Joey Henderson - Creation and Casting

Creation and Casting

Producers decided to embark on a whodunit storyline that not only would draw ratings, celebrate the show's 15th anniversary but also cut out characters that were proving useless and cast that requested to leave. In May 2007 it was announced that Joey would be arriving the following month, he was described as "roficient and eager - some would say over-eager - newbie nurse. Enthusiastic and co-operative, Joey is hungry for approval. He is less confident socially, but sure to be a hit with the ladies of Shortland Street." Barker auditioned for the role and was curious when producers told him to act calm and nice, but on another take asked him to be mean and menacing. Barker enjoyed taking on the role, stating; "He's a little socially inept in not being able to communicate publicly - kind of like me". He made his first appearance on 18 June 2007 with his first line being: "The thing is I really want to be a doctor". Barker was told at the audition that there would be a question mark hanging over Joey and when Claire died, he realized Joey was the killer. He was officially told four months before the killer reveal.

In January 2008 it was announced that Joey would be written out of the soap later in the year. Joey featured in a three part episode that aired in March 2008, that featured the death of his character. Joey's final scene aired on 5 March 2008 with his final lines being: "I am Joseph James Henderson. Gone but never forgotten."