List of Shortland Street characters introduced in 2021

The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street in 2021, by order of first appearance.

Samira Moradi

Samira Moradi
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by	Roxie Mohebbi
Duration	2021–2022
First appearance	21 May 2021
Last appearance	22 March 2022
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Oliver Driver
In-universe information Occupation Doctor

Madonna Diaz

Madonna Diaz
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by	Marianne Infante
Duration	2021—
First appearance	23 July 2021
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Oliver Driver
In-universe information Occupation Nurse Mother Carmelita Diaz Husband Samson (until 2022) Viliami To'a (2023—) Daughters Joy Diaz

Madonna Diaz first appeared as part of the cast in mid-2021. Infante was the first Filipino actor to play a core-cast member on Shortland Street.^[1]

Viliami To'a

Viliami To'a
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by	Theo David
Duration	2021—
First appearance	6 August 2021
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Oliver Driver
In-universe information Occupation Nurse Paramedic Professional Rugby League player Mother Hanalei To'a Sisters Selina To'a Wife Madonna Diaz (2023—) Nephews Junior To'a

Joy Diaz

Joy Diaz
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by	Saya Kraetzer (2021) Athena Matthews (2022–2023)
Duration	2021–2023
First appearance	31 August 2021
Last appearance	20 December 2023
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Oliver Driver
In-universe information Father Samson Mother Madonna Diaz Grandmothers Carmelita Diaz

Francesca Telford

Francesca Telford
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by	Sara Wiseman
Duration	2021–2022
First appearance	2 November 2021
Last appearance	10 February 2022
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Oliver Driver
In-universe information Occupation Head of Surgery (2021–22)

Francesca Telford appeared for 5 months from November 2021. Wiseman's casting was announced alongside Ava Diakhaby, and was said to be one of New Zealand's "most successful actresses" returning to the show.^[2] Francesca was the third role Wiseman had played in the soap, having previously appeared in the nineties and as Jennifer Mason in 2010.^[3][4]

Francesca arrived to Ferndale as the new Head of Surgery at Shortland Street Hospital. Francesca was a long-time friend of Chris Warner's (Michael Galvin) partner Viv (Katherine Kennard), and found herself supporting Viv through a violent ordeal with an ex-partner. Facing misogyny from fellow surgeon Drew McCaskill (Ben Barrington), Francesca found herself promoting younger colleague Samira Moradi (Roxie Mohebbi). Whilst on a 'Women in Medicine' conference, the two began an affair and struggled with the dynamic upon returning to work. Ultimately Samira broke off the relationship and Francesca opted to leave Ferndale.

Jojo Starkey

Jojo Starkey
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by	Ava Diakhaby
Duration	2021–2022
First appearance	19 October 2021
Last appearance	10 November 2022
Classification	Former; recurring
Introduced by	Oliver Driver
In-universe information Occupation Nurse Bartender Grandfathers Robert Starkey

Jojo Starkey initially appeared for a 3 month stint in October 2021, before returning for another stint the following year.^[5] Diakhaby's casting was announced alongside Sara Wiseman, and was said to be one of New Zealand's "biggest up-and-comers ... joining the ranks."^[2]

Jojo arrived to Ferndale and quickly demonstrated her party-girl ways, falling into a casual relationship with Louis King (Henry Rolleston) and frustrating flatmate Dawn (Rebekah Randell) when she began to over-step her mark; including adopting a dog and naming her after Dawn's dog. Jojo worked in the hospital as a nurse but sick of the shifts, left to work at 'The I.V. Bar'. Catching the eye of Vili (Joshua David), the two began to sleep together much to the annoyance of his ex-girlfriend Madonna (Marianne Infante). When Jojo realised Vili still loved Madonna, she made efforts to undermine her before opting to leave Ferndale to become a Nanny in Spain.

Some months later Jojo was admitted to hospital after the car she was driving crashed and seriously injured her grandfather Robert (Chris Vidal). Robert did not survive and a devastated Jojo was supported by Vili and Madonna, returning to work at the hospital. Despite a growing attraction from Vili, Jojo tried to keep a distance before eventually reconciling. Vili began to develop a drug habit and whilst out supporting him on a paramedic shift, the two drove off a cliff and were trapped in the overturned vehicle. Surviving for over 24 hours suspended in tree branches, Vili was shocked to discover Jojo had succumbed to internal injuries.

The character's first stint received backlash from fans, leading to a more "empathetic" effort being made for her upon return. Fans were said to be "won-over" by the change in characterisation.^[5]

References

1. "Hero Award winner Marianne Infante joins cast of Shortland Street". Filipino Migrant News. 25 August 2021.
2. Simich, Ricardo (24 October 2024). "Spy: Meet the two new powerhouses of Shortland St". The New Zealand Herald.
3. Harvey, Kerry (11 November 2021). "Shortland Street 'the toughest gig in town' says Sara Wiseman". New Zealand TV Guide.
4. Hebenton, Rebekah (3 January 2022). "Shortland St star Sara Wiseman on returning to the show: 'I've had to rethink my life'". New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
5. Harvey, Kerry (16 June 2022). "Shortland Street fans have change of heart over Jojo". New Zealand TV Guide.