TK Samuels

Te Koha Samuels
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Benjamin Mitchell
Introduced by Jason Daniel
Duration 2006–
First appearance 25 January 2006
episode 3398
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation ED consultant at Shortland Street
(2006, 2009-present)
General Practitioner at Shortland Street
(2006-2009)

Te Koha 'TK' Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.

Contents

Storylines

2006-

A relative of Huia Samuels, new doctor TK Samuels arrived in town at the end of an extensive international backpacking tour. His journeys left him crumpled and travel worn, but it was obvious that he'd scrub up very well indeed - a fact that wasn't lost on the hospital's single women. He quickly earned a job in ED where he met the strongly contrasted Sarah who was annoyed by TK's immaturity but TK was instantly smitten. He soon became employed in the Primary Care Clinic as a GP and comforted Sarah after her break up with Craig. He started to build towards his future to impress Sarah, including buying the Nurses Flat.

TK was shocked and saddened when Huia was murdered in a car explosion set up by Scott Spear in October 2006. In December, Sarah told TK she wanted to be with him.

His marriage to Sarah in 2007 culminated in a dream come true for TK.

In September 2008, Sarah was diagonosed with multiple sclerosis. After months of trying for a baby TK and Sarah discovered on December 8, 2008 that Sarah was pregnant. Sadly their happiness was short-lived as they discovered their unborn child had Edwards Syndrome, so on January 30, 2009 they had the pregnancy terminated

TK starts to clash with fellow GP, Brooke Freeman but feels sorry for her following the death of Ethan and she moves in. Brooke falls in love with TK and sets up fights between Sarah and TK about children. In December 2009 Sarah decides to leave TK as she can not provide him with a family. TK has a rebound sexual encounter with Brooke and they soon start dating.

TK and Brooke break up and TK tries to keep his mind off Sarah, dating Tania and Jennifer but soon decides he truely loves Sarah and the two have a one night stand before she leaves New Zealand.

In 2011, TK starts dating new nurse Roimata but is shocked in March when Sarah returns, pregnant with his baby. TK fights to stay faithful to Roimata and rushes forward his and Sarah's divorce, while ensuring he will care for his child. After Sarah admits her love for him, TK proposes to Roimata. However things are pushed further to the limit with the arrival of Owen, TK's med school rival who tries to interfere in TK's personal and work life. The wedding takes place but TK ditches the altar to be with Sarah when he hears she is giving birth, but does not make it, saving Hunter from his mangled car wreck. TK and Roimata later marry in an unofficial ceremony.

Reception

TK has proved favorable to female fans and is now one of the most recognizable faces on the show.[1] In 2008, a mother who was a huge of Shortland Street, named her child after the character.[2]

He was voted by fans of the show "Favourite Male Character" in 2006,[3] 2009[4] and 2010.[5]

References