It felt like I was back in the 80s

Cameo role reminded star of his Neighbours days

- BY CHARLOTTE TUTTON

Jason Donovan's latest soap role should be a doddle to play - the Aussie favourite will be himself in an episode of Emmerdale.

In the cameo appearance next week, Jason surprises superfan Lydia Dingle with a performance in the Woolpack after she misses out on gig tickets.

And while the cast of the ITV show were thrilled to have Jason on board, he says it was just as much fun for him to be back in soapland, 39 years after his career-making role on Neighbours.

He explains: "It takes me back to another time. It's fun to be on a drama set again. I had a great day.

"It was lovely to hear from this great show. I know from people that I have spoken to that there's a lot of affection for the show. It's been going for over 50 years. I'm 57, so there's an interesting thing to think about. To come on and play myself, it sort of felt right."

"The cast have been lovely and everyone has been so welcoming.

"It's great to come up to Yorkshire, to Leeds, I love it here. I've done a lot of shows up here in the past.

"I felt genuinely loved [by the team]. I've had lots of selfies, not just with the cast, but crew, wardrobe and makeup. It felt like I was back in the 80s."