Emmerdale has confirmed a cameo from “legendary” star Jason Donovan. The singer and Neighbours actor’s appearance was previously reported last month, and comes as part of a storyline in which Lydia Dingle misses the opportunity to see him in concert.

However, the village works to get the star to perform at the Woolpack, and his cameo has now been officially announced by the soap with a first-look photo.

The star, who has already filmed his appearance, will pop up in the Dales later this year as he sings one of his hits in the iconic pub.

“I’m incredibly excited to have been asked to make a cameo appearance in Emmerdale as myself,” Donovan said. “Filming was great fun and all of the cast and crew were extremely welcoming. Singing in the Woolpack set was definitely an experience I won’t forget.”

“We were delighted that Jason agreed to join us for this episode,” added producer Laura Shaw. “Not only is Lydia Dingle a big fan of his, there was a real buzz on set that day. I hope the viewers enjoy his cameo as much as the Emmerdale family did.”

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Meanwhile, the soap has been airing a series of special episodes focused on characters Robert Sugden, Bear Wolf and April Windsor – with the latter’s broadcasting last night.

In it, April imagined telling her dad Marlon about her recent exploitation ordeal at the hands of evil Ray Walters and Celia Daniels, though opted not to reveal the truth in the end. More twists are set to come in the storyline too.

It looks like things could take a turn if Ross Barton gets involved, wit actor Michael Parr recently teasing to Inside Soap‘s weekly Soap Scoop podcast: “I think if Ross is provoked and you hurt the wrong people around him, the old Ross is gonna come out.

“I did see a comment online the other day that said ‘Ross is a creep and a sociopath’. Ross has shot people, so he’s not one to be trifled with! Ross’s thing is that he’s physically violent. He’s a good fighter and he’s not scared of anyone. He’s just not that smart!

“But those two are smart but probably aren’t as physically imposing. If they get caught in the wrong part of the farm, and there’s no one around, they’re going to come off much worse. So it’s a good mix of brain versus brawn, I think!”