Maeve Mullens Timeline: Her Full Shortland Street Story From Nicole to Sophia Crane

Maeve Mullens has been part of Shortland Street since 2020, building a life shaped by nursing, family, grief and complicated relationships. Played by Jess Sayer, she has become one of Ferndale’s most prominent LGBTQ+ characters.

For viewers discovering the programme through STV Player, Maeve’s history can be difficult to follow. This timeline explains the major events that have shaped her story.

Maeve arrives in Ferndale

Maeve arrived at Shortland Street Hospital as an experienced nurse practitioner with a direct manner and strong sense of responsibility. She later became Director of Nursing, placing her at the centre of medical and personal conflict.

Maeve and Nicole marry

Maeve became close to Nicole Miller soon after her arrival, and their friendship developed into a relationship. They married in 2020, giving Shortland Street its first legal marriage between two women on screen.

Their wedding was followed by a serious car crash that left both women injured. The marriage continued through family disagreements, separation and grief, but the strain gradually increased.

Saskia returns with Wilder

Maeve’s former partner Saskia Burgess returned to Ferndale with their son, Wilder. Saskia had carried Wilder, but Maeve had raised him as her son and remained fully committed to him.

Saskia’s relationship with Jodie Milton became abusive, and Maeve recognised that she was in danger. Maeve helped Saskia seek safety, while concerns over Wilder led to shared custody.

Wilder joins Brightshine and is murdered

Wilder became involved with Brightshine, a religious organisation controlled by Rebekah Anderson. Maeve grew increasingly concerned about the group’s influence, but her attempts to intervene caused further distance between them.

Wilder was murdered during a baptism, and suspicion initially fell on Maeve. Overwhelmed by grief, isolation and the belief that those closest to her doubted her innocence, Maeve later attempted to take her own life.

Wilder’s death also connected Maeve to Cassie Lloyd and her grandson, Knox. Knox gave Maeve an important link to Wilder, although caring for him brought further responsibility.

Rebekah manipulates Maeve

Rebekah became close to Maeve while hiding her involvement in Wilder’s murder. She used Maeve’s grief to gain her trust and allowed a relationship to develop while concealing the truth.

Maeve eventually discovered that Rebekah had ordered Wilder’s death. The revelation forced her to confront both her son’s murder and the fact that her grief had been deliberately exploited.

Nicole is sent to prison

Nicole’s life unravelled after the death of her mother, Leanne, and her conflict with Louisa Gunnell. She killed Louisa during a confrontation, was initially cleared and later recovered the memory that she had acted deliberately.

Nicole confessed and received a ten year prison sentence, bringing Sally Martin’s regular 15 year run on the programme to an end. She later indicated from prison that she wanted to divorce Maeve.

Maeve confronts her drinking

Following Wilder’s death and Nicole’s imprisonment, Maeve increasingly relied on alcohol while trying to continue working. Her drinking affected her judgement, attendance and professional life.

Maeve eventually accepted that she needed treatment and sustained support. Her recovery has remained an ongoing part of her story.

Sophia Crane enters Maeve’s life

Maeve became attracted to Dr Sophia Crane, who explained that she was in an open marriage with Astrid. Their connection became more serious, and Sophia eventually left Astrid because she believed Maeve was the person she loved.

Maeve did not respond as Sophia expected and instead became involved with paramedic BJ Nicholson. Sophia was left believing she had lost both her marriage and the future she had imagined with Maeve.

Sophia returns to Ferndale

Sophia’s departure was temporary, and she later returned with her feelings unchanged. She told Maeve that she was still in love with her.

Maeve made clear that Sophia could not simply return and expect their relationship to resume. Their story remains unresolved as Maeve continues rebuilding her life.

Frequently asked questions:

When did Maeve Mullens join Shortland Street?

Maeve joined Shortland Street in 2020 as a nurse practitioner. She later became Director of Nursing at the hospital.

What happened to Maeve’s son Wilder?

Wilder was murdered after becoming involved with Brightshine. Rebekah Anderson was later exposed for ordering his death and manipulating Maeve afterwards.

Is Sophia Crane back in Shortland Street?

Sophia has returned to Ferndale and admitted that she remains in love with Maeve. Maeve has not agreed to resume their relationship.

UK viewers can watch current episodes of Shortland Street free on STV Player, while New Zealand viewers can stream the programme through TVNZ+. Follow Maeve’s continuing story and more Ferndale coverage through SoapLandTV. Picture credit: TVNZ.