| Carmen Roberts | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmen as she appeared in 1994. | |||||||
| Portrayed by | Theresa Healey | ||||||
| Introduced by | Caterina De Nave | ||||||
| Duration | 1993-1995 | ||||||
| First appearance | June 1993 | ||||||
| Last appearance | 25 December 1995 episode 926 |
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| Classification | Past; Regular | ||||||
| Profile | |||||||
| Date of death | 25 December 1995 | ||||||
| Occupation | Nurse at Shortland Street Hospital (1993-1995) Former prostitute |
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Carmen Roberts was a fictional character in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Theresa Healey and appeared on the show from her arrival in mid 1993 to her death in late 1995. Since then both Carmen and her death scene have become iconic for the soap.[1]
Carmen is commonly remembered for her comedic role throughout her run, often providing comedic relief in dramatic storylines.
Carmen arrived as a new nurse at the Shortland Street clinic in 1993 and soon became a favorite amongst staff for her bubbly comedic attitude. She developed a crush on Steve but the two never got together. It was discovered Carmen was addicted to prescription medication and so CEO Michael McKenna decided not to renew her contract. However Carmen soon returned completely rehabilitated, it was revealed she was an ex prostitute by Carrie Burton's replacement, Paul Churchill. Eventually, however, Carmen gets tired of how Paul is blackmailing not only her, but Jo Jordan and Jaki Manu, and reports him to Michael McKenna and gets Paul fired. [2]
In 1994 Carmen's ex boyfriend Greg Feeney showed up, causing close friend Guy to grow jealous. However it turned out Greg was now Carmen's step brother. Carmen stole a dead patients lottery ticket, which turned out to be the winner. Despite now being rich, Carmen felt guilty and refused to spend the money lightly. She soon got together with Guy, who stopped her father leeching money off of her. Paul Churchill returned and Carmen soon realized he was assaulting women, she alerted authorities. Paul attempted to murder Carmen and Guy but failed and was imprisoned.
In 1995, Carmen and Guy broke up following revelations Guy had slept with another women. However Carmen decided she still loved him and stopped him from leaving the country. The two decided against children, but nevertheless Carmen fell pregnant and soon gave birth to Tuesday Warner. Paul Churchill escaped prison and again tried to kill Carmen and Guy, but he was again captured. In December 1995, a truck was purposefully ploughed through reception, killing a patient. Carmen received what appeared to be minor injuries and returned home. After announcing her ever lasting love to Guy, Carmen collapsed and died from a brain aneurysm, leaving Guy to bring up Tuesday alone.[3]
Carmen was very popular amongst the public and was openly mourned upon her death.[4]