JASON DONOVAN reminisced about his childhood after eating a kebab from a Neighbours-themed takeout van immediately after Channel 5 announced the Australian soap’s cancellation.
The late-night food van, which is based in Bristol, made a brief appearance in a segment on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway to commemorate the occasion. Jason Donovan, 53, appeared alongside Andi Peters and was offered a kebab prepared in a Neighbours-themed van while surrounded by a large Bristol crowd cheering and waving to the camera. Despite the fact that the live show was brief, the former pop star praised the experience as “very remarkable.”
Andi and Jason Donervan’s owner exchanged a few jabs in between delivering viewers competition rules, with the latter saying: “I was promised that I would meet Ant and Dec.
While Andi responded: “I was promised I’d get to meet a soapstar”.
Andi then asked the team whether Jason had ever visited, to which the vendors replied: “No.”
When Jason approached the truck with his name on it, the presenter abruptly yelled out to the TV personality.
Jason stated the event was “extraordinary” after emerging from the crowd, while special guest Paloma Faith remarked Jason eating from a Donervan was “high-quality entertainment” back in the studio.
The incident took place after the popular Australian soap opera revealed that it will be airing its final episode with Channel 5 after the summer, putting the show’s existence in jeopardy due to its reliance on the broadcaster’s funding.
Following the announcement, Jason, who played adolescent idol Scott Robinson on the drama from 1986 to 1989, issued a statement.
The actor wrote on Twitter: “The Australian television landscape was transformed by @neighbours.
“It launched many careers over decades including mine.
“Engaged and entertained audiences for generations. Hoping that it will find a new home with another U.K. broadcaster and continue to provide opportunity and entertainment,” he added.
Jason collaborated with Kylie Minogue, who played Charlene Mitchell, his girlfriend.
The program in which the renowned lovebirds married drew 19.6 million viewers in the United Kingdom.
Pop queen Kylie had also expressed her sadness over the programme ending, saying: “I’ll be forever grateful for the experience & the friends I made on @neighbours.
“We had no idea how big the show would become and how passionately viewers would take it to heart.
“Pure love! I can still hear Madge calling … CHARLENE!!!!”
Following the program’s announcement on Twitter, the singer responded to a message that read: “We regret to inform you that after nearly 37 years and nearly 9000 episodes, we must announce that Neighbours will end production in June.”
Meanwhile, some fans have speculated that the long-running drama would rejoin the couple on Ramsay Street for one more appearance in the series’ finale.
The TV star reportedly told executives he’s keen for a final cameo and wants the popular singer to make a comeback with him, but officials have yet to confirm the plans.
According to a show insider, the team are keen to end the show on a “real high”.
Speaking to The Sun, the source said: “Kylie has always been a huge supporter of the show, they’re just waiting to hear back.”
