Dr. Justine McKay (also Jones)1 is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street who appeared in numerous stints from 2005 to 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.
Her husband, Callum (Peter Mochrie) and children Hunter (Lee Donoghue) and Sophie (Kimberley Crossman) arrived in late-2006.
The character's feisty no nonsense personality saw her maintain several stable friendships with; Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing) and Luke Durville (Gerald Urquhart).
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.
"[3] The character's return saw the introduction of her family: husband Callum McKay (Peter Mochrie) and children, Hunter (Lee Donoghue) and Sophie (Kimberley Crossman).
[6] 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.
"[16] Justine arrived to Shortland Street as a surgeon replacing Chris Warner (Michael Galvin), who was on stress leave.
She returned the following year and started an affair with Mark Weston (Tim Foley) before she revealed new doctor, Callum McKay (Peter Mochrie), was her husband.
Her children Hunter (Lee Donoghue) and Sophie (Kimberley Crossman) arrived and Justine won the head of surgery position.
Justine joined Craig Valentine (Renato Bartolomei) in investigating dodgy pharmaceutical company, Scott Spear.
"[2] The characters backstory saw her decline her fiercely ambitious father's decision and pursue a career in medicine rather than law, something which saw her develop a strong sense of feminist pride.
"[16] The recast of Justine proved to be heavily controversial at the time, with negativity reaching such a state where Wigmore would not read online feedback.
[10] However her portrayal of Justine gradually proved to be popular, winning runner up for "Favourite New Character" in the Throng Shortland Street Fan Awards 2006.