PC Steve Hunter   played by James Lloyd

First appearance    # 224 (30/06/04)     

Steve was Phil Hunter's slightly naïve, younger brother who arrived - much to Phil's chagrin - to join Sun Hill as a Probationer. Steve idolised his brother, but never really contemplated himself working as a copper until the horrifying death of his best friend. He decided then it would be a way for him to try and make a difference. Because of the violent nature of his mate's death, Steve took the unpopular view that police should be armed against the increasingly dangerous streets of London. He thought the Americans had it right; be safe, be armed. Though it wasn't his first choice of career, Steve took his duties quite seriously. If he was going to do the job, he'd do it with the best of intentions. Others in the relief may have worried about Steve's seemingly ad-hoc views of gun-laws, and the subject raised quite a bit of debate, but Steve was adamant - the future was guns, whether we liked it or not.

Still, Steve was a likeable guy, slightly awkward around women and seemingly unaware of the dreamy spells he cast on his female colleagues. He was reckless with his views but somehow they didn't seem to offend. Phil was initially mortified to learn his young pup of a brother had joined Sun Hill and it wasn't long before he was pleading with Neil to have him transferred. Still, when all was said and done, the brothers were close. After a tough upbringing they managed to pull through.

Steve could be surprisingly bright and insightful. He was an odd soul who felt deeply; he clung to his emotions and could be overwhelmed by them, unlike Phil who got tough after the old man left. Steve was also unexpectedly spiritual and, though he respected the Catholic faith, he was still looking for his own set of beliefs and rituals to believe in. Since his friend's death, this quest elevated. Again, unlike his brother, Steve was a believer in love. He was confused and terrified but couldn't wait to be 'hit' by the big one. As he found his feet at Sun Hill, he gradually found new confidence, new friends, and new beginnings. However, he soon realised that he couldn't quite meet Phil's high expectations. He eventually transferred to Leeds knowing he'd never have the relationship he truly wanted with his brother.