If there’s one day of the year we have an excuse to get all mushy and romantic, then it’s Valentine’s Day, and seeing as it falls slap bang in the middle of LGBTQ+ history month, what better way is there to celebrate than with our favourite LGBTQ+ soap couples?
Soaps have played a huge part in providing representation for the LGBTQ+ community over the years, from EastEnders airing TV’s first gay kiss to Brookside showing the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss.
Our favourite LGBTQ+ characters have faced plenty of challenges over the years, but on the most romantic day of the year, let’s focus on the times where love triumphed over everything else.
Colin Russell and Barry Clark – EastEnders
Starting off strong, EastEnders’ first same-sex relationship hit our screens in 1986 when Colin Russell moved into Albert Square.
He soon embarked on a relationship with Barry Clark, who was quite a lot younger than him.
Because of the age gap, their differences became too apparent to ignore, and the pair split.
Though their original stints on the show ended in heartache, viewers were thrilled when they returned in 2022 for Dot Cotton’s funeral, and revealed to Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) that they had reconnected.
Roy and Hayley Cropper – Coronation Street
Hayley Cropper made history as the first transgender character on a soap, and her marriage to loveable Roy Cropper (David Neilson) is something every hopeless romantic aspires to have.
Years after Hayley’s tragic death, she is still fondly remembered among the residents of Coronation Street and the viewers at home.
As much as we’d love Roy to find happiness, we don’t think anyone will ever be able to replace Hayley.
Jasmine Thomas and Debbie Dingle – Emmerdale
Vicar’s niece Jasmine Thomas and local hardman’s daughter Debbie Dingle were an unlikely match, but their relationship had us completely hooked.
They faced more ups and downs than the average couple, even by Emmerdale’s standards, but were at their peak when they worked together to cover up Jasmine’s murder of Shane Doyle.
Now, that’s love.
Christian Clarke and Syed Masood – EastEnders
Christian Clarke and Syed Masood overcame countless hurdles and proved that love conquers all during their time together in EastEnders.
Their cultural differences made things difficult, with Syed’s family disapproving of the relationship between them, though thankfully they soon came round to the idea of Christian being part of Syed’s life.
The pair made things official with the show’s first-ever civil partnership in 2012, and went on to leave the Square together.
Sophie Webster and Sian Powers – Coronation Street
No Corrie fan is going to forget Sophie Webster and Sian Powers’ wedding-that-wasn’t any time soon, and we’re still secretly holding out hope that they may one day return to the cobbles and rekindle their romance.
There’s nothing quite like first love, and Sophie and Sian proved that with their powerful love story.
Kate Connor and Rana Habeeb – Coronation Street
Corrie has a habit of tearing lesbian couples apart on their wedding days, but before Rana Habeeb met her untimely demise beneath the factory roof, her relationship with Kate Connor was one of the most popular among fans of the show.
Like Christian and Syed, Kana overcame cultural differences and a dramatic affair to be together, only for their happiness to be cruelly ripped away.
We’re still not over it.
Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin – EastEnders
From failed lesbian weddings to a major success story, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) and Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) had us jumping for joy when they finally tied the knot earlier this year.
Since escaping abusive husband Nish Panesar, Suki has finally been able to live life as her true self, having found happiness and safety with Eve.
It’s been a long journey for the couple, with fans heaping praise on the way Suki’s coming out story was handled, and we have our fingers crossed that they will stay together for a long time yet.
Charity Dingle and Vanessa Woodfield – Emmerdale
Charity Dingle’s (Emma Atkins) relationship with Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) came as a complete surprise to absolutely everyone, but they very quickly became one of the soap’s most popular pairings.
Their love story allowed the show to cover same-sex adoption when Charity adopted Vanessa’s son Johnny.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for Vanity, but fans still have hope they may reunite in the future.
Ben Mitchell and Callum Highway – EastEnders
Ben Mitchell and Callum Highway (Tony Clay) were another unexpected pairing, but one that instantly won over fans.
The couple tied the knot in EastEnders’ first same-sex wedding in 2021, and helped each other through some extremely difficult times.
Devastatingly, Ballum were torn apart when Ben was sent to prison in America, though Callum still visits him.
That’s true love.
Peri Lomax and Juliet Nightingale – Hollyoaks
Peri Lomax (Ruby O’Donnell) and Juliet Nightingale’s unexpected romance took Hollyoaks fans by storm when it was first confirmed via a history-making flashforward episode in 2019.
The couple swiftly won a legion of followers, becoming one of the most popular ever in the soap’s three decades on air, with fans desperate for them to get their happy ending.
Despite a love triangle involving Nadira, Jeri did ultimately reunite – and the pair were on the cusp of happiness when Juliet was diagnosed with cancer.
Peri’s unwavering support of Juliet throughout her illness brought them closer than ever, before Juliet sadly passed away in 2023.
We’re still devastated.
Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden – Emmerdale
Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden were another couple that cemented themselves in fans’ hearts, earning them the affectionate nickname Robron.
Their relationship began as a secret affair, which was eventually exposed in dramatic scenes.
They finally got their fairytale wedding in 2018, much to the delight of fans, but sadly their marriage failed to go the distance.
Asha Alahan and Nina Lucas – Coronation Street
Though Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) and Nina Lucas’ (Mollie Gallagher) early relationship suffered the consequences of Covid filming restrictions, it did nothing to stop us from fully investing in the young couple.
What was refreshing about their relationships was their refusal to label themselves, and instead focus on their love for one another.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out between them, after a number of hurdles rocked their relationship.
Lucas Hay and Dillon Ray – Hollyoaks
Slow burn took on a whole new meaning where Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass) and Lucas Hay’s (Oscar Curtis) romance was concerned, with the two boys fighting their feelings for one another for well over a year after the storyline was first confirmed.
Lucas was subsequently subjected to cruel conversion therapy, which prompted Dillon to do everything in his power to rescue him from the master manipulator Carter.
The ordeal brought them closer together and, against all odds, true love prevailed, with Dillon and Lucas – now known to fans as HayRay – embarking on a relationship together.
It’s not been all plain-sailing for the couple, with obstacles aplenty thrown their way – including Dillon having a baby with Lucas’ sister! – but despite everything they’re back together and stronger than ever.
Carla Connor and Lisa Swain – Coronation Street
The newest couple to join the LGBTQ+ Soap Couples History Book (working title) are none other than Carla Connor (Alison King) and Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers).
Fans picked up on chemistry between the two women months before it was even confirmed that Lisa was set to become a regular character, and the wait for them to finally get together was certainly worth it.
The mutual pining, the Will they/Won’t they? and the angst has kept us all on our toes, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them now that they have made things official.
