Neighbours to feature its first gay romance

Neighbours star James Mason has revealed his character Chris Pappas is to find love with a hunky nurse in the soap's first gay romance.

Mechanic Chris is set to meet Erinsborough Hospital nurse Aidan, played by former Home and Away actor Bob Morley, in scenes to screen in Australia in December.

James told Digital Spy: "Let's just say that Chris is involved in a potentially life-threatening experience which will also have a major impact on some of the other characters. And through this incident, he meets Aidan."

Chris is the first gay male character to become part of Neighbours' regular cast and since he came out there has been talk of him finding love, but there are restrictions in Australia because of the time the show screens.

Aiden has appeared on the soap in both Australia and the UK, but is yet to meet Chris.

James revealed: "It's definitely a romance; however, whether it's long term, that's up to the writers. You'll have to wait and see.

"Their relationship will be treated just like any other heterosexual relationship. It's a very slow build-up for these two because Chris isn't someone who shows his feelings openly, this is all new to him. So in terms of seeing them as a couple as such, that will happen early next year."

James is enjoying working with Bob.

He said: "It's fantastic. As actors, it is very challenging and exciting at the same time, and because of this, we have developed a connection.

"We're rapt that the characters are going down this path and based on the feedback I've had to Chris coming out, I think viewers are going to like why the relationship unfolds - well, I hope they do."