Sorensen) was moving on too fast after his wife's death when he developed feelings for Kate. Sorensen then backed the storyline, insisting the storyline with Kate was a good thing, stating: "It's a difficult situation. Declan was truly in love with Bridget. He was one of the lucky ones to have found his soulmate early in life, but at the same time, he has to move on and live his life." further adding: "A lot of people do think it's too soon for another relationship. But I can assure you that it's done very tastefully." He then added an explanation for how Kate directly affected his character, adding: "He feels as though he's cheated on Bridget and that he hasn't mourned for long enough to be able to move on without showing proper respect to the love of his life. He's left confused and upset". As scenes from the storyline began to air Brewer defended her character and made comment on the storyline, reassuring viewers adding: "I think they'll be okay with it... I think they'll be accepting. It's done very tastefully and very slowly. The two characters don't rush anything". Kate was then portrayed as troubled after Declan felt he could not forget Bridget (Eloise Mignon), putting their romance in jeopardy. Of this Sorensen praised his and Brewer's storyline, explaining "I'm glad that, some months down the track, all wasn't forgotten. It's such a sad situation. Declan really does like Kate and she feels the same way about him. But his heart won't let him move on". After the couple began dating it attracted a bigger mixed response from viewers, many felt it was still too soon after Bridget. Some viewers still refused to accept Kate's new romance, prompting Sorenson to defend Kate and Declan for a final time. The storyline then carried on progressing and viewers saw the two characters grow closer until they started a relationship, despite the mixed response received from fans of Declan and Bridget. In August 2010, Declan and Kate's relationship ended when Kate chose to break up with him after he began pushing her away. Declan starts a new job and he later lies to his family in front of her. Erin Mullally (who took over the role of Declan in May 2010) said "Declan's been pushing Kate away, he has so much going on in his life. He's holding on to these