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Jason Donovan says he won’t be making a Neighbours reunion

Jason Donovan says he is enjoying reconnecting with Melbourne after returning from the UK to star in his next big gig but despite the stars seemingly aligning, he won’t be making a Neighbours reunion. This is why.

Jason Donovan joins cast of Chicago in Melbourne

One of Melbourne’s most famous exports, Jason Donovan, says it is special reconnecting with his hometown after moving to the UK almost 30 years ago.

The Neighbours favourite has gone on to have a hugely successful singing and musical theatre career after leaving the soap in 1989.

He is back to star as Billy Flynn in Chicago The Musical alongside Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Casey Donovan and Alinta Chidzey.

“Neighbours has an incredible legacy and I’m part of that history,’’ Donovan told Confidential.

Jason Donovan has returned from London to star in Chicago the Musical. Picture: Nicki Connolly
Jason Donovan has returned from London to star in Chicago the Musical. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“And I’m grateful. I don’t believe in luck, you create luck, there’s no such thing as getting lucky unless you win the lotto.

“It’s an incredible thought to think that show is still going, it will go down in history as Australia’s biggest television export and I was there creating that legacy at the heart of it.

“Music is magic and that moment with Kylie (Minogue) doing Especially For You really galvanised.

Scott and Charlene's wedding was an iconic moment for Aussie TV.
Scott and Charlene's wedding was an iconic moment for Aussie TV.

Stock Aitken Waterman wrote the perfect song for the perfect couple at that time.

“Again it’s part of history and coming back to history I feel like I’m part of this town forever. That’s a really great feeling.”

Donovan’s teenage daughter Jemma joined Neighbours this year.

His father Terence was also a star on the show and his half-sister Stephanie McIntosh has just returned for the show’s 35th anniversary.

Jemma Donovan, daughter of Jason. Picture: Supplied
Jemma Donovan, daughter of Jason. Picture: Supplied

“The problem for me doing it, would be the publicity would be bigger than the moment itself,’’ he said.

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“And that’s not what Jemma needs and not necessarily what I need. I think if an opportunity for a Guy (Pearce) and a Kylie (Minogue) came and we all went on as a team that would create something interesting. I will definitely go out (to set) and support them.”

Donovan said he didn’t hesitate accepting the role on Chicago.

“Melbourne is a great town and Melbourne is my home town and I can’t think of a better place than the Arts Centre to bring a great show,’’ he said.

“It was the right thing for me to do at this time in my career.”

Chicago the Musical is at the Arts Centre from December 14.

chicagothemusical.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/jason-donovan-says-it-is-special-reconnecting-with-melbourne-where-he-grew-up-and-starred-on-neighbours/news-story/496f9ecd940c550adf75dff1e7975885