Kit Hunter
Kit Hunter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Katherine Matilda Hunter |
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Katherine Matilda "Kit" Hunter is a character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, broadcast on Channel Seven, portrayed by Amy Mizzi. Kit made her debut on 25 April 2003 and was a main cast member until February 2004, with occasional appearances continuing until 3 July 2007. Her narrative arcs include confronting alcoholism, developing an unrequited affection for Noah Lawson, becoming stranded in the wilderness alongside Kim Hyde, and carrying his child.
Casting
Although Isabel Lucas auditioned for the role of Kit, the part ultimately went to Amy Mizzi.
Storylines
Kit is introduced as the eldest child of Beth and Jack Hunter and sibling to Scott, Robbie, Henry, and Matilda. Her arrival is marked by an incident where she appears intoxicated at the Sarah McKay drop-in centre and steals Noah Lawson’s motorcycle, nearly causing a collision involving her mother and stepfather Rhys Sutherland. Beth and Scott take a strict approach toward her alcoholism; with Noah’s assistance, Kit enrolls in a Tough Love rehabilitation program that requires her to temporarily leave Summer Bay.
After returning, Kit finds maintaining sobriety challenging. Dr. Flynn Saunders cautions that continued drinking could be fatal before she turns 21. With Noah's support, she develops romantic feelings for him, which are not returned. She resumes Year 12 with guidance from mentor Irene Roberts, attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and completes her HSC despite obstacles such as having her drink tampered with at the school formal. Noah consoles her, leading to a kiss before she departs for university.
Kit makes occasional returns for family gatherings and invites her stepsister Jade to join her in the city. When news arrives that Scott is presumed dead at sea, she rushes back but is relieved when he returns unharmed. Kit starts a relationship with Kim Hyde, which causes upset for Matilda, who has feelings for him. During a later visit, Kit remains in Paris working as a tour guide while Scott comes home, putting strain on her relationship with Kim.
Upon returning to Summer Bay, Kit learns Kim is expecting a child with Hayley and faces tension with Amanda Vale, who dates Scott and later spikes Kit’s drink—resulting in another stint in rehab. After the death of their grandfather Graham Walters and an explosion at Jack Holden and Martha MacKenzie’s wedding that injures several characters including Kit and Kim, they become stranded after a helicopter crash. Believing rescue unlikely, they share an intimate moment before being saved; Kim’s wife Rachel Armstrong eventually forgives him.
During Christmas, Kit returns pregnant with Kim’s child. Rachel offers support despite underlying tensions. Kit’s former boyfriend James Dalton arrives claiming to help but proves unreliable and holds Kit hostage during a drug-fueled incident before Kim and Rachel intervene to rescue her.
Labor begins amid travel disruptions; Kim delivers their son Archie as they receive news that Beth has died in a car accident. Struggling with grief and motherhood, Kit grows closer to Kim and confesses her love despite his ongoing feelings for Rachel. After discovering Kim and Rachel are trying to conceive together, Kit moves back to the city with Archie.
Kim’s marriage deteriorates; he admits his feelings for Kit but hesitates to choose between them. Facing his indecision, Kit leaves and endures difficulties living in the city until Kim joins her after leaving Rachel following her affair with Hugh Sullivan. They reconcile and briefly return to Summer Bay before departing together once more.
Reception
Mizzi earned a nomination for "Best New Female Talent" at the 2004 Logie Awards due to her portrayal of Kit.