Axel Boyd
Riley Hawkins | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Surgeon |
| Years active | 2017–unknown |
| Known for | Character on Home and Away |
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, brought to life by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017. Introduced as the former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) and a surgeon working at Northern Districts Hospital, Riley becomes involved in key hospital events. He operates on Justin Morgan (James Stewart) and encounters friction with fellow physician Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), who harbors resentment due to Riley's history with Tori.
The narrative arc for Riley focuses on his efforts to revive his romance with Tori, despite her reservations stemming from their past. His flirtations with other characters escalate tensions, leading him to attempt to have Nate dismissed by fabricating medical records. When Tori uncovers this deceit, she ends their relationship. After a heated dispute with Justin Morgan, Riley chooses to resign from his hospital position and depart the town.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. Nolan, who was based in Los Angeles at the time, traveled to Sydney for an audition and secured a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as somewhat enigmatic, shaped by a tragic history that motivated her move for this distinctive role.
Within the storyline, Scarlett becomes romantically involved with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), supporting him through struggles with drug addiction and legal challenges. Following Brody’s relapse and theft from her, Scarlett loses her residence but receives help from Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), who provides her with a caravan and employment at his bait shop. Additionally, she faces intimidation from Bruno Addlen, hired by her estranged husband to disclose her whereabouts unless compensated.
Scarlett develops relationships with Justin Morgan (James Stewart) and his daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas), navigating complicated personal issues including the loss of her son Max. Her connection with Justin deepens amid difficulties such as Justin’s unresolved feelings for his former fiancée Phoebe Nicholson (Isabella Giovinazzo).
Professionally, Scarlett acts as legal counsel for Brody during his trial, highlighting her role as a community lawyer. The arrival of her estranged husband Caleb Snow (Josh McConville) adds further complexity, culminating in an incident at a bush cabin that results in Scarlett’s injury. Ultimately, acknowledging the difficulties surrounding her relationships, Scarlett opts to leave the Bay alongside Caleb.
Ziggy Astoni
Ziggy Astoni, played by Sophie Dillman, debuted on 20 June 2017. As the eldest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni, she is part of the first nuclear family introduced to the series in seventeen years. Ziggy is characterized as a "rebellious teenager" and "wild child," also positioned as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, was first seen on 20 June 2017. Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly to be near the production location at Palm Beach. Ben relocates to Summer Bay with his wife Maggie and their daughters Coco and Ziggy. The Astoni family represents a notable addition as the first traditional family unit introduced since 2000. Nichol described Ben as dependable, affectionate, and relatable—a "good guy" designed to resonate well with viewers.
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, brought to life by Kestie Morassi, made her first appearance on 21 June 2017. The announcement of Morassi's casting occurred earlier that year, with character specifics revealed on 4 June. She commented that adapting to the rapid filming pace was a notable change compared to her previous film experiences. Maggie relocates to Summer Bay alongside her spouse Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astoni family marked the first introduction of a traditional nuclear family to the series in 17 years, following the Sutherlands who joined in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, portrayed by Anna Cocquerel, debuted on-screen on 21 June 2017. She is the youngest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The Astoni family was the first complete nuclear family added in nearly two decades. Coco was considered as a potential romantic partner for VJ Patterson. In late 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming commitments to focus on completing Year 12 studies.
Coco's narrative includes suspension due to cyberbullying, disputes with her sister Ziggy, and moving to Summer Bay after her father confiscates her phone. She forms a friendship with Raffy Morrison and explores adolescent relationships, including a short-lived romance with VJ Patterson. At Summer Bay High, Coco encounters bullying which leads to an eating disorder characterized by bingeing and purging. This results in hospital admissions and strained friendships, culminating in her admitting to struggling with bulimia.
Her storylines also cover developing romantic feelings for Ryder Jackson, balancing friendships with Raffy, and supporting her mother Maggie during a cancer diagnosis. Coco experiences intermittent relationships with Ryder and serves as maid of honour at Ziggy’s wedding. Despite initial opposition from Maggie, Coco opts to attend boarding school in Cairns.
She later returns months afterward for Raffy’s birthday celebration, confronting Brody Morgan about infidelity issues affecting Ziggy. Coco apologizes for causing conflict and discusses Ziggy’s new relationship before heading back to boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), enacted by Jake Ryan, first appeared on 25 July 2017. Prior to filming, Ryan lost 13 kilograms aiming to fill the "heart-throb" role left vacant by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo was introduced as a handyman, an AFP Federal Agent, and owner of a gym. His character was written out in early 2020, with Ryan explaining his exit was due to the storyline reaching its intended conclusion.
Robbo is initially found suffering from amnesia, using the alias John Doe. After interactions with locals such as Alf Stewart and Kat Chapman, his fingerprints and DNA return no matches. Hospital staff nickname him "Robbo," and he remains in Summer Bay taking up maintenance work. His quest for identity reveals a tattoo connected to a woman named Rose; upon discovering her body, he chooses to cease further investigation.
As Robbo’s background emerges, he confronts Dennis Novak—an ex-criminal associate who threatens Kat. After killing Novak in self-defense and burying him, Robbo becomes the primary suspect. Attempts to escape with Kat are thwarted by a car crash that separates them; Kat later dies, intensifying Robbo’s distress. He evades Ash’s vengeance before being arrested but later released on bail.
During his trial, the Australian Federal Police intervene unexpectedly, disclosing Robbo’s true identity as Ryan Shaw—an undercover AFP agent whose memory had been erased for mission security. His cover involved pursuing those accountable for his family’s murder while protecting Kat. Returning to Summer Bay backed by AFP resources, Robbo opts not to resume law enforcement duties and instead acquires the local gym.
Robbo’s relationship with Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost) evolves from friendship into romance. He consents to father a child with Tori Morgan via IVF; following her miscarriage, he proposes to Jasmine. Discovering Jasmine concealed Tori’s ongoing pregnancy causes friction leading to a brief separation. They reconcile, marry, but soon relocate under AFP protection in a safe house.
Undergoing hypnotherapy aids Robbo in recovering memories related to Dylan Carter’s disappearance; although initial sessions are challenging, they ultimately succeed. After experiencing a car accident and complications from surgery, Robbo dies due to internal bleeding but appears posthumously within Jasmine’s dream sequence.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga's involvement was confirmed in June 2017 after she was spotted filming scenes at Palm Beach, the series' primary setting. Jennifer was introduced as a high school student who bullied Coco Astoni (Anna Cocquerel) and later developed into a romantic interest for Hunter King (Scott Lee), attracting notable viewer engagement.
Her narrative centered on mocking Coco with an embarrassing nickname and assigning detentions, which led to clashes with other students such as Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble). Jennifer manipulated Coco by threatening to reveal her eating disorder unless Coco arranged a date for her with VJ Patterson (Matt Little). These actions caused tension among friends and intensified disputes within Summer Bay High.
Jennifer's role extended beyond school-related issues; at a fashion launch event, she persuaded Raffy to drink excessively. She also took part in community activities like Summer Bay's Glow Day, during which she sustained a wrist injury while navigating an obstacle course. Jennifer flirted with Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), sharing a kiss before he withdrew due to his personal grief.
After Hunter King's breakup, Jennifer offered him support and initiated a relationship, much to Olivia Fraser Richards' displeasure. Following an incident involving alcohol at a university party, Jennifer ran away from home and briefly stayed with Hunter until Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) evicted her. Once Hunter ended their relationship, Jennifer found herself homeless but eventually returned to live with her father, Nick Dutton, saying goodbye to Hunter before leaving Summer Bay.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, was introduced on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Although initially doubtful about her audition performance, she received a callback and was cast within a week.
Apps described Beth as "cheeky" and multifaceted, someone who strives to lift others up. The character entered the storyline as a romantic interest for Mason Morgan (Pledger), with Apps highlighting Beth’s wish to support Mason because she sees aspects of herself in him.
Beth first appears at the hospital, overhearing Mason express frustration about his paralysis. Disguised in nursing scrubs, she encourages him to use his wheelchair and race down the corridors. It is later revealed that Beth is actually a patient undergoing treatment for cardiomyopathy while awaiting a heart transplant. She confesses to Mason that she pretended to be a nurse to avoid sympathy, leading them to agree on rebuilding their friendship.
Beth motivates Mason to reconcile with his brother Brody Morgan (Heywood) and shares her bucket list with him, resulting in shared experiences such as getting tattoos and skinny dipping. During a casino visit organized by Mason, Beth faints due to breathing difficulties and is rushed back to the hospital. Mason introduces her as his girlfriend to his family.
When Mason meets Beth’s parents—Alan Ellis (McDonough) and Jackie Ellis (Coopes)—he discovers that Beth has kept their relationship private because of her health issues. Alan later requests Mason keep his distance from Beth, prompting her to confront her father and affirm her commitment. As Beth’s condition worsens, she requires a stent and is prioritized on the transplant list.
After showing brief signs of improvement, Mason takes Beth out for lunch by the beach where he presents her with a promise ring. Tragically, Beth experiences fatal arrhythmia shortly afterward and passes away in hospital. At her funeral, Mason envisions Beth encouraging him to move forward with his life.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, brought to life by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich secured the role soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his inaugural acting engagement. Ryder is the offspring of Quinn Jackson (played by Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (portrayed by Ray Meagher). His early narrative arc includes an incident where he breaks into the Surf Club and tries to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson. Although he acknowledges his relation to Alf Stewart, he declines to disclose Quinn’s whereabouts, raising concerns with his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) that he may have run away from home.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, first appeared on 14 November 2017. Prior to securing this role, Roberts auditioned for characters such as Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She traveled from Melbourne to Sydney for auditions and participated in a chemistry test alongside James Stewart, who plays Justin Morgan. Willow is depicted as a resilient, autonomous, loyal, and fierce woman who adds layers of mischief and complexity to Summer Bay. Roberts described her character as "undeniably a bad girl," someone who makes difficult choices to protect those she cares about. Willow quickly emerges as a significant romantic interest for Justin Morgan.
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, enacted by Sam Frost, arrived on screen on 18 December 2017. Frost’s casting was revealed on 17 July 2017, following an invitation to audition while she was appearing on Hell's Kitchen Australia. Despite competing with numerous actresses, she secured the role after a second audition. Frost regarded landing this part as a dream realized, marking her debut in acting. Some industry professionals criticized her casting as a publicity move. Jasmine’s storyline begins with a car accident that leads to the death of Kat Chapman, played by Pia Miller. Frost described Jasmine as "reserved" with an "anxious energy," concealing secrets and carrying a "troubled past."
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January–23 November | Luc Patterson |
|
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings. Conceived after Mick raped Billie, she allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is the father until their wedding day. Luc is born shortly after escaping a bushfire. VJ and Billie name her after Billie’s late brother Luke Ashford. Mick abducts Luc but later returns her. After Billie succumbs to terminal cancer holding Luc, VJ struggles emotionally and entrusts Irene Roberts with Luc’s care. Ashford gains temporary custody but faces obstacles including Patrick Stanwood's PTSD and Luc’s critical illness requiring surgery. Mick returns but ultimately accepts he cannot be part of her life; VJ eventually relocates overseas with Luc to raise her in Cyprus. |
| 1 February– | Constable Corelli | Nick Cain | Constable Corelli supports Kat Chapman during an arson investigation and later discovers CCTV footage implicating Dylan Carter. |
| 2 February | Lactation Consultant | Gail Knight | Provides breastfeeding support to Billie Ashford with her newborn daughter. |
| 23 February–1 May | Ambulance Officer | Rob Baird | Transports patients including John Palmer and later Zac MacGuire following medical emergencies. |
| 27 February–8 May | Patrick Stanwood | Luke McKenzie | Patrick, presumed dead brother of Billie and Ashford, reveals his PTSD struggles and staged death. He confronts custody battles over Luc before building a bond while seeking treatment. |
| 7 March–15 August | Lena Ascot | Felicity McKay | University student engaged in drug dealing at Salt restaurant; briefly involved romantically with Brody Morgan before being dismissed due to substance abuse; later attends rehab alongside Brody. |
| 7 March | Byron | Benjamin Winckle | Encourages social engagement for Olivia Fraser Richards; conflicts with Hunter King regarding Olivia. |
| 9 March | Local Woman | Meagan Caratti | Criticizes John Palmer over fires he caused; defended by Marilyn Chambers. |
| Local Man | James Caitlin | ||
| 13 March–18 April | Jess Kearney | Jess Bush | Studies with Olivia; attends Olivia’s birthday celebration. |
| 21 March | Cal Whitman | Craig Scott | Resident displaced by bushfire; appreciates John Palmer’s apology efforts. |
| 22 March, 6 December | Terry Diamond | Rob Flanagan | Restaurant critic who initially clashes with Brody Morgan but later supports his talents. |
| 29 March–3 April | Donna Fields | Melissa Bonne | Visits Summer Bay reconnecting with Phoebe Nicholson; discusses music career differences and invites Phoebe on tour. |
| 29 March–29 August | Lachlan Piers | Warwick Allsopp | John Palmer's indifferent lawyer advising unconventional defense tactics; also involved in local pier development disputes. |
| 29 March–20 April | James Mayvers | Tim Ross | Roo Stewart’s boyfriend visiting Summer Bay; involved in storyline leading to miscarriage. |
| 3 April–30 August | William Zannis | Caleb Alloway | Drug dealer connected to Brody Morgan’s addiction and criminal activities; implicated in kidnapping and violent incidents before fleeing arrest. |
| 10 April | Court Officer | Alistair Bates | |
| Jury Foreperson | Aanisa Vylet | ||
| Police Officer | Joshua Farah | ||
| 11–25 April | Prison Officer | PJ Williams | Supervises prison routines involving John Palmer and others during incarceration period. |
| 12 April | Annie Banks | Raelee Hill | Mediates custody dispute involving Martin Ashford, Kat Chapman, Irene Roberts, VJ Patterson, and Leah Patterson-Baker; escalates case to court proceedings. |
| 13 April | Delivery Guy | Brendan Dodds | Attempts food delivery at Salt restaurant; confronts Brody Morgan over payment issues. |
| 17–25 April | Deacon Marx | Sam Smith | Prison inmate who threatens Marilyn Chambers and John Palmer; involved in jail altercations reflecting tension among inmates. |
| 17 April | Bartender | Alex Ewan | Serves drinks at Salt restaurant; enforces legal drinking age during Olivia Fraser Richards’ birthday party. |
| 3–11 May | Brian Gilbert | Tom O'Sullivan | Ava Gilbert’s stepfather who clashes with Justin Morgan over custody matters following Ava's accident. |
| 8 May | Tony Stoiov | Patrick Dickson | Pawnbroker confronting Brody Morgan over necklace sale leading to property damage and police involvement. |
| 9 May, 11 July | Terry Deakins | Chris Hanrahan | Department of Education representative involved in discussions about Zac MacGuire's potential move and principal vacancy at school. |
| 10 May | Postman | Jonathan Lee Jones | Delivers contractual documents related to Roo Stewart's family affairs. |
| 17 May | David Mayvers | Noel Hodda | Father of James Mayvers offering financial incentives regarding Roo Stewart’s pregnancy decisions, which she declines. |
| 22 May | Heather Shirley | Meagan Caratti | Criticizes John Palmer for organizing fundraiser despite facing arson accusations. |
| 24 May | Helena Harrison & Joseph Moore | Jenevieve Chang & Joel Pierce | Divorce attorneys representing Leah Patterson and Zac MacGuire overseeing settlement signing at Salt restaurant. |
| 29 May–7 June | Dr. Bailey Voss | Travis Jeffery | Psychologist consulting John Palmer regarding guilt and memory issues linked to brain tumor and arson events. |
| 30–31 May | Rebecca Brown | Kate Betcher | Flirts with VJ Patterson but departs when family presence complicates interaction. |
| 31 May–22 June | Bede Hadden | Bill Young | Connects John Palmer to his father's gravesite providing personal memorabilia from the past. |
| 31 May–8 June | Young John Palmer | Rex Palazzi | Portrays John's childhood memories surrounding his father's suicide concealed by fire. |
| 8 June | Enid Palmer | Megan O'Connell | Participates in covering up John's father's suicide through arson to avoid scandal. |
| 14 June–4 October | Jay Turner | Aidan Gillett | Operator of drug den linked to Brody Morgan’s addiction; involved in violent encounters with Justin and Mason Morgan. |
| 14–15 June | Bruno Addlen | Johnny Nasser | Private investigator hired to find Scarlett Snow; demands payment for silence about her location. |
| 20 June | Des Green | Kirk Dodd | Leads Narcotics Anonymous meetings attended by Brody Morgan during recovery process. |
| 21 June | Anton Shields | David Woodland | Facilitates NA sessions where Brody admits addiction struggles. |
| 26 June–11 September | Max Snow | Addison Price | Deceased son of Scarlett Snow whose memory profoundly affects her emotional storyline. |
| 4–20 July | ' Peggy King 'Grandmother of Hunter King' | ' Caroline Gillmer | ' Engages with Hunter over family disputes including paternity issues and criminal allegations; eventually reconciles with him. |
| 6 July | ' Constable Anderson 'Private Investigator hired to track Scarlett Snow' | ' Jon Scholten | ' Attempts surveillance on Scarlett Snow but is prevented by Justin Morgan’s intervention. |
| 13 July–18 December | ' Jarrod McGregor 'Ziggy Astoni’s boyfriend' | ' Joel Davies | ' Relationship marked by infidelity incidents followed by attempts at reconciliation culminating in breakup. |
| 13 July | ' Random Girl 'Witnessed Jarrod's infidelity' | ' Emma Sabjan | ' Observes Jarrod cheating on Ziggy Astoni. |
| 20 July | ' Tom 'Flirts with Scarlett Snow' | ' Joel Hogan | ' Warned off by Justin Morgan due to concerns about Scarlett’s wellbeing. |
| 31 July–4 September | ' Wally Burns 'Biological father of Hunter King' | ' Julian Garner | ' Initially denies paternity citing infertility but DNA test confirms fatherhood; struggles bonding leading to departure from Summer Bay. |
| 10 August–14 September | ' Doctor Simms 'Medical professional treating Mason Morgan' | ' Ed Wightman | ' Manages Mason’s recovery from spinal shock including ventilation support and discharge planning. |
| 10 August | ' Norris 'Contact for William Zannis' | ' Gavin Fenwick Christensen | ' Provides intelligence advancing Martin Ashford closer to drug dealer William Zannis. |
| 14 August | ' Counsellor Kathryn 'Rehab counselor for Brody Morgan' | ' Sarah Amanious | ' Encourages openness during group therapy addressing addiction triggers. |
| 'Addict Lisa' 'Fellow rehab participant attending group sessions' | ' Ashley Avci | ||
| 'Mackenzie' 'Driver attempting assault on Raffy Morrison' | ' Luke Davis | ||
| 'Surfer' 'Passerby recognizing John Palmer as Luc Patterson's grandfather' | ' Finlay Upton | ||
| 'Claire Burns' 'Wife of Wally Burns confronting Leah Patterson over alleged affair' | ' Di Adams | ||
| 'Felicity Cox' 'Prospective buyer of Salt restaurant' | ' Amali Golden | ' Negotiates purchase terms with Justin Morgan; initially demands double price before selling back at reduced cost amid fraud discovery. | |
| 'Nick Dutton' 'Romantic interest for Leah Patterson; father of Jennifer Dutton' | ' Jacob Allan | ' Pursues Leah romantically while managing complex family dynamics involving daughter Jennifer’s relationships and school challenges. | |
| 'Tyson', 'Paul', 'Polygraph Examiner' 'Supporting roles involved in investigations or social interactions.' | |||
| 'Faz', 'Bob' 'Accomplices of William Zannis involved in Ziggy Astoni kidnapping.' | |||
| 'Dr Pandza' 'Beth Ellis’s physician overseeing treatment.' | |||
| 'Rose Wagner', 'Trish', 'Leon', 'Colin', 'Sergeant Halac', 'Photographer', 'Junkie', 'Mate #1', 'Liz', 'Baby Phoenix', 'Alan Ellis', 'Jackie Ellis', 'Prosecutor', 'Caleb Snow', 'Pete', 'Waiter', 'Dennis Novak', 'Shelley', 'Guard', 'Parole Assessor', 'Elle Gilbert', 'Brendan Gilbert', 'Dr Lang', 'Oliver Brisbane', 'Nurse Lee', 'Pete Sands', 'Curtis', 'Macca', 'Diana Walford', 'Axel Boyd', 'Judy Lawson', 'Boyd Easton', 'Sidney Cheng', 'DI Will Shepherd', 'DI Liz Vincent', 'Truck Driver', 'Naomi', 'Tulli', 'Gabriella’, ‘Prosecutor’, ‘Ambulance Officer’, ‘Russell Harris’, ‘Trend Rep’, ‘Forensic Officer’, ‘Marli Lewis’, ‘Mark’ - Various supporting characters contributing across business, legal, medical, law enforcement, or personal storylines within Summer Bay.' |
External links
- Cast and characters on the official AU Home and Away site
- Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
- Ben Astoni profile on the official AU Home and Away website
- Coco Astoni profile on the official AU Home and Away website
- Ziggy Astoni profile on the official AU Home and Away website