Emmerdale lands iconic TV icon for Christmas storyline | UK News

Emmerdale is gearing up for a star-studded Christmas as a major TV icon is set to make a shock cameo in the ITV cleaning soap. Former Neighbours heartthrob and Aussie legend Jason Donovan, who shot to fame in the 80s as Scott Robinson reverse Kylie Minogue, has filmed scenes that will air in December – and he can be enjoying himself.

The singer and actor secretly headed to the village set earlier this month for top-secret filming, which noticed him pop up inside the iconic Woolpack pub to shock Lydia Dingle, performed by Karen Blick. The scenes kind half of a festive storyline that sees superfan Lydia devastated after lacking out on seeing Jason in live performance, only for the villagers to step in and ship the final word shock. A source told Express.co.uk: “Everyone was actually excited Jason was up for collaborating.

“It was really fun, and Jason was a real pro, he enjoyed the cameo.” Jason’s guest role comes as his career continues to thrive both on stage and screen.

The 57-year-old is currently preparing for his Doin’ Fine Encore Tour, which kicks off in early 2026 and will celebrate his decades-long music career with shows across the UK and Ireland.

Away from music, Jason has remained a familiar face on British TV, having appeared on This Morning, The One Show and Loose Women in the past year.

He also returned to acting with a role in Doctor Who: Tales of the TARDIS before heading back to soap country for his Emmerdale appearance.

And the showbiz talent clearly runs in the family – Jason’s daughter, Jemma Donovan has followed in his footsteps, starring in both Neighbours and Hollyoaks.

Jason’s cameo adds to a busy few months for Emmerdale, which has not too long ago announced three standalone particular episodes set to air this autumn.

One will finally unravel the mysterious disappearance of Bear Wolf, the estranged father of Paddy Kirk.

Another particular will observe April Dingle as she faces a terrifying ordeal at the palms of gangmaster Celia.

The third episode will shine a highlight on fan favorite Robert Sugden, teasing a dramatic twist for the character’s legacy.

Jason has made common appearances on UK tv, including This Morning, The One Show, Loose Women and varied radio interviews, often selling his tours while reflecting on his early profession and life in Australia.

At home, Jason has spoken brazenly about having fun with household life in London with his spouse Angela Malloch, whom he married in 2008, and their three kids.

He often shares glimpses of life off-stage on social media, from behind-the-scenes tour snaps to household moments and charity help, significantly mental health awareness, a trigger close to him after his early struggles with fame.