Amanda Holden is to guest star in Neighbours in a special London storyline.
The presenter and actress, who celebrated her 50th birthday in February, will play Harlow Robinson’s Aunt Harriet in the Australian soap, with scenes being filmed around the capital over the next week.
The episodes will see Harlow, played by Jason Donovan’s daughter Jemma, reunited with her aunt in London to solve a family mystery concerning Harlow’s mother and Harriet’s late sister Prue, portrayed by Denise van Outen in 2019.
Britain’s Got Talent judge and Heart Breakfast host Holden has appeared in TV series including Wild At Heart, Cutting It and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
She said: “Like most people in the UK who were around in the late ’80s/early ’90s, I grew up watching Neighbours every single day of the week.
“I was glued to our TV for the wedding of Kylie and Jason (Scott and Charlene) while cursing Mrs Mangle and praying that Mike and Jane would eventually get together! Not to mention all the other greats over the years.
“To now have the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic Australian show is simply fabulous! I can’t wait to work with Jemma in London – this feels like a joyous occasion for everyone.”
Jemma Donovan said she feels “incredibly fortunate” to be able to film Neighbours in London and described it as a “brilliant opportunity” to work in her home city.
She said: “The producers have been wanting to do this for a while, so it feels so surreal having it all come to life, not to mention working alongside Amanda.
“I’m beyond excited to create this relationship with our characters, dive into the storyline and shoot all over London. It’s going to be so much fun and I hope the viewers enjoy it just as much as we do!”
Neighbours’ executive producer Jason Herbison said: “Neighbours has a rich tradition of filming in the UK and we’re thrilled to have Amanda joining for our next adventure.
“We’ve created a great character for her and can’t wait to see the dynamic between her and Jemma Donovan.
“The shoot has been in the works for some time and will serve as the launch of a huge new storyline for 2022.”
Holden’s scenes will air next spring in the UK and Australia.