DR CRAIG ROTHWELL played by JOHN WALTON

Dr Craig Rothwell was a cocky young intern, arriving at the Albert from Melbourne. He was a randy playboy who slept with Laura Denham, his boss's wife, and flirted with everything in a skirt.

However, Dr Rothwell was also ambitious in his work life. His father was an eminent surgeon, and Craig had visions of following in his footsteps. His dreams were nearly shattered thanks to a practical joke in which he dressed up as stern Sister Scott. Evil Frank Curtis shot Craig, thinking it was Grace Scott, and he lost the use of his hand. The problem turned out to be psychosomatic, and was cured with hypnosis.

Unfortunately, while under hypnosis, Craig also revealed details of his night with Laura, while her husband, Dr Denham, was in the room!

Craig became a good friend to Sister Scott after her rape ordeal, and she returned the favour, giving him a false alibi when he was under suspicion for murdering Philip Winter. He was cleared when the real culprit was revealed to be his ex-girlfriend, nurse Kelly Jones.

Deborah Kendall, the daughter of hospital board chairman Sir Thomas Kendall, fell in love with Craig, and tried to get him a job at her father's exclusive clinic.

Craig was also close to Dr Raymond Shaw, whom he greatly admired, and he helped the older surgeon when he was being blackmailed by a gold digger called Bubbles!

John Walton is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Australia. He has continued to work on theatre, and in television and film, since leaving his role of Dr Craig Rothwell almost a quarter of a century ago!

Straight after The Young Doctors, John played the errant first husband of Alice in The Sullivans. He has appeared in many other shows since, having a guest role in Home & Away only a few years ago. He is still acting, and in more recent years has also appeared in his first musical, with a tour of South Pacific.