Francesca Telford appeared for 5 months from November 2021. Wiseman's casting was announced alongside Ava Diakhaby, and was said to be one of New Zealand's "most successful actresses" returning to the show.[2] Francesca was the third role Wiseman had played in the soap, having previously appeared in the nineties and as Jennifer Mason in 2010.[3][4]
Francesca arrived to Ferndale as the new Head of Surgery at Shortland Street Hospital. Francesca was a long-time friend of Chris Warner's (Michael Galvin) partner Viv (Katherine Kennard), and found herself supporting Viv through a violent ordeal with an ex-partner. Facing misogyny from fellow surgeon Drew McCaskill (Ben Barrington), Francesca found herself promoting younger colleague Samira Moradi (Roxie Mohebbi). Whilst on a 'Women in Medicine' conference, the two began an affair and struggled with the dynamic upon returning to work. Ultimately Samira broke off the relationship and Francesca opted to leave Ferndale.
Jojo Starkey initially appeared for a 3 month stint in October 2021, before returning for another stint the following year.[5] Diakhaby's casting was announced alongside Sara Wiseman, and was said to be one of New Zealand's "biggest up-and-comers ... joining the ranks."[2]
Jojo arrived to Ferndale and quickly demonstrated her party-girl ways, falling into a casual relationship with Louis King (Henry Rolleston) and frustrating flatmate Dawn (Rebekah Randell) when she began to over-step her mark; including adopting a dog and naming her after Dawn's dog. Jojo worked in the hospital as a nurse but sick of the shifts, left to work at 'The I.V. Bar'. Catching the eye of Vili (Joshua David), the two began to sleep together much to the annoyance of his ex-girlfriend Madonna (Marianne Infante). When Jojo realised Vili still loved Madonna, she made efforts to undermine her before opting to leave Ferndale to become a Nanny in Spain.
Some months later Jojo was admitted to hospital after the car she was driving crashed and seriously injured her grandfather Robert (Chris Vidal). Robert did not survive and a devastated Jojo was supported by Vili and Madonna, returning to work at the hospital. Despite a growing attraction from Vili, Jojo tried to keep a distance before eventually reconciling. Vili began to develop a drug habit and whilst out supporting him on a paramedic shift, the two drove off a cliff and were trapped in the overturned vehicle. Surviving for over 24 hours suspended in tree branches, Vili was shocked to discover Jojo had succumbed to internal injuries.
The character's first stint received backlash from fans, leading to a more "empathetic" effort being made for her upon return. Fans were said to be "won-over" by the change in characterisation.[5]
