Arriving as a love interest for established character, Craig (Renato Bartolomei), Sarah became the centre of a high-profile storyline when it was revealed her young brother Daniel (Jarred Blakiston) was in fact her illegitimate son.

In 2008 the character was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in a storyline producers intended to use to explore the long-term effects of the illness and help educate New Zealanders.

The characters diagnosis with multiple sclerosis has seen huge acclaim, with sufferers and health advocates praising the show for bringing the illness to such a high-profile programme.

They decided it was best to kill her off as then the character of TK Samuels could develop further romantic connections without fans opposing to it due to Sarah still being alive.

However, in 2008 after being diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis the couple suffered a shock when they learnt Sarah's baby would be born with a deathly illness and it was terminated.

She rebounded to Maxwell Avia (Robbie Magasiva) but the two broke up in 2010 and Sarah had a one-night stand with TK shortly before leaving to work in America.

In July 2011 Sarah gave birth to daughter, Matilda Mareikura "Tillie" Potts (Nathan Anderson) after leaving TK's wedding.

Sarah began to date Daniel's (Ido Drent) carer Zac Smith (Mike Edward) and accepted more administrative positions at the hospital.

However, in August, upon finally discovering the illness' cure, Sarah's MS relapsed and she contracted it herself and died after a tearful farewell to TK and Tillie.

At the end of the year, Craig admitted his love before a short holiday but Sarah had a difficult time deciding between him and TK Samuels (Benjamin Mitchell).

[21] With TK Samuels (Benjamin Mitchell) arriving in early 2006, Sarah found herself annoyed and conflicted with the newby immature doctor.

"[citation needed] Billing also stated: "The last thing Sarah expects to see is her boyfriend with a young gorgeous Maori Woman like Holly.

[15] Billing found the breakup uncomfortable to film, stating: "It has been very difficult to play, there are some days when I've thought she's just being a complete twit.

"[25] In October 2012, following the revelation that her boyfriend of 8 months, Zac Smith (Mike Edward) had been cheating on her, Sarah found herself attracted once again to TK, who offered her support.

[29] Sarah travelled to America for several months on a MS trial and in the interim, TK developed feelings for her friend Harper Whitley (Ria Vandervis) but stayed committed.

[citation needed] To accurately portray the symptoms of MS, Billing researched heavily, including using the internet, medical advisers and the advice of a friend with the illness.

"[34] Despite finally being awarded head of ED,[citation needed] Sarah realised she had to resign as a result of her eventual inability to perform such a fast-paced job.

"[35] In late 2009 Sarah has a relapse in her MS symptoms, confirming her suspicion she will never heal and it will affect her chance of having children, causing her to leave TK.

Billing hoped the relapse was realistic saying; "Initially, I did a lot of reading, as well as speaking to a couple of people directly affected by MS.

"[36] She also thoroughly enjoyed playing them, being quoted as saying; "Sarah's Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis has meant when she has a relapse, I'm telling the story of people living with the condition.

In September, Sarah's condition appears to be in remission but she suddenly has a severe attack, losing control of her speech, legs and arms, with Tillie unsupervised.

[citation needed] Billing received a nomination in the New Zealand TV Guide Best on the Box awards 2011 for "Best Actress",[38] losing out to Robyn Malcolm for her role in Outrageous Fortune.

[citation needed] She stated, "I was very flattered and pleased to be considered'" and voiced her disbelief at beating co-star Shavaughn Ruakere (Roimata Samuels) following her sexual assault storyline.

"[46] In November 2006, Fiona Rae of The Listener magazine, criticised the storyliners of the show, suggesting they had turned Sarah: "into a self-absorbed witch with a “b”.

"[49] During a speech at the show's 15th anniversary, the Prime Minister Helen Clark satirically suggested that the question of whether Sarah would marry TK was a major issue.

[53] Sufferers of multiple sclerosis praised the show, pleasing producer Jason Daniel who said; "The story has already examined the impact her diagnosis has on her personally and professionally.

And in the future it will explore how she learns to live with her MS. I’m very pleased that the MS Society approves of our efforts so far, and I hope that audiences will continue to find Sarah's story inspiring and uplifting.

"[24] Sarah and Andrew's (Paolo Rotondo) wedding was viewed by 676,400 people, landing more viewers than ratings juggernaut – Desperate Housewives.

[citation needed]The July 2011 90-minute episode which concluded with Sarah giving birth, received incredibly high ratings with an audience of 834,200.

[58] The episode airing Sarah's death drew 564,210 viewers,[59] making it the second most watched television show in New Zealand that night.