2000. Arlo is characterised as a bad boy with a criminal history, which include glue-sniffing, alcoholism, shoplifting, and blackmail. He begins a relationship with Gemma Craig and their relationship brings out an Arlo's romantic side. He becomes concerned about her well-being around her aunt, Joyce. Cebeira told Pomfret that "Arlo's always been to embarrassed to show any affection – he thinks it's girly. But he really cares about Gemma and he didn't give a damn about what he had to do to escape Joyce." Cebeira preferred his character's wayward ways, adding "Arlo's mischievous streak is more fun to play." Pomfret said that it was unlikely Arlo would ever change his behavior. Max Derwin Maxwell (Max) Derwin was played by Nick Stringer. Max first entered the series in March 1999 and remained until Christmas Eve that year, when he dies of a heart attack during an argument with his foster son Arlo. Gabriel Drummond Gabriel Drummond was played by Roger Griffiths from June 2002 until the character's departure in September 2003 after running away from his involvement in a car scam. E Karen Ellis Karen Ellis (née Webb) was played by Tanya Franks from 2000 until 2003. Matt Ellis Matt Ellis was played by Matthew Jay Lewis from 2000 until 2003. Matt arrives in Charnham in November 2000 with his girlfriend Karen Webb. They go to stay with Matt's sister, Nikki, and her family. Matt wants to marry Karen, but she always rejects his proposals because she is not ready yet. Eventually, she accepts his proposal, but before preparations could begin, Karen is diagnosed with breast cancer and the surgery leaves her unable to have children. Matt and Karen proceed with the wedding and look for a surrogate mother, and Kelly Hurst, the lesbian niece of local resident Sadie Hargreaves, offers to be one. Their marriage is broken when Karen starts an affair with Kelly. Matt dates Anna Gregory, a tenant from the local housing project at 14 Stanley Street run by Roy Farmer, A fierce custody battle over the baby ensues, culminating in Kelly's death in December 2002 after she falls down the stairs after arguing with Matt. In September 2003, Matt and Karen leave Charnham along with their baby, Grace, and Karen's brother, Jim, to join Jim's son Paul over in Spain. Geri Evans Geri Evans was played by Anna Acton from 2002 until May 2005. F Fern Farmer