Annie Matthews
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| 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. Below is a compilation of characters introduced during 1999, all under the direction of then executive producer John Holmes. The show's twelfth season commenced on 11 January 1999. The earliest addition was Nick Smith, portrayed by Matt Juarez in March. His father, Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, made his first appearance in April. Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi in May. In July, Cameron Welsh was cast as Mitch McColl. August saw the introduction of Bianca Zeboat and lifeguard Shauna Bradley, with Kylie Watson in the latter role. Science educator Harry Reynolds, enacted by Justin Melvey, debuted in September. October brought Anna Hruby and Stephen James King into the series as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son, Edward Dunglass, respectively.
Nick Smith
Nick Smith made his initial appearance on 18 March 1999, originally played by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity before returning as a series regular in 2000 with Chris Egan taking over the role. His character exited on 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge portrayed Nick in flashback scenes that same year. Chris Egan received a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2001 for his portrayal.
Peta Janossi
Peta Janossi, enacted by Aleetza Wood, first appeared on 27 May 1999 and departed on 14 July 2000. Wood was cast while attending university, with Series Producer Russell Webb selecting her due to her "fresh-faced" look. Her work earned her a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2000.
Mitch McColl
Mitch McColl, played by Cameron Welsh, debuted on 15 July 1999. Welsh initially auditioned for a minor guest part. In 2000, after being diagnosed with a herniated disc, he took a six-week hiatus during which Mitchell McMahon temporarily assumed the role. Welsh resumed portraying Mitch on 3 April 2000. He later returned for a cameo appearance during the show's 4000th episode in 2005, which celebrated the birthday of Alf Stewart. Welsh eventually transitioned into producing Home and Away, crediting his acting background as beneficial to his production work. He was nominated for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2000.
Critics acknowledged Mitch's impactful debut, emphasizing the chemistry and anticipation surrounding his relationship with Hayley. The Daily Record (Scotland) also recognized Mitch's departure as a memorable television moment.
Bianca Zeboat
Bianca Zeboat, portrayed by Lara Cox, first appeared on 11 August 1999. Cox landed this extended guest role soon after filming Heartbreak High, managing appearances in both series concurrently. She characterized Bianca as a "manipulative" and "nasty" figure, contrasting sharply with her former role as Anita Scheppers, while highlighting Bianca's assertive nature. An Inside Soap contributor remarked that Bianca immediately stirred trouble upon arriving in Summer Bay.
Bianca is an actress and model aspiring to secure the lead part in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher's 1989 novel On the Crest of a Wave. She befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) to gain insider information about the casting process. Jesse, eager for companionship and a maternal presence, becomes infatuated with Bianca, overlooking her flaws. Following her dismissal by director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner), Bianca ends her relationship with Jesse and leaves Summer Bay.
Shauna Bradley
Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson, made her debut on 16 August 1999 and departed in July 2002. After moving to Canberra in early 1999, Watson auditioned for Home and Away despite initial reservations, encouraged by her agent. This role marked her acting debut, leading her to take acting lessons to hone her craft. Watson embraced the opportunity and experienced significant professional growth.
She received a nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards. Critics characterized Shauna as "feisty" and "sassy," while author Andrew Mercado referred to her as a "sexy lifesaver." Inside Soap emphasized the stormy aspects of her relationship with Harry and highlighted the dangers she faced when involved with Gavin. In 2012, Channel 5 included an episode featuring Shauna confronting Margaret about her adoption in their viewer-selected "From Day One" special.
Harry Reynolds
Harry Reynolds, enacted by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and left the series on 26 January 2001. Before joining Home and Away, Melvey had experience in modelling and acting training. Upon landing the role, he relocated from Los Angeles to Sydney. His portrayal of Harry earned him the "Most Popular New Male Talent" Logie Award in 2000.
Judith Ackroyd
Judith Ackroyd, played by Anna Hruby, was featured from 21 October 1999 until 21 November 2000. Hruby had previously appeared on Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith took over as principal of Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher’s leave. Her leadership involved addressing challenges such as speculation over her appointment and clashes with students including Gypsy Nash.
Her son, Edward Dunglass, carried Huntington's disease inherited from his late father, Edward Dunglass Sr. Judith supported Edward’s rebellious behavior and his relationship with Peta Janossi, eventually permitting Peta to live with them. She formed a strong connection with Donald Fisher but later began a relationship with Joel Nash. After Edward's diagnosis was confirmed, Judith arranged for him and Peta to travel abroad.
When Joel reunited with his ex-wife Natalie Nash, his relationship with Judith ended. Subsequently, Judith accepted a position in Switzerland, advised Donald to resume his principal duties, and appointed Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) before leaving Summer Bay.
Edward Dunglass
Edward Dunglass, portrayed by Stephen James King, appeared from 28 October 1999 through 14 July 2000. King managed his high school studies alongside filming, marking his first television role after primarily working in theatre. He described the cast as welcoming and noted that Edward’s distinctive goth style set him apart from typical Summer Bay residents, initially causing friction.
Edward made his entrance on the beach, using sarcasm to deflect teasing about his goth appearance. He gained respect by defending Duncan Stewart from bullies and impressed others during go-kart trials before revealing that his mother was the new principal, Judith Ackroyd. It was revealed that Edward’s father died from Huntington's disease, which Edward feared he might have inherited.
He quickly formed friendships with local youths Peta Janossi and Mitch McColl, assisting Peta in honoring her late grandmother—a gesture that sparked neighborhood rumors of occult involvement. Edward’s frankness regarding illness caused tension with families like the Stewarts and Fishers. As symptoms of Huntington’s manifested—including muscle spasms and paralysis—Edward sought out more intense experiences.
The relationship between Edward and Peta developed from initial conflict into commitment; they privately wed, cohabited with Judith’s blessing, and began self-defense classes after facing harassment. Upon turning eighteen, Edward tested positive for Huntington’s but initially minimized its significance until a breakdown led Judith to share a video message from Edward Sr. Following this revelation, Edward removed his gothic makeup and accessed his trust fund to travel to Rome with Peta.
Before their departure, Edward’s condition deteriorated, yet Peta remained devoted. With Judith’s support, they left Summer Bay together. A year later, Will Smith visited them and confirmed that Edward’s health was worsening.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dr. Noble | Serves as psychiatrist for Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) following her abduction and later provides support to Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) during his struggle with schizophrenia. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14–25 January | Mr Gilkey | Ben Ager | A driver exhibiting road rage who harasses Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) after a traffic accident, insisting on payment despite her refusal to accept his apology. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 January–21 May | Troy | Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz |
Cricket teammate of Tom Nash (Graeme Squires) in Year 12. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18–19 January | Rhonda | Samantha Braniff | Employed by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli) as bait in the kidnapping of Joel Nash (David Woodley). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21 January–10 February | Brian Matthews | Scott Swalwell | Companion to Sam Marshall and Hayley Smith, involved in graffiti tagging; dies from a fall during the act. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3–12 February | Geraldine Peterson | Anna Lee | Member of The Wednesday Club who fakes success in charity fundraising, prompting Rebecca Nash to leave the group. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 February | Mo Matthews | Pat Sands | Father of Brian Matthews; discovers him tagging with Sam Marshall. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8–18 February | Kaia Stokes | Blazey Best | Provides support to Joey Rainbow amid his schizophrenic episodes before departing due to his hallucinations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19 February–6 October | Bob Playford | Tony Morgan | Real estate agent contracted to develop the caravan park; faces opposition from residents who eventually purchase the property to halt development. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4–23 March | Brooke Taylor | Bridie Carter | Pursues Travis Nash because of his likeness to her deceased fiancé; unveils family secrets before leaving. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4–5 March | Mara Taylor | Ann Burbrook | Brooke's sister, expresses interest in Joel Nash unaware that he is married. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10–17 March | Denise Hennessy | Lauren Clair | Former cellmate of Kylie Burton; adopts a false identity and evades police suspicion before fleeing Summer Bay. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 March | Eleanor Mace | Deborah Piper | Candidates interviewed by Donald Fisher for Byron Fisher's nanny role. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patsy Little | Jillian O'Dowd | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Skye | Karren Lewis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 March–11 May | Ellen Porter | Anne Grigg | Nanny employed for Donald Fisher’s newborn; has a history of manslaughter but earns Donald's trust prior to departure. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17–22 March | Jim Woods | Nick Hogan | Police officer suspicious of Denise Hennessy; investigates drug issues affecting local youths. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19–23 March | Johnno | Josef Ber | Drug dealer pressuring Nick Smith over debts; assaults Nick but leaves after deeming the debt settled. | { | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ted Williams | Kim Knuckey | - ! scope="row" |24 March 1999–26 April 2000 | Wendy Williams | Monette Lee Lisa Cameron |
- ! scope="row" |26 March–20 April | Miranda Porter | Lauren Hewett | - ! scope="row" |29 March–7 April | Claire Andrews | Kate Beahan | - ! scope="row" |21 April–14 June | Jack | Eamon Davern | - ! scope="row" |4–5 May | Organist | Gregg Arthur | - ! scope="row" |7 May–19 August | Wendy Collins | Jayne Leslie | - ! scope="row" |11 May–19 August | Steve Collins | Don Halbert | - ! scope="row" |11–19 May | Ruby Collins | Kiara Bleskas Tara McKellar Brittany Jones Sian Tierney |
- ! scope="row" |24–25 May | Guy North | Drayton Morley | - ! scope="row" |3 June 1999, 8 November 2004 |
Father O'Hearn | Alan Russell | - ! scope="row" |7 June–2 July | Hope Benedict | Brooke Harmon | - ! scope="row" |9–23 June | John Russell | John Moore Marbuck Khan (flashback) |
- ! scope="row" |16 June–20 July | David Janossi | Philip Edwards | - ! scope="row" |28 June–9 September | Roger Lansdowne | Tony Bonner | - ! scope="row" |28 June | Reverend Lee | Stewart Reade | - ! scope="row" |28 June–19 July | Annie Matthews | Carole Skinner | - ! scope="row" |12 July–20 August | Angus Halliday | Gabriel Andrews | - ! scope="row" |19 July | Frances Kennedy | Alice Livingstone | - ! scope="row" |28 July–26 August | Sharon Welles | Shayne Francis | - ! scope="row"|28 July–9 August | Leon Watson | David Webb | - ! scope="row"|30 July–31 August | Jeff Berger | Jonathon Speer | - ! scope="row"|6–9 August | Kelly McCane | Laurie Foell | - ! scope="row"|10–18 August | Gemma | Alyssa McClelland | - ! scope="row"|23 August | Mrs. Brown | Jan Merriman | - ! scope="row"|24 August 1999–26 February 2000 | Jack Brown | Paul Chubb | - ! scope="row"|31 August–30 September | Anthony Doyle | Kim Knuckey | - ! scope="row"|10–22 September | Jillian Williams | Alexandra Davies | - ! scope="row"|14 September | Darryl | Jeremiah Tickell | - ! scope="row"|23 September 1999–16 June 2003 | Ralph Patterson" | Alan Cinis | - ! scope="row"|27 September–8 October | Gazza Boyd" | Sebastian Huber | - ! scope="row"|11–13 October | Lauren Healy" | Merridy Eastman | - ! scope="row"|14 October 1999–24 March 2000 | Claire Rogers" | Talia Marmount Jaime Mears |
- ! scope="row"|15 October 1999–21 February 2000 | Danielle McCarthy" | Claire Paradine | - ! scope="row"|20 October 1999–5 April 2000 | Juliette Bellatti" | Nicole Nabout | - ! scope="row"|2 November 1999–31 January 2000 | Mick Dwyer" | John Brumpton | - ! scope="row"|3 November 1999–27 March 2000 | Rosemary Myers" | Student competing for school captaincy and protesting Edward Dunglass’ newsletter alongside Peta Janossi.|- | scope=row | Christian | John Atkinson | Hitman employed by an American scientific company targeting Harry Reynolds; subdued by Harry and Shauna Bradley.|- | scope=row | Alison | Jenny Apostolou | Harry Reynolds’ former fiancée from America arrives during his break with Shauna Bradley; departs after Harry chooses Shauna.|}
External links
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