Back in 1989, it seemed every teenage girl in the land had a copy of Jason Donovan’s
debut album – and was playing it non-stop.

Now, you can re-live those days by listening to the whole album from beginning to end – but live.

The former Neighbours star will be in the county this weekend, performing all the songs from Ten Good Reasons in the same order they were in on the album.

The 48-year-old said: “We did a bunch of dates in the spring and they were really successful. Then the opportunity came up to do some more just before Christmas and to go to the places we didn’t before – so it seemed a good idea. I thought it would be a nice way to wrap up the year. There was a great vibe at the earlier shows, so why not carry that through into just before Christmas? And then I can have some time with my family!

“Plus it meant doing some towns we hadn’t done before. I haven’t played in Margate for a long time. I think 1990 was the last time I played there – that’s quite a while ago.”

For Jason, the album was the step from Aussie soap into the music world and he has never looked back.

He said: “Kylie had gone off on her solo career and it had gone well for her, so it seemed right. I think Too Many Broken Hearts – my first single – changed my life in a number of ways. It defined me at that time. Music is all about timing.

“You create your own luck. I could still be in Neighbours if I wanted to! But if you’re a creative person you need to look beyond that. You have to be as versatile as you can be. I could’ve just stuck to acting, but doing what I’ve done, along with the radio, has worked for me. I know a lot of actors who would love four No.1 hit singles!

“It’s nice. I have been able to grow old with that.”

Jason joined the Stock, Aitken and Waterman stable, which was ruling the charts at the time.

Almost three decades on, he is still in touch with the three men who helped steer his musical career.

“Ten Good Reasons was very much of its time, though I’m not saying that’s a bad thing,” he said.

“Stock, Aitken and Waterman have seen the show. They have always been very supportive of me. We try and be as true to their records as we can. There’s no reason why we can’t be.”

Despite his Aussie roots, Jason has made his life in the UK and is married with three children.

He said: “This country is sort of the cutting edge. I’ve lived here longer than I I’ve lived in Australia. This country’s been fantastic to me and I have been very lucky and very happy here.”

After his Margate show, Jason has just three more before he hangs up his microphone for a long Christmas break.

“It is a good point to stop in the year. It feels like it is there for a reason. Christmas is about being at home with your family and just doing stuff with them. My youngest daughter is seven, so it’s a great age for Christmas.”

DETAILS

Jason’s debut album, Ten Good Reasons, was the biggest selling album of 1989 and includes three No.1 singles – Too Many Broken Hearts, Sealed With a Kiss and the duet with Neighbours co-star Kylie Minogue, Especially for You. His performance will include other greatest hits and maybe a few Christmas favourites of Jason’s.

His Margate date is on Sunday, December 18. For tickets at £35 visit margatewintergardens.co.uk