Steve Mills (Shortland Street)

Nurse Steve Mills
Shortland Street character
Portrayed byAndrew Binns
Duration1992–94
First appearance25 May 1992
Last appearance25 March 1994
ClassificationPast; Regular
Introduced byCaterina De Nave
In-universe information
OccupationNurse
FatherDeclan Kennedy
StepmotherCarrie Burton
BrothersKieran Kennedy
SistersJessica Kennedy

Steve Mills (previously Kennedy) is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Andrew Binns and was part of the original core cast.

The character appeared in the first ever episode and stayed on the soap for two years, leaving the show in a dramatic fashion, exploding in a car crash alongside best friend Sam's (Rene Naufahu) wife T.P Aleni (Elizabeth Skeen). His death is remembered as one of the most iconic deaths on the soap's history. The character was largely used for comedic relief, developing into more dramatic storylines as he neared his death. Initial storylines saw the clumsy Steve fall head over heels for beautiful nurse Sarah Donnelly (Madeleine Lynch) and his subsequent depression at her death. His final storyline saw Steve try to overcome the growing attraction to his step mother and boss Carrie Burton (Lisa Crittenden) and denial that her children were not his.

Steve has been described as "lovable" and a Shortland Street "favorite". His comedy has since set a benchmark on the soap, with many characters based on his original sensitive new age characterisation including; Lionel Skeggins (John Leigh). Mike Galloway (Oliver Driver) and Kip Denton (Will Hall).