Maria Thattil praises Neighbours for casting ‘a queer actor of colour’ ahead of her soap acting debut… amid high-profile relationship with AFLW star Moana Hope

Model, podcaster, and author Maria Thattil has recently made a foray into acting, nabbing a role in upcoming episodes of Neighbours.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, 30-year-old Maria praised the Aussie soap for casting a ‘queer actor of colour.’

‘I think it’s a beautiful thing that we’re living in a time where casting directors are wanting to do this authentically. So they are casting queer actors of colour for queer characters of colour,’ she said. 

Maria, who will play Amira Devkar on the show, said she is keen to help the show become more authentically representative, since she did not see people like herself on the classic television program growing up. 

‘It felt distant to me because you’re watching these families and these stories, and I guess if you don’t see yourself in these great Australian stories, does that mean that you’re not fitting what Australian stories are meant to be? I’m so excited that I get to be on it,’ the up-and-coming actress said.

Model, podcaster, and author Maria Thattil has Maria praised Neighbours for casting a ‘queer actor of colour’ ahead of her acting debut on the soap. Pictured 

Not only has Maria been kicking goals professionally, her love life is looking bright too, as she has been dating AFLW star Moana Hope for the past few months.

The couple went official soon after Moana’s split from her ex-wife, Isabella, with whom she shares two children.

And things are reportedly getting serious between the lovebirds.

Maria has even introduced her father to her new love, as he was recently photographed sitting with them while they enjoyed a meal together.

Not only has Maria been kicking goals professionally, her love life is looking bright too, as she has been dating AFLW star Moana Hope (pictured) for the past few months

Not only has Maria been kicking goals professionally, her love life is looking bright too, as she has been dating AFLW star Moana Hope (pictured) for the past few months

Maria and Moana have also been spotted going to and from the Australian Open recently. 

In addition to Ramsay Street, the tennis tournament is another Melbourne institution Maria is proud to champion.

‘The Australian Open is always my favourite time of year and I think for me as someone who is a proud Melburnian, it cements the city as being the cultural hub of Australia..for food, for entertainment, for sport,’ the influencer said.

In addition to Ramsay Street, another Melbourne institution Maria is proud to champion is the Australian Open

In addition to Ramsay Street, another Melbourne institution Maria is proud to champion is the Australian Open

Thattil said she will be back at the tournament on Sunday with family and friends, hinting that followers might see some more happy snaps with girlfriend Moana. 

‘I love when I get to take my family or friends or partner and be there and get to enjoy what’s on offer,’ she said.

Moana split up with Isabella last May, explaining they’d tried ‘everything to get their relationship back on track’ but she ‘didn’t feel the same as she used to’.

Maria also recently went through a high-profile breakup, after she and her TikTok star ex-girlfriend Jorgia O’Hare, announced their split in June.

It comes as Maria and Moana put on a loved-up display as they headed to the Australian Open in style last Thursday. Both pictured

It comes as Maria and Moana put on a loved-up display as they headed to the Australian Open in style last Thursday. Both pictured 

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