Chris Pappas (Neighbours)

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Chris Pappas
Neighbours character
Portrayed by James Mason
Duration 2010–
First appearance 25 February 2010
Introduced by Susan Bower
Classification Current, regular
Profile
Occupation Student (2010–)
Gym worker (2010–11)
Apprentice mechanic (2011–)
Home 26 Ramsay Street

Christos "Chris" Pappas is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by James Mason. Mason was told the character was gay when he successfully auditioned for the role in 2009. He began filming his first scenes in October of that year and he made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 25 February 2010. Executive producer Susan Bower said the character's storyline was created because of requests from young viewers in the Neighbours website's online forums. The storyline has also been based on the real life experiences of the show's writers. Chris is the first prominent, ongoing male homosexual character in the show's twenty-five year history. He is the second ongoing homosexual character overall, following Lana Crawford's (Bridget Neval) introduction in 2004.

Chris was a high school student who befriended the soap's other teens. He became the captain of the school's basketball team and he began dating Summer Hoyland (Jordy Lucas). However, Chris developed a crush on Andrew Robinson (Jordan Smith) and subsequently revealed that he was gay. Chris initially struggled with his sexuality and the reactions of his friends, family and team mates. Upon finding employment at the local garage, Chris was faced with Warren Burrell (Tony Rickards), a homophobic customer. In August 2011, a love interest for Chris was introduced in the form of Aidan Foster (Bobby Morley). After a deliberate slow build up, Chris and Aidan formed Neighbours' first gay couple. After a break-up and reunion, Chris and Aidan split for good in January 2013.

Bower expected Chris's coming out storyline to receive criticism and some media commentators called it "an obvious ratings grab". Mason and the show's script producer defended the storyline, saying that it was not a ploy to boost ratings and that it explored how Chris's coming out affected the people around him. Television critics and LGBT websites have given the character and his storyline development a positive reception. In 2012, Mason earned a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the Logie Awards.

Creation and casting

Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower said the creation of the character and his storyline was a result of requests from young viewers in the Neighbours website forums.[1] Bower said that although the show had featured lesbian romances before, love scenes between men are still taboo in Australian dramas.[1] She added that Chris's coming out storyline was also based on the real life experiences of the shows writers.[2]

Mason's agent got him an audition with Neighbours and he originally read for the role of Andrew Robinson.[2][3] The part was given to Jordan Smith, but an offer to play the role of Chris arrived three days later.[3] Mason told Matt Akersten of SameSame that he was okay with knowing Chris would be gay.[2] The character is Mason's first major television role.[4] He began filming his first scenes in October 2009, before making his on-screen debut in February 2010.[2] Bower later revealed that two thirds of the boys who auditioned for the role of Chris backed out when they discovered the character was gay, which she said was "disappointing, but not surprising."[5] Mason said that he was "really excited to get an opportunity like this" and added the writers had helped him out as the script was coming straight from their experiences.[2][6] Bower praised Mason, saying that he "does a wonderful job."[5]

In October 2010, the ATV News Network reported that the Neighbours writers and producers were unsure how to keep Chris connected to Ramsay Street.[7] ATV said that the writer were "stumped" as to what to do with the character and his story.[7] At the time, Mason was still filming for the show, but ATV reported that it was not known if he would be given a new contract.[7] However, in January 2011, a Network Ten spokesperson told SX News that Mason's role would be expanded from April and he and Chris will get more screen time. Chris will be seen taking on "issues that every gay teenager does."[8] On becoming a regular cast member, Mason told Channel 5, "I love it. The more time I spend on Neighbours, the more I feel part of the show. And I'm learning all the time. The thing about this industry is it's very hard to find stable work, so to have stability, I'm extremely grateful."[9]

Development

Coming out

Chris is Neighbours' second ongoing homosexual character, following the introduction of Lana Crawford in 2004.[6] Neighbours has featured a few short-term or minor male gay characters before for plot points or small story arcs, but Chris is the first male gay character to be given a prominent role.[10] The first minor male gay characters to appear were Andrew MacKenzie (John Morris) and Alf Taylor (Frank Bren) in 1994.[4][11] The following year a gay schoolteacher, Andrew Watson (Chris Uhlman), became the victim of a dismissal campaign by his pupils.[11] Hairdresser Gino Esposito (Shane McNamara) was often hinted at being gay.[11]

Mason has said that there have been a few hints about Chris's sexuality along the way and in August 2010, Chris finally revealed that he is gay to his girlfriend, Summer.[6] TV Week described Chris as being "deeply conflicted" over his decision to tell her about his sexuality.[6] Mason said "It's hard for Chris because he has a girlfriend who he's been with for some time. To try and tell someone in this situation would be really difficult".[6] Summer initially takes the news well and plays it down, but when fellow student Natasha Williams (Valentina Novakovic) discovers that one of her classmates is gay, she goes out of her way to find out who it is and expose them.[6] Mason said that she does not realise that "what she sees as a game is someone else's life".[6]

Mason has said he was nervous about filming Chris's coming out. Describing the scene, he said "I did have to stand up in front a group of people and tell them [as my character], I was gay. That was a little intimidating".[4] The actor felt that the storyline had been handled in a realistic manner and said that it shows that coming out is a difficult thing to do.[6] Mason also spoke to a friend about his coming out experience to gain information about how long it took him to come out and how people reacted.[12] The storyline follows Chris's struggle with his sexuality and depicts the reactions of his friends and family.[10] It also deals with the issue of homophobia in sport.[13] The Australian gay and lesbian newspaper, SX News said "Chris is the captain of the school basketball team, but once word he's gay gets out to the other teams it turns nasty for him".[13]

Previous same-sex storylines in the show had led to criticism from conservative groups.[2] Bower has said that she expects this storyline to come under fire, saying "I do believe homophobia is still alive and well, and I have no doubt that we will get complaints about it".[1] Australian LGBT website SameSame said the story had attracted attention from some media commentators, who called it "an obvious ratings grab and an attempt to out-gay rival soap, Home and Away".[11] However, script producer, Emma Steele defended the storyline and said that it is not a "ploy to grab ratings".[4] Steele said that she is "particularly proud" of the way Chris's storyline had been handled and she added "It was something we wanted to do for a while because it's a story that affects so many people and in so many different ways. It wasn't just Chris's story. I think it's interesting to see how [his sexuality] affected his friends and his relationships with them too".[4]

Mason said he hoped that his storyline would "draw in viewers in a responsible way" and the feedback would stay positive.[2] Mason added that he would like to see Chris happy in the future and hopes the viewers will warm to him.[4] He added "I know it's quite a sensitive topic, but I think the difference between his and the last encounters they've had is that we're looking more in-depth into more than just a "gay kiss". We go more into the relationships, how it affects people around".[2] Steele backed this up, saying "We wanted gay to be part of Chris's character, not Chris to be the gay character. He's not your typical gay stereotype that some TV shows like to play up. He's on the basketball team, he's had a girlfriend for a time, and I think the show does a good job of portraying the way his character is discovering who he really is".[4]

Relationship with Aidan Foster

"As actors, it is very challenging and exciting at the some time, and because of this, we have developed a connection. We're rapt that the characters are going down this path and based on the feedback I've had to Chris coming out, I think viewers are going to like why the relationship unfolds. Well, I hope they do."[14]

—Mason on working with Bobby Morley.

In October 2010, Mason stated that a romantic interest for Chris could be introduced in the future.[15] He said that it was not confirmed, but there was a chance that Chris would find someone.[15] Mason admitted that he would find it "awkward" if he had to perform a male kissing scene.[15] The following year, Mason revealed that the writers had plans for a romance for Chris on their radar and a few weeks later it was announced that Bobby Morley had joined the cast as Aidan Foster, a love interest for Chris.[9][16] Aidan and Chris formed the serial's first gay couple.[16] Bower called the storyline "a natural progression" for Chris, noting that he needed to meet someone at some stage.[16] Bower told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that Chris's romance will be handled in a sensitive way and will be treated within the character.[17] She explained "Chris is a naturally shy person - he is not a person who either flaunts his sexuality or his heart. So it will be done according to that character. And it may not be a full-on relationship. The character that Bob is playing is older and further down the track with his relationship testing, so it will be a relationship story rather than a gay male romance."[17] Mason said that Chris and Aidan's relationship would have a slow build up.[14]

Chris meets Aidan when he is brought into the hospital following a "vicious beating".[18] Aidan provides a source of kindness and support for Chris. He later takes his car to the local garage to be serviced and flirts with Chris, who is initially unaware of what is going on.[18] Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major) attempts to help Chris by asking Aidan if he is gay or straight, which leads to embarrassment for them all.[19] The appearance of Chris' father, George (Lliam Amor), makes the situation worse and when Aidan asks Chris out for a drink, he turns him down.[19] Mason told an Inside Soap writer "George is only just starting to accept that his son is gay, so when Aidan invites Chris for a drink, Chris turns him down out of fear of what his dad will think."[19] Chris becomes intrigued by Aidan, but he also unsure what to do as he has never had a boyfriend before and it is all new to him.[19] Natasha urges Chris to "face his fears" and she decides to play matchmaker at a barbecue they are all attending. Chris bonds with Aidan, but he thinks he missed his chance when Aidan goes on a date with someone else.[19] Mason revealed that this leads to some new tension between the characters.[18]

Aidan and Chris later arrange a date, which turns into "a complete disaster".[20] Chris is initially anxious and on edge, until he realises Aidan is having fun and he relaxes.[20] However, Natasha then calls Chris to help with a problem and he has to leave Aidan, who assumes Chris has set the whole thing up to get out of the date.[20] Aidan and Chris go out on another date, which marks the beginning of their relationship and Neighbours' first ever gay couple.[20][21] On 9 April 2012, Aidan and Chris shared their first on-screen kiss.[22] The couple, who had not shown any sign of physical affection until that point, shared "a rather passionate embrace" during a house party.[22] Morley told TV Week's Andrew Mercado that Chris and Aidan share the intimate moment as any other couple would do.[22] Morley thought the kiss was just as awkward as any other kiss he had previously performed, but he and Mason spent a lot of time and effort into getting it right for their characters.[22] Chris and Aidan's kiss marked the serial's first male gay kiss in its twenty-seven year history.[23] Bower had previously promised that it would not be "sensationalist or token" and the low-key scene earned praise from viewers on social networking sites.[23]

Morley took a break from Neighbours in mid-2012, which led the writers to improvise an on-screen break up for Aidan and Chris.[24] The break up occurs after Aidan learns Chris has not told his parents that they are in a relationship.[25] Mason said that Chris is fine with his friends knowing about his relationship, but it is different story when it comes to his parents.[25] His father has not always made things easy for him in the past, so he does not give him and his mother a chance to get to know Aidan.[25] When Chris' parents throw him a birthday party at Lassiter's Lake, he decides not to invite Aidan. However, Aidan learns about the party from Andrew and he feels "hurt and humiliated" by Chris' actions.[25] Aidan makes it clear to Chris that their relationship is over and Mason added "That's when the gravity of the situation hits Chris, and he's left in shock. He thinks, 'How did it come to this?'. Things really seemed to be falling into place with Aidan."[25] Chris then learns that his parents would have accepted the relationship and he realises that he has lost Aidan due to an assumption.[25]

Warren Burrell

In September 2011, Chris meets Warren Burrell (Tony Rickards), a homophobic customer at the garage.[26] Warren makes his prejudice against gay people clear to Chris.[26] Mason said Chris was unsure how to respond to the situation, as he has never met an adult who speaks about gay people in the way Warren does.[14] Chris tells his boss, Lucas Fitzgerald, about Warren, but he is disappointed when Lucas does not do anything about it.[26] Of Chris's situation, Mason explained "It was very confronting for him. And because the guy wasn't pointing his remarks directly at Chris, Lucas didn't understand why Chris was so offended. At first, he didn't have an appreciation of how deep those comments hurt Chris."[14] The storyline divided the opinions of viewers with some understanding why Lucas would not want to confront Warren, while others were on Chris's side. Mason said he was pleased that viewers were discussing the storyline and he admitted he appreciated both sides.[14] The actor said "Lucas wasn't there when the customer was saying these things, so he didn't understand Chris's point of view. However, as the story went along, we saw Lucas change and his respect for Chris grew." [14] Mason added the storyline was about showing understanding for where a person is coming from and being willing to change your ideas.[14]

Two months later, Warren returns to the garage and Lucas shows his support for Chris and defends him.[26] Chris meets and befriends Warren's son, Blake (Oliver Edwin). When Warren learns Blake is friends with Chris, he decides to put a stop to the situation.[26] Warren threatens to kill Chris unless he stops spending time with Blake. Mason told TV Week that he thinks it is a shame Chris and Blake cannot continue their friendship because of Warren and his views.[26] It soon becomes clear someone is spying on Chris, but whether it is Warren or someone else is not clear. Mason added something big would happen and it may not end well for Chris.[26]

Scotty Boland

In February 2013, Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that Chris would be shocked when he realises that Scotty Boland (Rhys Uhlich) "may have a romantic interest in him."[27] During a charity camp-out, which has been organised by Scotty's girlfriend, Georgia (Saskia Hampele), Scotty visits Chris' tent and says something that makes Chris believe he is making a move on him.[27] Mason commented that the storyline has "a serious side" because everyone believes Scotty is straight, especially his girlfriend. However, he added that there would be some funny moments in the lead up to the big revelation.[27] Not long after the camp-out incident, Scotty lets his attraction to Chris get the better of him and he tries to kiss Chris.[28] Uhlich explained "There's no mistaking this as Scotty hitting on Chris. He's really put it out there now, but Chris doesn't go for it. So he kicks Scotty out of the house, but even then Scotty doesn't realise what the kiss means."[28] A shocked Chris then confides in his housemate, Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan), about the kiss and they decide that they need to tell Georgia about it. However, they soon learn that Scotty has proposed to Georgia and decide to remain silent to stop her from having her heart broken.[28]

Storylines

Chris and Adam Miller (Jye O'Toole) go to Harold's Store before school and watch a video featuring Andrew Robinson and Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie). They praise Andrew for being with Donna, but he becomes worried that Summer Hoyland might see it and quickly changes the website. Chris, along with Adam and some other students, purchase Andrew's manual on how to flirt with girls. However, when Summer emails him an audio clip in which Andrew tells Harry Ramsay that the guide is nonsense, Chris and his friends demand a refund. Andrew refuses to give them their money back. Chris later befriends Andrew, Harry and Summer. He joins the basketball team and Summer encourages him to run for captain. After Chris is elected, Summer kisses him and they begin dating. When Andrew discovers that Chris works at the local swimming pool, he convinces him to host a party there. The party gets out of control and Chris is fired. With Andrew's help, he later finds employment at the local gym.

Chris allows himself to be influenced by Andrew and agrees to skip school to meet up with a group of university students. Andrew asks Chris to meet up with the girls again at Charlie's bar. When Kyle Canning asks them to keep the noise down, a fight breaks out and Chris grabs Kyle to defend Andrew. Michael Williams (Sandy Winton) breaks the fight up and tries to talk to Chris, but he pushes him away. At school, Michael asks the students to write down or record a secret for a project. Chris records his secret onto Summer's iPod, but it is later confiscated by Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine). Michael calls Chris into his office to hand it back, but Chris believes Michael has heard the recording and angrily tells him that he had no right. Chris tells Michael that he was just confused about Andrew and Michael asks him if he thinks he is gay, causing Chris to leave. Natasha Williams discovers that a Year 11 student is gay and tries to find out who. The rumours start to affect Chris and he comes out to his class. Andrew asks Chris about when he knew he was gay and Chris tells him that it hit him a few months after they became friends. Andrew realises Chris likes him and tells him to get over it. Chris also apologies to Summer, who tells him she is fine.

Adam advises Chris to sit out the upcoming basketball game with Elliot Park, claiming that the opposition know about his sexuality and will make things difficult for him. Michael refuses to let Chris sit the game out and he reluctantly captains the team. His team-mates ignore him, but when he does get the ball, Chris scores and wins the game. When the Elliot Park team captain is rude to him, Chris starts a fight and he is suspended. When his parents find out about the fight and that he is gay, they kick him out. Chris stays with Summer and she helps him reconcile with his parents. Summer later breaks down and asks Chris if it is her fault that he is gay, but he reassures her that it was not. Chris becomes Summer's wingman when he realises she has feelings for Andrew. Summer admits to having sex with Andrew while he is dating Natasha and Chris disapproves of her actions, reminding her that she would have hated any other person who did that. He befriends Natasha and manages to get her and Summer talking again. Chris becomes annoyed with Adam when he starts moving basketball practice around because he is uncomfortable with Chris's sexuality. Natasha tells Chris to say something, but he states that it is not a big deal. Natasha has a go at Adam, which annoys Chris.

After receiving lower grades than expected, Chris reconsiders attending university. He gets a part-time job at Fitzgerald Motors, upsetting his father, George, who wants him to go to university. Chris applies for a TAFE course and Lucas Fitzgerald later gives him an apprenticeship. Warren Burrell brings his son's car to the garage and makes derogatory comments about gay people. Chris feels uncomfortable and tells Lucas, who is reluctant to do anything about it. Chris quits his job, but Lucas apologies and he takes it back. Warren's son, Blake, brings his car into the garage and befriends Chris. Warren later turns up and starts making homophobic comments again, but stops when Chris tells him he is gay. Blake seeks Chris out and to apologise to him. They play pool together, which is witnessed by Warren. He later warns Chris to stay away from Blake. While he is alone in the garage, Chris is attacked by an unseen assailant. Lucas finds him and takes him to the hospital, where he is treated by Rhys Lawson and Aidan Foster. Chris leaves the hospital without waiting for his x-rays and later collapses. Rhys finds Chris and performs emergency surgery on him to get him breathing again.

Aidan is assigned to look after Chris, while he recovers. Chris later turns down Aidan's offer of a drink; but Natasha encourages him to spend time with Aidan. Chris becomes jealous when Aidan goes on a date with Vaughn Redden (Kain O'Keeffe). A couple of weeks later, Aidan overhears Chris and Natasha talking about him and agrees to go on a date with Chris. Chris and Aidan begin a relationship. Aidan believes Chris has told his parents about them and is surprised to learn that he has not. Chris admits that he is struggling to tell them. When Chris' parents decide to throw him a birthday party, he does not invite Aidan. However, Aidan sees the party and quickly leaves. Chris tells his parents about his relationship and tries to make things right with Aidan. But Aidan breaks up with him. During a car journey to the city, Chris and his friends find Sophie Ramsay (Kaiya Jones) hiding in the boot of his car. Andrew persuades Chris into allowing Sophie to sit on Summer's lap. An argument between Andrew and Natasha breaks out and when Andrew bumps Chris' arm, he loses control of the car and crashes. Chris blames himself for the accident and Andrew's father, Paul (Stefan Dennis), sues him. The police fine Chris and he loses his license for six months.

Chris asks Aidan if they can get back together, but Aidan turns him down. Andrew reveals that he was to blame for the crash, forcing Paul to end the lawsuit against Chris. When Aidan sees Chris stand up to Paul, he realises that Chris has changed and agrees to try again. Chris moves into 26 Ramsay Street. Chris becomes frustrated with Aidan when he does not confide in him about his feelings or accept help from him. When Aidan goes back on his promise to be more open and honest, Chris breaks up with him. While servicing a Lassiter's company car, Chris suffers a flashback to the crash and hits a skip, damaging the car. Ralphie Mahone (Daniel Bowden) fixes the car and in return, he asks Chris to rework some vehicles for him. When Chris finds a stolen car waiting for him at the garage, he comes clean to Lucas, who calls the police. Ralphie threatens Chris, but Mason Turner (Taylor Glockner) intervenes. Georgia Brooks's boyfriend, Scotty, makes sexual advances towards Chris and tries to kiss him. Chris and Kyle decide to tell Georgia, but soon learn that she and Scotty are engaged. Kyle later tells Georgia the truth and for a while, she avoids Chris.

Chris befriends Amber Turner (Jenna Rosenow) and helps her out when she is bullied Chris goes on a date with Seamus Illich (Scott Smart), but when they arrange to meet again Seamus sends Chris a text cancelling the date. When Seamus denies sending the text, Amber confesses that she sent it. Amber apologises for having a crush on Chris and he forgives her. Chris begins dating Hudson Walsh (Remy Hii). When he learns Hudson is taking performance enhancing drugs, they briefly break up, but Chris agrees to try again. Mason tells Chris, Hudson and Joshua Willis (Harley Bonner) that Amber's ex, Robbo Slade (Aaron Jakubenko), has illicit footage of her and is blackmailing Mason with it. Hudson offers the money Mason needs, while Chris and Joshua agree to meet with Robbo to hand it over. Chris feels guilty that Amber does not know what Robbo is doing and tells her. That same night, Robbo is involved in a hit-and run and he later dies. Chris wonders what happened to the money they gave Robbo when it is not found. Hudson later admits that he hit Robbo. He apologises to Chris and tells him the time they spent together was great. Hudson then refuses to see or speak to Chris, devastating him.

When he has trouble sleeping, Chris asks Karl for a prescription for sleeping pills. The pills do not agree with Chris and Kyle and Sheila (Colette Mann) find him collapsed in the garden. Karl tells Chris to stop taking the pills, but Chris ignores his advice. He goes sleepwalking, forcing Sheila to chase after him. Chris agrees to stop taking the pills and he starts having a series of one-night stands. When Chris learns Joshua spoke to a journalist about his relationship with Hudson, he punches Joshua. Chris is then arrested for assault. Chris's housemates struggle to get through to him, but Kate (Ashleigh Brewer) decides to drive Chris to the prison, so he could see Hudson. Chris is initially reluctant to see Hudson, but Kate makes him realise that it might be the only way to sort things out. Hudson explains to Chris that he cut off contact as he needed time to prepare himself for life inside prison. He also tells Chris that he cannot expect him to wait for him, but Chris asks Hudson to give their relationship another go and he agrees.

Reception

For his portrayal of Chris, Mason was nominated for the Most Popular New Male Talent accolade at the 2012 Logie Awards.[29] The character's inclusion in Neighbours and his storyline has received a positive reaction from the public, television critics and LGBT websites. Chris's coming out episode, which was broadcast on 10 August 2010, was seen by 679,000 viewers in Australia.[30] David Knox of Citysearch Melbourne said that the inclusion of Chris in the show is "a positive step with its juvenile audience".[31] Knox added that following the "gay kiss scandal" on Home and Away, "the test for Neighbours will be not just the coming out, but whether he remains in the show after this storyline subsides".[31] Of Chris, SX News said "One could simply dismiss the gay character as simply just another plot line, but there's no denying its significance, especially with a show as enduring and mainstream as Neighbours. If anything, it's a small reflection of the changing attitudes in society".[4] They also praised Neighbours for focusing on Chris's coming out and the issue of homophobia, instead of letting Chris "explode out of the closet and leave Ramsay Street glittering in sequins".[4]

The ATV News Network said the Chris's coming out should be praised for the way it has been handled.[32] They added that the decision to play it out at a school would have viewers in a similar situation identifying with the storyline.[32] Alan McKee, a university film and television professor, said that usually subscription television channels take risks in portraying storylines like Chris's.[4] He added "Commercial TV is not about risk taking, it is about entertainment for the broadest possible audience. But attitudes have changed and commercial networks like to reflect that".[4] Holy Soap said Chris's most memorable moment was "Announcing to his entire class that he was gay."[33] Anthony D. Langford from website, AfterElton said he found it "humorous" that Neighbours emphasizes what a gentleman Chris is compared to Andrew.[34] He said "It's like they're almost saying if you're a nice guy who's not all over your girlfriend you must be gay. But on television that's usually the case".[34] Langford hoped that Chris would not vanish and that he would not be relegated to monitoring the relationship between Andrew and Summer and not having a romance of his own.[34]

Langford later said that Neighbours is doing a "fairly decent job" with Chris's coming out story. He wished that viewers got to see more of Chris's thoughts and feelings and less of how his situation affected the people around him.[35] Langford added "I do like that Chris isn't a perfect kid. Many shows tend to make gay teens near saints. Instead, he's a fairly average kid who makes mistakes and messes up, like starting a fight at a basketball game.[35] In July 2011, Langford revealed that he had seen some comments from people thinking that Lucas and Chris should be paired up.[36] He opined that there is not a hint of romance between the two and wondered why people assumed that if a gay character shares a scene with another guy, they must get together. Langford revealed that he liked Chris and Lucas's mentor and mentee relationship as it is.[36] The writer also commented on the introduction of Chris's father and said that he was "delighted" that Chris was finally getting his own drama, that was "pretty realistic."[36] He added "It's nice to see the father/son dynamic play out. I have the feeling that a lot of Chris's dad's issues stem from the fact that his son is gay and I hope the show will delve into those unresoved issues."[36]

Sarah Ellis writing for Inside Soap said "I'd love to see Chris with a boyfriend – he's the nicest guy in Erinsborough!"[37] In 2011, Mason revealed that he has had a positive reaction to his character from viewers and he has been receiving mail from people who have had similar experiences, who appreciate what Neighbours is doing.[9] He added "What's interesting is that a lot of feedback has been about the fact the character's coming out wasn't a "warm and fuzzy" experience, that there were rough spots. They appreciated the authenticity of the story, and I think that comes from the character and storylines being based on other people's real life experiences."[9] Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun branded Chris Erinsborough's token gay. He added "Good on Neighbours for not having their gay character flouncing around in a midriff top listening to Britney Spears."[38] Inside Soap's staff said that they could not wait to see how Chris would get on with Aidan. They added that it was "high time he had a boyfriend".[39] Of the Chris and Scotty storyline, Melinda Houston from The Sun-Herald wrote "Good on Neighbours for not just having an ongoing gay character but using him to explore some interesting issues.[40]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Duck, Siobahn (7 August 2010). "Soapie Neighbours to get first openly gay male character". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). Retrieved 9 August 2010. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Akersten, Matt (16 August 2010). "Everybody needs gay Neighbours". SameSame. Sound Alliance. Retrieved 18 August 2010. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Vickery, Colin (7 December 2011). "Viewers embrace Neighbours' gay character played by newcomer James Mason". News.com.au (News Limited). Retrieved 7 December 2011. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 Micó, Nate (6 September 2010). "Rainbow Over Ramsay Street". SX News. Evolution Publishing. Retrieved 8 September 2010. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Darren, Devlyn; Duck, Siobhnan (22 August 2010). "Neighbours 6000 and going strong". Adelaide Now (News Limited). Retrieved 18 August 2010. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Brygel, Jackie (7–13 August 2010). "Chris comes out". TV Week (ACP Magazines): 9. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Linden, Shaun (7 October 2010). "Are Neighbours committed to a full time gay character?". ATV Network. Retrieved 7 October 2010. 
  8. ↑ "Ten To Eleven". SX News (Evolution Publishing). 10 January 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2011. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "James' gay pride for show". Channel 5. Northern & Shell. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Langford, Anthony D. (10 August 2010). "Gays of Our Lives: Noah's Back... And He's Got Shocking News For Luke on "As the World Turns"". AfterElton. Logo. Retrieved 12 August 2010. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 de Jonk, Travis (9 August 2010). "Neighbours gets first regular gay character". SameSame. Sound Alliance. Retrieved 9 August 2010. 
  12. ↑ James Mason (September 2010). Chris Comes Out (FLV) (Website production). Network Ten. Retrieved 4 September 2010. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Micó, Nate (9 August 2010). "TV gets its gay on". SX News. Evolution Publishing. Archived from the original on 15 August 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2010. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 Kilkelly, Daniel (16 October 2011). "'Neighbours' actor James Mason on Chris's future: Interview". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 7 November 2011. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "More than bromance for Chris?". Channel 5. Northern & Shell. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 22 October 2010. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "TV soap introduces new gay character". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). 18 June 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Kilkelly, Daniel (20 July 2011). "Exclusive: 'Neighbours' character teasers from exec Susan Bower". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 20 July 2011. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Burfitt, John (18 January–1 February 2012). "Never meant to be?". TV Soap (nextmedia): 16–17. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 "First love for Chris?". Inside Soap (Hearst Magazines UK) (7): 21. 18–24 February 2012. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Burfitt, John (15–29 February 2012). "Love at last?". TV Soap (nextmedia): 16–17. 
  21. ↑ "Bob Morley Hits the Street". Neighbours.com.au. Eleven. 21 June 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2013. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 Mercado, Andrew (7–13 April 2012). "Party pash". TV Week (ACP Magazines) (14): 42. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Crane, Courtney (10 April 2012). "Neighbours wins praise from viewers for first male gay kiss in the history of the show". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). Retrieved 26 February 2013. 
  24. ↑ "Heartache looms for Neighbours' Chris and Aidan". What's on TV. IPC Media. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2013. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 "Birthday betrayal!". Inside Soap (Hearst Magazines UK) (23): 21. 9–15 June 2012. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 26.6 Kilkelly, Daniel (21 November 2011). "'Neighbours' revisits Chris homophobia storyline". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 21 November 2011. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Kilkelly, Daniel (26 February 2013). "'Neighbours' twist for Chris, Scotty - first look picture". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 26 February 2013. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Mitchell, Thomas (9–15 March 2013). "Scotty in a turmoil!". TV Week (ACP Magazines) (10): 39. 
  29. ↑ Byrnes, Holly (18 March 2012). "Karl Stefanovic nominated to win back-to-back Gold Logies as Australian television awards announced". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). Retrieved 18 March 2012. 
  30. ↑ Knox, David (9 August 2010). "Week 33". TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 September 2010. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Knox, David (August 2010). 's+Gay+Neighbour "Ramsay Street's Gay Neighbour". Citysearch. Telstra. Retrieved 21 August 2010. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Linden, Shaun (24 September 2010). "Why Neighbours should be proud of gay storyline". ATV Network. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
  33. ↑ "Chris Pappas". Holy Soap. Channel Five. Archived from the original on 8 March 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2011. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Langford, Anthony D. (10 August 2010). "Gays of Our Lives". AfterElton. Logo. Retrieved 12 August 2010. 
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Langford, Anthony D (24 August 2010). "Gays of Our Lives: Phillip's Surprising Return to "The Young and the Restless"". AfterElton. Logo. Retrieved 16 April 2011. 
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 Langford, Anthony D. (13 July 2011). "Gool Theater: Brendan Has Another Secret on "Hollyoaks"". AfterElton. Logo. Retrieved 14 July 2011. 
  37. ↑ Ellis, Sarah (22 March 2010). "Soap Box". Inside Soap (Hachette Filipacchi UK) (12): 97. 
  38. ↑ Adams, Cameron (9 September 2011). "Tonight's TV: Footy, Glee and Neighbours". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). Retrieved 16 January 2012. 
  39. ↑ "20 reasons to be excited about Christmas and beyond...". Inside Soap Yearbook 2012 (Hearst Magazines UK) (6): 97. 1 November 2011. 
  40. ↑ Houston, Melinda (24 March 2013). "This week's TV picks". The Sun-Herald (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 31 March 2013. 

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