Amanda Vale
Amanda Baker | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Vale, Walters |
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2005–2009 (in Home and Away) |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Amanda Baker (also known as Vale and Walters) is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap series Home and Away, brought to life by actress Holly Brisley. Her debut occurred on 30 June 2005, with her departure in 2007, followed by brief guest appearances in 2008 and 2009.
Casting
In October 2007, Brisley resumed the role of Amanda, describing the character as someone who "comes and goes." By June 2009, she returned again for a confidential storyline that incorporated her real-life pregnancy into the narrative. Despite Amanda’s divisive traits, Brisley observed that viewers generally responded well, appreciating the character’s daring and layered personality.
Characterisation
Amanda is depicted as the quintessential attention-seeker, employing psychological tactics to manipulate others to serve her interests. She capitalizes on vulnerabilities around her and possesses a deep craving for recognition, which initially inspired her pursuit of an acting career.
Storylines
Amanda arrives in Summer Bay ahead of her former husband, Dan Baker (Tim Campbell), who is preparing to marry Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou), bringing along their son, Ryan (Issac Gorman). Though she initially appears friendly toward Leah, Amanda covertly undermines the wedding by canceling the catering services. Dan’s brother Peter (Nicholas Bishop) uncovers her scheme, leading to Amanda being ordered to leave.
To settle debts owed to Leo Simms (Johann Wahlvaran), Amanda takes up a position as a drama instructor at Summer Bay High. After a confrontation results in Leo’s accidental death, Amanda panics, conceals his body, and plants her jewelry on him. The investigation closes without any charges against her.
Amanda starts dating Scott Hunter (Kip Gamblin), but their relationship causes turmoil within his family. She destroys evidence when Scott’s sister Kit attempts to reveal Amanda’s infidelity and spikes Kit’s drink, which leads to Kit entering rehab. Amanda fakes a pregnancy when Scott wants to commit despite already being a father.
Josh West (Daniel Collopy) coerces Amanda into backing his successful campaign for mayor. Unaware of Josh’s hidden motives behind Project 56, Amanda collaborates with Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances), who suspects complicity due to Amanda’s history with Josh. In an effort to prove herself, Amanda steals documents related to the project but is caught by Josh. Following exposure of her deceit, students mock her, prompting Amanda to lash out at Scott’s brother Robbie; this results in suspension before she resigns to work alongside Josh.
When Scott’s grandfather Graham Walters (Doug Scroope) arrives with proceeds from selling his farm, Amanda rapidly marries him to clear debts owed to Josh. She contemplates withdrawing from Project 56 after Morag narrowly survives an attack by Josh but eventually begins a relationship with Josh himself. Graham learns about the scheme but suffers heart attacks during confrontation with Amanda and becomes brain dead. Questions arise about Amanda’s loyalties after Beth Hunter reveals her involvement with Josh. Despite efforts to withdraw and expose Josh’s plans, Amanda is assaulted by his henchmen and ultimately tries to shoot him. When Josh is found dead, Amanda is suspected but later cleared by CCTV footage.
Amanda briefly reconnects with Dan before leaving again with Ryan.
Two months later, Amanda returns to Summer Bay residing in a large mansion. Her mother Kitty arrives claiming illness. Local teenager Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) searches for her birth mother and discovers that Amanda is her biological mother—adopted out by Kitty after faking a miscarriage. Despite initial tension, Amanda finances a search after Belle goes missing in a helicopter crash, even risking her home as collateral. Belle is found alive, leading Amanda to develop their relationship.
Amanda lavishes Belle with expensive gifts but clashes with Belle’s guardian Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Belle moves in with Amanda but ends their relationship after uncovering Amanda’s affair with Peter’s son Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley). Drew desires more commitment; however, Amanda rejects him and instead starts dating Peter.
Amanda’s sister Kelli (Alexa Ashton) returns seeking vengeance for injuries sustained in a previous car accident. Kelli and her boyfriend Ethan Black sabotage Amanda by fabricating compromising photographs; Ethan blackmails her. During a confrontation, Ethan falls from Amanda’s car appearing lifeless; Kelli persuades Amanda not to confess.
Amanda marries Peter until Ethan reappears at the ceremony revealing the photos. Peter leaves; Amanda falls into depression and is arrested for drink-driving following a car crash. She uncovers Kelli and Ethan’s plot; Kelli causes another accident where Amanda’s car explodes but Peter rescues her. Kelli is arrested; Ethan testifies against her. Amanda reunites with her children; Peter forgives but struggles to move on and later joins her when she relocates to the city.
The subsequent year, following Dan’s death in an abseiling accident in America, Amanda and Ryan return for his funeral. While supporting Leah, Amanda clashes with Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon). In 2009, she returns for Belle’s wedding to Aden Jefferies (Todd Lasance) and announces she is pregnant.
Months later, Amanda comes back with Ryan as Belle battles cancer. Disagreeing with Aden’s preference for home care, Amanda admits Belle to hospital against their wishes seeking specialist treatment but is overridden by Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). She apologizes for interfering and expresses insecurities about motherhood; Belle reassures her before passing away that night. Grief-stricken, Amanda departs for the city with Ryan.
Reception
Brisley's depiction of Amanda received recognition with nominations in the "Best Bitch" category at the 2006 and 2007 Inside Soap Awards. A writer from Virgin Media labeled Amanda as a "serial temptress" and a skilled manipulator who took advantage of others' vulnerabilities. Similarly, Taragh Loughrey-Grant from RTÉ.ie described the character as both "scheming and manipulative."