Neighbours spoilers: Ryan Thomas’ Rafael goes on a surprise date with David – but leaves after his connection to Paul Robinson is revealed

ROMANCE is on the cards for Ryan Thomas' Neighbours character Rafael Humphreys, as he gets to know David Tanaka at The Waterhole.

Tonight viewers will see Rafael finally take a break from plotting against Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to spend some time with David (Takaya Honda) - unaware that the doctor is his arch-enemy's son.

It all begins when David's brother Leo and sister Amy notice a chemistry between him and Rafael, and can be seen quickly encouraging him to take it further.

Although Rafael doesn't respond too well to David's at first, he later loosens up when persistent David tries again.

After working a shift at The Waterhole, Rafael enjoys an impromptu date with David, although he's still careful not to give too much away about his past.

But it turns sour when Rafael learns David's true identity and makes a hasty exit, leaving  the doctor baffled as to why.

Speaking about Rafael's on-screen relationship, Ryan told : "The character is very deep and very troubled.

"He's an emotional rollercoaster of a character, so I think he's caught off guard with any relationship. Rafael has never really had a relationship, so he's not been in touch with his own feelings before.

"I don't think he's worked out who he is or what he is.

"I think it's all caught him a little bit off guard and he's struggling to channel his feelings in the right way.

"I hope you'll see that with the stress that Rafael goes through with his emotions and his feelings towards another character in the show."