While better than in the U.S., gay characters on UK TV are nonetheless still too few and far between. Although generally reduced to playing in the minor leagues — particular when it comes to secure, loving and stable relationships — there’s still been a few unforgettable (not to mention sexy!) gay TV couples.

1. John Paul McQueen and Craig Dean (Hollyoaks)

Currently one of the most talked about gay couples on British TV, there’s no denying that adorable John Paul (James Sutton) and moody-but-sexy Craig (Guy Burnet) are responsible for putting the hot into Hollyoaks.

2. Captain Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones (Torchwood)

They say opposites attract. Captain Jack (John Barrowman) is charming, confident and drop-dead gorgeous, while Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd) is quiet and calm, but with hidden depths. Not a couple in the strictest sense, but there’s lots of lingering tension. Oh, and there was that kiss! (Slash art by The Theban Band)

Best friends with added benefits! Rich, gorgeous and the centre of attention, Stuart (Aiden Gillen) thinks he’s pretty much perfection. And so do we! Vince (Craig Kelly) on the other hand is sweet, adorable and funny. And he fancies the pants off his best friend.

From the moment they met at a dinner party there was an instant attraction, and Paul (Matthew Bose) playing hard to get only made Johnny (Richard Grieve) more interested. Johnny is a silver fox (think Richard Gere!) and Paul, with his adorable puppy dog eyes, is far cuter out of drag than in!

With his blond hair, flamboyant clothes, flashy motors and permanent sun tan, Conrad (Ben Price) oozes charisma and sex appeal. Having the body of a Greek God helps too! Bisexual Conrad had an affair with his gay Earl’s Park FC team mate Noah (Marcel McCalla). It didn’t last but it made for some steamy viewing!

More from today's TCA!

• You'll remember last week that during the NBC panel we reported that NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman lamed out when asked about their decision to hire Isaiah Washington for The Bionic Woman. Via Ask Ausiello comes this tidbit from TVGuide's Stephen Battaglia concerning ABC president Stephen McPherson's comments today about that decision. Said McPherson:
  

"...if (Silverman) was in fact talking to him [Washington] before he was available, that's inducement to breach. So I don't know, he's either clueless or stupid." And in reaction to Silverman's assertion he hadn't known much about the circumstances surrounding Washington's getting axed from Grey's Anatomy, McPherson bitingly asked, "Was he living in a cave?"

• During the panel for ABC's commercial new show, Cavemen, someone asked if there might be a gay caveman at some point. The guys in charge of the show exchanged jokes before saying they haven't ruled it out. Eeeek! Given that earlier in the discussion, actor Sam Huntington made a rather tasteless cross-dressers joke, this is one show I really hope doesn't add a gay character.
• Women's Murder Club doesn't currently have a gay character, but they just might down the road.
  
• It looks like Footballers Wives is well and truly dead at ABC. So no bisexual football players! Boo! Hiss!
  
• Out writer Bryan Fuller and out producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks clearly enjoyed the buzz surrounding their Pushing Daisies. No, there isn't anything specifically gay on the show (yet) -- except Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth, Ellen Greene, and Swoosie Kurtz, and a sensibility that is more gay than a season of Top Chef, Project Runway, and Queer Eye combined. After the panel, I chatted with both Fuller and Cohen and will have their comments on Friday!
• Executive producer for Cashmere Mafia, Darren Starr, said there aren't any gay male characters on that show so I asked if either Mario Cantone or Willie Garson were confirmed for the Sex and the City movie. Unfortunately, Starr wouldn't say one way or the other. UPDATE: AfterEllen.com Managing Editor Malinda Lo just had an interview with Cashmere creator Kevin Wade who says there is going to be a gay character and gay storylines on the show. I'm looking into so stay tuned for details!