KEY POINTS:
A Shortland Street publicity assistant has left the local television show after a heated argument with one of the actors turned physical.
The incident occurred between Sam Edmond and actor Peter Mochrie, who plays Dr Callum McKay on the show.
Edmond left last week after a confrontation with Mochrie, in which he allegedly hit the actor in the face.
The Weekend Herald understands the incident occurred after Edmond wrote a message on a communal noticeboard, notifying Mochrie that some medication was available for collection.
Mochrie took issue with Edmond's action and spoke strongly to him before allegedly grabbing him.
It is understood Edmond then struck the actor in the face.
Shortland Street publicist Rachael Keereweer yesterday refused to comment, but said Edmond "finished" last Friday.
She said he had already handed in his notice because he was planning to go overseas.
Asked if Edmond had been fired, she said, "No comment."
"There was a situation that involved a little bit of discipline, but it's a human resources situation and I can't comment any further," Ms Keereweer said.
She said no police charges were involved.
South Pacific Pictures chief executive John Barnett said yesterday from Australia that he did not know anything about the alleged incident.
He said Edmond handed in his notice about three weeks ago.
"I know we were looking for a replacement for him. I remember them saying Sam's going to be leaving."
Mr Barnett said if there had been an incident, it was well after Edmond had resigned.
Mochrie is a veteran Australian actor who joined Shortland Street late last year. He has appeared in several transtasman soaps, including Neighbours, Home and Away, Blue Heelers and Water Rats.
He could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
