Stuart Neilson

== Biography ==
Stuart Neilson is a fictional character on Shortland Street who first appeared in 1992. Portrayed by Martin Henderson.
Stuart is the son of Marjorie Neilson and Tom Neilson. He started the show as a studious, well behaved high school kid, friends with Nick Harrison, who would often get him into trouble, and Kirsty Knight, who he had a tumultuous romantic relationship with. He had a hostile relationship with his villainous brother, Darryl Neilson. Stuart saw through Darryl's good guy act, but often got into trouble with his parents who thought Darryl was an angel.
Stuart was initially written to be gay, however, as discussed in this article, the writers changed their minds and decided to make him straight after all when Nick Harrison wasn't the "spunky rebel" they'd first imagined. Remnants of his original characterisation can be seen throughout the beginning of the show, such as Nick calling him gendered/homophobic names, Stuart's awkward, stand-offish romantic relationship with Kirsty Knight, and him eventually "coming out" to his parents - as wanting to be a priest.
== Storylines ==
Stuart appeared in the First Episode of Shortland Street, where he caused chaos and confusion by bringing his friend Lisa Stanton to the hospital to give birth (to Rebecca Stanton), claiming to be the father to get in the delivery room. Stuart knew Rebecca's father was his brother, Darryl Neilson, and tried to get Darryl to take responsibility for her and Lisa, but to no avail. Lisa ended up skipping town to stay with her family, devastating Stuart by leaving a note explaining why she left.
== Gallery ==
Stuart Neilson/gallery on Shortland Street Wiki
Category:Characters
Category:1992 first appearances
Category:Former characters