The storyline has been incredibly powerful (Pictures: Netflix/ITV)
Emmerdale fans have been full of praise for the ITV soap recently as Arthur Thomas’ (Alfie Clarke) story after bravely coming out continues.
The teenager came out to Nicola (Nicola Wheeler) in moving scenes last year, where he revealed he’s gay during a game of Hangman.
After initial fears, Arthur also revealed his sexuality to his mum, Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy), who supported him and said: ‘Love is love. Love feels the same for everyone. And only you get to decide who you give your heart to, nobody else.’
In a recent episode, it became apparent Arthur had a crush on his school-friend, Marshall (Max Fletcher).
Sadly, he had his heartbroken in the process of expressing how he felt, with Marshall humiliating him in front of his friends.
This week, there was a significant change for Marshall, as he decided to try and right his wrongs by defending Arthur from a fellow classmate who was trying to cause trouble.
Arthur, who was prepping a special LGBTQ+ assembly, was stunned by what transpired, and came to realise that Marshall was on his side after all, with the two teens subsequently sharing a moment in the cafe.
Arthur wasn’t sure if he could trust Marshall (Picture: ITV)
That evening, Marshall approached Arthur again, who was sitting alone outside the pirate ship after his presentation had been cancelled.
Wondering if he could trust Marshall, Arthur was surprised when his friend explained that, while he did have a bet with mates a few weeks ago, he didn’t actually know they were listening in when he said all of those things, meaning that he does actually have feelings for Arthur.
After agreeing to go on a date, Marshall leaned in for a kiss, but it was interrupted when he received a phone call from his dad.
Marshall stormed off and claimed he shouldn’t be there, leaving Arthur alone once more.
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The storyline so far has been incredibly powerful and moving, with last night’s scenes being completely loved by fans.
‘Oh Arthur and Marshall! Go for it son!’, one Twitter user said, while another wrote: ‘Arthur and Marshall are so sweet’.
The narrative has proved such a success, many are comparing it to Netflix’s Heartstopper, which followers teenagers Charlie and Nick as they discover their unlikely friendship might actually be something more.
As Charlie and Nick navigate school and young love, the LGBTQ+ drama about friendship and young romance has picked up multiple awards.
The series has won multiple awards (Picture: Netflix)
And for Emmerdale fans, they can’t help but see similarities between Charlie and Nick and Arthur and Marshall.
Pondering over the recent scenes, one fan said: ‘I think the Arthur and Marshall storyline will end up happy. Have seen how successful Heartstopper has been’.
Echoing the views, this Twitter user said: ‘I really like this Arthur Heartstopper-esque story’.
Emmerdale continues tonight, February 1 at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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Fans are loving Arthur’s storyline.
