I'm an Emmerdale fan (watching from the US) and I think Paul's actions in this storyline are out of character. When Paul first found Grayson in the park getting gay-bashed it was made clear that Paul wasn't at all attracted to him although Perdy at first accused them of having an affair. Paul has always demanded commitment from his partners - that was a major issue which lead to his break up with lovely Ivan. It doesn't make sense for Paul to cheat on Jonny with Grayson of all people. Paul is Perdy's only friend in the village. I think its horrible that he would snare Grayson while she is in a vulnerable state.

Paul and Jonny have only been together for a few months. I can't imagine why Paul would accept Jonny's proposal. They are a completely sexless and boring couple and I don't even remember seeing them kiss on camera yet.

Feel free to email me if you're interested in watching Emmerdale episodes. I'll point you to where you can find them.

Theat article was very insightful. Very accurate and very much enjoyed reading it. I think you raised so many good points.

However, I gotta tell you. one bit wasn't accurate. Perdi and Grayson are still married. She's just in hospital right now and Paul is her only visitor.

As far as I know it's always been said in the show that Grayson is fully gay, not bisexual. That is what makes the Grayson and Perdy relationship all the more interesting.

<<< Paul and Jonny have only been together for a few months. I can't imagine why Paul would accept Jonny's proposal. They are a completely sexless and boring couple and I don't even remember seeing them kiss on camera yet. >>>

The whole sexless thing about the relationship really pisses me off. It is obvious from the episode I watched today that the people behind the soap have put a ban on the same-sex kissing. Johnny and Paul were all over each other hugging and Paul went in for what looked like a kiss but then moved into Johnny's neck for a neck snuggle instead. This has been happening since Paul and Johnny first met, always hugs and holding hands but no kissing. None. Nada.

This behaviour is in stark contrast to Paul and Ivan's relationship last year...they were always kissing. There was even one scene where they were getting all hot and heavy on the sofa. Now one cannot say that no kissing is the type of relationship Johnny and Paul have or that they don't like to show affection in public e.t.c. Because it's obvious that the actors themsevles are trying to inject as much sexual attraction between the characters as possible without breaking this 'unofficial' ban that I talked about earlier. In my honest opinion, all the old biddies who watch Emmerdale (and admittedly I don't know any young people like myself who watch it, it's all the old folk unfortunately) had complained last year about the frankness of Paul and Ivan's relationship and as a result the producers have made sure that no same-sex kissing will appear again. Of course if Johnny and Paul finally get a clinch at some point I'll eat my words. I mean this is the UK, the majority of Brits don't have a problem with it so this whole thing is muchos surprising. Something very fishy is definately going on in regards to this.

The main problems I have with the Grayson/Paul storyline are simple. 1) Grayson has tried so very hard over the past year to curb his gay urges because he really does love Perdy. 2) If he were to give into these urges again, he would not do it right on his doorstep with Paul, especially when, if I remember correctly, there have been no hints prior to this to show that Grayson is attracted to Paul. And as far as we know, any other time he's had gay sex, it has been far away from his life with Perdy. 3) It seems to me that Paul is indeed falling for Johnny. All the looks were there in the episode I saw today and Paul was all over his man in front of everyone as well - totally smitten. There have been hints that he is attracted to Grayson however, and that brings me onto my next point. 4) Paul has grown really close to Perdy and I cannot see him betraying her by giving into his attraction for Grayson, especially when he already has a man that is totally in love with him and when those feelings seem to be reciprocated.

the offcial line is that he is gay, but he and perdi have a sex life and one he normally initiates. they've never never been shown to not enjoy sex with each other. as for jonny and paul. they are playful together. recently jonny chased him into the house, indicating that they were about to have sex.

Well yeah they do have a sex life, but technically all Grayson has to do is think about a bloke to be able to get it up. It's not impossible for a gay guy to have sex with a woman and enjoy it, even when not drunk ;). I do remember an episode however, where Perdy gets herself all dolled up and tries to seduce him, but it doesn't even get his attention. Which is why she went and slept with Matthew King to get some nookie instead. I do get the hint that their sex life goes in spurts (pun not intended)...where they have a period of embellishment and then a period where it is nonexistent. All down to the fact that he's gay of course. Though you could argue that's the normal part of any marriage. But I personally think that it's the former.

See, as I said 'tis a very interesting relationship :p.

Yes, finally Paul and Jonny have kissed on screen!  It happened at a party Paul was organising, Jonny proposed to him and they actually had a full on snog.

On the Paul/Grayson front, I don't think Paul is acting out of character.  He's always been a very moral person and I don't think that's changed.  He is obviously supposed to be attracted to Grayson and he's aware that acting on it would hurt several people he cares deeply for.  That's why he's trying to convince himself, in true soap opera fashion, that he loves Jonny by marrying him.  I'm not so sure that Grayson is attracted to Paul though, unless I've missed something I've only ever seen him treat Paul as a good friend.

Actually, Paul isn't the first gay character in Emmerdale. Years ago (at least five) there were two gay characters, Jason Kirk and... Joe? I don't remember, but they were a couple, and Joe even married someone to stay in the country, though they broke up a bit after. Jason stayed round for a while though.

Once you add in all the lesbains running around, Emmerdale has had more gay characters then any of the other UK soaps, as far as I'm aware.

I cannot believe that they kissed on the one night I was out! Anyway like I said earlier I'll eat my words on that front...(but there is still something fishy about why there has been no kisses up till now). I'm going to watch the episode on ITV.com right now!

<<<  Thinking about Brad Pitt wouldn't help me sleep with a woman rofl!!! no offense >>>

Well you're just one person...there has been many instances of gay men being able to sleep with a woman. The reason Grayson does is because he is in love with Perdy.

EDIT: Ooo what a very sexy kiss. Maybe the writers had a method to their madness by saving Paul and Johnny's first onscreen kiss until the proposal. It was all the more special. I have faith that there isn't any homophobia in Emmerdale now lol.

Paul and Johnny are so cute and hot together. I don't get the Grey/Paul thing. There are no sparks there at all. I thought the proposal was sweet and I loved the family get-together after the engagement. It was just so cool to see these folks celebrating a gay marriage just like they would any other one. Johnny's mother is a kick. No wonder he's gay. It was funny to see the two moms competing to see who's the most gay-friendly. Loved it! I really want to see Paul and Johnny stay together.

I'm quickly becoming a fan of this show. I'm actually enjoying other plots too like the cop and that totally hot shady guy she has a thing for (though doing it in a jail cell was hard to believe) and the girl that just found out her husband pulled a robbery with his sleazy brother. The episode that focused on that story was so well done and very well acted. I still don't know who half these folks are and how they are all related, but I'm enjoying watching.

Anthony