Former Neighbours star Takaya Honda has announced the birth of his son with wife Amy, after what they previously described as ‘years of despair’. The soap star, 37, played Dr David Tanaka, son of Ramsay Street legend Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) for eight years from 2016. David made Australian television history as part of the first gay wedding, when he married Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson). The two went on to have a daughter, Isla, through surrogate mother Nicolette Stone (then Charlotte Chimes).

Last year, following a brief return to the Amazon Prime Video revival of the show, David died following a shocking clifftop showdown with devious Eden Shaw (Costa D’Angelo). Scenes that air this week have shown his family dealing with the tragic anniversary. Aside from Neighbours, Takaya was a regular presenter on children’s series Play School for eight years and also played recurring character Klaus Thomson in The Family Law for three years.

In May 2019, he announced his engagement to Amy Swarb, and the two married in November 2020. The couple revealed they were expecting in July. At the time, he detailed their fertility issues in an emotional statement on Instagram. ‘We’ve been waiting for this news for a long time, it’s been years of hoping & waiting. Years of frustration being told that we were both healthy and fine’ he wrote.

‘It’s been a long journey to get here and although there were times when we felt things were never going to work we, never gave up. ‘It’s impossible to really communicate what the last few years have been like, especially not the last year filled with so much hope then despair, belief then loss and oh so many needles.’. Yesterday he shared adorable pictures of son Ari Zen Honda, who was born on 20th January.

In a note penned for the infant he and Amy said: ‘Dear Ari, We have waited so long and worked so hard to finally have you with us. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. ‘You have filled our hearts with joy and we cannot wait for all the adventures we will share with you. You are happy and healthy and that is all we can and will ever hope for.

‘Love, Mum and Dad x’. His former co-stars have flooded into the comments to show their support. On-screen husband Matt Wilson wrote: ‘This makes me so happy. Congrats.’. Plain Jane Superbrain star Annie Jones added: ‘Oh wow! Congratulations.’. ‘Oh my goodness!! An angel. Congratulations to you both… let the adventure begin!! Welcome to the world Ari!!!’ continued Lucinda Cowden, who left her Melanie Pearson role in November.

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Majella Davis, who plays Krista Sinclair – and is about to embark on a nationwide British tour to coincide with Neighbours’ 40th Anniversary – said: ‘Congratulations beautiful family! Welcome to the world Ari.’. Her screen fiancé Tim Kano added: ‘Congrats dudes!! What a lil legend.’ Tim was introduced to the show as the twin brother of Takaya’s character. Fan-favourite Candice Leask, who plays Wendy Rodwell shared her love: ‘Congratulations. I bet it felt like pure bliss meeting your new little angel. What the best feeling in the world… Sending you all love.’.

Home and Away’s Pippa Fletcher legend Debra Lawrence wrote: ‘Welcome Ari. You chose wisely. Much love to you all.’. Ariel Kaplan, who played Imogen Willis joked: ‘Omg congratulations guys!!! And great name choice.’. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

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