Jason Donovan compares former lover Kylie Minogue to 'old uni friend'

Jason Donovan says Kylie Minogue is like an "old uni friend".

The former lovers and co-stars, both 56, shot to fame portraying couple Scott and Charlene Robinson on soap 'Neighbours' in the '80s, and Jason believes their "chemistry" is why the show became such a huge hit.

He told Australia's WHO magazine: "It worked so well because that chemistry with myself and Kylie was very strong and real.

"I would argue that is why the show became as successful as it did those early years."

The former co-stars are still in contact via WhatsApp and Jason gushed that he is "in awe of everything" the 'Padam Padam' hitmaker does.

He said: "We have a WhatsApp chat.

"We often have to talk about things we've done and anniversaries coming up for Neighbours or 'Especially For You'. She's like an old uni friend - you don't always talk, but when you do, you pick up right where you left off. I'm in such awe of everything she has done."

Kylie and Jason reunited for what was thought to be the final episode of 'Neighbours' in 2022, and the pop star admitted it was an emotional day of filming.

She shared a number of pictures of herself and Jason in character as Charlene and Scott and wrote: "Yep, there were tears! Congratulations to the @neighbours team for the heart-warming and celebratory finale. You’ll be in my heart always!!! #neighbours @jdonofficial."

Kylie joined the cast of 'Neighbours' in 1986 but left the series in 1988 to embark on a pop career and went on to enjoy decades of chart success with hits such as 'I Should Be So Lucky', and 'Can't Get You out of My Head' and even teamed up with then-boyfriend Jason to release chart-topper 'Especially For You' in 1989, which could be heard playing as the on-screen couple made their return to Ramsay Street in the then-finale.

'Neighbours' initially aired on BBC One from 1986 until 2008 before being shown on Channel 5 and the soap relied on funding from the British network but in February 2022, the broadcaster confirmed they were to focus on UK drama instead.

However, 'Neighbours' was saved by Amazon Freevee, after the premium video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service bought the rights just months after the show came to an end in July 2022 after 37 years on screen.