Kirsty Knight (previously Skeggins) is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and was portrayed by Angela Dotchin as part of the 1992 original cast up until 1998.

Known for her "Secret Squirrel" storylines, Kirsty was the forefront of the show in numerous storylines such as an attempted rape at the hands of villain Darryl Neilson (Mark Ferguson), exposing two murderers, a hugely popular romance with fan favourite Lionel (John Leigh) and for her comedic pairing with eccentric receptionist Marj Neilson (Elizabeth McRae).

The character left the show in 1998 when she fell in love with nemesis Darryl's younger brother, Damien (Mark Ferguson).

The character was hugely popular and is remembered for her storylines, mainly her romance with Lionel and her initial appearance as the "Blonde Bombshell" archetype that would become a recurring characterisation throughout the show's history.

[1] Original producer Caterina De Nave credits storyline supervisor Jason Daniel as the man who created Kirsty.

[2] Kirsty was shown to be attracted to her co receptionist at the clinic, Marj's (Elizabeth McRae) teenage son Stuart Neilson (Martin Henderson).

In 1993 Stuart continued to reject Kirsty and she started to date much older man, Shane (Richard Hanna) but she was shocked when Darryl makes his return to the clinic.

[3] The first example of the characterisation occurred in early 1994, when Kirsty became suspicious of doctor Katherine Blake, suspecting her of not being legally qualified.

[4][5][6] Another notable storyline based around the characterisation occurred in 1997 when Kirsty became suspicious of new doctor Ian and suspected him of trying to take over the hospital.

[8] Several people involved in production were skeptical that the "Beauty and the Beast" storyline could actually work, finding it unlikely the glamorous Kirsty would be attracted to the clumsy Lionel.

[8][9] The couple were so successful a novel was released telling the two's story titled "Kirsty and Lionel - Shortland Street Books".

[4][5][6] The two got through the hiccup but after Kirsty was hit by a truck in another of the soap's notable storylines,[9] leaving her with amnesia, she forgot ever loving Lionel and returned to ex-boyfriend Greg.