It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for; the moment we never thought would ever see the light of day. Yes, soap fans, Emmerdale’s loved up gay couple Paul Lambert (Mathew Bose) and Jonny Foster (Richard Grieve) have FINALLY done the deed and tied the knot! Not once but twice!

Of course, this being a gay soap wedding, the happy day was never going to go off without a hitch. With the bickering Blackstocks (that’s Paul’s proud parents, Rodney and Val) at loggerheads over the ceremony, Jonny and Paul decided to do a runner from their own wedding.

Have no fear though folks, the lovebirds simply decided to ditch being the star attraction at the Home Farm freak show in favour of a much simpler affair down at their local registry office.

But alas the newly married couple were far too chicken to break the news to either of their parents - not that anyone can blame them! So they decided to go ahead and get married again, this time in front of their family and friends, complete with Jonny’s best man Barry as a pretend registrar!

Despite being Emmerdale’s first gay wedding (sorry, civil partnership!) Paul and Jonny’s marriage was altogether something of a lacklustre affair. In fact, at times it felt like watching a Carry On film; I half expected to hear Kenneth Williams’s unmistakable laugh or one of Sid James’s classic filthy cackles! But at least Paul and Jonny got their happy ending. For now.

Highs: Paul and Jonny looking oh-so handsome in their snappy suits; and Jonny’s mum Patricia dolled up like a dog’s dinner – complete with a fashion accessory pooch tucked under her arm!

Lows: Bev the blubbering lesbian; Val’s tacky ice sculptures; and zero smooching between the lovebirds. Instead we had to make do with a brief peck on the cheek and a manly hug! What’s up with that?!

Here’s a run down of British soap goings on that have pinged our gaydar in the UK for the week ending December 2…

Coronation Street, ITV1

Sulky Sean wasn’t quite so sulky this week. In fact, he was pretty much back to his normal, chipper, annoying self. In our book, annoying and chipper beats sulky any day of the week.

And it seems being reconciled with best bud Violet is bringing out the best in him. With Violet and Jamie hoping to move into a flat together, Sean decided to make Christmas come that little bit early for the lovebirds by offering to stump up the five hundred big ones they need for their deposit. But unfortunately, in typical macho blokey fashion, Jamie rejected Sean’s kind offer. Hmm what's that saying about pride cometh before a fall?

However, not being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, sneaky Violet proved that women are indeed the smarter (some might prefer sneaky!) sex and decided to accept Sean’s help and his cash, whilst keeping it a secret from boyfriend Jamie.

Elsewhere, lovely Liam was well and truly gobbed and smacked this week. But then Maria’s bombshell revelation that she’s pregnant would be enough to shock anyone. Of course, being the lovely bloke that he is, our Liam promised to do the right thing by her and the baby. However, Marie seemed to sense that he wasn’t all that keen and decided to have an abortion. But neither of the pair seem happy about that decision, either. Please, will somebody do us all a favour and knock their heads together!

Meanwhile, Jim McDonald was released from prison; Violet’s extremely irritating little sis Lauren decided to visit; and devious Rosie blackmailed creepy John in to giving her good grades, otherwise she’d blab about their affair. Well, that’s certainly one way of getting an ‘A’!

Eastenders, BBC1

Carly, Kevin and Shirl visited a bruised and battered Deano in prison this week. The promise of a round-the-world trip would be enough to bolster anyone’s spirits. Providing they were able to stay alive long enough, obviously.

If you ask us, Strictly Come Dancing is the best thing that’s ever happened to sexy Matt Di Angelo. The boy is oozing charisma and sexy appeal – even if h does look like he's gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson! Pity he won’t be gracing our screens for much longer, having been given the boot from the soap.

Here’s a run down of British soap goings on that have pinged our gaydar in the UK for the week ending November 11….


Coronation Street, ITV1

A miracle happened in Weatherfield this week. No, David Platt didn’t find God and renounce evil! By miracle, we mean we actually felt sorry for our favorite gay barman this week. Yes indeed, our heart truly went out to Sean Tully. You see, the poor lad's going through a bit of a rough trot.

Vicious Violet's hormones kicked in big style, and she had a right old go at Sean for feeling her baby bump without asking. Whilst we can totally sympathize with Vi - after all, we wouldn't want Sean touching us up, either! - she didn't have to break his heart by refusing his offer to buy some things for the baby.

To make matters just that little bit worse between Sean and Violet, Jason the knucklehead accidentally broadcast to the whole pub the baby’s sex. Yes folks, the truth is finally out.

Not surprisingly, Sean’s betrayal hit Violet hard and she made it clear she didn’t want him to have any involvement with the baby. And thanks to Jason’s big mouth, Sean’s relationship with Marcus was tense to say the least, what with Violet threatening to report Marcus to the hospital for breach of confidence.

Violet, love, you’re a sweet girl and all, but don’t you think that’s a little bit harsh? We know Sean can be a pain in the arse, and he did do a terrible, terrible thing tricking Marcus into revealing your baby’s sex. But Sean’s heart is usually in the right place, and he did have a little something to do with making the baby, after all. So lighten up will you!

On a lighter note, Sean and Marcus have never looked quite so sweet together this week. They attended a family Christening and Sean met Marcus's family.

Elsewhere, the definitely not-so-sweet David Platt did something even more dastardly than driving his car into a smelly canal. He pinched Sarah’s wedding dress, after hubby Jason (the moron!) left it lying around in the café, and gave it to their next door neighbours for their bonfire night guy!

And Sally Webster came out to creepy teacher John. No, don’t worry, she’s not gay! But unfortunately, she does have feelings for the bloke who’s having it away with her teenage daughter. How lovely. Although quite what Sally, Rosie and Fiz all see in the man is a total mystery!

Here’s a clip of loves young dream, Sean and Marcus in action this week…

Well, all we can say is, it’s about time! Let’s face it; there hasn’t been a decent gay male character in the British soap for what seems like an eternity. Which is a total injustice, considering it was Eastenders that gave us the groundbreaking first ever gay kiss in a UK soap. Yes, we're talking about that infamous "kiss" between Colin Russell (Michael Cashman) and Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) back in 1987.

Whilst other popular British soaps like Coronation Street, Emmerdale and teen soap-come-drama Hollyoaks currently features gay characters, Eastenders has been somewhat lacking on that front.

The soap is certainly no stranger when it comes to portraying gay characters. Aside from Colin and Barry, who can forget Simon Raymond (Andrew Lynford) and Tony Hills (Mark Homer)? Although characters like Dr Fred Fonseca (Jimi Mistry) and, more recently, Derek Harkinson (Ian Lavender) have been considerably less memorable.

Hopefully though, all that will soon be about to change. Rumour has it that a new gay character, in the shape of Jane Beale's gay brother (yes, we didn't know she had one, either!), will stir up some trouble with Walford's residents when the character debuts in the soap in the New Year.

As reported in the British newspaper, The Mirror, the big bosses at Eastenders have seen how popular Anthony Cotton’s Sean Tully character is on rival soap Coronation Street, and they have decided it’s about time they had a gay character of their own. Apparently though, he’s not going to be another Sean. Phew! In fact, he’s going to be both charming and suave. Something Sean Tully is most definitely not!

Producers are currently casting for the part. In the meantime, here are a few suggestions of hunky actors who could do the role justice…

Jeremy Sheffield. He made our hearts swoon as a hunky doc on Holby City and bonus, he's gay too...

Here’s a run down of British soap goings on that have pinged our gaydar in the UK for the week ending November 4….


Coronation Street, ITV1

Todd didn't have much to do this week, apart from look cute in his suit. Yes, it was that wedding in Weatherfield. The moment when Sarah Platt finally got her claws into Todd's brother, Jason.

All in all, it was a bad, bad week in the Platt household. After learning that his dear old daddy (the long lost Martin) wouldn’t be attending Sarah and Jason’s wedding, David the Devil lost it. Big time. And by big time, we mean writing a suicide note and driving his car into the canal!

Of course, selfish Sarah refused to let David spoil her big day. In fact, she wouldn’t let World War III or an alien invasion stop her from marrying Jason. Her brother’s suicide note might as well have been a shopping list, for all she seemed to care.

With said note binned, Sarah remained tight lipped and Weatherfield’s wedding of the year went ahead as planned. Todd, Sean and Marcus proved once again that gay men really do have the best fashion sense. Yes, they all looked gorgeous and dapper in their wedding suits.

Unfortunately for Sarah, David still managed to get his wicked way and ruin her big day. She may have tied the knot with her beau, but the day was a total disaster. Well, no bride wants the police to unexpectedly turn up at the church when they are about to say “I do”!

The police informed Gail that David’s car had been found at the bottom of a canal. But surprise, surprise; he was missing. Although the Devil child reappeared later, looking like a drowned rat. Everyone bar Sarah was pleased to see him. OK, so Sarah may be selfish and childish but she totally sees her brother for the devious and evil brat that he is. Although how he managed to get out of that car, we’ll never know. Maybe he’s been taking lessons from illusionist David Blaine?

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. And no, it’s not a belated (or indeed, very early!) April Fool’s joke, either. It seems that our favorite Weatherfield gay, Todd Grimshaw, may very well be uprooting sticks and moving back to Coronation Street. For good.

A recent poll in British magazine Inside Soap, which asked readers whether they would like to see Todd come back to the soap full time, attracted a whopping 82% of votes in favor of his return. Furthermore, according to the magazine's latest issue (3-9 November), so popular and well received has Todd’s soap comeback been, that the soap's producers are currently in talks with actor Bruno Langley about bringing his character back to Coronation Street full time as of next year.

This follows a recent article in the British Daily Star newspaper, about Bruno’s on screen brother, Ryan Thomas’s plans to launch a behind the scenes petition to bring him back to the show, once his 13 episode stint concludes. It seems that Bruno's popularity doesn't end there. One of the show’s producers, Kieran Roberts, is also keen to bring him back to the show permanently.

Bruno Langley has stated in numerous recent press interviews that he would be open to reprising his role. So, let's keep our fingers crossed it’s on a more permanent basis!

Here’s a run down of British soap goings on that have pinged our gaydar in the UK for the week ending October 28….

Coronation Street, ITV1

Stuffy old fuddy duddy Roy proved that he wasn’t quite as stuffy, old or a fuddy duddy, when he agreed to drop everything and take off to Africa with wife Hayley. Never mind the fact that it would be a mad scramble to pack, leaving Barmy Becky in charge of the café would be enough to make anyone have doubts! Unfortunately though, by the time Hayley had managed to talk Roy into taking up the vacant place on the volunteer project, they were too late. Which meant only one place was available.

Hayley was adamant that she wouldn’t go without her hubby, but Roy being the loyal and considerate man that he is, finally managed to encourage Hayley to go without him. And so, it was sniffles all round as we bid a fond farewell to soapland’s favorite transgender character.

Meanwhile, Sean and Violet popped to the hospital for her latest scan. But they disagreed about wanting to know the sex of the baby. Violet wanted to keep it a surprise, but Sean was desperate to know. So much so, he later managed to trick boyfriend Marcus (who works at the hospital and conducted the scan, in case you were wondering!) into revealing the baby’s sex. Yes folks, it looks like there’s going to be another Sean Jnr in the world because it’s a boy! Marcus, angered by Sean’s trickery, told him that he couldn't quite figure out whether he’s just thick or selfish. Hmm let’s think about that for a sec… er, it’s both!

Elsewhere, David “the Devil” Platt continued his reign of terror. After breaking into the builder’s yard, he maliciously loosened the bolts on the balcony railings, which caused Jason to be rushed to hospital, after he fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious. Luckily, he survived with just a few bruises and broken bones.

Here’s the moment David seemingly tries to kill Jason…

Here’s a run down of British soap goings on that have pinged our gaydar in the UK for the week ending October 14, 2007….

Coronation Street, ITV1

Gay dad-to-be Sean is feeling terribly guilty. No, he’s not stood his hunky new boyfriend Marcus up – heaven forbid! The knicker-stitcher is feeling bad because he wasn’t around when Violet had her baby scare last week. So, he vows to change his ways – that means less partying with the aforementioned boyfriend! – and concentrate on Violet and their unborn child. Violet, on the other hand, doesn’t seem quite so ecstatic at Sean’s plans.

Elsewhere, the Devil that is David Platt got hold of his sister Sarah's wedding invitations and slyly popped one in the post to Sarah’s cheating gay ex boyfriend and Jason's brother, Todd. Let’s hope the Royal Mail isn’t on strike in Manchester – it seems to be everywhere else!

And whilst we eagerly await Todd's arrival, this week we had to say goodbye to the pillar of society that was Cilla Battersby-Brown. After pawning the necklace money bags OAP Frank gave to her before he passed away, Cilla is now loaded - £45,500 loaded, to be precise! And in true Cilla style, she decides to abandon her son, Chesney, and head off for a new life in Las Vegas. Someone really should warn Vegas.

Oh Cilla, you had the morals of an alley cat, but you're going to be very much missed. Guess we'll see you again when the money runs out, in, oh... 6 months?!

Eastenders, BBC1

Tis a sad, sad week in Walford. Dishy Deano decided not to do a runner and so he faced up to his day in court. Alas, it looks like we’re going to be seeing a lot less of Matt Di Angelo (unless we tune in to Strictly Come Dancing!) as poor old Deano is sent down (that means he’s going to prison) for six months! Yes, six months!

On another sad note, Ian Beale was found alive. Not only did he look wild-eyed, thin and well, a right mess, but he was sporting some dead awful facial hair, too. Sinister Steven took his sister Lucy to the eerie deserted block of flats where he had been holding Ian captive. But the family reunion didn't go quite to plan, when Steven pulled out a gun. Luckily, Lucy managed to do a runner and call Ian's wife, Jane. But it was a pity Lucy was able to get a reception, because that call turned out to be a huge mistake. Things went totally pear shaped after Jane turned up, and after a grapple for the gun, Jane fell to the ground, covered in blood.

On a lighter note, I’m starting to like dowdy Jane. Okay, so she has the worst taste in men (and clothes!) But boy, can she swing a mean right hook!

Here’s a run down of British soap goings on that have pinged our gaydar in the UK for the week ending October 7, 2007….

Coronation Street, ITV1

What’s blonde, brassy and has a mouth as big as Manchester’s canal?

Yes, it’s Barmy Becky!

She started out as a pretty unlikable character, but this week she more than earned her place in our hearts. Hands up who didn’t cheer when, in Hayley’s honor, Becky marched into Christian’s record shop and lumped him one?!

Seeing Becky punch Christian and call him a coward and a bully was the highlight of the week in Brit soapland. Of course, Christian’s response that he wasn’t hitting a woman was just totally typical. Okay, so he eventually admitted that he did regret his actions, (we should blooming well hope so!) but he was still adamant that he could not bring himself to reconcile with Hayley. Shame. But we have a feeling he will. After all, it's Hayley. What's not to love?

But either way, at least Christian learned a valuable lesson this week. It certainly doesn’t pay to get on the wrong side of Barmy Becky. You go, girl!

Elsewhere, Violet was ticked off when she was forced to do a double shift in the pub, thanks to slacker Sean. But working overtime was the last thing on her mind, after Jamie had to rush her to the hospital when she started feeling ill. Poor Violet was in bits, fearful that she may have had another ectopic pregnancy. A guilty Sean did eventually put in an appearance. Dog and house, springs to mind.

Eastenders, BBC1

There’s a lot still missing in Walford. Ian Beale and a decent storyline, for starters! This week, Jane got a text from her missing hubby. Apparently, he’s alive and well but just needs more time to think. As far as we’re concerned, he can take all the time in the world. Like, maybe, forever?! But alas, all is not what it seems. (When is it ever in soap?!)

The text in question may have come from Ian’s phone – but it was Sinister Steven who sent it! Things got even weirder when Sinister Steven attempted to kiss his step mum! Ooh, the plot thickens. Although secretly, we wish it wouldn’t!

Here’s a run down of British soap goings on that have pinged our gaydar in the UK for the week ending September 23, 2007 …

Coronation Street, ITV1

Despite being the most stable couple in soapland, it looks like Roy and Hayley’s marriage is on rocky ground. Hayley's reluctance to tell son Christian the truth about his parentage is driving them apart. It's left to Becky of all people to be the voice of reason - again - as she implores the couple to try and sort out their differences.

So Hayley decides to forget about her son and tries to focus on her marriage instead. Roy, being Roy, decides to burry his head in the sand – by immersing himself in reducing the café’s carbon footprint. As you would, obviously.

It being Roy’s birthday, Hayley buys her hubby a tent so they can go on an eco-friendly holiday. Unfortunately, the subject of Christian soon rears its ugly head. Roy eventually agrees to support his wife, but only if she comes clean and tells Christian the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

So, off she toddles to the record shop and presents Christian with her – sorry, Harold’s crucifix. But she still can’t quite bring herself to tell him that his father is alive and kicking. Of a sort.

Elsewhere, after almost killing his niece, spawn of Satan David Platt is kicked out of the family home. About time! And Sean has another date with Marcus. Yes, as in more than one!

Eastenders, BBC1

A new gay couple, Wally and Ford are interested in buying the Queen Vic and turning it into a karaoke bar.

Yeah, right!

Alas the gay drought that is Eastenders continues.

But on a brighter note, Ian Beale has gone missing.

Emmerdale, ITV1

The good news: there were a few sweaty men to feast our eyes upon this week. The bad news: it was Zac and Eli Dingle! Thankfully, there was a bit more to Emmerdale this week than just bare knuckle fighting.

We finally got a bit more guy-on-guy action in the Yorkshire dales, when Paul kissed Grayson! In other words, not his fiance, Jonny! However, their lip-locking action was as excruciating to watch as Paul’s horrible shirt was to look at. And hands up who didn’t groan when Gray played the “my sexuality is complicated” card? Of course, it sent Paul off into a tizzy, all the more confused about his feelings for Gray.