HE'S been in the limelight for 20 years and his career is still going strong in an industry in which few survive.Today JAMES MARSTON speaks to Jason Donovan about his latest work, his family life and his tour later this year.

HE'S been in the limelight for 20 years and his career is still going strong in an industry in which few survive.

Today JAMES MARSTON speaks to Jason Donovan about his latest work, his family life and his tour later this year.

JASON Donovan is back on our screens at the moment.

Set in Cornwall and playing Daniel Marrick, the 39-year-old finds himself once again in our

living rooms.

He said: “Echo Beach is a major part of my life at the moment. It is a series that I'm very proud of.

“It deals with the life and times of my character Daniel Marrick and it's a slight pastiche of soap operas.

“It's really interesting for me to have come full circle from where I began in Neighbours. It's nice.”

It is for his portrayal of Scott Robinson in the hit Australian soap that Jason made his name.

From the show he launched his singing career, alongside Kylie Minogue, and has never looked back.

The father of two, who now lives in London with his family, said: “I think show business is the only thing I know.

“I'm a very lucky survivor of this business. I've been freelancing for 20 years and I'm still here.

“A lot of people give up and do something else in their mid 30s but I think I have something to give.”

Jason said that in the last two years his career has enjoyed a resurgence.

He added: “It's been on the up recently. I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! brought me back into people's hearts and minds.

“I've never thought of myself as the most talented and I doubt they'll put up a statue of me in Leicester Square but I do think my work has currency.”

A singer, actor of stage and screen, Jason is perhaps modest of his abilities - his is certainly a

versatile talent.

He added: “I think you have to be versatile. It's not enough to sell a load of cds nowadays.”

Grasping every opportunity that comes his way Jason said he finds it difficult to say no to work - but does his schedule conflict with his family life?

He added: “It's not been too bad. I've been able to work quite a bit in London.

“Prior to that, I was touring Australia with musicals. That was hard.”

The singer is due to appear at the Regent theatre on December 2.

He said: “I haven't structured the show yet, it is ten months away but I will as preparation is everything.

“I had a wonderful experience at The Regent last time and it was a gig I particularly remember.”

Jason said he will sing a number of new releases due out later this year as well as some familiar numbers.

He added: “I like to have a laugh and a chat with the audience; it is part of my persona.”

Are you a Jason Donovan fan? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Six questions for Jason…

Q: Do you have an unfulfilled ambition?

A: “I'd like to write a hit song. Music is something that captures the essence of people, it is a soundtrack to people's lives.”

Q: What's the highlight of your career?

A: “My children are the highlight of my life.”

Q: What's your most embarrassing moment?

A: “There have been many. I once ran across the stage in the black out and went head over heels in front of 15,000 people.”

Q: Tell us something about yourself which our readers won't know?

A: “I saw Kylie at the end of last year and she was doing great.”

Q: What's your diva demand in the dressing room

A: “I like to have my warm up tape and a shower. Steam is good for the voice.”

Q: What car do you drive?

A: “A Range Rover”