two characters shared chemistry and said that viewers could expect "a few more sparks" between them. In 2000, Welsh was diagnosed with a herniated disc in his back and was ordered to take bed rest. Producers granted Welsh a six-week break but decided to hire Mitchell McMahon to play Mitch in his absence. Welsh said it felt "weird" seeing another actor playing Mitch but as he was involved in a "big storyline" at the time, producers were left with no other option. Welsh said that McMahon looked different to him and had a different way of playing Mitch and said "it will be interesting to see how viewers react". After his return, Welsh's scenes as Mitch started airing once again from 3 April 2000. Mitch was often used in "romantic" scenes and characterised as "a nice guy". Welsh said "I guess it's not the worst thing in the world to get down pat." In 2001 Welsh left Home and Away, Mitch's exit storyline was not dramatic as he left to visit his ill grandmother in New Zealand. In 2005, Welsh filmed a cameo for the serial's 4000th episode, which saw Mitch return for Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) birthday. Welsh later became Home and Away's producer. He said that playing Mitch helped give him a better understanding when it came to producing the serial. Storylines Mitch arrives in Summer Bay and hides out on Travis Nash's (Nic Testoni) boat. It is soon revealed that Mitch is a runaway who fled home after his stepfather, Rod Branson (Russell Newman) blamed him for causing his mother's death by accidentally hitting her in the chest with a cricket ball. Mitch is then fostered by Alf and Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) and quickly becomes a big brother figure to their son, Duncan (Brendan McKensy). Mitch is accepted into the local high school and makes friends with Hayley, Will (Zac Drayson), Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper), Peta Janossi (Aleetza Wood) and Edward Dunglass (Stephen James King). Mitch is attracted to Hayley and she is attracted to him but she is dating Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark). Mitch dates Gypsy instead and sleeps with her. After Hayley and Sam break up, Mitch gets together with Hayley but they briefly separate when she learns that he lied about Gypsy. They reconcile when Mitch confronts Hayley's employer Brian Rogers (Gerry Tacovsky) sets about making inappropriate advances towards her. One morning, Mitch