JASON Donovan’s daughter Jemma Donovan has joined Neighbours.
The 18-year-old actress will follow in her famous father’s footsteps by heading to Erinsborough to play the complicated character of Harlow Robinson in the Australian soap.
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 – who played Scott Robinson from 1986 to 1989 – added: “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.”
Terence Donovan, Jason’s father, also appeared in Neighbours, playing Doug Willis in several spells from 1990 to 2016.
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 appear on screens from July, but show bosses are keeping it under wraps about how Harlow fits into the Robinson dynasty.
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.”
Jemma’s dad Jason shot to fame in ‘Neighbours’ in the 80s before kicking off a music career later in the decade.
In the soap, his character Scott married Charlene Mitchell, who was played by Kylie Minogue, who he dated in real life from 1984 to 1989.
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