The character departed in 2001. Duncan left Summer Bay in "disgrace" to live with his aunt Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) in the city. Duncan's father Alf initially refused Duncan's request to leave town, so Morag encouraged Duncan to act up, leaving Alf with no other option but to send him away. Duncan "throws himself into the task with gusto" and began insulting people. When his half-sister Shauna Bradley (Kylie Watson) tried to talk to him about his behaviour, Duncan claimed their mother Ailsa (Judy Nunn) never loved her. Alf was "furious" when he heard what happened and confronted Duncan, who finally admitted that he was unhappy in the Bay because no one liked him. Alf then gave his permission for his son to move to the city.