List of Shortland Street characters introduced in 2018

Dion Tai, played by Sonny Tupu, made his first appearance on 23 January 2018.

Dion arrives at the hospital as a famous rugby league star for a charity photo shoot. Upon running into the star-struck Jack (Reuben Milner), Dion openly discriminates against him for his sexuality, and flirts with Sass Warner (Lucy Lovegrove). However, upon running into Jack again, it emerges that Dion himself is secretly gay, and attracted to Jack. The two begin a casual relationship, with Dion too afraid to come out due to his high-profile rugby league career. However, when Jack gives him an ultimatum, Dion comes out on national television and the two enter a loving committed relationship. Shortly into the relationship, Dion begins to have health problems and is diagnosed with terminal melanoma. He retires from sport and despite initial hesitation, allows Jack to nurse him; eventually dying in his arms. Alongside his cancer treatment, Dion consumes brownies laced with medicinal marijuana. Weeks after his death, Damo, who was dieting, consumes them, and experiences severe hallucinations. Provided by Wikipedia