Guy Pearce on friendship with Jason Donovan and feeling ‘lucky’ to have been on Neighbours

Guy Pearce has opened up his long-running friendship with former Neighbours co-star Jason Donovan ahead of the pair reprising their roles in the final episode of the show.

The actor, 54, began his career playing Mike Young on the Australian soap opera – having been introduced on the show in 1986 and remaining on Ramsay Street until 1989.

His character was part of a friendship group in Erinsborough with Scott Robinson, played by Donovan, now 54, and Charlene Mitchell, played by Kylie Minogue, also now 54.

The trio are set to return as part of the final few episodes of the long-running show, which will come to a close with a double-episode special next week after 37 years on air.

Guy Pearce and Jason Donovan had been co-stars on Neighbours (Image: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)

Pearce told the Press Association ahead of the finale of Neighbours’ – which had debuted in 1985 – that him and Donovan still refer to each other by their characters’ names.

He commented: “Jason and I see each other all the time, and we still call each other Scott and Mike, which is a bit sad! Whenever I’m in London I’ll see Jason most times.”

The actor – who has won numerous awards over the course of his career, including an Emmy – further revealed that he sees former co-star Kylie too “if she’s around.”

Pearce had also worked with Kylie Minogue on the soap (Image: REX/Shutterstock) He later pursued a career in Hollywood (Image: Getty Images)

He said there are a few other former colleagues who he catches up with when he’s in Melbourne, like Stefan Dennis, 63 (Paul Robinson) and Annie Jones, 55 (Jane Harris).

Pearce’s role on the show helped launch his career in Hollywood, with him later landing roles in films like L.A. Confidential (1997), Memento (2000) and The Time Machine (2002).

He said: “There are certain moments in your life that are real markers. Being cast in Neighbours, the confidence it gave me and what I learnt being on the show were immeasurable qualities and benefits.”

He feels ‘lucky’ to have started out on the show (Image: Getty Images)

“Of course, there have been other moments when I’ve auditioned for roles and got them, but I can’t ever forget this. I always feel super lucky to have got on the show when I did and as we know, it just took off and became huge.”

Other returning cast members have also spoken to PA about the show, including Daniel MacPherson, 42, who played had Joel Samuels on the soap between 1998 and 2002.

Teasing what to expect from the character now he’s older, Daniel said there won’t be a nipple piercing, speedos or a mullet. He did however tease: “Some friendships rekindled.”

Daniel MacPherson had played Joel Samuels on the show (Image: Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock) Donovan and Minogue are among those reprising their roles in the final episodes (Image: Getty Images)

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Reflecting on his character’s heartthrob status, he said that it was “amazing,” adding that the cast “had a lot of fun.” Daniel said he’s stayed in touch with many of his co-stars.

Peter O’Brien – who appeared in the first episode as Shane Ramsay – as well as Ian Smith (Harold Bishop) Mark Little (Joe Mangel) and Paul Keane (Des Clarke) will also return.

Neighbours will air its final episode next week (Credit: Channel 5)

Among those returning from the noughties are Chris Milligan (Kyle Canning), Morgan Baker (Callum Rebecchi), Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy Hoyland) and James Mason (Chris Pappas).

Neighbours will conclude with a double-episode special that is set to air on Channel 5 next Friday (July 29) at 9pm. You can catch up on recent episodes now through My5.

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