Alan Stone (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The show's third season commenced broadcasting on 8 January 1990. Throughout 1990, several new characters were introduced under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. In January, Rebekah Elmaloglou joined the cast as Sophie Simpson. February saw the arrival of Craig McLachlan and Julian McMahon, who portrayed schoolteacher Grant Mitchell and soldier Ben Lucini, respectively. The character of Murray "Mullet" Jensen, played by Jaiman Paget Bayly, was introduced in March as a recurring role. April brought in Beach House owner Ernie Jacobs (David Weatherley) alongside Bridget Jackson (Paula Duncan). May featured Craig Black reprising his role as student Paul Jensen, together with police officer Jane Holland, enacted by Josephine Mitchell. The sibling duo of Blake and Karen Dean, portrayed by Les Hill and Belinda Jarrett, appeared in July. September introduced Kate Raison as Jennifer Atkinson, who became a romantic interest for Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). October’s additions included divorcé Michael Ross (Dennis Coard) and his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). November saw Rachael Beck take on the role of Grant's sister, Kim Mitchell.
Sophie Simpson
Sophie Simpson, played by Rebekah Elmaloglou, made her first appearance on 23 January 1990 and remained on the show until 1993. Elmaloglou eventually stepped away from the role due to exhaustion caused by the demanding workload, opting to pursue other opportunities. She later returned for guest appearances as Sophie in 2002, 2003, and 2005.
Grant Mitchell
Grant Mitchell, portrayed by Craig McLachlan, debuted on screen on 9 February 1990. Although McLachlan departed from the series within the same year, previously filmed episodes featuring him continued to air into 1991, with his final appearance broadcast on 20 September 1991. McLachlan described Grant as a fashionable educator admired by students for his rebellious streak against authority, while remaining committed to his teaching responsibilities and pupils’ welfare. For this portrayal, McLachlan received the "Most Popular Actor" accolade at the 1991 Logie Awards.
Ben Lucini
Benito "Ben" Lucini, enacted by Julian McMahon, was part of the cast from 27 February 1990 until 1 May 1991. After undergoing four auditions, McMahon secured the role of Ben, characterized as a laid-back Italian soldier hailing from a large family. Initially depicted as a party enthusiast, Ben evolves over time, developing affection for the town and established character Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson), leading him to leave military service. Hodgson described Ben as representing "traditional values" and "stability," qualities that contributed to their characters’ successful marriage storyline. Despite joining and leaving within the same year, McMahon's performance drew criticism from Peter Holmes of The Sydney Morning Herald, who labeled it as "wooden."
Mullet
Murray "Mullet" Jensen, played by Jaiman Paget Bayly, appeared between 26 March and 18 July 1990. He is characterized as an "energetic and boisterous eleven-year-old," embodying an adventurous and cheeky country boy persona. His nickname reflects his enthusiasm for fishing. Living below the poverty line with his mother Lorraine Jensen and brother Paul Jensen, Mullet experiences financial hardship that deprives him of luxuries or spending money, prompting him to sell fish to Ailsa Stewart.
Mullet forms a friendship with classmate Sally Fletcher, who initially distances herself but eventually embraces his companionship. Unintentionally causing distress by bringing home Alf Stewart’s pet crab named "Claws," he offers to assist with fishing as a gesture of apology. Concealing his family's financial difficulties from Sally, Mullet fabricates a story about his mother being hospitalized; Sally later discovers this but considers it insignificant. He attends the wedding of Carly Morris and Ben Lucini as Sally’s guest.
Tensions arise when Mullet takes Tammy Newton fishing, sparking jealousy; however, he later partners with Sally in a comedic talent show performance at the Surf Club event. Additionally, Mullet helps Adam Cameron with a magic trick that concludes humorously. After taking dance lessons from Marilyn Chambers, Mullet briefly adopts a pop star persona, which Sally disapproves of before he returns to his original self. Following a dance with Sally at the wedding reception, Mullet departs from the series but is referenced years later concerning Sally's former relationships.
Ernie Jacobs
Ernie Jacobs, played by David Weatherley, was featured on the show from 16 April 1990 until 9 January 1991.
Ernie leases his beachside property to Matt Wilson (Greg Benson), Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson), and Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons). The tenants devise a plan to entrap him: Marilyn seduces Ernie while Matt and Adam capture the moment on camera. After an unsuccessful attempt, Adam confronts Ernie with the photograph. Subsequently, after toffee ruins the kitchen floor covering, Adam replaces it with turf infested by fleas, causing a pest problem. When Ernie confronts Adam, Adam sets off a flea bomb; Ernie discards it out the window, breaking it, and threatens to evict them. Ernie decides to run for councilor, gaining an advantage when Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) withdraws due to a DUI charge. Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) enters the race against Ernie to prevent his election. Marilyn discovers a compromising letter and, together with Bobby, uses it to blackmail Ernie. Ultimately, Ernie sells the house to Marilyn.
Bridget Jackson
Bridget Jackson, portrayed by Paula Duncan, made her debut on 20 April 1990. Initially signed on for five weeks, producers aimed to extend her role indefinitely. Duncan hesitated due to other opportunities and family obligations. Bridget is the mother of Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue). Duncan described Bridget as "utterly dreadful," "raw and unrefined," and "a complete monster," expressing enjoyment in portraying such a complex character and her rapport with Minogue.
Bridget arrives after Emma defends herself against abuse from her stepfather and stays with her aunt Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn), who was unaware that Bridget had a child. The two women are estranged because Ailsa killed their abusive father. Bridget follows Emma to Summer Bay seeking custody, but Ailsa refuses since Emma has settled there. The sisters clash over Emma’s well-being; Bridget reveals she asked her abusive husband Barry to leave after he admitted mistreating Emma. Eventually, Bridget convinces Emma to return home but later Emma reports that Bridget took Barry back, showing no change in Bridget’s behavior.
Paul Jensen
Paul Jensen, enacted by Craig Black, first appeared on 8 May 1990. Black had previously appeared as Travis in a single episode. Paul is a 17-year-old student working as a shop assistant, son of Michael and Lorraine Jensen, and older brother to Mullet Jensen. He is characterized as warm, articulate, and academically gifted above average, maintaining a close friendship with Steven Matheson.
Michael Jensen, Paul's father, is an unsuccessful country and western musician whose career disappointments contributed to the breakdown of his marriage. Paul has considerable musical talent surpassing his father's abilities; however, Lorraine initially forbids him from pursuing music and bans instruments in their home. Self-taught, Paul secretly practices piano during lunch hours at school and at the surf club.
His music teacher, Grant Mitchell, recognizes Paul's potential and urges him to apply for a music scholarship. Paul declines this opportunity and instead takes a job at Alf Stewart's shop to afford a second-hand instrument. Despite Lorraine's objections and worries about increased electricity costs, Grant supports Paul's musical training and organizes a talent show to highlight his abilities.
Paul befriends Emma Jackson and develops romantic feelings for her despite her relationship with Adam Cameron. Emma admires Paul's music and returns his affection with a kiss but remains committed to Adam. Lorraine eventually supports Paul's musical pursuits, leading him to perform in the concert.
When Adam learns of Paul's feelings for Emma, he challenges Paul to a fight after insulting Paul's father. Alf arranges a fair boxing match providing training assistance alongside Steven. The confrontation escalates until Emma and others intervene by disrupting the fight. Embarrassed, Paul initially ends things but later reconciles with Emma.
Following Vicki Baxter planting exam papers in Emma's locker resulting in her expulsion, Paul doubts Emma’s innocence causing their breakup. Paul teams up with Steven to expose Vicki by pretending they are dating; Vicki confesses clearing Emma’s name. Encouraged by Ailsa Stewart and Bobby Simpson, Emma forgives Paul but later relocates to the Gold Coast for work, ending their romance while they remain friends.
Jane Holland
Jane Holland, brought to life by Josephine Mitchell, made her first appearance on 22 June 1990. Mitchell started filming in April 1990 under a contract lasting two months. Jane is introduced as a youthful police constable and serves as a romantic interest for Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Known previously for her role in A Country Practice, Mitchell remarked that Jane’s confrontational demeanor marked a significant shift from her earlier portrayals. She valued the opportunity given by producer Andrew Howie to take on such a distinctive character.
During her time in Summer Bay, Jane becomes involved with Grant and carries out her duties by arresting Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) for driving under the influence. After a shootout that results in the death of a fellow officer, Jane survives but is emotionally shaken. She swiftly intervenes to detain some troublemakers harassing Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) at a local café. Concerned about her mental state, Grant advises Jane to take a break, which leads her to contemplate leaving the force. Their relationship eventually dissolves, and Jane returns to her position with the city police.
Blake Dean
Blake Dean, portrayed by Les Hill, first appeared on-screen on 26 July 1990. Before this role, Hill had small parts in G.P.. His casting, alongside Belinda Jarrett who played his sister Karen Dean, was announced in TV Week. Hill found adjusting to the rapid production schedule demanding.
The Home and Away Annual characterized Blake as the quintessential son—energetic, charismatic, and quick-witted—often stepping in to shield his sister from difficulties. Although Hill later declared his departure from the series, he returned for special episodes marking significant milestones such as the fourteenth anniversary and the 4,000th episode.
Karen Dean
Karen Dean, enacted by Belinda Jarrett, debuted alongside Blake on 26 July 1990. A devoted fan of Home and Away with no previous television acting experience, Jarrett was cast as Blake’s sister. Their characters arrived in Summer Bay following the death of their mother Margot from cancer and were initially taken in by Ailsa and Alf Stewart after fleeing abuse from a distant uncle. The arrival of Karen and Blake promised engaging new storylines to captivate audiences.
Writers David Nicholls and Kesta Desmond depicted Karen as a fifteen-year-old grappling with body image issues, exhibiting a shy yet gentle personality alongside an emerging awareness of romance—though uninterested in boys her own age. Popular among her peers at school, Karen’s character was eventually phased out in 1991 due to limited viewer interest. Jarrett filmed her departure scenes in May 1991, with Karen leaving the series in August. She made a brief return in 1993 following a storyline involving release from prison.
Following conflict with their uncle Alec Dean, Karen and Blake turn to Ailsa Stewart for support. They quickly become entwined in local events, including Karen’s unreturned affection for Steven Matheson and friction caused by deputy principal Alan Stone’s reinstatement of corporal punishment. Karen’s romantic life develops further when she falls for Haydn Ross, causing strain within her friendships before eventual reconciliation.
A major storyline centers on Karen’s involvement with Maurice "Revhead" Gibson, who lures her into criminal acts culminating in a fatal car accident. After admitting her role, Karen is sentenced to two years in prison. Upon parole in 1993, she returns to Summer Bay and reconnects with family members including half-sister Roxanne Miller but exhibits rebellious tendencies that create tension and lead to theft and fleeing to the city. Blake follows her there to offer support and relocates himself to oversee her rehabilitation.
Karen Dean’s storyline underscores themes of troubled adolescence and recovery within the series’ broader exploration of complex family relationships and social challenges.
Jennifer Atkinson
Jennifer Atkinson, brought to life by Kate Raison, made her initial appearance on 12 September 1990 in a guest role lasting eight weeks. Her narrative centered on a provocative relationship with the adolescent Steven Matheson, characterized as a "passionate affair" that garnered considerable public interest. Introduced as the cousin of Alf Stewart, Jennifer's backstory reveals an abusive marriage to Daniel Atkinson, who struggles with alcoholism. The romance with Steven triggers tension, including jealousy and aggression from Daniel, culminating in Jennifer departing Summer Bay after urging Steven to focus on his education.
Michael Ross
Michael Ross, portrayed by Dennis Coard, entered the series on 22 October 1990 alongside his son Haydn Ross. As the new proprietor of the Summer Bay boat shed, Michael becomes integral through his developing relationship with Pippa Fletcher, which initially faces obstacles due to Pippa's recent widowhood and Michael's own divorce. Their evolving partnership, including marriage and fostering children, forms a core element of the show’s storyline.
Michael’s arc includes notable financial difficulties, primarily caused by Haydn’s gambling debts, which compel Michael to sell the boat shed and bring Alf Stewart on board as a silent partner. The strain of managing various businesses alongside raising six children adds pressure to their marriage, leading to a temporary separation that is eventually resolved through counseling.
Additionally, Michael plays a crucial role in rescue operations following a plane crash and fosters orphaned Maya Krakajcek before her eventual move abroad. His character exits dramatically in 1996 when he drowns heroically while saving Sam Marshall during a flood, concluding Dennis Coard’s five-and-a-half-year involvement with the series.
Haydn Ross
Haydn Ross, played by Andrew Hill, debuted on 31 October 1990 and departed on 17 September 1991, with brief returns in 1994 and 1996. Hill was cast due to an agent’s mistake and opted to leave the show in 1991. Haydn is the son of Cynthia (Belinda Giblin) and Michael Ross (Dennis Coard), benefiting from his father’s business success by attending an exclusive private school. The Home and Away Annual describes him as "athletic and determined like his father," coupled with a "passion for culture and a privileged lifestyle" inherited from his mother, reflecting a combination of drive and sophistication.
Kim Mitchell
Kim Mitchell, enacted by Rachael Beck, first appeared on 8 November 1990 as the sibling of established character Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Although producers offered Beck a year-long contract to secure Kim as a regular character, she declined to avoid being typecast.
Arriving in Summer Bay at sixteen, Kim hides a drug dependency beneath her polished exterior marked by "stylish clothing." She justifies her substance abuse by believing "everyone else is doing it," adopting the philosophy: "Why not enjoy life fully while you are young?"
During her visit to Grant, Kim steals money from his flatmate Matt Wilson and later requests drugs from Matt and Steven Matheson, raising concerns. After disappearing overnight, she offers excuses but soon resorts to theft—including taking Carly Lucini's purse—and forges Grant’s signature on a cheque to pay dealer Eddie. When Steven informs Grant, he confronts Kim, finds speed pills in her possession, and arranges for her rehabilitation. Grant sacrifices his teaching role at Summer Bay High to support her recovery efforts, warning that he will notify their parents if she relapses. Months later, Grant returns reporting positive progress in Kim’s rehabilitation.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Circumstances | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 January | Robbo | Ned Manning | A veterinarian brought to Summer Bay by shark hunter Zac Burgess (Mark Conroy) to assess a shark's involvement in a fatality. Local doubts are resolved when it is confirmed the shark was not at fault. | |
| 29 January | Henry Thompson | Tim Allen | Potential purchasers of the Blaxland mansion who are deterred by an exorcism orchestrated by local residents. | |
| Doris Thompson | Jane Archer | |||
| 2–16 February | Greta | Jodie Gilles | A friend of Marilyn Chambers; initially met with resistance from Martin Dibble due to her looks but later they develop mutual feelings before her departure. | |
| 9 February–1 March | Detective Hunt | Kim Knuckey | Leads an inquiry into a murder involving Donald Fisher and Al Simpson; successfully resolves a hostage crisis resulting in Simpson's capture. | |
| 27 February–8 March | Dave Porter | John Adam | Ben Lucini’s army acquaintance who causes disruption through reckless antics and gambling ventures. | |
| 12 March | Travis | Craig Black | A student enrolled in Grant Mitchell’s Year 12 class. | |
| 30 March–3 April | Reverend Christopher Goodhope | Ron Becks | An African clergyman hosted by Celia Stewart; wrongfully detained and later freed; inspires missionary activities. | |
| 6 April 1990, 21 May 2007 – 26 January 2012 |
Delivery Man | Steve Cox | Occasional delivery person for the Surf Club and local residents, appearing intermittently to deliver items and messages. | |
| 16 April–11 September | Des Thompson | Brian Harrison | Bank manager who assists Carly Morris with loans, later facilitating financing for Carly and Ben Lucini’s boatshed acquisition. | |
| 17–26 April | Melody | Suzi Dougherty | Rents a room at the Beach House; unreliable in paying rent; brings in boyfriend Bruce who is scared off by flatmates' prank. | |
| 18 April | Peter Butcher | Matthew Booker | A Year 10 student who mocks Sophie Simpson for her illiteracy. | |
| 25–26 April | Bruce | Bill Charlton | Melody’s paroled boyfriend who intimidates flatmates but is driven away by a snake prank. | |
| 3 May–17 July | Minister | John Mann | Conducts Tom Fletcher’s funeral service and officiates Carly Morris and Ben Lucini’s wedding ceremony. | |
| 8 May–19 June | Lorraine Jensen | Elizabeth Chance | Mother working as a bookie to support her children; initially opposes her son's piano aspirations but ultimately offers encouragement. | |
| 15 May–27 July | Doctor Walker | Earle Cross | Local physician attending to Marilyn Chambers, Ben Lucini, and overseeing Bobby Simpson’s pregnancy examination. | |
| 21–24 May | Helen Wakefield | Shayne Foote | Social worker investigating allegations of child abuse; facilitates reunification of the Newton sisters with their family. | |
| 21–23 May | Megan Tierney | Pamela Hawkesford | Carly Morris’ affluent former schoolmate whose lavish lifestyle causes marital tensions with husband Julian during a dinner with locals. | |
| 23 May | Julian Tierney | Cranston Brecht |
Husband of Megan Tierney; wealthy businessman whose disputes over spending lead to separation during social engagement. |
|
| 23–25 May | "Angela Newton" | "Annie Byron" | "Estranged mother who reconciles with daughters Viv and Tammy Newton following a period of family estrangement." | |
| 29 May–5 September | "Chris Reynolds" | "Jay Hackett" | "Participant in a dating agency connected to Bobby Simpson; experiences marital difficulties and paternity conflicts impacting local relationships." | |
| 29 May–19 October | "Geoff Lime" | "William Usic" | "Candidate from the dating agency vying for Bobby Simpson's attention; proposes but engagement dissolves due to uncertainties." | |
| 12–15 June | "Gus" | "Harry Lawrence" | "Homeless individual who befriends Sophie Simpson and aids her return to education through a devised plan." | |
| 27 June–23 July | "Sheree Anderson" | "Beth Champion" | "Friend of Vicki Baxter involved in framing Emma Jackson for stealing exam papers." | |
| 11–18 July | "Francesca Lucini" | "Kim Leon" | "Sister of Ben Lucini attracted to Steven Matheson, provoking jealousy from cousin Angelo." | |
| "Gina Lucini" | "Arianthe Galani" | "Mother of Ben Lucini managing family affairs during wedding events." | ||
| "Antonio Lucini" | "Alistair Duncan" | "Father of Ben Lucini offering support during family wedding occasions." | ||
| 12–18 July | "Angelo" | "Raj Sidhu" | "Ben Lucini's cousin and best man whose confrontational behavior causes friction at wedding functions." | |
| 30 July | "Alec Dean" | "Norm Galton" | "Uncle assuming custody of Blake and Karen Dean; consents to their stay with local family after their escape." | |
| 9 August | "Anna" | "Rebecca George" | "Relative involved in framing Emma Jackson for theft; exposed by local students." | |
| 29 August–5 September | "Wendy Reynolds" | "Liz Newman" | "Wife of Chris Reynolds who leaves him due to infidelity; engages in custody dispute over daughter Suzie." | |
| "Suzie Reynolds" | "Sophia Davidson" | "Daughter caught amid parental separation and custody battle." | ||
| 6 September | "Vince McGrath" | "Felix Nobis" | "Delivery man romantically involved with Marilyn Chambers; relationship strained by jealousy from housemate." | |
| 10 September – 12 October | "Fred Owens" | "Keith Holloway" | "Owner of the local boatshed negotiating its sale amid competing local bids." | |
| 14 September – 17 October | "Hazel Lime" | "Kaye Stevenson" | "Mother initially opposing her son's relationship with Bobby Simpson but later supportive; attends engagement dinner." | |
| 19 September–2 November | 'Alan Stone' | 'Philip Hinton' | 'Deputy Principal at Summer Bay High identified as an abusive alcoholic enforcing corporal punishment; dismissed following student conflicts.' | |
| 9–16 October | 'Daniel Atkinson' | 'Ken Radley' | 'Abusive husband confronting his wife’s relationship with student Steven Matheson; faces assault charges.' | |
| 14 November | 'Eddie' | 'Peter Williams' | 'Drug dealer supplying Kim Mitchell, deterred through intervention.' | |
| 19 November 1990 – 8 March 1991 | 'Patricia Coleman' | 'Pam Western' | 'Ex-nun teaching at Summer Bay High, offering support to students dealing with personal challenges; forms close bond with Donald Fisher before relocating.' |
References
- Desmond, Kesta. Home and Away Annual. Grandreams Ltd, 1990. ISBN 0-86227-787-6.
- Desmond, Kesta; Nicholls, David. Home and Away Annual Authorised Edition. Grandreams Ltd, 1992. ISBN 0-86227-863-5.
- Hopwood, Clive. Home and Away Special. World International Publishing LTD, 1990. ISBN 0-7235-6899-5.
External links
- Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the official UK Home and Away website
- Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database