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Dr. Justine McKay (née Jones) is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera ''Shortland Street'' who appeared in numerous stints from 2005 to 2009. She was portrayed by Laurie Foell in 2005 for a guest stint before returning in 2006 as a regular character. In 2007 the role was controversially recast, with Lucy Wigmore taking over. She played the role through to 2008 and again in a guest stint in 2009. Originally a rival of high standing surgeon - Chris Warner (Michael Galvin), the character of Justine was soon expanded into the matriarch of a new family unit; the McKays. Husband; Callum (Peter Mochrie) and children; Hunter (Lee Donoghue) and Sophie (Kimberley Crossman) arrived in late 2006. Justine started an affair with her ex rival, Chris and ended up briefly separating from Callum she starred in a hugely high profile storyline in 2008, where Justine faked her death and entered witness protection to escape hired thugs. She returned in 2009 for a special appearance to start off the Winter season, where she testified against the thugs and separated from Callum. The character's feisty no nonsense personality saw her maintain several stable friendships with; Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing) and Luke Durville (Gerald Urquhart). She also developed notable feuds, mainly with Toni Warner (Laura Hill). The character was largely popular, being asked to return after both her departures in 2008 and 2009. The decision to recast Justine proved largely controversial but following audiences eventual acceptance, Wigmore's performance proved hugely favourable. ==Creation and casting== The name 'Justine Jones' had been mentioned in dialogue for several weeks before it was announced in September 2005 that ''Home and Away'' star, Laurie Foell would be arriving to the show to portray the character in a short term stint. The following year Foell was offered to reprise the role with the intention of expanding the character so as to introduce a family unit. Foell was happy to return to the role, "It was a great experience being on ''Shortland Street''. It can be a nerve-wracking going into a new show but everyone was really very welcoming and warm. I thought the writing was excellent and it was great working with the other actors." The character's return saw the introduction of her family: husband Callum McKay (Peter Mochrie) and children; Hunter (Lee Donoghue) and Sophie (Kimberley Crossman). In late 2006 Foell decided to leave the role and quit, returning to her home country of Australia. Her departure was reportedly a "mutual decision by the actor and the producers". The producers were faced with a difficult decision that they had never faced in the show's 14-year run, in that an actress had quit prematurely with the character still yet to undergo storylines. They considered writing her out but instead decided to recast.〔 There was immense speculation amongst fans and the media that Foell was in fact fired, though the actresses agent did not release a statement. Lucy Wigmore had previously auditioned for another role and producers contacted her and offered the role of Justine, something which she had hesitations about, "Signing up for a year contract is slightly daunting plus exciting so it’s a bit of a catch 22 situation. It's fabulous to have work for a year and know that’s I’ll be paid. But on the other hand you're signing off for other projects. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into so there was a bit of trepidation."〔 Wigmore accepted the role after confirming with producers that she would not be replicating Foell's interpretation of Justine.〔 Despite playing the role of a middle aged mother, Wigmore was only 29 when she was cast, just 6 years older than her onscreen son Lee Donoghue. Wigmore quit the role in 2008 to travel overseas, she stated, "it was sad to say goodbye, to a lot of people on ''Shortland Street'', I’ll be sad to say goodbye to a regular job too. The show’s been incredible and has given me so much experience as an actress. But a couple of years working there is about right for me." Following her departure from the soap on 11 September 2008, the media began to speculate that Justine would return to finish off "loose-ends". The following year, Wigmore's agent was contacted by producers of the show, inquiring if Wigmore was able to return in a guest stint. Wigmore was happy to return, "I couldn't wait to catch up with all of the cast and crew. Everyone is such fun to work with. It's strange though, now that I'm back, it feels like I only left yesterday!" Producer, Steven Zanoski was pleased Justine was back, "Justine's storyline left audiences with lots of unanswered questions, so it's brilliant to have her back to tie up those loose ends."〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア(Wikipedia)』 ■ウィキペディアで「Justine Jones」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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