Shortland Street: Is this the end for Chris Warner?

NZ Herald

25 Jul, 2017 03:30 AM2 mins to read

Michael Galvin as Chris Warner. Photo / TVNZ

Monday's episode of Shortland Street got very dark, with things looking like it could be the end for the much loved Chris Warner.

The character, who's been played by Michael Galvin for 25 years, was diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year, and since then has been struggling to fight it. But in the latest episode, he started talking about wanting it all to "be over".

The usual TV goodbyes were had; the last chance, just-in-case wedding ceremony around the hospital bed, the meaningful chat with his son Finn in which he passes on the mantle of taking care of the family ("look after them, they need you"), and the final, heartbreaking goodbye to an old lover.

Chris called his old flame Rachel McKenna saying: "I'm in a really great place now, I don't want you worrying about me, despite all our bust ups I don't want any bad feelings, I love you, Rach."

After convincing Deb to let him change his own dose and a declaration that "I need to take back control", the episode ended with Chris' finger hovering over the button that could end his life.

Chris rung Rachael. I'm freaking out. I hope he doesn't die. #ShortlandStreet without Chris warner won't be the same.
— Ceeeeeleste (@CapnCeleste) July 24, 2017

Don't tell us what happens to Chris Warner! Nooo he can't die!! He's the last original left on #ShortlandStreet!
— Smarty Pants (@RapunNZElle) July 23, 2017

So could this really be the end for Chris Warner? Galvin has been on the show for all but four of the show's entire 25-year history, it could well be time for something new. And all the classic goodbyes are usually a sure sign of the end.

But there's one ray of hope for fans, in that Finn put two and two together and last we saw of him, he was rushing off to stop Chris before it was too late - and that's where fans have pinned all their hopes with many commenting about the upsetting storyline on Facebook.