Axel Hay

Home and Away

Company type	Television soap opera
Industry	Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section outlines the characters introduced during 2008, all under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's twenty-first season commenced on 28 January 2008. In February, Bob Baines began his role as the significant character Martin Bartlett. March saw the arrival of Axel Hay, portrayed by Trent Dalzell, alongside David Downer as Ross Buckton and Celeste Dodwell taking on the role of Melody Jones. April introduced Tessa James in the role of Nicole Franklin, while May welcomed Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis as Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips, respectively. June marked the debut of Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds playing Charlie and Ruby Buckton. On 8 July, both Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano joined the cast as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen. Later in November, David Jones-Roberts began portraying Xavier Austin.

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, brought to life by actor Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. A major plotline revolved around his romantic interest in school secretary Kirsty Sutherland (played by Christie Hayes). After Kirsty rejects Martin’s advances and starts dating Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), Martin terminates her employment. Unaware that Martin frequents escorts at the Sands resort, Kirsty takes a position there, leading to an embarrassing moment when she realizes Martin is one of her clients.

Introduced as a veteran Science teacher at Summer Bay High, Martin steps into the role of deputy principal following Donald Fisher’s (Norman Coburn) departure, with Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) facilitating his introduction. After Sally suffers a stabbing incident at the hands of Johnny Cooper (Callan Mulvey), Martin is promoted to principal by the school board. He initially hires Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) as his secretary; however, after she blackmails him due to witnessing him at an illegal fight involving Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), he dismisses her. Subsequently, Martin employs Kirsty as Jazz’s replacement, developing romantic feelings for her and even accepting responsibility for an injury sustained by her son Oliver (Oliver Davis) while babysitting.

Martin shares a personal connection with Kirsty, revealing that both were raised by single mothers, while Oliver’s father Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell) remains incarcerated. Upon discovering Kirsty’s relationship with Miles, Martin fires her but provides a reference that helps her secure employment at the Sands resort. Tensions escalate when Miles finds out Kirsty works as an escort there, where Martin is also a client, resulting in a confrontation.

During the senior formal organized by Martin at the Surf Club, chaos ensues when Kane’s car crashes through a wall; Martin is knocked down and trampled, suffering fractured ribs. Both he and Kane are hospitalized but eventually recover. Martin later arranges a school trek to honor the anniversary of Dan Baker’s (Tim Campbell) death. When students Jai Fernandez and Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best) go missing during this event, the situation intensifies after Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) takes them hostage by placing a bomb beneath their bus. The device is successfully defused by Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry). Following these incidents, Martin departs on a cruise but ensures Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) is appointed as his successor before leaving.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, brought to life by Trent Dalzell, made his debut on 19 March 2008.

Prior to Axel's departure, he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunk Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then flees the scene. Todd Lasance, portraying Aden Jefferies, explained that Axel is hospitalized with critical injuries while Jai escapes mostly unscathed. Initially, neither recalls the event, but both remember seeing a silver estate car, prompting Aden to suspect his father.

Axel first appears alongside his classmate Aden at Nicole Franklin's (Tessa James) party, where he unsuccessfully tries to win over Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). He then pretends to comfort Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell) before attempting to assault her. When Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) uncovers this, he confronts Axel, who is subsequently found beaten on the beach by Belle. Axel hesitates to involve law enforcement, leading to suspicion falling on Geoff and Aden. Belle deduces Aden's guilt based on his cold demeanor. Axel's standing deteriorates; he apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Ultimately, Axel and Jai are involved in a car accident caused by Aden’s father, resulting in Axel’s death. He later appears as a hallucination in Melody's nightmares.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, first appeared on 21 May 2008. Ross arrives at Yabbie Creek Police Station to investigate the murder of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). He interrogates Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), the ex-wife of Sam’s widower Jack Holden, regarding a suspicious suicide note. Following new evidence, Ross also questions Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon).

Ross seeks to implicate Jack and Martha in Sam’s death but must withdraw charges after Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) demonstrates that Sam died by suicide. Ross and Morag’s prior relationship is revealed after her divorce from Richard. Despite challenges including Ross’s concealment about his wife Elsie’s passing and opposition from his daughter Charlie—though supported by daughter Ruby—they rekindle their romance. Ross proposes; they marry privately and honeymoon abroad.

Upon returning the following year, signs of strain emerge: Morag is under stress, and Ross shows forgetfulness. After disappearing twice and reopening an already closed case, Ross is diagnosed with Alzheimers' by Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). Following a hazardous incident at home, Ross consents to move into care with Morag by his side.

When Grant Bledcoe (Clayton Watson)'s body is discovered, Charlie is suspected and suspended from duty. Ross admits to killing Grant in retaliation for Grant raping Charlie during their youth and faces murder charges. Ross passes away in 2011; his funeral takes place in Summer Bay.

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, played by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 after completing her drama HSC. Dodwell initially auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, which was ultimately given to Tessa James. Her agent provided her with Melody's character description, which she found compelling. Dodwell later exited the show to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, portrayed by Tessa James, made her first appearance on 18 April 2008. Her casting was revealed in January 2008, with Executive Producer Cameron Welsh commending James as a dynamic talent expected to connect strongly with viewers. To take on this role, James moved to Sydney and regarded the experience as valuable professional development. Interestingly, Celeste Dodwell, known for playing Melody Jones, had initially auditioned for the part of Nicole.

Among Nicole's key story arcs are reigniting a romance while stranded on a desert island and enduring captivity before her father came to her rescue. Inside Soap characterized her as a "flighty minx from the city," whereas the Daily Record labeled her a "fiery favourite." Additionally, TV Week recognized James as one of the series’ standout young actresses, suggesting she was poised for potential opportunities in Hollywood.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, brought to life by Jordan Rodrigues, first appeared on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described the role as an entirely new challenge and appreciated the positive audience response. Jai’s background involves surviving the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which led to his connection with established character Miles Copeland, who took him under his wing in Summer Bay. However, tensions exist between them due to Miles having abandoned Jai previously in Phuket. Rodrigues highlighted Jai’s difficulties adapting from urban life to the coastal surf community.

In 2009, Rodrigues departed the show to pursue a role in ABC’s Dance Academy. His performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.

Jai is initially discovered by Miles at a city shelter. Although wary at first, he eventually accepts Miles’ invitation to relocate to Summer Bay but finds it hard to settle into school life. He forms a friendship with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell), which leads to trouble including a fatal scooter accident caused by a drunk driver that claims Axel’s life. This event triggers reckless acts from Jai, such as leaping off Jump Rock to demonstrate his fearlessness, impressing Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best). Their romance blossoms despite objections from guardians Miles and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).

Additional obstacles arise when Annie becomes trapped in a storm drain and is rescued by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Jai also faces harassment from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) and steps in when Trey falsely accuses others of wrongdoing.

Jai’s relationship with Annie deteriorates after he drunkenly confesses at Ruby Buckton's party that he desires to sleep with her, resulting in their breakup. Later, Jai is accidentally wounded by an old shotgun found on Martha MacKenzie's (Jodi Gordon) farm but hides his injury until he collapses during a school hike. Meanwhile, Annie’s increasing closeness with Dexter Walker (Tom Green) adds further strain.

The arrival of Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell), a foster care friend, briefly boosts Jai’s spirits but complicates his attempts to reconcile with Annie when Romeo misrepresents love poems Jai sent her. Jai plans to participate in a student exchange program in Japan but relinquishes his spot so Annie can attend after Kirsty suffers a miscarriage of Miles’ child. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie leave together for Japan following heartfelt farewells.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. His introduction occurs when Irene Roberts notices he has a fever and takes him for care. Ollie needs hospitalization but remains uncommunicative despite efforts by healthcare professionals and law enforcement. Kane, who is on the run, secretly visits him. Following Kane's unsuccessful robbery attempt and subsequent arrest, Kirsty removes Ollie from the hospital.

Ollie and Kirsty reside temporarily with Irene, but Ollie's disclosure of Belle Taylor's relationship causes friction and disrupts her employment. Kirsty then relocates them to a caravan park near her former Summer Bay residence. Eventually, they establish a family unit alongside Miles Copeland and Jai.

After Kane is released from custody, Ollie spots him, inadvertently exposing his whereabouts. Kane reunites with the family; however, due to relationship conflicts, they decide to leave. Ollie feels distressed by Kane's permanent departure but is pleased to return to Summer Bay.

Kirsty later becomes pregnant and shares the news with Ollie, who embraces the prospect of having a sibling. After she suffers a miscarriage, Ollie meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland for the first time. Subsequently, Shelley takes Kirsty and Ollie to live with the family in the city.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton made her first appearance on 6 June 2008, portrayed by former model Esther Anderson, who was brought in to enhance Home and Away with added "sex appeal." A longtime admirer of the show, Anderson was excited to land the role after auditioning. She departed in November 2011 to pursue opportunities in Hollywood.

Anderson received multiple award nominations for her role as Charlie, including "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and "Best Daytime Star" in 2010. That same year, she was also nominated for "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" at the Logie Awards. The episode depicting Charlie’s death earned a nomination from the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics characterized Charlie as both a "sexy sergeant" and one of the series' "cutest crime fighters."

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, debuted on 20 June 2008. Created under executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as carefree but concealing deep emotions behind a strong exterior. Mourning her mother’s death, she internalizes her grief while projecting independence and reserve. Breeds emphasized Ruby’s strength and dedication to family, describing her as spirited and self-assured.

In June 2012, Breeds filmed her concluding scenes before exiting Home and Away. She remarked that Ruby’s storyline remained open-ended at that point. Breeds earned a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2009 and was nominated again for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. At the 2012 Inside Soap Awards, she received a nomination for "Best Daytime Star." One significant plotline featured Ruby dealing with her father’s illness while cleverly outmaneuvering a prank orchestrated by Matthew.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, portrayed by Luke Jacobz, first appeared on 8 July 2008. Jacobz secured this role in June 2008 following the conclusion of his recurring part on McLeod's Daughters. His initial contract spanned six months. In February 2011, it was announced that Jacobz had left Home and Away, though Angelo’s character continued appearing for several months afterward.

According to the official show website, Angelo hails from a close family with three brothers and was initially viewed as a brash individual unlikely to succeed. Jacobz received nominations for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards as well as "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards during that year.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, played by Paul Pantano, was featured from 8 July until 26 August 2008. Pantano received recognition in Digital Spy's gay spotlight segment. A pivotal plot involves Elliot putting Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) in jeopardy. Holding Roman responsible for his brother Mark's demise, Elliot pursues vengeance, resulting in Nicole and Geoff being marooned on an island while Roman is left stranded in the wilderness. James characterized Elliot’s deeds as a "life and death obstacle course" for Roman.

Elliot arrives in Summer Bay with the intention of locating Roman, whose late brother Mark had served alongside him in the SAS during the Afghanistan conflict. Approaching the anniversary of Mark’s passing, Elliot demands answers from Roman despite an ongoing official investigation. Roman recounts their unit’s ambush, Mark’s disappearance, and presumed death; however, Elliot refuses to accept this and manipulates Roman by initiating a relationship with his daughter Nicole. After their breakup, Elliot intensifies his actions by abducting Nicole and issuing a ransom demand through a DVD, coercing Roman into consuming a suspicious substance.

During a sea excursion, Elliot injures Geoff with a speargun when he attempts to intervene. Concurrently, Roman faces traps set by Elliot in the bush, including being struck by an arrow and surviving an explosion from a mine before ultimately subduing Elliot and ensuring his arrest.

While in custody, Roman reveals that during the ambush Mark had intended to surrender but threatened to shoot a teammate if they did not comply; Roman shot Mark to prevent this act. Subsequently, Mark was captured and killed by enemy forces. Overcome with emotion, Elliot confesses Nicole’s whereabouts before being charged with kidnapping and attempted murder.

Xavier Austin

Xavier Austin, portrayed by David Jones-Roberts, made his first appearance on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012, relocating permanently to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts underwent four auditions prior to securing the role, describing the eventual casting as "all the more awesome" due to the extended wait. He received confirmation of the role via a pay phone while surfing. The soap opera website Holy Soap noted Xavier’s significant moment as witnessing Brendan cause a serious car accident using a catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Business-Relevant Role Summary
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Father to main characters Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland; his history involves family turmoil stemming from alcoholism and domestic violence, influencing character arcs and narrative development.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Deceased mother of Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland; her fatal boating accident shapes subsequent plotlines.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Grandmother of Sally and Miles; appears in flashbacks depicting Alzheimer's disease, enriching family storylines.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	Medical practitioner attending to principal characters following critical incidents, contributing to hospital-centered story arcs.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor at Coastal News; influences media representation of characters Belle Taylor and Aden Jefferies, affecting public perception within the series.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	Schoolmate involved in minor disputes impacting youth character interactions.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Philanthropist donating $100,000 to Leah Patterson-Baker, reflecting charitable elements within the storyline.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender engaged in a paid assault subplot intertwined with drug-related narratives.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of antagonist Johnny Cooper; participates in underground fighting sequences illustrating criminal undertones.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	School bully whose behavior triggers youth drama including cyberbullying and substance misuse themes.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	Estranged sister of Sam Holden; assumes custody of nephew Rory Tolhurst, influencing family legal drama.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Sister of Axel Hay; involved in school conflicts highlighting adolescent tensions.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander (actress)	Maternal figure whose confrontations with educational authorities emphasize parental involvement and mental health themes; her storyline includes restraining orders and exorcism attempts impacting main characters.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	Operator of teen refuge; provides support services for at-risk youth such as Jai Fernandez.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	Son of Julie Cooper; features in youth confidence-building subplot through sports coaching.
12 June–5 November 2012	Georgina Watson	Jaclyn Albergoni	Police officer advancing to Sergeant following key investigations; represents law enforcement presence within the series.
14 June–27 August	Jimmy Crawford	Adam Booth	Psychiatric patient whose interactions with medical staff highlight challenges in mental health treatment within community settings.
20–27 June	Pat Jenkins	Lachlan Buchanan	Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend; their relationship history impacts character backstory and familial dynamics.
11 July	Mrs. Hay	Amelia Longhurst	Mother mourning loss of son Axel Hay; contributes emotional depth to hospital-related narratives.
15–24 July	Daisy Alexander	Jessica Smith	University roommate offering support and social engagement for Matilda Hunter, reflecting young adult experiences.
15–24 July	Nathan Cunningham	Andrew Lees (actor)	Resident advisor involved in university subplots emphasizing student life challenges.
1 September–6 October	Edward Jones	Errol Henderson	Husband to Christine Jones and father to Melody; his strained family relationships contribute to mental health story arcs.
2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009	Bridget Simmons	Joy Smithers	Participant in con artist schemes affecting local businesses and community trust; her criminal activities culminate in legal consequences impacting multiple characters’ storylines.
3–4 September	Earl Pincus	Alan Cinis	Homeless individual interacting with community members, illustrating social issues within Summer Bay.
15 September–10 November	Murray Buchanan	Ben Tari	Council employee involved in environmental controversy over toxic waste at development site, highlighting corporate ethics and local governance challenges.
26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009	Tim Coleman	Keiran Darcy-Smith	Construction site employer engaged in criminal acts including murder and corruption; serves as central antagonist affecting multiple plotlines related to property development and law enforcement.
22 October–5 November	Natalie Franklin	Adrienne Pickering	Former girlfriend and maternal figure with complex family ties influencing Nicole Franklin’s development.
23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009	Brian Lawler	Ric Herbert	Criminal associate involved in extortion and kidnapping plots impacting community safety and legal proceedings.
18–24 November	Eric "Nobby" Nobbes	Mark Casamento	Participant in illegal activities linked to main antagonist Tim Coleman; his demise underscores dangers within criminal enterprises.

External links

• Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database