First gay couple for Neighbours

Neighbours is to get its first gay male couple, reports say.

The show has had a regular gay character, Chris Pappas (James Mason), since last August and producers have now cast a love interest for him.

Former Home and Away star Bob Morley will play male nurse Adam Foster.

He told the Herald Sun: “I don’t see it as a big deal that the character is gay.

“It certainly doesn’t define him and what the writers have planned is really interesting and authentic.”

Neighbours’ executive producer Susan Bower added: “To be true to the Chris character, now he is a regular in storylines, we knew at some stage he needed to meet someone.

“How it unfolds, all will be revealed. However, I think viewers will find the story compelling.”

Neighbours, which is 25 years old, has had temporary gay characters before and has screened several lesbian kisses.