Who Is Saskia Burgess in Shortland Street? Maeve Mullens’ Former Partner Explained

Saskia Burgess entered Shortland Street with a history that immediately connected her to Maeve Mullens. Played by Amanda Tito, Saskia was Maeve’s former partner and the woman with whom she had raised their son, Wilder.

Her initial story explored separation, shared parenthood and domestic abuse within a same sex relationship. Saskia later returned following Wilder’s death, bringing her complicated connection with Maeve back into focus.

Who is Saskia Burgess?

Saskia first appeared in 2020 when she returned to Maeve’s life with Wilder. Although Saskia had carried him, both women had raised Wilder and considered themselves his parents.

Maeve and Saskia’s relationship had ended after Saskia was unfaithful with another woman. Their separation remained painful, but neither could entirely walk away because of their shared responsibility for Wilder.

Were Saskia and Maeve married?

Some character records describe Saskia as Maeve’s former wife, while others refer to her as an ex-partner or ex-girlfriend. As the available records are inconsistent about whether they were legally married, former partner is the most accurate description.

Their family history was never in doubt, however, because Maeve had been involved in raising Wilder. Saskia’s later attempt to use Maeve’s lack of a biological connection against her exposed one of the most painful tensions within their co-parenting arrangement.

Saskia’s relationship with Jodie Milton

Saskia returned to Ferndale while in a relationship with Jodie Milton. Wilder disliked Jodie and told Maeve that she regularly made cruel remarks towards him, prompting Maeve to become concerned about what was happening within Saskia’s home.

Maeve later noticed bruising on Saskia’s arm, but Saskia initially said it had been caused by exercise. She eventually admitted that Jodie had been abusing her and briefly asked whether she and Maeve could reunite, although Maeve explained that she was committed to Nicole Miller.

Saskia continued struggling to leave Jodie despite recognising the danger she was facing. Her difficulty in breaking away reflected the emotional control Jodie had established, rather than suggesting that leaving an abusive relationship was a simple decision.

Maeve tries to protect Saskia and Wilder

The situation escalated when Maeve discovered more serious injuries around Saskia’s eyes. Maeve and Nicole gave Saskia somewhere safe to stay, but Jodie arrived at their home and pressured Saskia into leaving with her.

Maeve reported the confrontation to the police and insisted that Wilder’s contact with Saskia should be supervised while Jodie remained involved. The argument became particularly painful when Saskia suggested that Maeve could lose Wilder because she was not his biological parent.

Rather than allowing the conflict to become a permanent custody battle, Maeve later tried to reach an agreement for Wilder’s sake. Saskia eventually ended her relationship with Jodie after another violent incident and sought a restraining order with Maeve and Nicole’s support.

What happened to Saskia and Wilder?

After leaving Jodie, Saskia agreed to formalise an equal custody arrangement with Maeve. The decision recognised Maeve’s position as Wilder’s parent and allowed the two women to begin rebuilding a more stable family relationship.

Saskia was no longer regularly seen in Ferndale after the story concluded. She returned in 2022 following Wilder’s murder, joining Maeve during their son’s funeral and one of the most devastating periods of their shared lives.

Who plays Saskia Burgess?

Saskia is played by Amanda Tito, an actor and director whose television credits also include The Brokenwood Mysteries, Step Dave and Mean Mums. Amanda has also worked extensively in theatre and appeared in productions including Romeo and Juliet.

Amanda later moved behind the camera on Shortland Street and became one of the programme’s core directors. Their career therefore extends beyond playing Saskia, with an ongoing role in shaping Ferndale’s stories.

Why Saskia’s Shortland Street story matters

Saskia’s history gave Shortland Street an opportunity to explore a lesbian family that continued after the central relationship had ended. Maeve and Saskia were separated, but both remained Wilder’s parents and had to find a way to make decisions around his welfare.

The story with Jodie also acknowledged that domestic abuse can occur within LGBTQ+ relationships. Saskia was treated as someone experiencing fear and coercive control, while Maeve’s support showed that their romantic history did not prevent her from recognising when her former partner needed help.

Frequently asked questions:

Who was Saskia Burgess to Maeve Mullens?

Saskia was Maeve’s former partner and Wilder’s other parent. The two women had raised him together before their relationship ended.

Was Saskia Wilder’s biological mother?

Saskia was the parent who carried Wilder. Maeve also raised him and continued to regard herself fully as his mother.

What happened between Saskia and Jodie?

Jodie subjected Saskia to physical and emotional abuse during their relationship. Saskia eventually ended the relationship, sought legal protection and agreed to share Wilder’s care with Maeve.

Will Saskia return to Shortland Street?

Saskia remains alive, so another appearance would be possible. No future return should be treated as confirmed unless the programme announces one.

UK viewers can watch current episodes of Shortland Street free on STV Player, while New Zealand viewers can stream the programme through TVNZ+. Follow more Ferndale character guides and LGBTQ+ coverage through SoapLandTV. Pictures: TVNZ.