Neighbours casts Jason Donovan's daughter Jemma as a new Robinson
Neighbours is continuing its ties with the Donovan family, as Jason's 18-year-old daughter Jemma has now joined the soap's cast.
Described as a "whip-smart, diplomatic and complex young girl", Jemma will enter the fray as Harlow Robinson. This also connects the actress to her dad's character, Scott Robinson, who he played for three years in the late 1980s.
Jemma shared her excitement over getting the role, saying: "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."
A post shared by Jemma Donovan (@jemma_donovan) on Oct 7, 2018 at 11:30am PDT
And Jason – who's considered Neighbours royalty – sees this opportunity as an "incredible learning curve" for Jemma.
"It's become an institution and I'm so grateful for my time on Ramsay Street," he said. "There are so many great memories for me looking back, and to be honest, this is Jemma's moment.
"My dad [Terence Donovan] had a wonderful few years and I'm sure Jemma will also embrace the experience and honour the past," he said. "She needs to look forward, be an open book, learn from her experiences and have some fun. What an opportunity!"
"Jemma did a fantastic audition for Neighbours and her pedigree was an unexpected surprise," added executive producer Jason Herbison.
"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.”
Neighbours can't seem to get enough of the Donovan family – Jason's half-sister Stephanie McIntosh also had a stint on the soap as Sky Mangel.
Jemma is scheduled to appear on screens from July 2019, and Neighbours fans will find out exactly how Harlow fits into the Robinson family tree over the coming months.
Neighbours airs on weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.
('You Might Also Like',)
