A leading gay rights group has praised bosses of hit TV show Grey's Anatomy for its recent lesbian plot line - despite the news that one of the gay characters it to be axed.

Brooke Smith plays cardiac doctor Erica Hahn, who is romantically involved with Sara Ramirez's character Dr Calliope 'Callie' Torres. But it was recently announced that the actress has been dropped from the series, putting an end to the burgeoning homosexual affair.

However, officials at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) insists that although they are disappointed that Smith's character has been cut, they are pleased that issues of sexuality will continue to feature in such a high-profile program.

A statement from the organization reads, "While we are disheartened that the burgeoning relationship between Callie and Erica has come to an end, the character of Callie, who has now been identified as a lesbian by show creator Shonda Rhimes, remains and her journey continues."

"Because there are so few lesbian characters on network television, we hope that (TV network) ABC and Grey's Anatomy will commit to further developing Callie's character and her relationships, and continue providing this important representation on one of TV's most-watched shows."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)