Jemma Donovan, who plays Jemma in Neighbours, talked to Digital Spy about working on the show’s special London scenes.
Following her recent passion with Ned Willis, Jemma’s character Harlow Robinson takes a trip to the UK in next week’s episodes on Channel 5, as she seeks some time away from Ramsay Street.
Harlow will spend time with her aunt Harriet, who is played by Amanda Holden, a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
In one scene, Sophie Ellis-Bextor makes a cameo appearance.
Jemma stated in a video chat with Digital Spy while in London filming the episodes: “I’m ecstatic to be able to film in my hometown with such a talented cast, as well as see my family, whom I haven’t seen in two years.
“As you might imagine, I was ecstatic. It’s also entertaining storylines, and I’m glad to be back home. I’m extremely appreciative.
“It was a great success. We shot near the Tate Modern as well as the London Eye. I got to do some sight-seeing while I was doing it, which I hadn’t done before because you don’t do those things in London. It was a lot of fun.”
Working on site, Jemma admits, presented some difficulties for the cast and crew.
She chuckled: “As part of the sequence, we had to go out and eat fish and chips. We drove over there, and this guy seemed to be cultivating the potatoes himself! This small chippy’s fish and chips took roughly 20 minutes to prepare.
“We were just waiting for the camera crew to arrive, and we were like, ‘We’re trying!’ He’s cultivating his own potatoes!'”
Jemma went on to say about working with Amanda Holden: “She’s been fantastic. She radiates warmth. She’s a hoot.
“She’s really vibrant, and I think it’s wonderful to have someone who is that effervescent because it really brings out the best in you.
“It’s been a lot of fun. I consider myself quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her as well, because she is such a well-known figure in the community and an expert in her field.”
In response to Sophie’s appearance, Jemma added: “Sophie was also fantastic in a scene I did with her. We had a terrific time together because she was very nice.
“It was only one scene, which was a little disappointing, but it was still incredible.”
The entire interview with Jemma may be seen in the video player at the top of the page.
