‘It’s a tough year’: Dancing On Ice star Jason Donovan will be spending first Christmas without his Neighbours actress daughter Jemma, 20, because of ‘strict Australian quarantine rules’
Dancing On Ice star Jason Donovan revealed he will be spending his first Christmas without his daughter Jemma, because she will be in Australia.
The actor’s daughter now stars in Neighbours, the show that made her father famous and Jason, 52, said ‘strict Australian quarantine laws’ amid the coronavirus pandemic, mean that she won’t be able to get home.
He told Lorraine on Friday: ‘It’s a tough year for us. It’s the first time she won’t be able to be with us because the Australian quarantine rules are very strict. A lot is going on.
‘It’s a tough year’: Dancing On Ice star Jason Donovan told Lorraine on Friday he will be spending his first Christmas without his Neighbours actress daughter Jemma, 20, because of ‘strict Australian quarantine rules’
‘I am [proud of her]. As a dad, you want your kids to find a passion and Jemma loves her work and she loves who she’s working with.
‘It’s gone full circle for us because she’s back working in my hometown.’
Jason famously starred alongside Kylie Minogue, 52, as Scott Robinson in Neighbours from 1985 to 1989.
Proud father: Jason joined his daughter on the Ramsay Street set as she landed her first job in Neighbours as Harlow Robinson back in 2019
Vows: Jason famously starred alongside Kylie Minogue, 52, as Scott Robinson in Neighbours from 1985 to 1989 – 20million British viewers tuned in to watch their onscreen wedding
His daughter joined the soap in July 2019 as Harlow Robinson, the 19-year-old daughter of Paul Robinson’s (Stefan Dennis).
While on Lorraine, Jason revealed he has been watching I’m A Celebrity and gave his predictions on who would be crowned the winner on Friday night.
He said: ‘I have a prediction. I think it’s either Giovanna or Jordan. Vernon I love, but I think this is an opportunity for those two.
Busy bee: Jason also spoke about his own return to reality TV as he has been training hard for Dancing On Ice which airs in the new year
![He said: 'The biggest challenge for me is putting the shoes [skates] on in the morning, it takes me about 15-20 minutes'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/04/10/33569508-9017867-image-a-23_1607077442835.jpg)
He said: ‘The biggest challenge for me is putting the shoes [skates] on in the morning, it takes me about 15-20 minutes’
‘Vernon already has a career, not to say the other two don’t…but both those two are wonderful characters and I’m hoping it’s Giovanna personally. She’s lovely.
‘Those shows expose you for who you are.’
And Jason also spoke about his own return to reality TV as he has been training hard for Dancing On Ice which airs in the new year.
He said: ‘The biggest challenge for me is putting the shoes [skates] on in the morning, it takes me about 15-20 minutes.
‘I’m working hard, my dance partner is wonderful, it’s a challenge and I’m looking forward to the live shows.’
Dancing On Ice 2021: Who are the celebrities?
MYLEENE KLASS
Age: 42
Profession: Musician and radio host
Myleene says: ‘My girls have always wanted me to do this but I’ve always been too scared someone will skate over my fingers!’
JASON DONOVAN
Age: 52
Profession: Actor and singer, best know for playing Scott Robinson in Neighbours
Jason says: ‘To be able to learn a skill and spend some time focused is quite exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys.’
FAYE BROOKES
Age: 33
Profession: Actress best known for her role as Kate Connor in Coronation Street
Faye says: ‘I’m so excited! The producers get to know you and this is the first time I think people are just going to see me, not being a character… Just being me – Faye!’
COLIN JACKSON
Age: 53
Profession: Former sprint and hurdling athlete, who has since carved out a career as a TV personality
Colin says: ‘You go out there, you enjoy yourself and you learn a new skill and to hone the skill of skating will just be a huge, huge plus. I’m looking forward to it.’
REBEKAH VARDY
Age: 38
Profession: TV personality
Rebekah says: ‘I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into that. I’m going to give my 100% effort for it all.’
RUFUS HOUND
Age: 41
Profession: Comedian
Rufus says: ‘I’m doing it for the money. I don’t know if you’ve heard but about six months ago this global pandemic hit and made just about everything I’ve ever done to earn a pound note disappear!’
DENISE VAN OUTEN
Age: 46
Profession: Performer and presenter, best known for The Big Breakfast
Denise says: ‘I’m really excited. Finally, I get to tell people. I’ve kept this a secret from most of my friends and family. Betsy [her daughter] doesn’t even know….’
SONNY JAY
Age: 27
Profession: Singer and radio presenter, best known for his daily Breakfast Show on Capital Radio
Sonny says: ‘I don’t want to fall over, not in front of the nation. I don’t want to be a meme the next day!’
JOE-WARREN PLANT
Age: 18
Profession: Actor best known for his role as Jacob Gallagher in Emmerdale
Joe-Warren says: ‘I’m super excited. I’m glad I have the time off Emmerdale to really focus on training…’
GRAHAM BELL
Age: 54
Profession: Former Olympic skier, who is also a TV presenter, adventurer and journalist
Graham says: ‘Ice doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing… [My experience was confined to] ‘dancing on tables, wearing ski boots in après ski. It’s not graceful and elegant!’
LADY LESHURR
Age: 30
Profession: Rapper
Lady says: ‘I’m petrified, (but) I’ve always wanted to ice skate so what’s better than doing it in front of millions of people.’
Billie Faiers
Age: 30
Profession: Television personality
Billie says: ‘I am soooo excited to announce that I will be taking part. I still can’t believe I am actually doing it!!’