Long-running Australian soap Neighbours has made history after it screened its first same-sex wedding on Monday night.
Aaron (Matt Wilson) and David (Takaya Honda) tied the knot in an intimate ceremony officiated by Jemima Davies-Smythe, played by comedian and “yes” campaigner Magda Szubanski.
It was the first ever same-sex wedding in the show’s 33-year history. The ceremony is the first official same-sex wedding on Australian television following the passage of marriage equality last December.
“When me and my gay mates were watching Charlene and Scott get married in 1987, we would never have dreamed there would be a gay wedding on Neighbours. It’s really very, very exciting,” Szubanski told News Corp.
“They contacted my agent because of all the stuff I did for marriage equality last year, I said absolutely.
“It’s both a fabulous, moving and hilarious idea.
“I hope people will watch these episodes… there’s a lot there for everyone to enjoy to be honest.
“Having different characters and a diversity of characters breathes new life into storylines.”
Neighbours viewers cheer gay wedding
Neighbours viewers took to social media to share their emotional reaction to the long-awaited episode.
One tweeted, “I grew up watching Neighbours, my sisters reminiscing about Scott & Charlene’s wedding. Visibility matters. You can’t imagine what this means to LGBTIQ kids.”
“Watching a gay wedding on Neighbours with my 89 year old Nan… and she’s crying with happiness,” another wrote.
“Congrats on a brilliant episode – emotional, funny and a big statement for equality,” someone else tweeted.
See some of the reaction below:
Watching a gay wedding on #Neighbours with my 89 year old Nan… and she’s crying with happiness 🏳️🌈👏🏼👏🏼
— Stuart💎 (@StuartMMcC) September 3, 2018
Just watched it in UK. Congrats on a brilliant episode – emotional, funny and a big statement for equality. Thank you #Neighbours
— Alban (@SpinninAlb) September 3, 2018
As someone from the U.S. I want to say what a beautiful wedding I love David and Aaron and have followed their love story can’t wait to see what’s next.
— Crusita Soto (@CrusitaSoto) September 3, 2018
“When I grow up I want to be like #daaron” – a statement I wish I had & one that will guide thousands of people. Thank you @takayahonda @MattyWilson88 & #neighbours for making so many people’s dreams come true 💖 pic.twitter.com/JdS6Gu7rQU
— Damian Sandys (@munchkindamo) September 3, 2018
Well played with that choice of soundtrack for Aaron and David’s wedding, @Neighbours – well played 👏👏👏
*wipes away a tear* pic.twitter.com/vfFmWNzMTU
— MiMi Aye (@meemalee) September 3, 2018
42 weddings in #Neighbours‘ 33 years. Right now they celebrate their 1st #LGBTIQ wedding. I grew up watching Neighbours, my sisters reminiscing about Scott & Charlene’s wedding. Visibility matters. You can’t imagine what this means to LGBTIQ kids ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 #marriageequality
— Joseph Scales (@JosephScales) September 3, 2018
watching neighbours and oh my god im crying at the wedding, i love my gays 😭😭😭
— katie | 46 | 86 (@parrillasvanity) September 3, 2018
They played Kylie & Jason during the wedding . Best thing Neighbours have ever done. Ever.
— Danny Miller Fans (@DannyBMClub) September 3, 2018
Am giddy with how much love the Neighbours same sex marriage episode is getting all over. It was so glorious, and so full of love, and I am over the moon that the world gets it. https://t.co/cDhb6mUkob
— sarah mayberry (@MayberrySarah) September 3, 2018
First night staying at my Mums. First night watching Neighbours in about a decade. Yes, it’s the gay wedding. And no, YOU’RE CRYING!
— Bobby 🐝🇪🇸 (@officialbobby) September 3, 2018
Been looking forward to this for weeks and the #DaaronWedding did not disappoint. As a gay engaged man myself it was such a historic and proud moment to watch. @takayahonda @MattyWilson88 & everyone on @NeighboursTV have done a fantastic job with this storyline 💚🏳️🌈💍
— James Ormsby (@ShamrockVibe) September 4, 2018
Kylie & Jason’s Especially For You being played during #Neighbours first gay wedding absolutely made my day! ❤️
Big love to Aaron & David ❤️— Pritha Bardhan (@PrithaBardhan) September 3, 2018
Be careful what you wish for! 😂❤️🌈🙏🏻 https://t.co/2iqUGzKhU9
— Magda Szubanski (@MagdaSzubanski) September 3, 2018
What a journey it’s been for these two lovebirds! 💘🕊
Just cannot wait for Monday? Feast your eyes upon their little love story as our boys get wedding-ready! 🎩💛🌈💜🎩 #Daaron #Neighbours pic.twitter.com/efdyNSs7oI
— Neighbours (@NeighboursTV) September 1, 2018
