The first same-sex wedding on Australian television since last year’s resounding “Yes” vote has taken place on Neighbours today.
And there was a surprise guest appearance by one of Australia’s most-loved television personalities.
Magda Szubanski, who was instrumental in making marriage equality law in Australia last year, plays the marriage celebrant Jemima Davies-Smythe, marrying the characters David Tanaka (Takaya Honda) and Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson).
Magda stars as marriage celebrant Jemima Davies-Smythe.
Magda tells TV WEEK it’s an honour and a privilege to be part of such a milestone on Australian television.
“Who would have thought when we were watching Scott and Charlene tie the knot in 1987, that 30 odd years later we would have a same sex marriage on Neighbours?” Magda, 57, enthuses.
“It really is beyond imagining, for gay people of my age.”
Magda on-set as the marriage celebrant.
Both Matt and Takaya tell TV WEEK it was an honour for them to be working with such an iconic figure in Australian television, and the LGBTQI movement in this country.
“When we found out, I thought this is the highlight of my career,” Matt, 29, says.
“It’s not only the wedding, but being able to work with someone I grew up watching on TV (in Magda). It is huge.”
Neighbours characters David and Aaron became engaged on the hit show earlier this month, today they filmed the beautiful wedding episode.
Takaya says the storyline is a natural progression for both he and Matt’s characters.
“Me and Matty have been working incredibly hard, to foster and honour a relationship that the audience will barrack for, for this moment,” the 30-year-old says.
“This is what happened the past few months. It has been such an incredible, positive response, and now to have Magda playing our celebrant, it’s just huge for us”
The wedding of David and Aaron, who fans of Neighbours have christened Daaron, will air on Network Ten’s ELEVEN channel later in the year.
The wedding episode is due to air later this year.
