Australia’s long running TV soap Neighbours has been on our screens for over 30 years now, originating on Channel 7 until it was picked by Channel 10.
Many cast members have either moved on to brighter and better things – music career, international acting career, or simply going behind the scenes. Nowadays pop stars are a dime a dozen, but some actors had already had an established music career before they went on a show.
We take a look at the musical careers of the 1980s when it comes to Neighbours stars. This list does not cover actors releasing on or before 1990 (sorry, Craig MacLachlan and Guy Pearce!)
Stefan Dennis
Dennis was part of the Neighbours ensemble since the start back in 1985 as Paul Robinson. He left in 1993 but came back 10 years later more evil than before. In 1989, he released a single Don’t it Make You Feel Good. It made the UK feel good, charting at Number 16. His second single This Love Affair only got as far as number 67.
Kylie Minogue
This is borderline self explanatory. Already musically talented and cemented with her appearances on Young Talent Time with her younger sister Dannii Minogue, Kylie signed the dotted line in 1986 to play schoolgirl / car mechanic Charlene Robinson (nee Mitchell). Kylie released her cover version of Carole King’s 1962 classic The Locomotion in 1987 with huge success, which paved the way with more tracks I Should Be So Lucky and Especially For You after teaming up fictitiously and romantically with co-star Jason Donovan. Minogue’s career skyrocketed in the UK where she moved quickly to.
Jason Donovan
Hot on the heels of being with Minogue on and off-screen with his character Scott Robinson from 1986, Donovan cashed in on his popularity by releasing Nothing Can Divide Us in 1988, with huge fanfare. So hot was Minogue and Donovan’s relationship, again in 1988 another track was released, Especially For You. From there, Donovan released more tracks but were only moderate compared to Minogue’s ever growing catalogue.
Russell Crowe
Before he made his appearance for four episodes as rebel Kenny Larkin in 1987, Crowe was known as “Le Roq”. Plus he wanted to be like Marlon Brando. Which he explains in his song under the name Russ Le Roq – from 1985.
Ally Fowler
Fowler was already making a name for herself by appearing in the Channel 7 soap Sons And Daughters. When Channel 10 signed her on in 1986 to play Zoe Davis, Fowler was part of an all girl pop group The Chantoozies. In the same year, they released the song Witch Queen, which ended up being a chart topping hit. The band continued to be a success through the 80s and early 90s.
Ian Smith & Anne Charleston
Okay, this is closer to an honourable mention. Everyone’s favourite married couple Harold Bishop (Smith) and Madge Ramsey (Charleston) released Old Fashioned Christmas in 1989 that was so full of cheese, a mouse wouldn’t touch it.
Do you own any of these singles? Post your thoughts below.
Purchase Neighbours 30 Years soundtrack:
Purchase Jason Donovan – Greatest Hits:
Purchase Kylie Minogue – Greatest Hits:
Purchase The Chantoozies:
