Jason Donovan, an actor, musician, and Neighbours legend, has spoken out against the Australian soap’s cancellation.
Jason – who portrayed Scott Robinson, the guy married to Charlene (Kylie Minogue) in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – was on BBC Breakfast this morning to discuss the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Of course, it wasn’t long before the topic of conversation shifted to Neighbours, following the announcement by Channel 5 that the soap would be removed from its schedules in the summer.
‘I do think it’s unfortunate, I don’t want to get into a running commentary, I’ve made comments about it,’ Jason remarked of the firing. I believe it is past time to commemorate Neighbours. To be honest, it has kept my family working for a long time! My daughter and father are both in it.’
‘Actors, producers, writers, and directors should be grateful for what it has given Australia.’ My father campaigned hard for Australian material on television in the 1970s because the government wanted to bring in cheaper exports. We now have shows like Neighbours as a result of this.’
After Fremantle Media – the soap’s production company – failed to find a new home for the show, it was announced in early March that Neighbours will air its final episode this summer.
‘Fremantle have not spoken on the subject since the news about Channel 5 surfaced,’ a source told The Sun at the time. They tried everything they could to get funds from other networks, but they were unable to salvage the soap.
‘The announcement will clarify that the soap will end this summer, and that they have been overwhelmed by the love and support from the public since the news surfaced,’ according to the press release.
‘There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work going on to make the final few weeks of Neighbours genuinely unique,’ the source added to the publication.
‘A number of former performers have still to respond, but Peter has decided to return and will begin filming in May,’ says the source.
Both Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue have apparently been asked to return to the serial, although neither has stated whether or not they will.
