in 2005, after 13 years on the show, the character of nick was axed by producers alongside wife, waverley harrison (claire chitham). the network reportedly did not think the characters were any longer an "asset" to the show. the harrison family made their last appearance on 17 march 2005. burnett was not surprised at his character's axing and had been ready to move on from the role. though he was not opposed to returning to the soap for one or two guest appearances, he did not think he would be asked back. burnett stayed with the show in the role of a boom operator behind the scenes. in 2012, burnett admitted that he had not been asked to return for the show's 20th anniversary. following an online campaign and petition to reinstate nick in 2014, burnett commented that he was open and willing to return. in honour of the show's 25th anniversary in 2017, burnett was asked to reprise his role alongside chitham. the two filmed an appearance for the feature length special which burnett commented was, "definitely going to be a fun watch". burnett made his reappearance on 25 may 2017.