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Neighbours icon Jason Donovan's 18-year-old daughter to join soap 30 years on
26 March 2019, 17:20 | Updated: 5 January 2021, 16:29
Jason Donovan's daughter, Jemma Donovan, has joined Australian soap Neighbours.
The 18-year-old actress is following in the footsteps of her father Jason and her grandfather Terence Donovan, as the third generation to join the TV show.
Jemma will be heading to Erinsborough in the role of Harlow Robinson, described as a "quick-witted and complicated character."
Jason - who 30 years ago played Scott Robinson from 1986 to 1989 - said: "Neighbours is an incredible learning curve for any young actor.
"It’s become an institution and I’m so grateful for my time on Ramsay Street.
"There are so many great memories for me looking back, and to be honest this is Jemma’s moment."
Read more: Jason Donovan returns to Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat in London's West End
Speaking about her exciting new role, Jemma said: "I was so happy and very honoured to be a part of a series which has been enjoyed by generations.
"The timing was also perfect because since my previous role on Spotless in 2015, I stopped going to auditions and acting because I wanted to finish my schooling, get my A levels and see what I wanted to do after that so it’s great how everything has fallen into place."
Jason's father, Terence Donovan, also appeared in Neighbours, playing Doug Willis several times from 1990 to 2016.
Speaking of his father, Jason added: "My dad had a wonderful few years and I’m sure Jemma will also embrace the experience and honour the past.
"She needs to look forward, be an open book, learn from her experiences and have some fun. What an opportunity."
Jemma will be joining her father as part of the Robinson family dynasty, but the show is keeping her storylines - and how she fits into the family - underwraps.
Jason Herbison, Neighbours' executive producer, said: "Jemma did a fantastic audition for Neighbours and her pedigree was an unexpected surprise.
"Jason and Terence are Ramsay Street royalty and it warms all our hearts to know there will be a third generation Donovan on the show.
"I’m excited to see Jemma carry the torch and make the character of Harlow her own."
Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan - Especially For You
Jason Donovan found fame on the Australian soap in the 1980s, starring opposite Kylie Minogue.
The pair, who got married on the show and dated in real life, went on to release a duet 'Especially For You' 30 years ago in December 1988.
Jason had great success as a solo artist including 'Too Many Broken Hearts', which was number one in the UK in March 1989.
