Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan tipped for Neighbours return
Channel 5 recently announced plans to drop the show from its schedules
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@kylieminogue
While it looks like Australian soap Neighbours is in trouble, there’s some good news in that Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan could be returning to Ramsey Street in dramatic fashion.
The two famously played Charlene and Scott Robinson on the long-running show and are among a raft of its former stars set to make a comeback, according to reports.
Earlier this month Neighbours co-commissioner Channel 5 announced it was dropping the programme from its schedule from August 2022 after failing to reach an agreement with Freemantle, who produce the show. The drop in funding leaves the show’s future in doubt.
“One thing’s for sure, Neighbours is going out with a bang.”
According to The Sun, 53-year-old Jason Donovan has told producers he is flying back to Oz and could film a return for his character, Scott, who married Kylie’s Charlene in front of a UK audience of 20 million back in 1988.
The paper also reports that he wants the ‘All the Lovers’ singer, also 53, to join him. The unnamed source adds that producers are keen to make it happen.
Given Kylie announced last October that she plans to move back to Australia, we wonder if producers could be so lucky…
“One thing’s for sure, Neighbours is going out with a bang,” said the source. “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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“Bosses have spoken to Jason who has agreed in theory to return”, the source added. “Kylie has always been a huge supporter of the show — they’re just waiting to hear back.”
The Sun also reports that Ian Smith, 83, who played Harold Bishop on the show has agreed to return and is due to start filming next month. Hollywood actor Guy Pearce, famous for The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, who played Mike Young on Neighbours is also being sought.
Annie Jones, who played Mike’s love interest, Jane Harris returned in 2018.
While it’s sad news about the show, there’s a glimmer of hope as per Deadline, who reported last week that “industry sources” think ITV could swoop in to save Neighbours.
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