Neighbours introduces lesbian storyline for popular character
Neighbours legend Steph Scully will be in a lesbian relationship when she returns to Ramsay Street.
The popular character is heading back to Erinsborough in a few weeks’ time after actress Carla Bonner agreed to reprise the role on a permanent basis, reports Digital Spy.
When the long standing character returns, she is soon followed by a woman named Belinda.
It is later revealed she has been dating in her time away from the Street.
Bonner revealed: “I thought it was a really smart move on the part of the writers and producer.
“There has always been a little speculation that Steph and Libby had a little thing going.
“Because of Steph’s nature, I really don’t think people will be surprised, they just won’t be expecting it,” she added.
Bonner went on to praise the role and producers of the show for their sensitive handling of the subject matter.
“The way that it has been written, it’s very sensitive and certainly not smutty. I’m very happy with how it plays out.
“If it contributes to normalising same-sex relationships in some way, that’s great.”
Belinda initially gets a frosty response when she follows Steph to Erinsborough. Steph is determined to redeem herself after the trouble she caused the last time she was on the Street, but Belinda disagrees with her approach – leaving fans to wonder whether they have a future together.
Bonner added: “She doesn’t want Belinda to mess with her head. She knows what she has to do – it feels right for her and it’s part of her recovery.
“While Belinda has Steph’s best interests at heart, she tries to dictate to her how she should do things and that doesn’t feel right for Steph. She needs Belinda to accept how she wants to do things but because Belinda can’t, there are major issues.”
In June, Neighbours added a gay stripper character to its regular cast.
Aaron Brennan, played by Matt Wilson, will take to Ramsay Street later in June. Aaron is single, but wants a relationship, and will be the subject of a set-up with Indigenous character Nate Kinski.
