Soap icon Jason Donovan has swapped Ramsay Street for the Yorkshire Dales in a special festive appearance on Emmerdale. The actor and singer, famed for his role as Scott Robinson in Neighbours, will play himself in a heartwarming cameo set to air next week.
A Surprise Gig for a Superfan
In the upcoming scenes, Donovan’s character is orchestrated by Kim Tate to perform a surprise concert in The Woolpack for devoted fan Lydia Dingle, after she misses out on tickets to his real-life gig. The 57-year-old Especially For You singer revealed he immediately agreed to the plot, as it aligned with his love for doing things for supporters.
“This sort of felt in that mould,” Donovan explained, referencing the private videos and messages he often does for fans. “It's sort of getting up and making someone's day which I really enjoy doing.” He treated the on-set singalong with his band as a warm-up for their tour next year, calling the experience “fantastic”.
Familiar Soap Set Feelings
Donovan confessed that stepping onto the Emmerdale set transported him back to his days on the Australian soap Neighbours, which he starred in between 1985 and 1989. “It takes me back to another time. It's fun to be on a drama set again,” he said, adding he had a “great day”.
The veteran performer was given a warm welcome by the cast and crew, who were eager for selfies. “I felt genuinely loved [by the team],” he shared. “It felt like I was back in the 80s!” He also enjoyed a reunion with his former Dancing On Ice co-star, Joe Warren-Plant, who plays Jacob Gallagher in the ITV serial.
Stealing Bob Hope's Thunder
The cameo will provide some light-hearted drama within the show, as Donovan’s arrival is set to ruin the performance plans of resident character Bob Hope, played by Tony Audenshaw. “Bob's reaction to my arrival is funny as it sort of blows his day,” Donovan joked. “He's there in his gold outfit ready to go and I ruin his gig.”
Viewers can catch Jason Donovan’s special appearance as himself when the episode airs on Thursday December 11. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
