Angela Newton
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
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 started broadcasting on 8 January 1990. Below is an overview of characters introduced throughout 1990, all 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 portraying schoolteacher Grant Mitchell and soldier Ben Lucini, respectively. March introduced Jaiman Paget Bayly in the recurring role of Murray "Mullet" Jensen. April added Beach House proprietor Ernie Jacobs (David Weatherley) and Bridget Jackson (Paula Duncan). May featured the return of Craig Black as student Paul Jensen alongside police officer Jane Holland (Josephine Mitchell). In July, siblings Blake and Karen Dean, played by Les Hill and Belinda Jarrett, were introduced. September brought Kate Raison as Jennifer Atkinson, a romantic interest for Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). October added divorced father Michael Ross (Dennis Coard) and his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). Finally, November introduced Rachael Beck in the role of Grant's sister, Kim Mitchell.
Sophie Simpson
Sophie Simpson, portrayed by Rebekah Elmaloglou, first appeared on 23 January 1990 and remained on the show until 1993. Elmaloglou took a hiatus due to fatigue and eventually exited to focus on other opportunities, citing health issues stemming from her demanding schedule. She later returned for guest appearances in 2002, 2003, and 2005.
Grant Mitchell
Grant Mitchell, played by Craig McLachlan, made his debut on 9 February 1990. Although McLachlan departed later that year, he filmed additional scenes that aired in 1991, with Grant’s final episode broadcast on 20 September 1991. McLachlan characterized Grant as a "fashionable" educator who gained popularity among students by challenging authority, reflecting his enthusiasm for teaching. For this portrayal, McLachlan received the "Most Popular Actor" accolade at the 1991 Logie Awards.
Ben Lucini
Benito "Ben" Lucini, enacted by Julian McMahon, appeared from 27 February 1990 until 1 May 1991. After auditioning four times, McMahon secured the part of Ben, a laid-back twenty-one-year-old Italian from a large family background. Initially inclined towards partying, Ben gradually matured during his tenure. As a soldier who falls in love with local resident and established character Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson), Ben leaves military service to marry her. Hodgson described Ben as embodying "traditional values" and offering "stability," suggesting their marriage would thrive due to mutual care. McMahon exited Home and Away within the same year he joined. However, Peter Holmes of The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued McMahon’s acting as somewhat "wooden."
Mullet
Murray "Mullet" Jensen, portrayed by Jaiman Paget Bayly, featured from 26 March to 18 July 1990. Characterized as an "active and lively eleven-year-old," Mullet is a typical rural boy with a mischievous streak. His nickname stems from his enthusiasm for fishing. Living with his mother Lorraine and brother Paul under financially strained conditions, Mullet lacks many comforts and often sells fish to Ailsa Stewart to make ends meet.
Mullet seeks friendship with classmate Sally Fletcher, who initially keeps her distance but gradually warms to him. After a mix-up involving Alf Stewart’s pet crab, Mullet offers assistance as a form of apology. He conceals his family’s economic hardships from Sally by fabricating a story about his mother being hospitalized until she reassures him that it does not matter. He accepts an invitation to attend the wedding of Carly Morris and Ben Lucini.
Jealousy surfaces when Mullet takes Tammy Newton fishing. Later, he teams up with Sally for a Surf Club talent night performance; their blunders are mistakenly received as comedic by the audience. Mullet also helps Adam Cameron with a magic act that ends humorously. Briefly attempting to reinvent himself after dance lessons from Marilyn Chambers, he soon reverts to his original persona. Mullet participates in the wedding reception dance with Sally but does not reappear thereafter, though he is referenced years later by Steven Matheson.
Ernie Jacobs
Ernie Jacobs, brought to life by David Weatherley, was featured on the show from 16 April 1990 until 9 January 1991.
Ernie leases a beach house 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 attempt to capture photographic evidence. After an unsuccessful photo attempt, Adam confronts Ernie with the image they managed to get. Following an incident where Adam and Matt accidentally scorch the kitchen linoleum while making toffee, Adam replaces it with flea-infested turf, resulting in a pest infestation. When Ernie challenges Adam about this, Adam sets off a flea bomb, which Ernie then throws out the window, shattering it. Ernie responds by threatening eviction. He decides to run for councillor and gains an advantage when Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) withdraws due to legal complications. To prevent Ernie’s election, Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) enters the race against him. Marilyn discovers compromising evidence and, together with Bobby, blackmails Ernie, who finally agrees to sell the house to Marilyn.
Bridget Jackson
Bridget Jackson, portrayed by Paula Duncan, made her first appearance on 20 April 1990 under a five-week contract; although producers aimed to extend her role, Duncan declined due to other commitments and a desire to stay near her family. Bridget is the mother of Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue). Duncan characterized Bridget as "utterly dreadful," "rough and unrefined," and "a complete nightmare," relishing both the challenge of playing her and her working relationship with Minogue.
Bridget arrives following Emma’s defense against her abusive stepfather, initially staying with her aunt Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn), who had been unaware of Emma's existence. Bridget and Ailsa share a strained relationship stemming from Ailsa having killed their abusive father. Bridget tracks Emma down in Summer Bay seeking custody, but Ailsa refuses after revealing Emma’s history of abuse. Bridget admits she left her husband Barry after his confession but later reconciles with him, escalating tensions. She temporarily wins Emma over with gifts and outings, convincing her to return home; however, Emma soon comes back to Summer Bay, reporting that Bridget remains unchanged.
Paul Jensen
Paul Jensen, enacted by Craig Black, debuted on 8 May 1990. At seventeen years old, Paul is the son of Michael and Lorraine Jensen and elder brother to Mullet. Known as a warm and articulate youth with above-average intellect, Paul shares a close friendship with Steven Matheson. His father Michael’s unsuccessful country music career contributed to his parents’ separation. Paul himself demonstrates notable self-taught musical talent, though his mother Lorraine initially forbids musical instruments at home.
Paul practices piano secretly during school breaks, attracting the attention of teacher Grant Mitchell who encourages him to pursue a music scholarship. Paul declines this opportunity and instead takes a job at Alf Stewart’s store to afford a second-hand instrument. Despite Lorraine’s objections over electricity costs, Grant supports Paul’s musical development and organizes a talent show for him to perform in. Though hesitant at first, Paul ultimately takes part after his mother softens her stance.
Paul develops feelings for Emma Jackson, who returns his affection despite being involved with Adam Cameron. This causes friction with Adam that leads to plans for a boxing match mediated by Alf Stewart and assisted by Steven’s training efforts. The confrontation escalates but is disrupted by Emma and friends aiming to prevent injury. Although initially upset by Emma's intervention, Paul reconciles with her.
When Emma faces false accusations of cheating through exam papers planted by Vicki Baxter, Paul doubts her innocence and they break up. Alongside Steven, Paul uncovers Vicki’s deceit and clears Emma’s name. Encouraged by Ailsa Stewart and Bobby Simpson, Emma forgives Paul but eventually moves to the Gold Coast for work, ending their romantic relationship while they remain friends.
Jane Holland
Jane Holland, brought to life by Josephine Mitchell, made her first appearance on 22 June 1990. Mitchell began filming in April 1990 under a two-month contract. Jane is introduced as a young police constable and serves as a romantic interest for Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Having previously starred in A Country Practice, Mitchell described Jane as a more assertive persona and valued producer Andrew Howie's decision to cast her in a contrasting role. While Jane interacts with many characters, her storyline primarily centers around Grant.
Upon arriving in Summer Bay for work, Jane quickly becomes involved with Grant. She enforces the law by arresting Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) for driving under the influence, which results in his license being revoked. After surviving a fatal shootout involving an officer, Jane is visibly shaken. She promptly intervenes when thugs harass Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) at the local diner. Concerned, Grant encourages Jane to take a break from duty; she contemplates resigning. Their relationship eventually falters, leading Jane to return to police work in the city.
Blake Dean
Blake Dean, portrayed by Les Hill, debuted on 26 July 1990. Prior to this role, Hill had minor appearances in G.P.. His casting alongside Belinda Jarrett, who played his sister Karen Dean, was announced shortly before their characters' introductions. Hill found the fast-paced production demanding.
The Home and Away Annual described Blake as the ideal son any parent would be proud to claim—spirited, charming, and quick-thinking—often stepping in to shield Karen from trouble. Hill later revealed his departure through TV Week, but returned for special episodes including the series' fourteenth anniversary and its milestone 4,000th episode.
Karen Dean
Karen Dean, enacted by Belinda Jarrett, first appeared on 26 July 1990. A devoted fan of the series with no prior television acting experience, Jarrett was cast alongside Les Hill as siblings Karen and Blake Dean. The pair arrive in Summer Bay following their mother Margot's death from cancer. Initially residing with a distant uncle, they eventually move in with family friends Ailsa and Alf Stewart, honoring their mother’s wishes. Their introduction promised compelling storylines aimed at engaging viewers.
At 15 years old, Karen is portrayed as attractive yet shy, grappling with body image issues. She is popular at school and begins exploring early romantic feelings that are not directed toward peers her own age. Despite initial promise, the network chose not to renew Jarrett’s contract in 1991 due to the character’s limited prominence and modest audience appeal. Karen departed in August 1991 but made a brief return in 1993 after serving time in prison.
Following conflicts with their uncle Alec Dean, Karen and Blake seek refuge with Ailsa Stewart. Karen’s narrative includes unreciprocated feelings for Steven Matheson and tensions stemming from school-related conflicts, including disputes with deputy principal Alan Stone. Her relationship with Maurice "Revhead" Gibson draws her into criminal behavior that culminates in a fatal car crash and a subsequent two-year prison sentence.
Upon release on parole in 1993, Karen returns to Summer Bay where she reconnects with the Stewarts and meets her half-sister Roxanne Miller. However, her persistent rebelliousness causes strain among Blake, Ailsa, and Blake’s girlfriend Finlay Roberts. After stealing money from Ailsa and fleeing to the city, Karen’s storyline concludes with Blake moving away to keep watch over her.
This narrative arc explores themes of family loyalty, adolescent defiance, and the repercussions of poor choices within the show's broader storytelling framework.
Jennifer Atkinson
Jennifer Atkinson, brought to life by Kate Raison, made her first appearance on 12 September 1990. Her casting was publicized in TV Week during August 1990, highlighting her eight-week guest stint that centered on a provocative relationship with Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). Introduced as the cousin of Alf Stewart, Jennifer becomes romantically involved with Steven despite a significant age gap. She discloses that her spouse, Daniel Atkinson, is an abusive alcoholic. The affair concludes following an incident where Daniel assaults Steven, leading Jennifer to leave Summer Bay while urging Steven to resume his education.
Michael Ross
Michael Ross, portrayed by Dennis Coard, entered the series on 22 October 1990 alongside his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). As proprietor of the local boat shed and a foster carer, Michael quickly emerged as a prominent figure and romantic partner to Pippa Fletcher (Debra Lawrance). Their relationship encountered obstacles, including doubts from family members due to Pippa’s recent widowhood and Michael’s prior divorce. Michael’s former wife Cynthia attempts unsuccessfully to rekindle their marriage. Ultimately, Michael and Pippa marry; he adopts her son Christopher and fosters several other children.
Michael’s business interests encompass the boat shed, caravan park, and a surf club kiosk. Financial difficulties arise when Haydn develops a gambling problem that leads to theft and mounting debts, compelling Michael to auction off the boat shed. Alf Stewart later becomes a silent investor, restoring stability to the enterprise. The combined pressures of family responsibilities and financial strain challenge Michael and Pippa’s marriage, resulting in a brief separation followed by reconciliation through counseling.
Michael participates in a rescue operation after a seaplane crash, temporarily caring for Maya Krakajcek until her return to Yugoslavia. His storyline concludes heroically during a flood when he rescues Sam Marshall but tragically drowns in the process. Actor Coard expressed satisfaction with the character’s powerful exit after five and a half years on the show.
Haydn Ross
Haydn Ross, enacted by Andrew Hill, first appeared on 31 October 1990 and departed on 17 September 1991, with subsequent returns in 1994 and 1996. Hill was cast partly due to an agent’s mistake. Haydn is the son of Cynthia (Belinda Giblin) and Michael Ross (Dennis Coard), enjoying privileges from his father’s business that allow him to attend private school. Characterized as "athletic and determined like his father," with a "taste for culture and comfort" reminiscent of his mother, Haydn initially regards Summer Bay as a "provincial town."
Kim Mitchell
Kim Mitchell, portrayed by Rachael Beck, debuted on 8 November 1990 as the sister of established character Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Producers extended Beck a twelve-month contract intending for Kim to become a regular character; however, she declined to avoid being typecast.
Arriving in Summer Bay at sixteen, Kim hides a drug addiction beneath her polished exterior marked by "stylish clothing." She struggles with substance abuse, rationalizing that "everyone else is doing it" and living by the philosophy "Why not enjoy life fully while young?" After visiting Grant, she resorts to stealing money from his flatmate Matt Wilson (Greg Benson) and later from Carly Lucini (Sharyn Hodgson) to support her habit.
When Steven Matheson (Adam Willits) informs Grant about Kim’s drug use, Grant intervenes by disposing of her speed pills and arranging rehabilitation. He sacrifices his teaching role at Summer Bay High to aid her recovery efforts. Months later, Grant returns reporting that Kim has made significant progress.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 January | Robbo | Ned Manning | Veterinarian consulted by shark hunter Zac Burgess (Mark Conroy) to determine if a shark was responsible for a fatality. Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson) and Andrew Foley (Peter Bensley) suspect the shark, but it is ultimately exonerated. | |||
| 29 January | Henry Thompson | Tim Allen | Interested buyers of the Blaxland estate who are discouraged by an exorcism carried out by Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue) and Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence), who believe the property is haunted. | |||
| Doris Thompson | Jane Archer | |||||
| 2–16 February | Greta | Jodie Gilles | Companion of Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), initially met with resistance from Martin Dibble (Craig Thomson) due to her modest looks, but their relationship develops before her departure. | |||
| 9 February–1 March | Detective Hunt | Kim Knuckey | Arrests Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) on suspicion of an old murder; investigates blackmail activities by Al Simpson (Terence Donovan). Eventually apprehends Simpson following a hostage crisis involving family members. | |||
| 27 February–8 March | Dave Porter | John Adam | Military acquaintance of Ben Lucini (Julian McMahon) whose disruptive actions cause social tension, including interfering with bets and irritating others. | |||
| 12 March | Travis | Craig Black | Student in Year 12 attending Grant Mitchell's class. | |||
| 30 March–3 April | Reverend Christopher Goodhope | Ron Becks | African clergyman hosted by Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence) during an orphan fundraising drive; mistakenly detained but subsequently released, inspiring Celia’s missionary aspirations. | |||
| 6 April 1990, 21 May 2007 – 26 January 2012 |
Delivery Man | Steve Cox | Delivery personnel appearing intermittently over several years, involved in minor storylines such as delivering items and interacting with principal characters. | |||
| 16 April–11 September | Des Thompson | Brian Harrison | Bank official responsible for approving loans for Carly Morris and later assisting Carly and Ben Lucini in acquiring the local boatshed. | |||
| 17–26 April | Melody | Suzi Dougherty | Tenant at the Beach House with inconsistent rent payments; brings in boyfriend Bruce, whose intimidating behavior leads flatmates to exploit his fear of snakes to evict them both. | |||
| 18 April | Peter Butcher | Matthew Booker | Year 10 student who mocks Sophie Simpson over her literacy difficulties. | |||
| 25–26 April | Bruce | Bill Charlton | Paroled boyfriend of Melody whose violent reputation unsettles housemates until they use his ophidiophobia to force him out. | |||
| 3 May–17 July | Minister | John Mann | Local clergyman officiating various funerals and weddings involving key community members. | |||
| 8 May–19 June | Lorraine Jensen | Elizabeth Chance | Mother working at a betting shop to support her children; initially opposes her son's piano aspirations but eventually becomes supportive. | |||
| 15 May–27 July | Doctor Walker | Earle Cross | Community physician treating illnesses of main characters, including confirming pregnancy for Bobby Simpson. | |||
| 21–24 May | Helen Wakefield | Shayne Foote | Social worker investigating abuse allegations; facilitates reconciliation between estranged mother Angela Newton and her daughters. | |||
| 21–23 May | Megan Tierney | Pamela Hawkesford | Affluent former schoolmate of Carly Morris, whose extravagant spending creates marital strain with husband Julian during a dinner with Carly and Ben Lucini. | |||
| 23 May | Julian Tierney | Cranston Brecht | ||||
| 23–25 May | 'Angela Newton' | 'Annie Byron' | 'Estranged mother searching for her daughters with assistance from social worker Helen Wakefield; discloses past family issues linked to religious extremism; family relocates to Queensland.' | |||
| 'Chris Reynolds' | 'Jay Hackett' | 'Client of a dating agency involved in complicated relationships with Bobby Simpson; marital breakdown leads to custody disputes resolved after intervention.' | ||||
| 'Geoff Lime' | 'William Usic' | 'Dating agency participant competing with Chris Reynolds for Bobby’s affection; later proposes but engagement dissolves.' | ||||
| '12–15 June' | 'Gus' | 'Harry Lawrence' | 'Homeless individual who befriends Sophie Simpson, encouraging her to resume schooling through a staged ruse.' | |||
| '27 June–23 July' | 'Sheree Anderson' | 'Beth Champion' | 'Acquaintance involved in plots against Emma Jackson, including framing her for exam theft and interfering romantically.' | |||
| '11–18 July' | 'Francesca Lucini' | 'Kim Leon' | 'Sibling of Ben Lucini attracted to Carly’s foster brother, creating family conflicts.' | |||
| 'Gina Lucini' | 'Arianthe Galani' | 'Ben’s mother who exerts influence over family matters, affecting wedding arrangements.' | ||||
| 'Antonio Lucini' | 'Alistair Duncan' | |||||
| '12–18 July' | 'Angelo' | 'Raj Sidhu' | 'Ben’s cousin and best man whose reckless conduct and unwelcome advances generate tension during the wedding.' | |||
| '30 July' | 'Alec Dean' | 'Norm Galton' | 'Uncle who assumes custody of Blake and Karen Dean; consents to their stay with local relatives after initial challenges.' | |||
| '9 August' | 'Anna' | 'Rebecca George' | 'Relative involved in framing Emma Jackson; exposure leads to Emma’s reinstatement at school.' | |||
| '29 August–5 September' | 'Wendy Reynolds' | 'Liz Newman' | 'Chris Reynolds’ wife who leaves him due to infidelity; participates in child custody storyline.' | |||
| 'Suzie Reynolds' | 'Sophia Davidson' | 'Daughter caught in parental separation conflict; safely returned to mother following abduction.' | ||||
| '6 September ' | 'Vince McGrath' | 'Felix Nobis' | 'Delivery man whose date with Marilyn Chambers is interrupted by a jealous housemate.' | |||
| '10 September – 12 October' | 'Fred Owens' | 'Keith Holloway' | 'Owner of the local boatshed who sells the property to the highest bidder amid competition from main characters.' | |||
| '14 September – 17 October ' | 'Hazel Lime' | 'Kaye Stevenson' | 'Mother initially opposing son Geoff’s relationship with Bobby Simpson but ultimately endorses their engagement.' | |||
| '19 September–2 November' | 'Alan Stone' | 'Philip Hinton' | 'Violent alcoholic Deputy Principal enforcing strict discipline, clashing with students leading to dismissal.' | |||
| '9–16 October' | 'Daniel Atkinson' | 'Ken Radley' | 'Abusive spouse confronting wife’s relationship with younger man; implicated in assault resulting in charges.' | |||
| '14 November' | 'Eddie' | 'Peter Williams' | 'Drug dealer supplying Kim Mitchell; intimidated into leaving by concerned peers.' | |||
| '19 November 1990 – 8 March 1991' | 'Patricia Coleman' | 'Pam Western ' | 'Former nun turned educator offering support to students facing personal difficulties; develops relationship with Donald Fisher before relocating for new employment.' |
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 website
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away website
- Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database