but he’s come a long way since Neighbours. Now based in the UK, he’s been with partner Angela Malloch for 11 years and they have two children: daughter Jemma, eight this month, and son Zac, seven this week. Jason might’ve done thousands of interviews, but he thinks through every question as he searches for the right words to explain himself in his lazy Aussie drawl, chatting about everything from Kylie to Cornwall…
What was it like working with Kylie Minogue on her TV show last year?
Rebecca Loring, Leicester
It was nerve-racking as there was an element of expectation. But it was great – I feel very proud to be associated with Kylie. Her career’s in a different stratosphere these days and she’s come through a hell of a lot personally. When I was asked if I’d be interested in appearing, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
What’s your first love: TV, music or theatre?
Rhonda, Doncaster
They’re each challenging in their own way, but are all part of being an entertainer, which is what I put on my passport. I love anything that entertaining people encompasses.
How did you get yourself back together fully after your drug problems?
Amanda Chamberlain, Rugby
I don’t think you ever totally recover from an addiction. Thankfully I came through the other side – a lot of people who get involved with drugs don’t. It’s only now, seven years on, that I can start to see the benefits of being clean. Behind any form of addiction is a desire to change. Fame and the idea that it’s ‘cool’ to do drugs doesn’t help, either. But there’s no such thing as a cool drug addict.
Do you regret experimenting with drugs?
Michelle Meakin, Wallasey
You can’t change what’s happened and regret is a tough word… Do I think drugs are cool and advocate their use? Absolutely not. But going through those experiences has made me the person I am now.
Are you in touch with David Guest? Is he really that crazy in real life or is it all an act?
Justine Fallon, Southend
David’s a real character and, yes, I am in touch with him. Doing I’m A Celebrity last year was such an intense period in our lives.
Have you seen Lee Mead in Joseph? What do you think of him in a role so closely associated with you?
Angela Jessop, Islington
I have seen him and I think he’s great, he does a fantastic job. He’s not me, of course… [laughs]. I think shows like Any Dream Will Do, which bring talent to the fore, are a good thing. Everyone needs to get a break somehow.
How did filming Echo Beach in Cornwall compare to your days in the Aussie sun?
Rachel Bidford, Glasgow
I’d never been to Cornwall before, but it’s a gorgeous place. I couldn’t think of a better place to spend a month filming. Just beautiful. A little chilly sometimes and not enough sunshine perhaps, but hey… [laughs]. It has elements of the Australian coast, though, particularly with its surfing culture.
Did the actors on Echo Beach worry about sending themselves up on Moving Wallpaper?
Sonia Mathers, Kidderminster
No. At the end of the day the show’s tongue in cheek. You have to see the humour in it.
Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?
Jennifer Stephen, London
Healthy [laughs]. I’d love to have written a song that impacts on people’s lives, like the New Radicals song You Get What You Give.
Would you ever return to Neighbours for a guest spot?
Rosalind McTiernan, Huddersfield
They’ve asked me once or twice, but I’ve moved on. It would be like putting a Joseph coat on again and, to be honest, I don’t thinkI could ever do that.
I once read that your hero used to be Batman. Is that true?
Emma Grant, Andover
Yeah! When I was younger I used to think Batman was great. But nowadays I think I’d say my father was my hero rather than a cartoon!
Do you ever contact fans through your MySpace page?
Jennie, Rochford
I look at it, but my way of communicating to fans is through concerts. And you may or may not know, Jennie, but I have a tour coming up later this year.
Who would be your dream leading lady?
Georgina Holt, Exeter
Cate Blanchett. She’s an incredible actress – interesting, attractive and she’s made some great choices in her career.
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
Laura Heartt, Bournemouth
That’d be a bit dangerous, wouldn’t it! It would be interesting to find out what people think about you… Or maybe hitching a ride in a Formula 1 car would be pretty fantastic. n
Moving Wallpaper/Echo Beach is available on DVD from 24 March (£39.99). For details of Jason’s upcoming Pictures & Postcards Tour, visit jasondonovan.org.uk
Prize Question
Had you ever met Martine McCutcheon before starring in Echo Beach together?
Sally Greene, Salford
Yes, we’d met a couple of times. I can’t remember where, but we’d never really spent time together before. We’ve followed similar paths with our careers, from soaps to singing and musical theatre, so we got along really well and the chemistry was great.
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By Karen Cross
