Australian soap opera Neighbours has broken new ground this week, introducing its first gay “throuple” storyline in what is being hailed as a “confidently queer” and joyfully authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships.
As the long-running series faces cancellation for the second time in under three years, it continues to push boundaries. While Neighbours explored polyamory in 2021 through the trio of Amy Greenwood (Jacinta Stapleton), Ned Willis (Ben Hall), and Levi Canning (Richie Morris), this latest storyline brings a fresh queer twist.
In a new plot arc, Aaron Brennan (played by Matt Wilson) dips back into the dating pool following the loss of his husband. He reconnects with two ex-partners—Rhett Norman (Liam Maguire) and Colton Key (Jakob Ambrose)—sparking an unconventional love triangle.
Tensions flared during a yoga class when both Rhett and Colton vied for Aaron’s attention, each trying to outdo the other. Rhett joined the session uninvited, declaring, “I heard about the class and thought I should come and check it out. Mind if I join you two?”
The scene took a humorous turn with an awkwardly long handshake between the two rivals, placing Aaron squarely in the middle—literally. The moment ended with a push-up contest before the yoga had even started.
Reflecting on the storyline, Liam Maguire admitted to Yahoo Lifestyle that he initially found it “intimidating” to go head-to-head with Ambrose, but ultimately embraced the fun.
“Reading the scripts I kept finding myself laughing, and that felt like the most progressive thing about the storyline—that it’s so confidently queer while being able to be funny and playful, because all the characters are entirely comfortable with who they are,” Maguire shared.
Jakob Ambrose echoed the sentiment, saying he was “very excited” to bring a messy, lighthearted, and honest portrayal of queer characters to screen.
“It’s not so irreverent and polite,” he said. “I think it’s important that all our colours are seen on screen – the happy family, but also the messiness it sometimes takes to get there. Working with Liam and competing in a way has been the best way to be forced to step it up.”
