Big signing Soap legend joins Emmerdale after filming top secret scenes earlier this month

EMMERDALE is welcoming a special guest into its village…Aussie hunk JASON DONOVAN

Despite being a soap star himself, having stolen many hearts as Scott Robinson in Neighbours in the Eighties, Jason will actually appear on the ITV soap as himself.

Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan smiles at the camera while sitting on a couch. — Jason Donovan is set for a cameo in Emmerdale – after filming top secret scenes

Donovan and Minogue embrace in a promotional shot for the show "Neighbours" from 1985. — Jason played Neighbours’ iconic Scott Robinson opposite Kylie Minogue as Charlene

Lydia Dingle looking distressed while sitting on stairs. — Karen Blick plays Emmerdale regular Lydia Dingle

The singer filmed top secret scenes on set earlier this month, which saw him surprise Lydia Dingle, played by Karen Blick, in local boozer The Woolpack.

A source said: “Everyone was really excited Jason was up for taking part.

The plot sees superfan Lydia miss her opportunity to Jason in concert, so villagers organise for the popstar to surprise her.

“It was really fun and Jason was a real pro, he enjoyed the cameo.”

It comes after Jason’s daughter Jemma starred in both Neighbours and Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.

The episodes will air in the build up to Christmas in December.

Elsewhere, a former Emmerdale star announced their career change in the months since her exit.

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Five months after leaving Emmerdale, she’s now teaching acting at MetFilm School Leeds.

Discussing her new role, Rachael said: “The big thing is belief in themselves.

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“Some drama schools can knock actors down.

“MetFilm encourages them. It lifts people up and helps them discover their own voices. That is why I love it.”

Rachael added: “You walk in and it feels alive. Students are carrying booms and cameras down the corridors.

“You can tell things are being created in every room. It is electric, challenging, open, creative and exciting.”

The soap also recently announced three upcoming standalone special episodes.

The three specials will focus on key storylines this autumn including solving the mysterious disappearance of Paddy Kirk’s father, Bear Wolf.

Meanwhile a second special will explore April Dingle’s ordeal at the mercy of gangmaster Celia.