The Walking Dead season 7 episode 14 finally confirmed a main character as gay

*Spoilers for The Walking Dead season 7 episode 14 follow*

A character in zombie drama The Walking Dead has had his sexuality confirmed in the latest episode of the series.

Hilltop Colony member Jesus (Tom Payne) revealed he was gay during a conversation with Maggie (Lauren Cohan) in one of the episode's more tender moments.

In reference to the union of factions who are joining forces for the upcoming war against The Saviours, Jesus - real name Paul Rovia - tells Maggie: “For the first time, I feel like I belong.

"When I was first here, I was never here,“ he continues. ”I always found it hard getting close to anyone - neighbours, friends... boyfriends.“

Despite the character being gay in Robert Kirkman's graphic novels, this is the first time his sexuality has been referenced in the series. Jesus is the sixth LGBT character after Tara (Alanna Masterson), Alisha (Juliana Harkavy), Aaron (Ross Marquand), Eric (Jordan Woods-Robinson) and Denise (Meritt Wever) to feature on the show.

Last week's episode, 'Bury Me Here,' saw the introduction of what is most likely the series' first ever Muslim-American character.

The Walking Dead airs in the UK tonight (20 March) at 9pm on FOX.