The turn of the century brought with it the rising popularity of gay storylines.

It's not an actual gay storyline, it's just kind of an impulsive peck".

In early 2011, it was announced that Will would be featured in a gay storyline.

In August 2011, Massey told Jacobs that he did not know if the series were going to proceed with a gay storyline for Will.

In November 2011, Lynette Rice of Entertainment Weekly announced that the serial were going ahead with Will's gay storyline.

Stuart debuted in the first episode with the gay storyline set to be exposed when female character - Kirsty Knight, made moves on Stuart.

Additionally, Ofcom received 23 complaints from viewers who said the gay Muslim storyline was offensive to their faith.

Pascua was positive of the storyline between Torres, Carlos, and Robbins, writing that it was nice to see an emphasis on the gay storyline.

The staff from Soaplife were surprised by Doug and Ste's gay storyline and did not see it coming because they were just "good friends".