DR JIM HOWARD played by JOHN DOMMETT

Dr Jim Howard was one of the original line up of young interns at the Albert Memorial. As well as working at the hospital he could also be found behind the bar at Bunny's Place, the restaurant owned by his father. When Bunny died of a heart attack Jim took possession of the place, and brought in a partner, Anne Marie Austin to help him run it.

Jim's love life was the source of much heartache and drama. He cheated on his girlfriend, Maureen, with another intern, Dr Gail Henderson. Gail became pregnant and was furious to learn that Jim had then proposed to Maureen. Gail had a miscarriage and Maureen eventually forgave Jim and married him. Their happiness was short lived. Driving home one wet night, joy riders ploughed into them. Jim was badly injured, but Maureen was killed. He was wracked with guilt, and could not face getting behind the wheel of a car again, but when Eve Steele went into labour he had no choice.

Jim also fell for Dr Lesley Collins, and was devastated when she announced her engagement to someone else during a dinner party. He went to London to do some medical research and mend his broken heart.

When Jim returned to the Albert he gave lonely Erica Shaw a shoulder to cry on, and the two became drawn to one another. Raymond Shaw found out and was naturally furious. Erica had to choose between the two men, and opted instead to leave Sydney alone, spelling the beginning of the end for her marriage to Raymond.

Jim Howard also left the story at this point. As often happened in the soap, he left without a fanfare, one minute he was there, the next he wasn't...

John Dommett had a long and successful career in acting, directing and producing.

Born in Brisbane, he worked in theatre and television before moving to Britain at the age of 21. He worked in repertory theatre around the country, and as an Assistant Director with now defunct Thames Television, as well as starring in a film and BBC TV series.

Back in Australia John directed episodes of many TV shows, including Matlock Police and The Box, before landing the role of Dr Jim Howard in The Young Doctors.

After leaving The Young Doctors he continued to direct (including episodes of The Sullivans) and appeared in a number of films and TV shows. He also worked as a script editor on A Country Practice, before starting his own acting school and theatrical agency in 1988. Alumni of the school included Angelo D'Angelo (Return to Eden) and Neighbours' Blakeney twins.

In more recent years, John lectured in drama at Queensland University and appeared in a number of stage productions, including an acclaimed role in Kiss of The Spiderwoman. Sadly, John died of a heart attack in January 2004.