L-R: Aaron and David (played by Matt Wilson and Takaya Honda) Photo: Network Ten
Neighbours is set make history and air the first Australian TV same-sex wedding in September.
Network Ten have released the first pictures of the happy couple, Aaron and David (played by Matt Wilson and Takaya Honda), at their ceremony. LGBT rights activist and actress Magda Szubanski joins the couple in the role of officiator, Jemima Davies-Smythe.
The storyline, filmed on Tuesday in Melbourne, follows Australia’s legalisation of same-sex marriage in December 2017. The soap aired the couple’s proposal two weeks ago, in scenes which saw Aaron and David propose to each other on the beach.
Both actors have expressed their delight at the groundbreaking story. ‘We are both ecstatic to be part of this huge moment and it stands alone as the highlight of my career,’ said Wilson, 29. ‘This storyline means a lot to me, my friends and to all the fans who love Aaron and David.’
The wedding scenes were filmed this week in Australia (Photo: Network Ten)
Wedding planned ahead of postal vote on marriage
Honda, 30, reflected on his character’s journey with pride: ‘It is an absolute privilege to be part of what is and what will be a historic moment in Australian television.
‘There have been so many parts of David’s story that have given me a great sense of pride – from discovering Paul Robinson was his dad, to his coming out to now marrying the man of his dreams.’
In light of Australia’s plebiscite outcome, Wilson claims the story’s parallels were a coincidence: ‘The writing department actually fluked this!’
The wedding is reported to have been planned several months prior to the the country’s postal vote on the issue. ‘While that was happening our country was trapped in a divisive referendum,’ explained Neighbours’ executive producer Jason Herbison.
‘Would our story about love and equality even by legal by the time it aired? Thankfully love won and we’re very excited for viewers to see this iconic moment come to life on screen.’
