Matty McLean makes his big 'Shortland Street' debut

Move over, Chris Warner ... Matty McLean's Long-Awaited Shortland Street debut has finally aired.

After months of waiting, watching and trying not to accidentally spoil it on-air, Matty McLean's Shortland Street debut has finally hit our screens.

Back in March, as part of his 40 Before 40 challenge list, Matty headed to Ferndale to tick off a lifelong dream: appearing on New Zealand's most iconic soap.

Fast forward to last night, and viewers finally got to see the result.

And what role did Matty score?

Not a heart surgeon. Not a rugged newcomer with a mysterious past.

Nope.

Blister Patient.

Honestly, not everyone can pull off a role with that level of complexity.

The episode saw Matty making his official Shortland Street appearance, proving that years of drive-time radio experience can, apparently, prepare you for life as a man requiring medical attention.

Luckily, he found himself in the capable hands of Dr Emmett Whitman, played by veteran Kiwi actor Stephen Lovatt. Lovatt has portrayed the no-nonsense ED boss on the show since 2023 and has become a familiar face to Ferndale fans.

Of course, Matty wasn't about to let the opportunity pass without doing a little journalism while he was there.

While on set, he also sat down with Lovatt for a behind-the-scenes chat, giving fans a glimpse into life on Shortland Street and getting the best acting tips from the actor behind Dr Emmett Whitman.

The hardest part of the whole experience may not have been the acting itself. It was keeping quiet about it.

The episode was filmed all the way back in March, meaning Matty has spent months sitting on one very important secret while waiting for his big TV moment to finally air.

We're not saying Hollywood should be calling next.

But we are saying that if Shortland Street ever needs another patient with a suspicious-looking blister, they know exactly who to call.

Another item ticked off the 40 Before 40 list. ✅

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