Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan discuss their connection ahead of Neighbours return - 'recreating the past is very difficult'

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan played Scott and Charlene in Neighbours, the beloved Australian soap that is sadly coming to an end very soon.

In celebration of the show that kickstarted both of their careers, Kylie and Jason confirmed that they are returning to Ramsay Street for the final episode of Neighbours which aired in Australia on Thursday, July 28.

Ahead of the release of this episode, Kylie and Jason took the time to talk to talk to Neighbours producers about how this show shaped their careers and why they made the decision to step back into the roles that they moved away from decades ago. 

When asked how it feels to be back on Ramsay Street, Kylie said, "It feels amazing, surreal and very emotional. We worked with the director we worked with back in the 80s so a few familiar faces. Same houses, same street – there is no easy answer, just a mix of emotions, but very happy. Very aware of the moment."

Jason agreed that this return was very nostalgic for him too, "Yes emotional. So many memories. And something you have to ‘scream’ about the moment, and this is one of them, we’re very aware of the significance. It’s not lost on us in terms of what this show has given us, the cast, writers, directors, the country, the way it has portrayed Australians around the world, it changed a lot of things for a lot of people – now it’s time to scream about it."

The duo who played the show's favorite super-couple Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell were asked if they ever saw themselves returning to the role. Both Jason and Kylie revealed that they never believed they would be reprising these characters.

"No, I didn’t. I guess because the show kept going and moved on. Also, Charlene was such a presence in people’s memory, I wasn’t sure how it would work," said Kylie. "Neighbours wrapping up has put a completely different spin on all of it – it opened the door for this to happen. I didn’t really see it happening but now it has, it feels good."

The singer then revealed that she has kept in contact with Jason and it was him who convinced her to come back to the show. 

"Jason and I are connected anyway, but he wrote me a beautiful email, so eloquent and heartfelt about this being a moment for us to acknowledge and say thanks to the fans." Kylie added, "We are quite a way from going to shopping centers (appearances), and all the things we used to do, the memories are coming back – the pigeon boxes, our scripts, the early morning calls, shooting at Lassiters, all of us straight out of school, just kids and a lot of life has happened since then."

Jason revealed that it's tricky to repeat the past and said that this was more of a tribute than a character reinvention. "It’s an homage, rather than a big moment, and Kylie’s right, we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. Trying to recreate the past is very difficult and this is giving a nod to those characters and what the street has done for us," said Jason.

Jason jokde that although a lot has changed since the 80s when they were both on the show, there are a couple of things that are remaining consistent. "The one thing that hasn’t changed is denim, but it has got better," said Jason. Kylie added that her hair will also be back to it's former glory, "The curls are just as big, and mousse is back!"

Concluding on the importance of the show, Jason said, "I can probably speak for both us and say it was an incredible training ground and opportunity for us.  The first day I saw Kylie on set in 1987, we were talking about a TV show playing brother and sister back in 1980 – we did have other work, but we really hit the ground running with Neighbours, so it solidified our craft.  To be a part of that legacy and see people’s careers develop and project Australia to the rest of the world.  It is very special."

Kylie added that it was a very 'big moment' for them both to return with so many of their former cast mates. "It’s a feeling, it’s historical and such a big part of learning our craft and growing up. And of course friendships and the fact ‘plain Jane super brain’ and Mike have a storyline coming up, I’m incredibly excited. To have some of the cast from back in our day, we are having lots of moments for one very big moment!" said Kylie.

For UK viewers the show will be airing on Friday, July 29, 2022, at 9 pm on Channel 5. Following this, two documentaries about Neighbours will air; Neighbours Made Me A Star: From Ramsay Street to Hollywood, and Neighbours: All The Pop Hits & More, Especially For You.