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Same sex relationships have happened over the years in Home and Away. Remember Shannon (Isla Fisher) left The Bay with her older lover Mandy, and Matilda's friend Dean finally admitted that he had a boyfriend and introduced them in The Diner. So the scriptwriters are not breaking new ground but the message boards are humming with this possibly controversial topic.

A few weeks ago we were introduced to Freya (Xavier's ex), who loved to be the centre of attention and was not known for her shyness. When she planted a kiss on Nicole Franklin's lips in front of the entire school, including Nicole's gob-smacked boyfriend Geoff, shock waves reverberated on and off screen.

Joey has been keeping her sexuality secret, especially from her older brother Brett and after being sexually attacked by lowlife Robbo, she is terrified that details of her personal life will become public. Police Officer Charlie Buckton is determined to make Robbo pay for his actions and takes Joey under her wing.

Charlie has not had an easy run with boyfriends recently, so she is very confused when she realises that Joey's friendship is developing into something more meaningful.

We asked Esther Anderson a few questions about this storyline.

1. Do you think the storylines on Home and Away are relevant to today's society?

Esther: Absolutely and I think that is part of the aim of the show, to deal with current and relevant issues and storylines. 2. Do you feel a same sex storyline is too controversial for 7pm timeslot?

Esther: No, I believe it's important to tell stories like this and for them to be told in a non-sensationalised way to show the normality of a gay relationship. 3. What was your reaction when you read the script?

Esther: When I first saw the storyline, I knew straight away that it's an opportunity every actor looks for - to be given a challenge and a role and story to sink their teeth into, I looked forward to telling the story and working on telling it the right way. 4. Were there any funny moments on set when you had to film the scene?

Esther: At Home and Away we always have funny moments.

5. Did you enjoy working with Kate Bell and do you think she plays the character well? Esther: Yes, it was great working with Kate. She is a very generous actor and we formed a trust early on, so that helped us to portray the story in the right light. Let us know if you think this storyline is too controversial, or if you think it is good that Home and Away tackles a wide range of issues. Write to the Got Something To Say page.

Jacqui: I find it confusing and concerning that people are upset that H&A are showing a consensual relationship between two women yet all the surprise pregnancies (like there is no contraception in Summer Bay), teen drinking, drug taking, rape and general abuse; was all quite fine for their children to watch at the 7:30 timeslot. Seriously lets look at some priorities here.

Vanessa: I think the story line between Esther Anderson and Katie Bell is good to show people that being gay isn't a crime. I had two very close friends who were both gay together, both male, they had to hide their sexuality in case tey got abuse from the public. This why I think it is very good that Home and Away is doing this, it shows people that being gay is as natural as being straight, when you're in love it's love no matter if its with the same sex or not, so well done.

Lindsey: I applaud Home and Away for the Joey/Charlie gay storyline...it's about time we showed onscreen a real loving relationship with two women. This IS reality! As for people who are now turning off the show or think it's for 4-5 year olds anyway is pathetic. It sickens me also that in this day and age we still have to explain ourselves to the ignorance of people, who believe sexuality is choice, and being gay is disgusting and not normal. Wake up!!! If you were gay or your son/daughter then you may just start to understand or try to and support them. You were born this way as normal as everyone else!...We need more storylines like this, not only to help young people who may be going through struggles, prejudice, and ignorance but storylines to enjoy that are real and true to life. I am in my 30's and have been watching the show from the near beginning, I like to think it is not just aimed at teenagers anyway, and as a loyal fan it has proved a ratings winner because of it's brilliant storylines and acting performances over the years, for the young and older fan. If people are so disgusted for telling life as it is and not shying away from it, then switch off and crawl back under your rocks! I remember fondly the Shannon/Mandy storyline which played out in the mid 90's over a period of 2/3 years when the character kept returning, it was fantastic they wrote such a realistic love story over a decade ago...along with this and the Dani/Kane attack, it was obvious that was rape, but this was never addressed along with the Shannon and Mandy story there was not an official announcement with a kiss that they were together but it was very well written and believable, so it was obvious they were leaving the bay as a couple. We have evolved so much and over a decade later, we can have same sex relationship with is often expressed with a kiss, as it should be, and confirmed they are a couple with no dressing it up, and the word Rape is used in the show to explain the seriousness of the scene. Well done the script writers and my hope too is that it is followed through and we have something positive and rewarding to watch, long may it continue. You have never let us down yet, we just want more of what's real, like it is in society and it to be longer lasting. Thanks H&A great job, again!

Mary-Anne: Just saw the episode in which Joey is revealed as gay. I really hope you continue with this storyline. I'm a social worker who deals with gay youth and this is vital in ensuring these kids have some form of positive role model. Well done.

Diane: If you intend displaying homosexual relationships on Home & Away I suggest you move it to a later time slot. It is not appropriate for the younger view and will cause confusion. As for me, I'm no longer interested in the show.

Anon: I applaud the show for including a story of same sex relationships. I have been a Home and Away fan for many years. I am extremely excited and looking forward to the relationship between Charlie and Joey. I believe there are a lot of people out there who have experienced feelings for someone of the same sex, unsure of their sexual orientation, and are gay/lesbian/bi, than people recognise. It is identified that possibly more than 10% of the population are gay (3 people in a classroom of 30). This seems to be a large amount of people, yet many are still feeling alone, and afraid of how society will perceive them if they were to be true to themselves. I hope this relationship will help audiences accept and understand that love is love, and love is genuine.

Julie: We all know the being gay or lesbian is aprt of life these days, however putting it in this time slot is disgraceful!!! My young daughters watch this show but we will be switching off. These scenes are far too explicit too be showing at such an early time slot. Why do young children have to be subjected to it?? You don't subject children to sex scenes etc, so why this? I don't want to have to start explaining this to my children...it is not natural....it is a personal choice. Some children as young as 4 or 5 watch your show and I think its disgusting. Put it on at a later timeslot say 8.30pm if you want to do these story lines.. YOUNG KIDS SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECTED TO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alanna: Fingers crossed that you guys get the Charlie/Joey relationship accurate and true. This storyline has the potential to send a message that being gay is nothing to ashamed of... please don't stuff this up!

Jamie: I want to applaud H&A for depicting a same-sex relationship. There is nothing "controversial" about the Charlie/Joey relationship at all! C'mon, it's the 21st century...

Channa: I think that this is a good idea for a storyline, why shelter people from something small as homosexuality? There are bigger things to be worried about than that. I think some people are way too sensitive. H&A has been tackling the big issues lately, rape, drugs, gangs, cancer etc so why not homosexuality? It's time the world realizes there is nothing wrong with the same sex kissing, if you can watch the opposite sex make out then there should be no problem at all with the same sex. As to the writers this is your show, don't let some narrow minded people tell you how to run your show, keep it good for the true loyal fans as myself.

Sue: I have been a fan of Home & Away for years now. I am not happy with the latest storylines concerning Lesbians. Your programme is on air before the watershed for younger viewers they do not need to be subjected to this kind of viewing. If it continues I will not be able to watch it for much longer. I think it is appalling viewing.

Hayley: Firstly I'd just like 2 say I've got nothing against gay people or the fact that H&A are doing a gay storyline, I just don't buy that Charlie the man eater would suddenly turn gay. I now she's had bad luck with guys but surely it doesn't work like that?

Pauline: Good on YOU Home and Away! Gay is great and nothing wrong with it! I am looking forward to see it...Well done.

Hayley: First off, let me just say that I was NOT expecting the Joey and Charlie relationship. The writers certainly have gone out of their way to keep us watchers on the edge of our seats. For some reason I thought that something with Joey and Aden was going to happen. Who knows, it still might! I think that would be a good storyline.. but maybe a bit too controversial. We need something to happen with Belle and Aden's relationship and I have a feeling that something big is on it's way! Anyways, I'm really looking forward to the upcoming storyline with Charlie and Joey.. it should be interesting. That's about all I have to say for now haha. Good on you guys.