Actor Jason Donovan of Neighbours has disclosed his reasons for not taking on the character of Scott Robinson once more.
Following a 33-year hiatus from his final episode of the Australian soap opera, Donovan made a surprise return in 2022 with his on-screen spouse Kylie Minogue. However, a year later, the show was brought back thanks to an investment from Amazon Freevee.
Donovan acknowledged turning down another offer in an interview with The Standard, saying, “I just felt it’s done.” For me, the neighbours are done.”
He said of Neighbours’ revival after his one-episode return, “I was surprised. In a way, I never expected it to return. Although I didn’t share that, I had a sneaking suspicion that it may. Those get-togethers frequently occur.
“My life was changed by my neighbours. It would not have been in good spirit to have refused to acknowledge the spirit of the 36th anniversary celebration of an Australian TV series about suburban life that kind of got the world to take notice of our nation.
Donovan, whose daughter Jemma played Harlow Robinson on Neighbours until 2022, remembered, “I wanted to do that and I reached out to other people that I know, Kylie, Guy [Pearce], and a few other people and said’maybe we should make this happen.”
“Great if the show’s revival and the increased number of jobs it provides are the end results of the attention it received. It was a thoughtful gesture and a nod.”
