a No1 with Especially For You.
Back in 2019, Jason’s daughter Jemma joined the cast of the Aussie soap as Harlow Robinson – who also happens to be the great-niece of Scott.
Jemma along with her co-stars were recently spotted looking teary after finding out that the long-running show is set to be axed.
We revealed last month that the Aussie soap – which has been on Channel 5 since 2008 – is to be axed after the network was unable to reach a deal with producers Fremantle.
Neighbours bosses are planning to reunite superstars Kylie Minogue and Jason for the axed soap’s farewell.
Jason told show execs that he is flying to Melbourne in April and could potentially film a dramatic comeback.
But he wants to be joined by pop princess Kylie, 53, who played his wife Charlene.
A source confirmed bosses are doing everything they can to make it happen.
The Sun on Sunday revealed Ian Smith, 83, has agreed to return as Harold Bishop and will start filming next month.
Soap bosses are also in contact with Hollywood superstar Guy Pearce, 54, who played Mike Young.
Annie Jones, 55, who played his love interest Jane Harris in the 1980s, returned in 2018.
A source said: “One thing’s for sure, Neighbours is going out with a bang.
“It’s been an emotional week for everyone.
“There have been a lot of tears but the cast and crew are more determined than ever to finish on a real high.”
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They added: “Bosses have spoken to Jason who has agreed in theory to return.
“Kylie has always been a huge supporter of the show — they’re just waiting to hear back.”
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