Callum McKay
Encyclopedia
Callum McKay is a fictional character
portrayed by actor Peter Mochrie
in the TVNZ
soap opera Shortland Street
. He is a doctor and the Chief Executive Officer
of Shortland Street Hospital
.
. In October 2006 it was announced Callum, "a senior GP" was to arrive and "give the hospital a good shake up." It was also said he was "Hell-bent on success and popularity" and was to be a womanizer. The character made his debut on 23 October 2006 with his first line being: "Ring her now and tell her she's fired. Callum McKay."
who had moved there earlier in the year and had just been appointed as head of surgery. In December his two teenage children, Hunter
and Sophie
joined them.
Callum was in charge of the Primary Care Clinic in Shortland Street Hospital
with TK Samuels
. He was originally portrayed as a very slimey comedic character. In 2006, TK was disturbed by Callums obscene methods and reported him missing to the Hospital CEO when he stopped answering calls. But it turned out he had just turned off his phone.
In 2007 he learnt that his wife, Justine
had an affair with Chris Warner
and briefly separated, but they had survived worse in the past and eventually reconciled. The awkwardness between Chris and Callum caused huge tension at work with Callum blackmailing Chris. Chris hired a women to claim Callum had sexually abused her as a retort. Callum also clashed with Chris' wife Toni
when Chris informed her that Callum was likely sexually attracted to her.
In 2008 Callum had high ambitions and went power-crazy while acting as CEO
of the hospital
in the absence of Chris Warner. DHB-appointed auditor Martha Riley, known as Riley, made recommendations to the DHB that led to Chris Warner
's removal as CEO. Hone Ropata
was appointed as CEO after initially helping Riley with the audit, but turned the role down leading to Callum's appointment and implementing Riley's suggestions.
Callum had a brief affair with Riley in the weeks before she left, and was caught red-handed when his son Hunter
came home to find Riley sauntering down the hallway from his parents' bedroom. Justine
learnt of the affair at Riley's leaving dinner when the DHB auditor broke down and announced her affections for Callum in front of everyone. Despite being upset, Justine took into consideration her own affair and they stayed together.
Callum tried winning over his staff, and in doing so locked horns with Craig Valentine
, the head of E.D. Callum showed apparent favouritism to his wife Justine
in the funding of her department, over the new surgical unit being developed by Chris Warner
. In 2008, an episode focused on Callum and Justine and featured heavy Shakespearean underlinings and themes.
Justine had to leave the country in witness protection after trying to stop corrupt drug company Scott Spear and Callum soon got involved in dodgy Ethan Pierce
's company. When the company turned out to be illegal, Callum was suspended from his job, but soon returned.
In 2009, With wife Justine in witness protection in Australia, Callum became close to Dr. Brooke Freeman and this eventually led to something of a relationship between the two. When Justine returned for the trial against Scott Spear, the two mutually separated. The relationship with Brooke does not last long however when Callum learns Brooke was helping Sophie with her romance towards wayward barman Kieran Mitchell
.
In 2010, Callum began a relationship with Rachel McKenna
. Although Rachel went behind Callums back several times in a business sense, the two seemed to be happy together. Callum was uneasy when he learnt Chris had redeveloped feelings for Rachel however he still entered into business with her when they bought out a block of apartments. Callum was sickened when Rachel dumped him for Chris but when the three got caught in a huge fire in the apartment, Callum shielded the two from a large blast of fire, hospitalizing him and giving him little chance of survival.
In 2011, Callum is shown to survive the explosion and after a few months, heals completely. Callum briefly dates spokeswomen, Lisa Bell but the conniving Shane Tucker sets Callum up to look like his relationship with Lisa is unethical and Callum gets fired from his position as CEO of Shortland Street, with Shane taking his place. Callum grows close to Hunter's girlfriend Jill
but is scammed out of $100,000 by her ex boyfriend Regan. They soon start an affair and a disgusted Hunter disowns his father. Callum soon gets reinstated as CEO.
have never seen eye to eye. The friction started when Chris found Callum very arrogant in his job interview and was reluctant to hire him. Their mismatching personalities met a head when Callum's wife Justine
started an affair with Chris and Callum found out in 2007. Callum took out a vendetta against Chris and started to blackmail him, threatening to tell Chris' wife Toni
. Chris rebuffed by paying a women to pretend Callum had sexually abused her during a breast cancer check. To get back at Chris, Callum hires Toni to work with him on a daily basis at "The Primary Care Clinic". The two also train together on a fun-run to which Chris warns Toni that Callum may be interested in her sexually. When Callum hears Toni has left Chris because of his affair with Rachel McKenna
, he allows her to stay at his house and eventually reveals to her the affair between Chris and Justine. Callum is seen numerous times over the next year insulting Chris' management abilities and blaming him for the string of murders taking place
.
In 2008, Callum replaces Chris as CEO of the hospital
. He instantly shows his superiority over Chris by investing into Justine's department rather than Chris'. The two are again at a head when they interview sinister Ethan Pierce
for the new head of surgery position. Chris deems Ethan too arrogant, but Callum, wanting points over Chris, employs Ethan, who later goes on to get Callum suspended. In 2010 Callum starts a relationship with Rachel McKenna
but is displeased toward the end of the year when he learns Chris and Rachel shared a kiss. Accusing Chris of stealing his girlfriend, Callum gives it his all to make sure Rachel stays with him, but to no prevail when Rachel breaks up with him to move in with Chris. As the year ends, Callum risks his life to shield Chris and Rachel from a huge explosion, in turn leaving him with third degree burns and metal shards in his back. In 2011, Callum takes in Chris' ex Gabrielle Jacobs
much to Chris' annoyance. As the year progresses, Chris and Rachel make it clear they want Callum gone from the CEO role. Callum is finally defeated in May when Chris, Rachel and Shane revealed he has been fired. Chris opposes Callum's bid to resume his position as CEO, causing Callum to lash out at Chris calling him a spoilt rich kid.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
portrayed by actor Peter Mochrie
Peter Mochrie
Peter Mochrie is an actor who has appeared in various Australian television programs during his 25-year career. Since 2006 Mochrie has starred in the New Zealand soap Shortland Street as Dr Callum McKay....
in the TVNZ
Television New Zealand
Television New Zealand, more commonly referred to, and stylized as TVNZ, is a government-owned corporation television network broadcasting in New Zealand and parts of the Pacific. It operates TV1, TV2, TVNZ7, TVNZ Heartland, TVNZ U and new media services....
soap opera Shortland Street
Shortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
. He is a doctor and the Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
of Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
.
Introduction
Callum was created in 2006 by producer Jason Daniel as part of a new family unit that was to be centered around all ready introduced character, Justine JonesJustine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
. In October 2006 it was announced Callum, "a senior GP" was to arrive and "give the hospital a good shake up." It was also said he was "Hell-bent on success and popularity" and was to be a womanizer. The character made his debut on 23 October 2006 with his first line being: "Ring her now and tell her she's fired. Callum McKay."
Storylines
Callum, who was originally from Australia, moved to New Zealand in 2006 to join his wife Justine JonesJustine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
who had moved there earlier in the year and had just been appointed as head of surgery. In December his two teenage children, Hunter
Hunter McKay
Hunter McKay is a fictional character in the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. He has been portrayed by Lee Donoghue since he first appeared in December 2006 as part of a new family unit consisting of parents Callum McKay and Justine Jones and younger sister Sophie McKay .The character is gifted...
and Sophie
Sophie McKay
Sophie Juliette McKay is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was introduced in late 2006 as the daughter of surgeon Justine Jones and GP Callum McKay. She was briefly married to Kieran Mitchell in early 2010 before they separated.-2006-2008:Sophie McKay...
joined them.
Callum was in charge of the Primary Care Clinic in Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
with TK Samuels
TK Samuels
Te Koha 'TK' Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.-2006-:...
. He was originally portrayed as a very slimey comedic character. In 2006, TK was disturbed by Callums obscene methods and reported him missing to the Hospital CEO when he stopped answering calls. But it turned out he had just turned off his phone.
In 2007 he learnt that his wife, Justine
Justine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
had an affair with Chris Warner
Chris Warner
Dr. Christopher "Chris" Warner is a fictional character and current main protagonist on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Michael Galvin. He is the only original character to still be on the show....
and briefly separated, but they had survived worse in the past and eventually reconciled. The awkwardness between Chris and Callum caused huge tension at work with Callum blackmailing Chris. Chris hired a women to claim Callum had sexually abused her as a retort. Callum also clashed with Chris' wife Toni
Toni Warner
Antoinette "Toni" Warner was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street...
when Chris informed her that Callum was likely sexually attracted to her.
In 2008 Callum had high ambitions and went power-crazy while acting as CEO
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
of the hospital
Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
in the absence of Chris Warner. DHB-appointed auditor Martha Riley, known as Riley, made recommendations to the DHB that led to Chris Warner
Chris Warner
Dr. Christopher "Chris" Warner is a fictional character and current main protagonist on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Michael Galvin. He is the only original character to still be on the show....
's removal as CEO. Hone Ropata
Hone Ropata
Hone Ropata was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and was part of the original cast. He was portrayed by Temuera Morrison who after the role went on to several Hollywood roles...
was appointed as CEO after initially helping Riley with the audit, but turned the role down leading to Callum's appointment and implementing Riley's suggestions.
Callum had a brief affair with Riley in the weeks before she left, and was caught red-handed when his son Hunter
Hunter McKay
Hunter McKay is a fictional character in the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. He has been portrayed by Lee Donoghue since he first appeared in December 2006 as part of a new family unit consisting of parents Callum McKay and Justine Jones and younger sister Sophie McKay .The character is gifted...
came home to find Riley sauntering down the hallway from his parents' bedroom. Justine
Justine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
learnt of the affair at Riley's leaving dinner when the DHB auditor broke down and announced her affections for Callum in front of everyone. Despite being upset, Justine took into consideration her own affair and they stayed together.
Callum tried winning over his staff, and in doing so locked horns with Craig Valentine
Craig Valentine
Dr. Craig Valentine is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Renato Bartolomei for four years from May 2004 to September 2008....
, the head of E.D. Callum showed apparent favouritism to his wife Justine
Justine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
in the funding of her department, over the new surgical unit being developed by Chris Warner
Chris Warner
Dr. Christopher "Chris" Warner is a fictional character and current main protagonist on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Michael Galvin. He is the only original character to still be on the show....
. In 2008, an episode focused on Callum and Justine and featured heavy Shakespearean underlinings and themes.
Justine had to leave the country in witness protection after trying to stop corrupt drug company Scott Spear and Callum soon got involved in dodgy Ethan Pierce
Ethan Pierce
Dr. Ethan Pierce is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and was portrayed by Owen Black from August 2008 to January 2009 and again from May to June 2009...
's company. When the company turned out to be illegal, Callum was suspended from his job, but soon returned.
In 2009, With wife Justine in witness protection in Australia, Callum became close to Dr. Brooke Freeman and this eventually led to something of a relationship between the two. When Justine returned for the trial against Scott Spear, the two mutually separated. The relationship with Brooke does not last long however when Callum learns Brooke was helping Sophie with her romance towards wayward barman Kieran Mitchell
Kieran Mitchell
Kieran Mitchell is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street who was portrayed by British actor Adam Rickitt through numerous high profile storylines from early 2007 to mid 2010....
.
In 2010, Callum began a relationship with Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Angela Bloomfield. Rachel first appeared on the show from 1993 to 1999. Then from 2001 to 2003. Rachel then made a very brief appearance in 2007 before returning as a core cast member in October 2009...
. Although Rachel went behind Callums back several times in a business sense, the two seemed to be happy together. Callum was uneasy when he learnt Chris had redeveloped feelings for Rachel however he still entered into business with her when they bought out a block of apartments. Callum was sickened when Rachel dumped him for Chris but when the three got caught in a huge fire in the apartment, Callum shielded the two from a large blast of fire, hospitalizing him and giving him little chance of survival.
In 2011, Callum is shown to survive the explosion and after a few months, heals completely. Callum briefly dates spokeswomen, Lisa Bell but the conniving Shane Tucker sets Callum up to look like his relationship with Lisa is unethical and Callum gets fired from his position as CEO of Shortland Street, with Shane taking his place. Callum grows close to Hunter's girlfriend Jill
Jill Kingsbury
Jill Kingsbury is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She is portrayed by Natalie Medlock and arrived to the show in February 2011 as a potential love interest of Daniel Potts ....
but is scammed out of $100,000 by her ex boyfriend Regan. They soon start an affair and a disgusted Hunter disowns his father. Callum soon gets reinstated as CEO.
Feud with Chris Warner
Even since Callum's first episode in 2006, Callum and long running character, Dr. Chris WarnerChris Warner
Dr. Christopher "Chris" Warner is a fictional character and current main protagonist on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Michael Galvin. He is the only original character to still be on the show....
have never seen eye to eye. The friction started when Chris found Callum very arrogant in his job interview and was reluctant to hire him. Their mismatching personalities met a head when Callum's wife Justine
Justine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
started an affair with Chris and Callum found out in 2007. Callum took out a vendetta against Chris and started to blackmail him, threatening to tell Chris' wife Toni
Toni Warner
Antoinette "Toni" Warner was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street...
. Chris rebuffed by paying a women to pretend Callum had sexually abused her during a breast cancer check. To get back at Chris, Callum hires Toni to work with him on a daily basis at "The Primary Care Clinic". The two also train together on a fun-run to which Chris warns Toni that Callum may be interested in her sexually. When Callum hears Toni has left Chris because of his affair with Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Angela Bloomfield. Rachel first appeared on the show from 1993 to 1999. Then from 2001 to 2003. Rachel then made a very brief appearance in 2007 before returning as a core cast member in October 2009...
, he allows her to stay at his house and eventually reveals to her the affair between Chris and Justine. Callum is seen numerous times over the next year insulting Chris' management abilities and blaming him for the string of murders taking place
Joey Henderson
Joseph James "Joey" Henderson was a fictional character that appeared on New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, and was the soap's first serial killer. Although always a suspect, the audience did not learn Joey was the killer until December 2007...
.
In 2008, Callum replaces Chris as CEO of the hospital
Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
. He instantly shows his superiority over Chris by investing into Justine's department rather than Chris'. The two are again at a head when they interview sinister Ethan Pierce
Ethan Pierce
Dr. Ethan Pierce is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and was portrayed by Owen Black from August 2008 to January 2009 and again from May to June 2009...
for the new head of surgery position. Chris deems Ethan too arrogant, but Callum, wanting points over Chris, employs Ethan, who later goes on to get Callum suspended. In 2010 Callum starts a relationship with Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Angela Bloomfield. Rachel first appeared on the show from 1993 to 1999. Then from 2001 to 2003. Rachel then made a very brief appearance in 2007 before returning as a core cast member in October 2009...
but is displeased toward the end of the year when he learns Chris and Rachel shared a kiss. Accusing Chris of stealing his girlfriend, Callum gives it his all to make sure Rachel stays with him, but to no prevail when Rachel breaks up with him to move in with Chris. As the year ends, Callum risks his life to shield Chris and Rachel from a huge explosion, in turn leaving him with third degree burns and metal shards in his back. In 2011, Callum takes in Chris' ex Gabrielle Jacobs
Gabrielle Jacobs
Dr. Gabrielle Jacobs is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Virginie Le Brun throughout two stints, the first from 2009 to 2010 and the second from 2011 to present...
much to Chris' annoyance. As the year progresses, Chris and Rachel make it clear they want Callum gone from the CEO role. Callum is finally defeated in May when Chris, Rachel and Shane revealed he has been fired. Chris opposes Callum's bid to resume his position as CEO, causing Callum to lash out at Chris calling him a spoilt rich kid.
External links
- Character profile at the official Shortland Street website