Hollyoaks actress lands new job AWAY from soap after being killed off – as a backing singer for huge popstar on tour
She has a very famous father, too
CAREER SHAKEUP Hollyoaks actress lands new job AWAY from soap after being killed off – as a backing singer for huge popstar on tour
A HOLLYOAKS actress has landed a huge new job AWAY from the soap after being brutally killed off.
The former Hollyoaks star has made a huge career U-turn and is now a backing singer for a huge popstar on a massive tour.
Advertisement
7
This former Hollyoaks star has made a career U-turn
Credit: Instagram/officialgarybarlow
7
Jemma Donovan is Jason Donovan's daughter
Credit: Instagram/officialgarybarlow
7
She is 25 years of age and currently on tour with a very famous popstar
Credit: Instagram/sophiecphillips4
7
She is touring with Gary Barlow
Credit: Instagram/quentin_rescuedog
7
Gary Barlow is on his Songbook Tour
Credit: Instagram/officialgarybarlow
Jemma Donavon, daughter of Jason Donavon, is one of two backing singers for Gary Barlow's tour.
She was killed off as Rayne Royce on Hollyoaks after just a year - and before that she was on Neighbours.
The British-Australian actress, 25, who has been in a relationship with Owen Warner since 2023, has been spotted on-stage with Gary on his Songbook Tour.
Introducing his fans to his band in an Instagram post a couple of weeks ago, Gary revealed Jemma was a backing singer on his tour.
Advertisement
"Bringing the age group down," Gary said before introducing his backing singers, the hitmaker then walked over to Jemma and fellow backing singer Sophie.
Fans have since been raving about Jemma and her beautiful singing voice on social media since seeing her perform with Gary.
One person shared a snap on Instagram of Gary at the piano and Jemma holding a mic on stage.
They wrote in the caption: "Love how @officialgarybarlow is so kind and encouraging of his singers like @jemma_donovan.
Advertisement
"He made sure her microphone was turned right up so we could all hear her, and she was fabulous."
Meanwhile, a fan on X shared a video from the night and wrote: "The finale @GaryBarlow!
Hollyoaks Stars Owen Warner and Jemma Donovan's Sun-Soaked Family Holiday
"A huge shout out to Jason Donovan's daughter Jemma who was fabulous as a backing singer."
Nepo-baby Jemma grew up in London but relocated to Australia in 2018.
Advertisement
Jemma relocated to her father's home country so she could audition for Aussie soap operas.
She then went to several auditions arranged by her father's agent, including an audition for Home and Away.
Neighbours stars who made it big
The long-running Aussie soap has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Here are some of the Neighbours alums who went on to make it big after starring on the soap...
Kylie Minogue Before she hit the big time with her music career, Kylie shot to fame playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Shortly after her arrival, Kylie began an on and off-screen romance with co-star Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson, which gained the couple an army of adoring fans.
Jason Donovan After his stint as Scott, singer and actor Jason became an international popstar and had his pick acting of roles. He moved to the U.K., married, had children and has since starred in over a dozen West End show, most notably Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Alan Dale New Zealand born actor Alan was one of Neighbours 12 original cast members having made his debut as Jim Robinson on the soap's first episode on 18 March 1985. As the head of the Robinson clan, widower Jim lived at Number 26 Ramsay Street with his children Paul, Julie, Scott and Lucy, and was a real anchor in the community. He stayed with the show for eight years, before his character was killed off in dramatic scenes aired in 1993 but which still reverberate through the soap to this day.
Margot Robbie Way before she was Barbie or Harley Quinn, Margot was best known as Ramsay Street resident Donna Freedman. Her notable storylines included her marriage to Ringo Brown and becoming a young widow following his tragic death. After three years she bid farewell to the soap and Australia with a plan to make a name for herself in Hollywood which she did when she bagged the role of Naomi Lapaglia opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street.
Jesse Spencer Jesse rocked up on Ramsay street in 1994 with the rest of the Kennedy clan. He stayed for five years, literally growing up in front of the camera, but in 2000 felt it was time to spread his wings and head for Hollywood. It was certainly a smart move as he went on to bag leading roles in popular shows like House and Chicago Fire.
Russell Crowe New Zealand-native Russell had a brief arc on Neighbours, appearing in four episodes of the soap 1987 as Kenny Larkin, the former cellmate of Street resident Henry Ramsay. The role obviously got him noticed though because he quickly went on to become a fully-fledged Hollywood A-lister, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his standout performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator.
Her final audition was for the long-running soap opera Neighbours.
Jemma's father, grandfather, and aunt had all previously starred in it.
Advertisement
She originally auditioned for the role of Roxy Willis, but due to her not being right for the role, it went to Zima Anderson.
Producers later created a character that was ideal for Jemma.
Jemma landed the role of the character of Harlow Robinson.
When she joined the soap, Harlow's plot resembled Jemma's own move from England to Australia.
Advertisement
After her stint in the Aussie soap, Jemma came back to the UK and made her first appearance in Hollyoaks in 2023.
She first starred in the soap in January 2023, but nine months later it was announced that the character would be murdered as part of a whodunit storyline with her exit coming shortly after.
7
Jemma Donovan starred in Neighbours just like her famous dad
Credit: instagram
7
She also starred in Hollyoaks before her character was killed off
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
32 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Tributes paid to Britons feared killed in Air India plane crash
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre, were said to be among the dead. The pair laughed and joked as they filmed a video of themselves at the airport before taking off. (PA Graphics) In an earlier Instagram post they told of their 'mind-blowing' trip to India and their intention to make a vlog about it. Mr Greenlaw is said to have appeared on ITV's This Morning earlier this year to talk about wellness. Former editor of the show Martin Frizell praised his 'vibrancy' and 'enthusiasm'. 'So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick,' he said in an Instagram post. 'I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over. 'And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. 'Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.' The Greenlaw-Meeks were running the Wellness Foundry in London, which offers psychic readings, tarot, reiki and yoga. The firm is included in Time Out's top places in the capital for tarot readings. The Wellness Foundry also has a podcast called Spirit Level, which the website says is a 'guiding light on the journey to holistic well-being and spiritual enlightenment'. The Gloucester Muslim Community group offered 'sincere and deepest condolences' after Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their daughter Sara were reported to be among the victims. 'During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind,' a statement said. 'No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.' Raj Mishra, the mayor of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, called for people to come together as he announced the deaths of three people from his community. 'Among those lost were Raxa Modha, infant Rudra Modha, and Ms K Mistri, all from our Wellingborough community,' he said. 'I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. 'May their memories be a blessing, and may we come together to support one another in this time of grief.' Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is believed to be the only survivor of the crash. Speaking outside the family home in Leicester, his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, said: 'We were just shocked as soon as we heard it. 'I last spoke to him yesterday morning. We're devastated, just devastated. 'He said, 'I have no idea how I exited the plane'.' Mr Ramesh's older brother Ajay was also aboard the flight. Another of Mr Ramesh's relatives, Jay, said the survivor spoke to his father after the crash and asked after his brother. Jay told PA: 'After the crash he spoke to his dad worrying about his brother saying, 'Where's Ajay'?'
Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Comedy star dead at 27 as heartbroken sister pays tribute
Brazilian comedy star and aspiring politician Gordinho Maniçoba has died aged 27, his sister confirmed in a heartbreaking statement. The content creator's sister, Joelma Vatapá, took to his Instagram page to announce the news on his Stories, telling fans: "I wanted to give you a lot of information, but unfortunately the news is not good. "Our icon, the idol of many people and who brought joy to everyone ... Unfortunately, he passed away this morning." She did not disclose his cause of death. Joelma also shared a separate post paying tribute to her brother. "It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Felipe Tiago, known as Gordinho Maniçoba, on 06/11/25," the caption read. "One day, the man who made us laugh so much... today brings tears of longing. But in our hearts, he will always live on, in memories, in gestures, in stories that will never be erased." Friends and fans rushed to the comment section to pay tribute to the star, with one writing: "My friend, see you in eternity!" and another posting: " love you brother, rest in peace." "My condolences to all the family members, how sad," one said with a crying emoji and another added: "I love you friend, may God receive you with open arms." Gordinho, real name was Felipe Dezincourt, had over 253,000 followers on Instagram and brightened the lives of followers with hilarious skits about his life in Belem. He last posted on his page on Saturday, telling fans he surpassed 30,000 followers on his official Facebook page. "We're growing there slowly without going over anyone. Gratitude and let's go up," he said. The star had been a wheelchair user since childhood and used his fame to raise awareness for people with disabilities. He even sought public office three years ago and ran for representative of Pará under the Brazilia Democratic Movement. However, he wasn't elected. Just last month the content creator celebrated his one-year engagement with fiancée, Isa Gomez. Isa shared a montage video on her Instagram page showcasing their time together as she paid tribute to him. In the caption, she wrote: "You will always be in my heart Your departure has left a void that will never be filled, but your memory and love will stay with me forever. "Thank you for being my companion, my friend and my love. You will be deeply remembered and loved, my little baby Felipinho."
South Wales Argus
35 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Tributes paid to Britons feared killed in Air India plane crash
Air India confirmed 241 of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were killed on Thursday, in one of the deadliest plane crashes in terms of the number of British nationals killed. Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre, were said to be among the dead. The pair laughed and joked as they filmed a video of themselves at the airport before taking off. (PA Graphics) In an earlier Instagram post they told of their 'mind-blowing' trip to India and their intention to make a vlog about it. Mr Greenlaw is said to have appeared on ITV's This Morning earlier this year to talk about wellness. Former editor of the show Martin Frizell praised his 'vibrancy' and 'enthusiasm'. 'So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick,' he said in an Instagram post. 'I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over. 'And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. 'Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.' The Greenlaw-Meeks were running the Wellness Foundry in London, which offers psychic readings, tarot, reiki and yoga. The firm is included in Time Out's top places in the capital for tarot readings. The Wellness Foundry also has a podcast called Spirit Level, which the website says is a 'guiding light on the journey to holistic well-being and spiritual enlightenment'. The Gloucester Muslim Community group offered 'sincere and deepest condolences' after Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their daughter Sara were reported to be among the victims. 'During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind,' a statement said. 'No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.' Raj Mishra, the mayor of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, called for people to come together as he announced the deaths of three people from his community. 'Among those lost were Raxa Modha, infant Rudra Modha, and Ms K Mistri, all from our Wellingborough community,' he said. 'I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. 'May their memories be a blessing, and may we come together to support one another in this time of grief.' Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is believed to be the only survivor of the crash. Speaking outside the family home in Leicester, his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, said: 'We were just shocked as soon as we heard it. 'I last spoke to him yesterday morning. We're devastated, just devastated. 'He said, 'I have no idea how I exited the plane'.' Mr Ramesh's older brother Ajay was also aboard the flight. Another of Mr Ramesh's relatives, Jay, said the survivor spoke to his father after the crash and asked after his brother. Jay told PA: 'After the crash he spoke to his dad worrying about his brother saying, 'Where's Ajay'?'
