Alex Neilson (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment, Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation details characters introduced during 2019, arranged by their initial appearance, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 32nd season commenced broadcasting on 18 February 2019. Significant additions include Mackenzie Booth and Ian and Wendy Shaw arriving in June, followed by Alex Neilson and Teresa Masterson in August, Jade Lennox in October, and finally Ari Parata in November.

Mackenzie Booth

Mackenzie Booth, played by Emily Weir, made her first appearance on 13 June 2019. News of Weir joining the cast surfaced months earlier after paparazzi captured images of her filming at Palm Beach. Industry insiders accurately guessed that Mackenzie would be revealed as Dean Thompson’s (Patrick O'Connor) half-sister. The official casting announcement was made on 10 June. Weir described Mackenzie as a "strong-willed, intelligent woman" with enigmatic reasons for relocating to Summer Bay, where she takes ownership of the restaurant Salt. Jackie Brygel from New Idea also depicted the character as "fiery" and "mysterious." On 20 June, it was officially confirmed that Mackenzie is Dean’s half-sister.

Ian and Wendy Shaw

Ian Shaw, enacted by Frankie J. Holden, alongside Wendy Shaw, portrayed by Amanda Muggleton, both debuted on-screen on 27 June 2019. Holden remarked that securing his role felt natural, humorously attributing it to his previous portrayal of a farmer in A Place to Call Home. Muggleton expressed excitement after waiting three decades for such an opportunity, commending the show's professionalism. Ian and Wendy are parents to Robbo (Jake Ryan), who introduces his fiancée Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost) to them at their family farm. Both Ian and Wendy are wary of Jasmine marrying Robbo; Wendy particularly protective, with Ian sharing her concerns, encouraging Robbo to return home to the farm.

When Robbo brings Jasmine to meet his parents at the farm, Wendy probes Jasmine about her relationship with Robbo and his child with Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). Ian disapproves of the baby, suspecting Robbo has been misled. Despite their initial skepticism toward Jasmine, Ian and Wendy eventually accept the couple, hosting a roast dinner and preparing accommodations for guests. They are unable to attend the wedding due to car troubles.

Several months later, Ian and Wendy travel to Summer Bay to meet their granddaughter Grace Morgan. They express disapproval regarding Robbo’s current living situation and suggest that he and Jasmine raise Grace on the family farm. Following discussions, Robbo agrees to relocate after the Ouroboros gang trial but later alters his plans when Tori regains consciousness from a coma. After Robbo’s passing, Ian and Wendy return for his funeral, where Ian delivers a heartfelt eulogy. During this time, Wendy offers support to both Ian and Jasmine, assuring Jasmine she is always welcome at the farm.

Wendy makes a subsequent visit after learning from Jasmine about her pregnancy. She spends time with Grace while addressing Jasmine’s phantom pregnancy symptoms stemming from grief over Robbo’s death. Offering comfort, Wendy advises Jasmine to focus on Grace before returning home. Weeks later, Jasmine arrives at the farm without explaining her departure from Summer Bay. Friends Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Colby Thorne (Tim Frankin) inform Ian and Wendy about Jasmine’s concerning behavior toward Grace and Tori. They encourage Jasmine to accept assistance but warn that due to an AVO jeopardizing their access to Grace, she cannot stay indefinitely. Jasmine consents to leave but returns permanently following Wendy’s heart attack, stepping up to help manage farm duties.

Alex Neilson

Alex Neilson, played by Zoe Ventoura, made her first appearance on 22 August 2019. Ventoura's involvement was revealed in April 2019, shortly after she began filming. Residing in Los Angeles at the time, she was attracted to the role due to Alex's confident, assertive, and captivating personality, along with the storyline planned for the character.

Alex arrives in Summer Bay as the new doctor and head of emergency, covering for Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) during her maternity leave. Having previously portrayed a nurse on Packed to the Rafters, Ventoura embraced the challenge of playing a doctor, despite initial apprehension about medical jargon. Her debut scenes featured managing a chaotic trauma case, highlighting Alex’s ability to remain composed under pressure. Characterized as a "multi-dimensional woman with many facets," Alex also has "a fascinating and mysterious history" and is suggested to engage in a romantic relationship during her time on the show.

On her inaugural day leading the Northern Districts Hospital emergency department, Alex treats a victim of torture connected to the Ouroboros gang and raises concerns about hospital security for nurse Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost), who requires an AFP officer's presence. She later agrees to personal training sessions with Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts) and manages Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble)’s epilepsy treatment, sharing her own experiences with the condition. Utilizing hypnotherapy, Alex assists Jasmine’s husband Robbo (Jake Ryan) in recovering suppressed memories; despite a challenging episode during therapy, she convinces him to persevere.

Alex provides ongoing support to Raffy during seizure episodes and helps secure an internship for Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger) at Northern Districts after discovering his unauthorized CBD oil trial for Raffy. When Mason flirts with her, Alex reveals her sexual orientation as gay. Her connection with Willow strengthens through continued training sessions, culminating in a kiss following Willow’s heartfelt gratitude for Alex’s support. Additionally, Alex facilitates a medicinal cannabis trial for Raffy and treats Scott Larkin (Trent Baines) after he sustains injuries in a shooting.

Teresa Masterson

Teresa Masterson, brought to life by Simone McAullay, first appeared on 28 August 2019. McAullay, who had a previous role on the series in 2007, accepted this part due to its intricate character development. Teresa is an activist involved with a victims’ support group and allies herself with Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) within this community.

Teresa films a video recounting her sexual assault experience for Leah Patterson's (Ada Nicodemou) blog to back Irene amid her trial for assaulting Tommy O'Reilly (Adam Sollis). She organizes a demonstration outside the courthouse and suggests leveraging media coverage to bolster Irene’s defense, although Irene declines this approach. Subsequently, Teresa partners with Leah to campaign publicly, advocating for pressure tactics against Tommy after he initiates a civil lawsuit.

She cautions Irene about placing trust in Leah after being blocked from Leah’s website and insists on taking direct measures as Tommy risks evading justice. After leading another protest, Teresa appears at the pier covered in blood, confessing that she fatally stabbed Tommy at his rehabilitation center. While both Irene and Leah express alarm over Teresa’s vigilante actions, she remains resolute and unapologetic, underscoring her dedication to securing justice for Tommy’s victims.

Jade Lennox

Jade Lennox, brought to life by Mia Morrissey, made her first appearance on 22 October 2019. Morrissey, who had long wished to be part of the series due to her childhood proximity to the filming location, sought to redefine conventional beauty ideals through her portrayal of a confident, curvy character.

Introduced as a backpacker and romantic competitor to Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman), Jade initiates flirtations with Ziggy's boyfriend Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) during surf lessons, creating friction. Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) finds himself drawn to Jade, befriending her and assisting her in obtaining employment at the local eatery, Salt. Morrissey characterized Jade's relationship with Ryder as one where she enjoys the attention but moves on quickly from relationships. Jade’s arc concluded on 6 February 2020 when she was forced to leave Summer Bay following a scandal involving an intimate video.

While working at Salt, Jade takes advantage of Ryder’s feelings by stealing money from the cash register, initially claiming it was for tips. Despite warnings from their manager Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir), Jade persists in the theft. When confronted, Ryder encourages honesty; however, Jade is arrested and later expresses remorse. Subsequently, they engage in a sexual encounter which Jade secretly records without his knowledge.

Jade then uploads the footage online using Ryder's phone and falsely accuses him of distributing it, resulting in his police interrogation and charges. She manipulates coworkers Mackenzie Booth and Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller) into believing Ryder is responsible. After provoking Ryder in public and capturing their confrontation on video, Jade gains support from Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo). They share a brief romantic involvement until Nikau uncovers her deception upon discovering her phone secretly recording them.

The conflict intensifies during a wedding when Ryder and Nikau catch Jade attempting to locate the phone. Their confrontation exposes her fabrications in front of attendees. Confronted with mounting evidence and threats of legal action from Ryder and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), Jade departs Summer Bay defeated.

Ari Parata

Ari Parata, portrayed by Rob Kipa-Williams, first appeared on 27 November 2019. Kipa-Williams, who had recently completed training as an insurance salesman and considered leaving acting, secured a three-year contract beginning filming in June 2019. Ari is the head of a Māori family from New Zealand; his brother Tane Parata is played by Ethan Browne, while his nephew Nikau Parata is portrayed by Kawakawa Fox-Reo. Ari plays a central role in a 2019 season finale involving a hostage crisis at the local hospital after sustaining an injury at a construction site. Kipa-Williams described Ari as accustomed to danger and fiercely protective of his family.

Others

¡scope="row"|22 August ¡Sean Coulson ¡Taylor Wiese ¡Found beaten and hospitalized; distinctive tattoo leads to investigation into Dylan Carter’s connections. ¡scope="row"|5 September – 2 October ¡Fitz ¡Nathan Sapsford ¡Participates in kidnapping Jasmine Delaney alongside Des Hendrix; arrested following police intervention. ¡scope="row"|5–19 September ¡Lenny ¡Joseph Del Re ¡Kidnapped during Jasmine’s abduction; hospitalized with sepsis before revealing captors’ location. ¡scope="row"|2–3 October ¡Mike ¡Josef Brown ¡Doctor delivering Tori Morgan and Robbo’s daughter; assists during Tori’s collapse. ¡scope="row"|3 October 2019 – 27 September 2021 ¡Grace Morgan ¡Various infants ¡Daughter of Tori Morgan and Robbo central to postpartum health challenges for Tori, custody dynamics, and family developments including relocation to London after Robbo’s death. ¡scope="row"|7 October ¡Dr Lisa Booker ¡Kellie Jones ¡Treats Tori Morgan during postpartum complications including seizure diagnosis and stroke evaluation. ¡scope="row"|7 October,7 November ¡Nurse Frankie ¡Mia Donatelli ¡Provides neonatal care for Grace Morgan following delivery. ¡scope="row"|15 October 2019,23 April 2020 ¡Stella ¡Anna Phillips ¡Personal trainer hired for Summer Bay Fit gym; briefly manages operations before dismissal due to management issues. ¡scope="row" rowspan=2 |31 October –21 November ¡Kurt ¡Dylan Hare ¡Mechanic leading race pit crew trials involving Ziggy Astoni; initially strict but supportive before Ziggy leaves team. ¡Alana Bentley ¡Erin Clare ¡Ziggy’s teammate providing encouragement during pit crew trials. ¡scope="row"|31 October ¡Yvonne Wise ¡Danielle King ¡AFP lawyer reviewing statements related to Ouroboros gang trial involving Jasmine Delaney and Robbo. ¡scope="row"|14 November ¡Student Surfer ¡Tayla Stevenson ¡Questions refund policy after surf lesson cancellation by Dean Thompson; compensated by Mackenzie Booth. ¡scope="row" rowspan=2 |20 November ¡Con ¡Adam Kovarik ¡Involved in confrontation with Dean Thompson at Salt bar leading to physical fight broken up by staff and police. ¡Carla ¡Claudia Cranstoun ¡scope="row"|21 November ¡Joe ¡Frazer Lee ¡Rival race team mechanic socializing with Ziggy Astoni during crew party events. ¡scope="row"|26 November ¡Jack ¡Dylan Benson ¡Fan seeking autograph from Jade Lennox based on her public profile. ¡scope="row" rowspan=2 |27 November 2019,27 January 2020 ¡¡Senior Constable Jay Myers ¡¡Edmund Lembke-Hogan ¡¡Undercover AFP officer working with Ouroboros gang during hospital hostage crisis; surrenders weapon, manages hostages, later arrested along with accomplices. ¡¡Phil ¡¡Greg Hatton ¡¡Hostage taker during Northern Districts Hospital siege coordinating control over captives until arrest. ¡¡Reg ¡¡Gareth Rickards ¡¡Partner hostage taker involved alongside Phil until apprehended. ¡¡scope="row" rowspan=2 |27 November ¡¡Nurse ¡¡Olga Olshansky ¡¡Hospital nurse among hostages compelled into compliance by Reg during siege. ¡¡AFP Officer ¡¡James Slattery ¡¡Brings Des Hendrix in for questioning related to investigations led by Robbo. ¡¡scope="row"|27 November 2019,27 January 2020 ¡¡Reporter ¡¡Matthew Backer ¡¡Provides media coverage on hospital hostage event involving gunmen linked to Ouroboros gang.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
19 February	Unlucky Driver	Mark Duncan	Vehicle taken over by Constable Colby Thorne and Dean Thompson following a flat tire.
19 February	Ambo	Elouise Eftos	Transports Willow Harris to Northern Districts Hospital after shooting incident.
7 March	Imogen	Caroline Oayda	Schoolgirl who taunts Bella Nixon and Raffy Morrison; informs Maggie Astoni about Bella leaving class.
11 March	Mutt	Timothy Parsons	Friend of Dean Thompson who sells him sleeping pills.
14 March	River Boy	Uncredited	Sells marijuana to Ryder Jackson.
27 March	Overdose Patient	Alex Jewson	Found outside hospital with suspected overdose; treated by Tori Morgan but becomes agitated.
3 April	Army Officer	Mitchell Why	Notifies Marilyn Chambers and John Palmer about their son Jett Palmer’s critical injury in Afghanistan.
3–4 April	Army Chaplain Wilson	Kirk Page	Provides updates on Jett Palmer’s surgery and injuries caused by blast.
29 April, 13 June	Radiographer	Kate Fraser	Performs Tori Morgan's pregnancy scans at 12 and 20 weeks; reports normal findings.
2 May	Colonel Kate Porter	Emily Stewart	Conducts interview with Lieutenant Jett James regarding explosion impacting his platoon in Afghanistan.
2 May	Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Haynes	Steve Cornor
9 May	Mark	Sam Delich	Beachgoer who flirts with Ziggy Astoni; involved in altercation with Dean Thompson resulting in assault.
9 May	Drew	Danny Ball	Companion of Mark; participates in party and assault on Dean Thompson.
22 May–17 June	Aiden Wilcox	Socratis Otto	Counsellor providing support for Jasmine Delaney and Robbo with panic attacks and relationship challenges.
28–30 May	Lachy	Lachlan Fargher	Organizer of Bush Bomb Rally; manages race participants including Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson.
28–30 May	Tanya	Georgia Scott	Competitor in Bush Bomb Rally; interacts socially with Ziggy and Dean.
28–30 May	Paul	Gary Clementson
17 June	Obstetrician	Alyson Standen	Advises Tori Morgan on cervical insufficiency risking premature labor; initiates progesterone therapy.
11 July–5 September	Tommy O'Reilly	Adam Sollis	Manipulative individual who exploits teenager Bella Nixon online culminating in attempted sexual assault; arrested and later killed to prevent civil litigation against Irene Roberts.
11 July 2019 – 27 January 2020	Scott Larkin	Trent Baines	Former AFP colleague of Robbo providing protective custody and investigative assistance; ultimately corrupted by Ouroboros gang leading to fatal confrontation.
11 July	Priest	David Baldwin	Officiates wedding of Robbo and Jasmine Delaney.
18 July (two characters)	Journalist	Branden Christine	Attempts to question Dean Thompson about family matters; blocked by John Palmer.
18 July (two characters)	Ted	John O'Hare	Reporter investigating Dean Thompson’s father Rick Booth; photographs staged altercation arranged by Rick.
23 July	AFP Officer	Simon Barbaro	Escorts Robbo and Jasmine Delaney back to Summer Bay; assists with security including gun safe installation.
23 July (two characters)	Amy	Danielle Clements	Socializes at Salt bar showing interest in Ryder Jackson alongside Samantha.
23–24 July	Samantha	Emily Edwards	Engages Ryder Jackson socially offering tips and contact information despite his work duties.
25 July	Nurse Rodgers	Madeline Exarhos	Monitors Tommy O'Reilly post life-support withdrawal; advises caution to Colby Thorne.
6–22 August	Joe (AFP Officer)	Adam Nayel	Escorts Robbo and Jasmine from pier flat to motel; maintains security outside safe house.
7 August – 2 October	AFP Officer Dave	Brenton Prince	Provides protection for Robbo and Jasmine during custody; monitors movements at pier flat.
12 August–27 November	Des Hendrix	Matt Zeremes	Contacts Robbo under duress from Ouroboros gang; involved in kidnapping Jasmine Delaney and confrontations leading to arrest.
12 August–27 November	Victor Devlin	Patrick Thompson	Leader of Ouroboros gang demanding Robbo find Dylan Carter; involved in violent incidents resulting in arrest.
15 August–	Blake	Tom Wilson	Friend of Ryder Jackson involved in school cheating scheme and party planning; arrested after exam sabotage attempt.
15 August–	Josh	Ash Sakha	Assists Ryder Jackson organizing party at caravan park.
19 August–	Tyler	Prescot Palmer	Student attendee at caravan park party who flees when threatened with parental notification.
22 August (two characters)	Thug #1	Nadim Accari	Accompanies Des Hendrix during meeting with Robbo at Salt bar.

External links

• Cast and characters on the official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database