FORMER soap star Jason Donovan has taken to the stage in a role he says he has been waiting his life for.

Despite speaking to him on the day of the 30th anniversary of Neighbours — the much-loved programme that launched his career — thoughts of Charlene and Ramsay Street appeared to be a distant memory.

The 46-year-old is currently immersed in the role of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue in The King’s Speech, which he describes as a "classy piece of theatre with a great story".

The true and heart-warming tale of King George VI's struggle to overcome his debilitating stammer — which inspired the 2010 Oscar-winning film — is coming to the Opera House, Manchester, from Monday until Saturday, April 4.

Jason said: "I'm very proud of this, it's one I have been waiting to do for a long time.

"I don't want to say it's a game-changer but it's taken me in a different direction."

Jason's previous theatre credits include Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Priscilla Queen of the Desert and he has also enjoyed a successful pop career with hits including duet with Kylie Minogue, Especially for You.

Jason said: "I've been lucky for many years, I've not stopped working for a long time and my work has been very varied and long may that continue.

"But this is a challenge I've been waiting for, for a long time.

"The producer was keen to get me involved and it really stemmed from there.

"I read the piece and I couldn't put it down."

As the world stands on the brink of war, King Edward VIII sparked controversy with his love for married socialite, Wallis Simpson.

As Edward’s position became increasingly untenable, his brother Bertie, who previously shied away from the public eye because of a terrible stammer, was thrust into the spotlight as his successor.

With the support of his wife Elizabeth — the much-loved future Queen Mother — Bertie meets maverick speech therapist and failed actor, Lionel Logue.

Together they embark on an unlikely journey to prepare Bertie to lead his country as King George VI — played by Mr Selfridge actor Raymond Coulthard.

Jason said: "The incredible pressure this man would've been under, public speaking would've been like going on The X Factor in its time."

Born in Melbourne, the father-of-three says he is proud of his heritage but is now settled in London, his home for many years.

He said: "It's been a long time since I've lived in Australia.

"I'm happy, my family are based here, my kids live here.

"It sort of works for me."

On Wednesday, Jason and some of his former Neighbours co-stars were seen on Channel 5 programme Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite, including Kylie and Guy Pearce.

He said: "I think it's great that they are celebrating it but that was a short period of my life.

"It's provided a wonderful opportunity for many people and, to that extent, I'm very proud to have been part of it.

"I think, long may it continue.

"There are not too many Australian soaps that are celebrating a 30th anniversary, I don't think there are any others."

Jason, who played Scott Robinson for four years, also made a guest appearance in a spoof video made by the cast of Eastenders to congratulate the soap on reaching the milestone, following one made for the London-based soap's 30th anniversary by the Neighbours cast last month.

Jason said: "That was a nice thing to do, it's nice to share.

"They're very different sorts of shows but everyone shares a similar sort of desire to entertain and be entertained."

The King’s Speech is at the Opera House, Manchester, from March 30 to April 4.