I'm very happy with how it plays out. If it contributes to normalising same-sex relationships in some way, that's great." It later emerged that Belinda was Steph's psychiatric nurse, who helped her through her time at the hospital. Bonner said the women fell in love and it would become clear that they had a "beautiful, deep connection". In March 2016, Steph was paired with Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor). The relationship starts when Mark asks Steph to help him with his motorbike repairs. She enjoys his company and Bonner pointed out that he was different from most of the men Steph had been around before. She explained, "I think for the first time in ages she finds a man that she feels comfortable with." Steph kisses Mark, but he is reluctant to take things further, which leaves her feeling embarrassed and she orders him to leave. When Charlie comes to visit Steph, Mark spends the day with them and gives Charlie a ride in his police car. Steph is "touched" by his kindness and when she goes to thank him, they end up kissing again and have sex. However, Mark is unsure where he stands, while Steph is worried that her previous relationship with Belinda will be an issue. Their romance is also tested by Mark's former fiancée Paige Smith (Olympia Valance), who tells Mark that Steph is just using him to gain custody of Charlie. Mark confronts Steph, and they initially agree to remain friends, but soon realise that they want to be a couple. When Paige once again tells Mark that Steph is using him, Steph confronts Paige and they get into a physical fight. The following day, Paige comes to apologise to Steph and soon realises Mark has stayed the night. Steph and Mark's relationship is put under strain when they try to have a child via surrogacy. Steph finds herself attracted to Victoria Lamb (Claudia Greenstone) and an "Inside Soap" columnist noted their chemistry was "sizzling". When Steph sees Victoria has been stood up on a date, she offers her support. The women spend the evening talking and laughing together, which leads to Victoria kissing Steph. Steph feels guilty about cheating on Mark and immediately admits what happened. She also tells him she has doubts about the surrogacy. In March 2018, Bonner replied to a fan's query about Steph's lack of storylines by saying they were being "weaned" off her character, leading to speculation that she was leaving the show. On 17 May, Sophie Dainty of "Digital Spy" confirmed that Bonner had exited "Neighbours", and her last scenes aired on 7 June.