Chris Warner
Affectionately referred to by fans and the media as "Dr. Love", Chris made his first appearance in the show's first episode by having an affair with his aerobics instructor. This was an infamous and controversial scene. Portrayed as spoiled and from a wealthy family that inherited the hospital that was founded by his father, the character of Chris was characterised by his patronising and illicit manner; contrasted in a 1994 storyline where he became addicted to morphine. Known primarily for romance storyliness, Chris has been married five times and participated in over 20 romances as well as fathering six children. Chris was the first member of the Warner family to join the show and he was joined by half brother Guy Warner (Craig Parker). In later years, Chris became the patriarch of a family unit made up of his sons Harry (Reid Walker) and Phoenix (Geordie Holibar). Chris has been involved in several high profile and highly rated storylines; including a 1994 car crash, nearly getting murdered by his brother in law Dominic Thompson (Shane Cortese), losing his wife to his drug-addicted brother Guy, and ending up in jail after being framed for murder.
List of Shortland Street characters (1992)
Noel Sturgess appeared sporadically throughout the shows first 3 years. He was the primary share holder of the Shortland Street clinic. He arrived to the hospital as a patient requiring heart surgery in mid-1992 and instantly came across as gross and creepy to the young women staff. He took a liking to doctor - Chris Warner (Michael Galvin) and showed sexual interest in Kirsty (Angela Dotchin). He hired Kirsty as his temporary personal assistant in the clinic and sexually harassed Carrie (Lisa Crittenden). He offered Kirsty a full-time contract and left when she declined. He returned the following year after the nurses went on strike. He considered selling out the hospital but ended up keeping his shares. In 1994 Noel returned and was skeptical at his daughter Hilary's (Susan Brady) financial scheme for the hospital. Jenny (Maggie Harper) pondered Noel about his late wife and he admitted he treated her poorly. Noel had a heart attack moments later and died. His shares of the hospital were given to Hilary.