Luke Durville
Encyclopedia
Dr. Luke Durville is a fictional character on New Zealand's long-running soap opera, Shortland Street
. Durville has been played by Gerald Urquhart since the character's first appearance on 14 September 2007 and appears sporadically each year often disappearing from four to eleven months at a time.
Arriving as a suspect in the Ferndale Stranglings
, Durville is a highly sought after and respected Anaesthetist who is known as having a quiet manner and awkward demeanour, but has always been a bit of an enigma to his workmates. Despite being highly respected and sought after in his field, he chooses not to socialise with his colleagues, preferring to spend his time alone and pursuing his interest in amateur taxidermy and the history of witchcraft and necromancy. Over the years, Luke has shown romantic interest to numerous women mainly Tania Jeffries
(Faye Smythe
), but his obscure personality has restricted him to only becoming friends. However his knowledge of foreign cultures helped Luke become engaged in 2011 to Zlata Waldheim
(Kate Elliott
). He has also had notable feuds with Ethan Pierce
(Owen Black) and Isaac Worthington
(Matt Minto); the latter just about causing his murder.
Luke Durville has been proved to one of the most popular recurring characters in recent years; with Urquhart's performance being favoured by fans and critics alike. In 2009 and 2010 Durville placed runner up 'Favourite Male In A Recurring role', in the annual Shortland Street Awards. Urquhart was also nominated for Best Actor in the TV Guide Best on the Box 2011 and placed second place behind Antony Starr
for his role in Outrageous Fortune
.
, Steve Roberts, Gavin Capper, Kieran Mitchell
and Joey Henderson
(who ended up being the killer). Durville was the last introduced and featured as part of the storyline of Sophie McKay
's loss of virginity.
storyline. He made his first appearance in mid September with his first line being: "Thanks... Gerald? isn't it?". He made his final appearance in mid December.
storyline in which he would clash with the surgeon. He made his first appearance in October and carried on through the show until January 2009. He later returned in May for Gabrielle Jacobs
' storyline before disappearing once again. Luke made an unexpected return in March 2010 as part of Isaac Worthington
's storyline before departing later that month.
It was announced in August 2010 that Luke would once again be returning with more central storylines such as the arrival of his brother. Durville continued in the role through to April 2011. It was announced in August 2011 that Durville would be returning to the show in August and would be getting a love interest.
(Kimberley Crossman
) and Nate Adamson (Damien Harrison) suspect he is the Ferndale Strangler. The two break into his house and find newspaper articles and victim's hair clippings. Luke discovers them and the two teenagers accuse him of being the killer online. Durville is attacked by the media and threatens to sue but Callum
(Peter Mochrie
) and Justine
(Lucy Wigmore
) work things out with Durville becoming good friends with Justine. He soon becomes a major suspect in the killings, especially raising suspicion with nurse Brenda Holloway (Katherine McRae).
On 6 October 2008 Luke returned after a ten month disappearance. He assisted in the Operation of Timothy Carson (Austin Taylor) who suffered from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
. Luke soon gets a permanent job at the hospital. Later, Durville joins Chris Warner
(Michael Galvin) to stop Ethan
(Owen Black) from being Head of Department but Callum sees Chris's plan and as revenge gives Ethan the position. Luke also attended Kelly Piper's funeral days later. Luke again clashes with Ethan in surgery, causing Ethan to punch Luke, dangering the patient.
At the end of the 2008 season, Ethan is shot by an unknown assistant and immediately Luke's feuds with Ethan came into question. In 2009 Luke performed hypnosis on Alice Piper
(Toni Potter
) and she revealed that she remembered Maia Jeffries
(Anna Jullienne
) being at Ethan's house, proving Maia killed Ethan. After coming back in suspicion for murder, the second time (the first being 'The Ferndale Strangler) Luke took a break from the hospital. Nevertheless, Luke returned in late May and was attracted to new H.O.D, Gabrielle Jacobs
(Virginie Le Brun). Libby Jeffries
(Fleur Saville
) encouraged Luke, only causing embarrassment and Luke considering resigning.
Luke returns in March 2010 and instantly develops a feud with new arrogant surgeon Isaac Worthington
(Matt Minto). When he returns again in August the feud continues and starts to interfere with their professional lives. As such Chris sends them on an orientation course where Luke trips and hurts his ankle. The two are forced to work together and eventually become friends.
Later, Luke is devastated when his brother Rafe (Simon London) is admitted to hospital but is later thrilled to hear he will make a full recovery. His feelings toward long time crush, Tania
(Faye Smythe
) continue to grow but he is less than pleased to find that Tania has fallen for his brother Rafe. After refusing to talk to Rafe and Tania, Luke finally decides to put Tania's happiness ahead of his own jealousy and blesses the relationship. Afterwards Luke watches on as Rafe and Tania depart Ferndale for good.
Luke starts to ask questions about Isaac's illegal surgery he performed, leading him to get kidnapped by a Russian gang and his fate left unknown until 2011.
In January Luke is shown to be alive but he soon pieces together the kidnapping and accuses Isaac. This leads Isaac to frame him for drug addiction, causing Luke to be stood down. When he again confronts Isaac, Isaac frames him for assault and Luke kidnaps Isaac trying to film a confession, this fails however and he is arrested. Luke charges are dropped when Isaac flees the country and Luke blackmails Brooke
(Beth Allen
) into getting his job back.
Luke returns in August after a lengthy world wide travel and after rejecting advances from an impressed Vasa Levi
(Teuila Blakely), announces he has become engaged to Romanian, Zlata
(Kate Elliott
).
to believe he is the serial killer. Gerald Urquhart enjoyed Luke's characterisation, saying; "Luke is misunderstood. His strange demeanour and interests are his defining features. However, underneath his mumbling exterior lurks a kind, considerate individual. He is traditional, loyal and professional, longing for companionship and thirsty for knowledge." Luke is shown to be a part time anesthetist and though seen as weird, is described as "harmless" by Yvonne Jeffries
. Upon learning Sophie has named him as the killer on her online blog, Luke is furious and threatens legal action, taking time off. Upon his return he is again shown as friendly, becoming good friends with Sophie's mother Justine
. Even after the arrest of Gavin Capper
, Luke remains skeptical the murders are over.
Luke featured heavily in the marketing campaign for the Ferndale Strangler storyline, appearing in commercials, online police interviews and being accused on and off the show numerous times. The killer was revealed to be Joey Henderson
in December 2007, but this was only 1 of the 4 killer reveal clips. The videos were filmed so cast, crew and the public remained unaware as to who actually was the killer. Luke's ending saw him enter the house of Alice Piper
and prepare to strangle her while she fetched him a wine. With Joey being revealed as the killer, Luke's ending remained unaired but was purposely leaked to put viewers off the scent.
would be joining the cast as Zlata Waldheim
, a love interest for Luke. Vasa is attracted to the newly confident Luke however he reveals he is engaged to Romanian Zlata. Urquhart enjoyed the way Luke followed Zlata around and stated; "It's lot of fun to play the kind of romance. Luke has suffered from unrequited love for a long time, so it's great to have some love being given back to him." Zlata is soon revealed to be obsessed with image and only with Luke because of his high profile job, however learning of his past being framed as a drug addict, she forces Luke to have a drastic makeover to help his standing in the hospital. Urquhart stated that Luke does not mind about his poor treatment as long as he is pleasing Zlata and that Luke would do anything for love. However after Zlata requests the two's children be brought up Catholic, Luke refuses and Zlata accidentally confesses to Luke thinking he is a priest. After hearing Zlata's heartfelt confession, Luke agrees for their children to be Catholic.
Gerald Urquhart was nominated for Best Actor in the TV Guide Best on the Box 2011 for his acting throughout the 2010-2011 period. He placed runner up behind Antony Starr
.
Urquhart's co star, Matt Minto (Isaac Worthington
) spoke of the fan's praise for Luke following scenes where Isaac got Luke kidnapped and later framed for drug addiction; "I'm going to be public enemy number one. Luke's popular because he's eccentric; taxidermy is his life after all. He is intrinsically funny. He is also very good-natured and always means well, which I'm sure appeals to the audience." Urquhart further elaborated on the characters popularity and 'cult following', saying: "I think he's someone who's a little out of the box, but I also think he's got a heart of gold and people connect with his earnestness".
In September 2011, a "Ferndale Taxidermy club" t-shirt that Luke wore on screen was auctioned off on bidding site, TradeMe
. 5 percent of the proceeds went towards Paw Justice.
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...
. Durville has been played by Gerald Urquhart since the character's first appearance on 14 September 2007 and appears sporadically each year often disappearing from four to eleven months at a time.
Arriving as a suspect in the Ferndale Stranglings
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...
, Durville is a highly sought after and respected Anaesthetist who is known as having a quiet manner and awkward demeanour, but has always been a bit of an enigma to his workmates. Despite being highly respected and sought after in his field, he chooses not to socialise with his colleagues, preferring to spend his time alone and pursuing his interest in amateur taxidermy and the history of witchcraft and necromancy. Over the years, Luke has shown romantic interest to numerous women mainly Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Tania Jeffries is the younger sister to nurse Maia Jeffries, PA Libby Jeffries and daughter of hospital receptionist, Yvonne Jefferies...
(Faye Smythe
Faye Smythe
Faye Smythe is a New Zealand television actor, best known for her role in Shortland Street as Nurse Tania Jeffries.-Early life:...
), but his obscure personality has restricted him to only becoming friends. However his knowledge of foreign cultures helped Luke become engaged in 2011 to Zlata Waldheim
Zlata Waldheim
Zlata Waldheim is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Kate Elliott since her debut as a love interest for established character Luke Durville in August 2011....
(Kate Elliott
Kate Elliott (actress)
Kate Elliott is an actress.She was born in and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. She has acted in television series and films since she was about 14 as well as numerous advertisements on New Zealand television....
). He has also had notable feuds with 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...
(Owen Black) and Isaac Worthington
Isaac Worthington
Dr. Isaac John William Worthington is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Matt Minto and has been on the show since March 8, 2010. He is the cousin of long time character Chris Warner. The characters badboy attitude and relationship with Dr...
(Matt Minto); the latter just about causing his murder.
Luke Durville has been proved to one of the most popular recurring characters in recent years; with Urquhart's performance being favoured by fans and critics alike. In 2009 and 2010 Durville placed runner up 'Favourite Male In A Recurring role', in the annual Shortland Street Awards. Urquhart was also nominated for Best Actor in the TV Guide Best on the Box 2011 and placed second place behind Antony Starr
Antony Starr
Antony Starr is a New Zealand television actor best known for his dual role as twins Jethro and Van West in New Zealand's hit comedy/drama Outrageous Fortune.-Career:...
for his role in Outrageous Fortune
Outrageous Fortune (TV series)
Outrageous Fortune was a New Zealand comedy/drama television series, which was created by James Griffin and Rachel Lang and was produced by South Pacific Pictures...
.
Creation
The character was introduced as part of a bid to add more suspicious and mysterious characters to be suspects in the Ferndale Strangler storyline. He was introduced alongside James ScottJames Scott (character)
James Owen "Scotty" Scott is a fictional character on New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street and was portrayed by Kiel McNaughton from his arrival in March 2007, first as a guest character before returning in June 2007 as a core cast member, up until the characters axing in 2011...
, Steve Roberts, Gavin Capper, 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....
and Joey Henderson
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...
(who ended up being the killer). Durville was the last introduced and featured as part of the storyline of Sophie McKay
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...
's loss of virginity.
Arrival
It was announced in August 2007 that Gerald Urquhart would be arriving as cooky new anaesthetist Luke Durville as part of the Ferndale StranglerJoey 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...
storyline. He made his first appearance in mid September with his first line being: "Thanks... Gerald? isn't it?". He made his final appearance in mid December.
Returns
It was announced in September 2008 that Luke would be returning in October as part of the Ethan PierceEthan 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...
storyline in which he would clash with the surgeon. He made his first appearance in October and carried on through the show until January 2009. He later returned in May for 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...
' storyline before disappearing once again. Luke made an unexpected return in March 2010 as part of Isaac Worthington
Isaac Worthington
Dr. Isaac John William Worthington is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Matt Minto and has been on the show since March 8, 2010. He is the cousin of long time character Chris Warner. The characters badboy attitude and relationship with Dr...
's storyline before departing later that month.
It was announced in August 2010 that Luke would once again be returning with more central storylines such as the arrival of his brother. Durville continued in the role through to April 2011. It was announced in August 2011 that Durville would be returning to the show in August and would be getting a love interest.
2007-
Luke Durville first appears in September 2007 when Sophie McKaySophie 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...
(Kimberley Crossman
Kimberley Crossman
Kimberley Frances Crossman is a New Zealand actress, dancer and cheerleader who is best known for her role as Sophie McKay on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Early life:...
) and Nate Adamson (Damien Harrison) suspect he is the Ferndale Strangler. The two break into his house and find newspaper articles and victim's hair clippings. Luke discovers them and the two teenagers accuse him of being the killer online. Durville is attacked by the media and threatens to sue but Callum
Callum McKay
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.-Introduction:...
(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....
) and 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...
(Lucy Wigmore
Lucy Wigmore
Lucy Wigmore is a stage and screen actress from New Zealand. She played core cast member Dr Justine Jones in the long-running soap opera Shortland Street, and more recently starred as Lillian May Armfield in Underbelly: Razor, a 13 part Drama set in the 1920's - 1930's on the rough and ready...
) work things out with Durville becoming good friends with Justine. He soon becomes a major suspect in the killings, especially raising suspicion with nurse Brenda Holloway (Katherine McRae).
On 6 October 2008 Luke returned after a ten month disappearance. He assisted in the Operation of Timothy Carson (Austin Taylor) who suffered from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a recessive X-linked form of muscular dystrophy, which results in muscle degeneration, difficulty walking, breathing, and death. The incidence is 1 in 3,000 boys. Females and males are affected, though females are rarely affected and are more often carriers...
. Luke soon gets a permanent job at the hospital. Later, Durville joins 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....
(Michael Galvin) to stop Ethan
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...
(Owen Black) from being Head of Department but Callum sees Chris's plan and as revenge gives Ethan the position. Luke also attended Kelly Piper's funeral days later. Luke again clashes with Ethan in surgery, causing Ethan to punch Luke, dangering the patient.
At the end of the 2008 season, Ethan is shot by an unknown assistant and immediately Luke's feuds with Ethan came into question. In 2009 Luke performed hypnosis on Alice Piper
Alice Piper
Alison "Alice" Piper was a fictional character in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was played by actress Toni Potter.Alice worked as a nurse at Shortland Street Hospital in the Emergency Department...
(Toni Potter
Toni Potter
Toni Potter is a New Zealand actress, best known for her role on New Zealand medical drama Shortland Street.-Early life:Toni grew up with her sister, mother and father who was in the army in Papakura, Waiouru and Upper Hutt...
) and she revealed that she remembered Maia Jeffries
Maia Jeffries
Maia Anne Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Anna Jullienne from mid 2004 to early 2011, with the character starring in numerous high profile storylines alongside her on screen family....
(Anna Jullienne
Anna Jullienne
Anna Jullienne Kermode is a New Zealand actress, best known for her role as Nurse Maia Jefferies in the television series Shortland Street. Maia is a beautiful and talented young nurse who happens to be a lesbian...
) being at Ethan's house, proving Maia killed Ethan. After coming back in suspicion for murder, the second time (the first being 'The Ferndale Strangler) Luke took a break from the hospital. Nevertheless, Luke returned in late May and was attracted to new H.O.D, 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...
(Virginie Le Brun). Libby Jeffries
Libby Jeffries
Olivia "Libby" Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Fleur Saville from 2006 to 2010....
(Fleur Saville
Fleur Saville
Fleur Saville in Auckland is a New Zealand television actress best known for her roles in the television sitcoms Being Eve and The Tribe in which she became known to international audiences for her portrayal of Ruby...
) encouraged Luke, only causing embarrassment and Luke considering resigning.
Luke returns in March 2010 and instantly develops a feud with new arrogant surgeon Isaac Worthington
Isaac Worthington
Dr. Isaac John William Worthington is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Matt Minto and has been on the show since March 8, 2010. He is the cousin of long time character Chris Warner. The characters badboy attitude and relationship with Dr...
(Matt Minto). When he returns again in August the feud continues and starts to interfere with their professional lives. As such Chris sends them on an orientation course where Luke trips and hurts his ankle. The two are forced to work together and eventually become friends.
Later, Luke is devastated when his brother Rafe (Simon London) is admitted to hospital but is later thrilled to hear he will make a full recovery. His feelings toward long time crush, Tania
Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Tania Jeffries is the younger sister to nurse Maia Jeffries, PA Libby Jeffries and daughter of hospital receptionist, Yvonne Jefferies...
(Faye Smythe
Faye Smythe
Faye Smythe is a New Zealand television actor, best known for her role in Shortland Street as Nurse Tania Jeffries.-Early life:...
) continue to grow but he is less than pleased to find that Tania has fallen for his brother Rafe. After refusing to talk to Rafe and Tania, Luke finally decides to put Tania's happiness ahead of his own jealousy and blesses the relationship. Afterwards Luke watches on as Rafe and Tania depart Ferndale for good.
Luke starts to ask questions about Isaac's illegal surgery he performed, leading him to get kidnapped by a Russian gang and his fate left unknown until 2011.
In January Luke is shown to be alive but he soon pieces together the kidnapping and accuses Isaac. This leads Isaac to frame him for drug addiction, causing Luke to be stood down. When he again confronts Isaac, Isaac frames him for assault and Luke kidnaps Isaac trying to film a confession, this fails however and he is arrested. Luke charges are dropped when Isaac flees the country and Luke blackmails Brooke
Brooke Freeman
Brooke Freeman is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Beth Allen. Brooke debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 24 July 2008. The role was written with Allen in mind to play her. Brooke arrived as a locum GP but later advanced in her career...
(Beth Allen
Beth Allen
Elizabeth "Beth" Allen has been acting since an early age and has appeared in several small productions and commercials since 1993. Her first major role was in Cloud 9's The Legend of William Tell in 1998, in which she played Princess Vara...
) into getting his job back.
Luke returns in August after a lengthy world wide travel and after rejecting advances from an impressed Vasa Levi
Vasa Levi
Vasa Levi is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She is portrayed by Teuila Blakely since her first appearance in July 2010...
(Teuila Blakely), announces he has become engaged to Romanian, Zlata
Zlata Waldheim
Zlata Waldheim is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Kate Elliott since her debut as a love interest for established character Luke Durville in August 2011....
(Kate Elliott
Kate Elliott (actress)
Kate Elliott is an actress.She was born in and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. She has acted in television series and films since she was about 14 as well as numerous advertisements on New Zealand television....
).
The Ferndale Strangler
Luke arrived to Shortland Street in mid 2007 as part of the Ferndale Strangler storyline. His quiet and awkward demeanour alongside his interest in the string of murders and participation in activities that are seen as abstract, cause teenager Sophie McKaySophie 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...
to believe he is the serial killer. Gerald Urquhart enjoyed Luke's characterisation, saying; "Luke is misunderstood. His strange demeanour and interests are his defining features. However, underneath his mumbling exterior lurks a kind, considerate individual. He is traditional, loyal and professional, longing for companionship and thirsty for knowledge." Luke is shown to be a part time anesthetist and though seen as weird, is described as "harmless" by Yvonne Jeffries
Yvonne Jeffries
Yvonne Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She is the mother of Maia, Libby, Hamish and Tania Jeffries...
. Upon learning Sophie has named him as the killer on her online blog, Luke is furious and threatens legal action, taking time off. Upon his return he is again shown as friendly, becoming good friends with Sophie's mother 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...
. Even after the arrest of Gavin Capper
Gavin Capper
Gavin Capper was a fictional character on the soap opera Shortland Street.He worked as a doctor under Dr. Justine Jones at Shortland Street Hospital, however the two have dislikes for each other....
, Luke remains skeptical the murders are over.
Luke featured heavily in the marketing campaign for the Ferndale Strangler storyline, appearing in commercials, online police interviews and being accused on and off the show numerous times. The killer was revealed to be Joey Henderson
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 December 2007, but this was only 1 of the 4 killer reveal clips. The videos were filmed so cast, crew and the public remained unaware as to who actually was the killer. Luke's ending saw him enter the house of Alice Piper
Alice Piper
Alison "Alice" Piper was a fictional character in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was played by actress Toni Potter.Alice worked as a nurse at Shortland Street Hospital in the Emergency Department...
and prepare to strangle her while she fetched him a wine. With Joey being revealed as the killer, Luke's ending remained unaired but was purposely leaked to put viewers off the scent.
Relationship with Zlata
It was announced in August 2011 that Kate ElliottKate Elliott (actress)
Kate Elliott is an actress.She was born in and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. She has acted in television series and films since she was about 14 as well as numerous advertisements on New Zealand television....
would be joining the cast as Zlata Waldheim
Zlata Waldheim
Zlata Waldheim is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Kate Elliott since her debut as a love interest for established character Luke Durville in August 2011....
, a love interest for Luke. Vasa is attracted to the newly confident Luke however he reveals he is engaged to Romanian Zlata. Urquhart enjoyed the way Luke followed Zlata around and stated; "It's lot of fun to play the kind of romance. Luke has suffered from unrequited love for a long time, so it's great to have some love being given back to him." Zlata is soon revealed to be obsessed with image and only with Luke because of his high profile job, however learning of his past being framed as a drug addict, she forces Luke to have a drastic makeover to help his standing in the hospital. Urquhart stated that Luke does not mind about his poor treatment as long as he is pleasing Zlata and that Luke would do anything for love. However after Zlata requests the two's children be brought up Catholic, Luke refuses and Zlata accidentally confesses to Luke thinking he is a priest. After hearing Zlata's heartfelt confession, Luke agrees for their children to be Catholic.
Reception
Luke Durville has proved to be one of the most popular recurring characters on the show since its inception with Gerald Urquhart's performance being a favourite of fans and critics alike. In 2009 and 2010, Durville placed runner up for 'Favourite Male In A Recurring Role' in the Throng Shortland Street Fan Awards.Gerald Urquhart was nominated for Best Actor in the TV Guide Best on the Box 2011 for his acting throughout the 2010-2011 period. He placed runner up behind Antony Starr
Antony Starr
Antony Starr is a New Zealand television actor best known for his dual role as twins Jethro and Van West in New Zealand's hit comedy/drama Outrageous Fortune.-Career:...
.
Urquhart's co star, Matt Minto (Isaac Worthington
Isaac Worthington
Dr. Isaac John William Worthington is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Matt Minto and has been on the show since March 8, 2010. He is the cousin of long time character Chris Warner. The characters badboy attitude and relationship with Dr...
) spoke of the fan's praise for Luke following scenes where Isaac got Luke kidnapped and later framed for drug addiction; "I'm going to be public enemy number one. Luke's popular because he's eccentric; taxidermy is his life after all. He is intrinsically funny. He is also very good-natured and always means well, which I'm sure appeals to the audience." Urquhart further elaborated on the characters popularity and 'cult following', saying: "I think he's someone who's a little out of the box, but I also think he's got a heart of gold and people connect with his earnestness".
In September 2011, a "Ferndale Taxidermy club" t-shirt that Luke wore on screen was auctioned off on bidding site, TradeMe
TradeMe
Trade Me is the largest Internet-auction website operating in New Zealand. Managed by Trade Me Ltd the site was founded in 1999 by New Zealand entrepreneurSam Morgan who sold it to Fairfax in 2006 for NZ$700 million...
. 5 percent of the proceeds went towards Paw Justice.