FANS at a packed Ipswich Regent had 10 good reasons to celebrate last night when soap star-turned-singer Jason Donovan put in a sparkling performance.

James Hore

Jason Donovan, Ipswich Regent, Tuesday December 2.

FANS at a packed Ipswich Regent had 10 good reasons to celebrate last night when soap star-turned-singer Jason Donovan put in a sparkling performance.

Donovan, who shot to fame as Scott Robinson in Aussie soap Neighbours, has had three UK number one singles including Any Dream Will Do.

And last night the dream came true for 30 children from the Stagecoach theatre in Ipswich when they performed as the 40-year-old's backing singers on the West End smash song from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Ranging from eight to 16, the singers had been spending the past few days rehearsing for their big moment sharing the stage with the veteran of the last series of I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

Donovan knows how to please the crowd and rolled back the years with acoustic versions of his number one hits, Too Many Broken Hearts and Sealed with a Kiss.

There was also a large taster of the songs from his new album, Let It Be Me, featuring songs from the 50s and 60s, including Be My Baby and Dream Lover. During one song he invited a member of the audience - Jo, from Woodbridge - up on the stage and wrapped his arms around her.

With a set lasting nearly two hours, there was plenty for fans of all ages to enjoy and confirmed Donovan's appeal has not waned after two decades in the spotlight.

James Hore