Sidney Walker is a fictional character from the Australian Seven Network soap opera Home and Away, played by Robert Mammone. He made his first on-screen appearance on 30 July 2009. Sid was originally introduced for a five-week guest stint in 2009. In 2010, Mammone returned to Home and Away and Sid became a regular character. Mammone confirmed his exit in May 2013 and Sid departed on 18 July 2013. He made a brief return from 7 November 2013.
Character creation and casting
In July 2009, it was announced that a new family, the Walkers, would be introduced to Home and Away on a five-week guest contract. Actor Robert Mammone was cast in the role of Doctor Sid Walker, the husband of Jody Walker (Victoria Haralabidou) and the father of Indigo (Samara Weaving) and Dexter (Tom Green). It was revealed that newcomer Charles Cottier would take over the role of Dexter.
Character development
Characterisation
Channel Five's soap opera reporting website Holy Soap said of the character: "While on the outside he looks like the perfect family man, he's actually a serial love cheat." Seven Network describe Sid as "his own worst enemy". He is an excellent doctor with a "winning bedside manner". Sid has never had trouble charming people – be they patients or co-workers. Seven Network also add that Sid "can’t turn off the charm, especially when it comes to women".
Relationships
In June 2010, Mammone revealed that Sid was to find a new romance with an existing character following his return. Mammone said "He finds himself quite attracted to a particular person in the Bay and he's quite surprised." He also said that Sid was not looking for romance or "anything to do with matters of the heart" and stated: "His focus is on his children. So when this comes along it's a really pleasant surprise." In July, it was revealed that Sid's new romance is to be with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons).
Departure
In May 2013, Mammone confirmed that he had departed Home and Away after previously hinting about a possible exit. Mammone claimed that he was written out because of "speaking up for the truth too often". He had previously criticised a cancer storyline involving his on-screen son-in-law Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) via his Twitter account. Mammone told his followers that he decided to re-write some scenes because they were unrealistic. However, Mammone was dismissed prior to making the public comments.
Storylines
Sid, wife Jody, daughter Indigo and son Dexter move to Summer Bay after Sid finds employment Northern Districts Hospital, covering for Doctor Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) whilst she takes maternity leave. Sid receives a text message from a woman and Jody reads it, thinking that he is having an affair once again. Sid protests his innocence, but Jody refuses to listen to him and decides to end their marriage. He then tells Indigo and Dexter that Jody has returned to Sydney. Sid helps Indigo's friend Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) as she struggles with the death of Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). Sid begins to wonder whether Nicole is developing feelings towards him. She thanks him for his help and hugs him, telling him that she has wanted to hug him for a long time. Sid tells her that he does not have feelings for her. Nicole then admits that she is attracted to him, but Sid tells her that nothing can happen between them. She later visits Sid and whilst he comforts her, she kisses him, but he pulls away and Indigo sees them. Nicole tells Sid that she loves him. but he asks her to leave. When Indigo is injured at a party, Jody returns and tells Sid that she is taking Indigo and Dexter with her. Sid then leaves Summer Bay and returns to Sydney.