List of Doctors characters introduced in 2005–2006

Amanda Vardalis (also Clay), portrayed by Emma Samms, initially appeared between 14 October and 9 December 2005, before returning for a brief stint from 27 April to 30 May 2018. Amanda was introduced as the older wife of Jimmi Clay (Adrian Lewis Morgan) and is a complementary therapist. Samms initially found the age difference between the two characters flattering until she learned that other characters were scripted to show their disbelief at Jimmi being married to an older woman. Jimmi and Amanda's marriage is strained upon Amanda's introduction and she allows him to get with other women since she believes that this will make him stay with her. Amanda discovers a lump on her breast, and after Jimmi learns and pushes her to see a doctor, she gets told that the lump is benign. However, she lies to Jimmi and says that the lump is cancerous for his attention and sympathy. Jimmi leaves her after he discovers the truth.

Samms reprised the role in 2018 when Amanda returns to Letherbridge following the death of her recent husband. She said to ''Inside Soap'' that Amanda initially wants to see how Jimmi is doing and does not let him know she is back straight away. Samms explained: "Amanda is actually in a very desperate place, and she needs help." It eventually emerges that she is in a dispute with her dead husband's children over his will. Despite her success in American series following her exit, Samms "jumped at the chance" to return to ''Doctors'' since she enjoyed her initial stint on the soap, particularly working with Morgan. The producers promised Samms that she would be working with Morgan again, since he was the only cast member still in the series from her original stint. She also filmed scenes with Dido Miles, who portrays Emma Reid, who she said was "welcoming and absolutely delightful" and wished she could have filmed more scenes with. Provided by Wikipedia