Ben Astoni

Ben Astoni
Occupation(s)	Carpenter, former professional surfer
Years active	2017–2020 (on Home and Away)
Known for	Character on the Australian soap opera Home and Away

Ben Astoni is a character created for the Australian soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actor Rohan Nichol. Nichol, who had a previous guest role on the series in 2004, moved from Melbourne to Sydney to film and made his first appearance as Ben on 20 June 2017. Ben arrives alongside his wife Maggie Astoni (played by Kestie Morassi) and their daughters Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) and Coco Astoni (Anna Cocquerel), forming the first traditional nuclear family introduced to the show in nearly two decades.

Characterised as an easygoing yet devoted family man, Ben works as a carpenter and has a background as a professional surfer. The Astoni family relocates to Summer Bay in search of a new beginning, bringing renewed focus on parent-child relationships within the series. Their unity faces several trials including Coco’s struggle with an eating disorder, Ben’s volatile temper, interference from Maggie’s domineering mother Diana Walford (Sarah Chadwick), and Maggie’s battle with cancer. Nichol highlighted the depth of emotion in these storylines, particularly emphasizing Maggie’s illness.

Beginning in late 2019, Ben became central to a storyline addressing male depression aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues. This plot was initiated following his arrest on drug trafficking charges linked to surfboards filled with narcotics. As his depression deepens, Ben distances himself from support and liquidates his business ventures. Filming this arc spanned six months, with Nichol commenting on its demanding emotional nature. The arrival of Ben’s estranged brother Marco Astoni (Tim Walter) in 2020 further complicated his narrative, uncovering a past affair between Marco and Maggie that jeopardizes Ben and Maggie’s marriage. This revelation led to their separation and introduced a potential romantic connection between Ben and Gemma Parata (Bree Peters). After reconciling, both Ben and Maggie exited the show on 14 July 2020.

Casting

The Astoni family, comprising four members, was announced in June 2017 with Nichol cast as the father figure Ben. He described accepting the part as well-timed both personally and professionally. Nichol enjoyed collaborating with longtime friend Morassi and drew inspiration from veteran cast member Ray Meagher. The family’s arrival was heavily promoted through trailers showcasing their relocation to Summer Bay.

Characterisation

Ben is portrayed as a quintessential "average Aussie bloke": relaxed yet fiercely protective, prone to occasional anger but emotionally complex. Nichol connected with Ben’s steadfast loyalty and his somewhat "daggy dad" charm. While comfortable depicting Ben’s domestic life and carpentry skills, Nichol found performing the surfing scenes challenging due to limited prior experience.

Introduction

The character of Ben arrives alongside his daughter Ziggy, whose troubled history prompts their move to Summer Bay. Their initial encounter with Alf Stewart occurs after their vehicle breaks down, leading them to decide on settling permanently when Maggie obtains a position as school principal. Nichol related personally to the theme of starting anew given his own relocation for filming.

Family

The Astoni family heralded a revival of strong parent-child storylines within the series. Producers provided the actors with substantial material early on to foster genuine chemistry among them. Key plots included Coco’s eating disorder that culminated in her hospitalization, as well as tensions arising from Ben’s temper when he assaults Brody Morgan over a misunderstanding. The couple’s vow renewal ceremony underscored their dedication amidst various challenges including meddling from Maggie’s mother Diana.

Maggie’s cancer diagnosis became a prominent issue-driven storyline; Nichol remarked on its emotional weight but found it easier performing alongside Morassi. The narrative explored treatments such as chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and eventual remission.

Depression

The narrative arc addressing Ben’s battle with depression commenced in late 2019, following his wrongful arrest connected to drug trafficking involving hollowed surfboards he had commissioned. This storyline delved into the psychological effects experienced by both individuals suffering and their families, spanning six months of production. Nichol undertook thorough research and described the challenge of embodying Ben’s despair as uniquely demanding, differing significantly from his personal experiences.

As Ben withdraws further from those around him, he sells off his enterprises and relocates to a caravan park, refusing assistance offered by Maggie and Ziggy. The plot highlighted the emotional toll on family members, who also sought therapy to cope. Ben finds a degree of comfort through conversations with Karen Thompson, mother of Dean Thompson (Georgia Adamson). After a critical incident where he nearly loses control while driving in tears, Ben is admitted to hospital, diagnosed with severe depression, and prescribed antidepressants despite his initial hesitance.

Marco Astoni

In March 2020, Ben’s estranged brother Marco arrives in Summer Bay, reigniting tensions stemming from previous altercations, including an assault by Ben triggered when he witnessed Marco arguing with Maggie—Marco had engaged in a one-night liaison with Maggie during a period of separation from Ben. This disclosure jeopardizes their marriage and casts doubt over Ziggy’s paternity; however, tests confirm Ben as her biological father. Marco chooses to stay in Summer Bay seeking forgiveness but inadvertently complicates the family situation further.

Marriage separation and departure

Following the revelation of Maggie’s infidelity, Ben and Maggie separate despite Ziggy’s attempts to mend their relationship. After experiencing seizures linked to stress and medication misuse, Ben is encouraged to pursue psychiatric treatment. During their separation, the writers explored a potential romantic connection between Ben and newcomer Gemma Parata (Bree Peters), though this relationship concluded before full development.

Eventually, Ben and Maggie reconcile and opt to move to Italy for a new beginning—realizing Maggie’s long-held aspiration—while their daughters remain in Australia. Their exit was broadcast on 14 July 2020; Nichol expressed appreciation for his tenure on the series.

Reception

The introduction of the Astoni family was credited with reinvigorating family-centered storylines through compelling actor chemistry. Critics noted the couple’s turbulent 2019 marked by illness and marital difficulties. Audiences responded warmly to Ben’s portrayal; many viewers identified closely with his depression storyline, prompting some to contact Nichol directly.

Conversely, certain critics felt aspects of Ben’s character lacked emotional depth or expressiveness during pivotal confrontations. His brief involvement with Gemma was regarded as underexplored due to limited narrative opportunities within Summer Bay.

Overall, Ben Astoni remains a memorable figure in Summer Bay whose storylines tackled important social themes such as mental health and cancer while captivating viewers through relatable family drama.

External links

• Ben Astoni at TVNZ
• Rohan Nichol at 7plus