It’s hard to imagine anyone more destined for life in Ramsay Street than current cast member, Jemma Donovan. Born and raised in London, the 21-year-old is not only the daughter of one of Neighbours’ most famous alumni, Jason Donovan, she’s the granddaughter of Terence Donovan and half-niece of Stephanie Mcintosh – both of whom have also had major roles on the Aussie soap.
Needless to say, Jemma immediately felt at home when she arrived in Erinsborough almost three years ago in the role of Harlow Robinson.
“I’ve grown up not only knowing the show, but what an amazing platform and training ground it is for young actors,” Jemma tells New Idea. “I feel so fortunate to be part of it. The show has such a legacy.”
Here, the popular star shares her life in 10 pictures...
“This is me with Zima [Anderson, who plays Roxy on Neighbours] and who is one of my best friends both in and outside work. It was taken last New Year’s in Tassie, where Zima is from. I’d never been to Tasmania before. We went out and explored Hobart. It was so nice to spend New Year’s with Zima in her home town.” 2
“Here I am at age 6 with my mum, Angela, and my dad, Jason. This photo was taken in Australia the day Dad got out of the jungle for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! We hadn’t seen him for so long. We had such a fun time visiting Australia.” 1
“A selfie with my dad taken just before my school prom. It’s one of my favourite photos of the two of us together. I’m very close to my dad, as well as to all of my family. The five of us are a very tight unit.” 8
“I wanted to include a photo with my siblings – and this is the only recent one I could find! My brother, Zac, is 20 and is studying in Edinburgh, while my sister, Molly, is 10. Due to COVID-19, I wasn’t able to see them for two years. This was on the first day we reunited. We went to see a show on the West End in London. It was so great to be able to spend time with my siblings again.” 3
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“At my first professional acting gig when I was 12 for the BBC movie, Mr Stink, an adaptation of the David Walliams’ book. This was my first day on set and my mum took the photo. I had my own trailer and I was so excited. It’s such an amazing memory for me. Hopefully I’ll be acting for as long as it makes me happy. Singing is also a definite career path for me.”
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“This was a still photo taken right near the London Eye during our recent Neighbours shoot in London. The storyline will air next year. I just love this shot. I’m in my home town filming the show I’ve been so fortunate to be part of for the past two and a half years. And two of my friends got to be extras in the shoot! It was so much fun having them experience it with me and made for such a special trip.”
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“Partying with another of my best friends, Dom. Having a good time with friends is one of my hobbies! I’ve known Dom since I was 11.”
“This is me and my best friend, Niamh, from school at a street market, where we bought these hats. We love shopping for clothes together. The photo sums me up – it’s a selfie, I have a cowboy hat on and I’m at a cute little market store! It’s what I love!” 4
“Here I am with my Neighbours family. This was at our 2020 Christmas party at Zima’s house. It was such a tricky year, but restrictions lifted for a bit and we were able to get together and have a party. We drank lots of wine, ate lots of good food and it was so much fun.” 7