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Reference > Erinsborough News > Terry Follows Jason Into Ramsay Street

The producers of Neighbours have drawn up battle plans to keep the long-running Network Ten soap on top.

A major cast shake-up is tipped. First move in the consolidation campaign is the signing of Terry Donovan for a major role. Terry is following his son Jason Donovan, who began his career in Ramsay Street, into the series. He begins filming in June.

A new family – the Willises – is being brought in to open up the storylines. Terry heads the family. He has a son and a daughter, Cody, played by Amelia Frid, whose first episodes have already gone to air recently.

The producers of Neighbours have financial problems. Sources say they exceeded the cast budget and have to do some trimming. The first casualty, Shaunna O’Grady, who plays Beverly Robinson, leaves next month.

Paul Keane, who plays Des Clarke, goes in July. Sources say other characters will also leave. Neighbours remains number one in Melbourne but ratings are flagging in Sydney and recently dropped to a 13 there, well behind Hinch and Sale of the Century.

A spokeswoman for Neighbours says that Terry Donovan will be a major asset to the show.

This article originally appeared in TV Week magazine dated 26th May 1990 and was written by David Brown

Article submitted by Steve