Ben Foxton

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment, Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 2005, under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 18th season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The first new character was Eve Jacobsen, portrayed by Emily Perry. In March, Isaac Gorman and Sharni Vinson joined the cast as Ryan Baker and Cassie Turner respectively. April saw Doug Scroope debuting as Graham Walters. In June, Holly Brisley appeared as Amanda Vale, Ryan’s mother. August brought the arrival of Todd Lasance as Aden Jefferies, along with the introduction of the Holden family: Tony Holden (played by Jon Sivewright), a widower, and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November featured James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson in the role of Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen—also known by the alias Zoe McCallister—was introduced on 21 January 2005, with Emily Perry cast in the role. Perry’s casting was announced in TV Week towards the end of 2004. Having previously appeared as an extra on the show, this marked her first significant regular character.

Eve works as a psychiatric nurse who becomes entangled with patient Sarah Lewis (Luisa Hastings-Edge). After Sarah’s boyfriend dies from a crystal meth overdose linked to her, Eve assists Sarah in fleeing to exact revenge. Following Sarah’s violent acts—including the murder of Noah Lawson (Beau Brady)—Eve initiates a reign of terror throughout Summer Bay. She kills nurse Zoe McCallister, adopts her identity, orchestrates fires, sabotages a seaplane resulting in fatalities, and frames others for these crimes.

Her vendetta targets key residents such as Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) and Detective Peter Baker (Nic Bishop), escalating to stalking, bomb threats, and kidnappings. After faking her own death, Eve reemerges under the name "Maxine Trood," continuing her manipulations until she is finally apprehended. Nevertheless, she returns once more to disrupt Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)) and Martha MacKenzie’s (Jodi Gordon) wedding before dying in a gas explosion.

This "Summer Bay Stalker" arc involving Eve received nominations for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 and 2007 Inside Soap Awards, reflecting its strong reception from audiences and critics alike. Media outlets praised it as gripping drama that significantly increased viewer engagement. Eve remains one of the series’ most iconic villains, representing a high-intensity storyline that elevated ratings and sparked considerable discussion during its tenure.

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, played by Isaac Gorman, first appeared on 16 March 2005 and remained until 2007, with occasional guest returns in 2008 and 2009. Gorman had earlier portrayed Riley Edwards in 2002.

Ryan arrives just before his father Dan's wedding to Leah Patterson, initially hiding his disdain for Leah through rude and disruptive behavior. His actions intensify when he damages Leah’s wedding dress and burns invitations after discovering that his mother Amanda Vale was excluded from the event. Following an incident where Leah’s son VJ Patterson suffers burns from ashes, Ryan runs away but is found by his uncle Peter; this leads to an apology and reconciliation before Ryan returns to Amanda in America. He later comes back briefly to serve as ring bearer at the wedding.

Dan eventually brings Ryan to live with him and Leah, citing Amanda’s negative influence as reason; however, conflicts lead Amanda to take Ryan back to Los Angeles. They return months later to settle in Summer Bay alongside Amanda’s daughter—and Ryan’s half-sister—Belle Taylor. Ryan supports Amanda’s engagement to Peter but ultimately moves back in with Dan and Leah. When Dan accepts employment in America, Ryan resists relocating due to missing Amanda; Dan then arranges for him to live with Amanda and Peter instead.

After Dan tragically dies in an accident abroad, Amanda and Ryan attend his memorial service. Ryan expresses concerns about fitting into Leah and VJ’s family but receives reassurance from Leah herself. They later come back for Belle's wedding to Aden Jefferies and remain through her subsequent funeral following her cancer diagnosis.

For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman earned a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards.

Cassie Turner

Cassie Turner, brought to life by Sharni Vinson, first appeared on 18 March 2005 and made her final exit on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously featured in guest roles in 2001 and 2003. In 2004, she tried out for the part of Martha MacKenzie but was ultimately cast as Cassie Turner. Reports surfaced in July 2007 that Vinson planned to leave the series to explore opportunities in Los Angeles. By November, it was confirmed she had departed Home and Away to relocate to Los Angeles with her partner, although the show remained silent as Cassie's storyline continued into 2008.

Cassie was depicted as "strong-willed and fiercely independent," with a knack for "making friends and influencing those around her." Vinson’s performance earned her a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards. A columnist from the Sunday Mirror described Cassie as a "glamorous soap siren" and remarked that Vinson’s exit was a "letdown" for the show's male viewers.

Graham Walters

Graham Walters, portrayed by Doug Scroope, made his debut on 22 April 2005 and left the show following the character’s death on 3 March 2006.

Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter’s 18th birthday, revealing strained relations with his daughter Beth Hunter. He explains that his emotional distance is rooted in trauma from his service in the Vietnam War. After selling his farm, he aims to rebuild connections with his family. Graham becomes romantically involved with Amanda Vale, who had previously dated his grandson Scott Hunter. Despite family objections, Graham marries Amanda.

Amanda manipulates Graham by avoiding intimacy and frequently leaving her son Ryan Baker in his care. Upon discovering Amanda’s affair with Josh West, Graham collaborates with Morag Bellingham to expose Josh’s illegal Project 56. During a heated confrontation, Graham suffers a heart attack; Amanda calls emergency services but ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over life support between Amanda and Graham’s relatives. Robbie makes the decision to turn off the machine, ending Graham’s life.

Amanda inherits Graham's assets and hosts a wake that is largely overshadowed by the Hunter family gathering. She later returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. After Robbie confesses to disconnecting life support, he is convicted but avoids jail time.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, played by Marcus Jacometti, appeared on Home and Away from 9 May until 17 June 2005. This marked Jacometti’s first acting role following Year 12, signing on for a total of 20 episodes. To secure this part, he commuted from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney. Jacometti described the experience as both thrilling and nerve-racking, highlighting the challenges of sudden fame alongside supportive colleagues. He portrayed Diesel as someone who "falls for unsuitable people, stirs up trouble, then departs."

Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High and is introduced by principal Barry Hyde to Sally Fletcher. His unconventional appearance leads to bullying by Jason Pappa and others who mistakenly assume Diesel is gay due to a rose tattoo. To counter rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter but confides in Cassie Turner that he lacks genuine feelings for Matilda. Jason continues to harass and physically attack him.

After revealing he is homeless following conflicts with foster parents, Sally invites Diesel to live with her and her husband Flynn Saunders, who is hesitant and clashes with Diesel. When Diesel mentions it is his mother’s birthday, Sally agrees to celebrate it with him, which unsettles Flynn further. Eventually, Diesel moves out when Flynn arranges accommodation at a hostel.

Diesel falsely claims an affair with Sally and kisses her during tutoring sessions, an act witnessed by Dan Baker. After Sally rejects him, Diesel accuses her of sexual harassment, resulting in her suspension. Attempts by Ric Dalby and Cassie to mediate fail; Diesel demands Sally admit she loves him in exchange for withdrawing the complaint.

The situation intensifies when Diesel steals Sally’s locket and fabricates emails implicating her. Investigator Carl Summons interviews Diesel; when Sally’s locket reveals a photo of Diesel inside, she faces suspension from the school. Barry threatens Diesel unless he confesses the truth. Later, Diesel takes Sally’s baby daughter Pippa hostage while demanding Sally admit her love for him. Flynn intervenes during Diesel's escape attempt with Pippa, leading to Diesel’s arrest.

Diesel admits to Ken Harper that he made up the allegations against Sally. During a prison visit, he acknowledges an unhealthy obsession with Sally and apologizes before being transferred for psychiatric treatment.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, brought to life by Holly Brisley, made her debut on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with brief returns in 2008 and 2009. Brisley characterized Amanda as the quintessential attention-seeker who skillfully manipulates those around her to achieve her desires. During her 2009 comeback, the storyline incorporated Brisley’s real pregnancy. This portrayal earned her a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, enacted by Todd Lasance, first appeared on 4 August 2005 in a recurring capacity linked to Cassie Turner’s story arcs. Initially cast after trying out for a different role, Lasance became a mainstay in 2007. He described Aden as "a complete bad-arse" and resisted molding the character into a stereotypical "good guy." In August 2009, Lasance signed with a Los Angeles agency to advance his international career, officially departing in January 2010. His work garnered nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and he won "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards, with another nomination following in 2010.

Jack Holden

Jack Holden, played by Paul O'Brien, entered the series on 5 August 2005 and exited on 28 November 2008. O'Brien received several award nods for this role, including winning the 2006 Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent." He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O'Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon were nominated for "Best Storyline" thanks to Jack and Martha's wedding plot. In 2008, he earned nominations in categories such as "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and "Best Couple" alongside Gordon. Furthermore, at the first-ever Digital Spy Soap Awards, O'Brien was recognized with a nomination for "Best On-Screen Partnership" with Gordon.

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, portrayed by Jon Sivewright, made his first appearance on 5 August 2005 and departed on 11 August 2010. By the time of his exit, Sivewright ranked as the joint second longest-serving male actor on the show. His departure coincided with co-star Amy Mathews leaving, leading producers to write Tony out following her exit. Tony’s narrative focused heavily on coping with the loss of close family members and his role as a devoted family man. The official show website described him as empathetic with an optimistic attitude, balancing physical fitness alongside an easygoing social lifestyle. Significant storylines included reversing his vasectomy to start a family with his television wife, Rachel Armstrong.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, portrayed by Rhys Wakefield, debuted on-screen on 5 August 2005 and left on 14 February 2008. Wakefield earned a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards due to this role. Critics labeled Lucas as a "stroppy lad," embodying typical teenage rebellion and angst. In 2007, both Home and Away and the Seven Network faced scrutiny from the ACMA over broadcasting suggestive scenes within G-rated episodes, notably one involving Lucas and Belle’s decision to engage in sexual activity, which was considered unsuitable for that classification.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast shortly after completing his studies at the NIDA in 2004, valuing the show's professional setting.

Jonah is the offspring of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a sect known as "The Believers." The cult coerces Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into membership, with Mumma Rose directing Jonah to impregnate her. While Jonah initially complies, he eventually resists, resulting in their liberation and the subsequent arrest of both Mumma Rose and Jonah.

Released on parole the following year under his given name Michael, it emerges that Mumma Rose had taken him in at age five and subjected him to lifelong indoctrination. His infertility clears him of any wrongdoing related to Tasha. Although initially met with suspicion by locals Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), Michael gradually assimilates by securing work as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). After a perilous encounter involving Martha, their relationship evolves despite obstacles such as jealousy over her former spouse Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)). Although Martha contemplates leaving town with Michael, he ultimately departs alone upon realizing he would always be second priority.

Mumma Rose

Mumma Rose (actual name Florence White), enacted by Linden Wilkinson, first appeared on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had previously featured on the series as Katherine Walker in 1996.

Mumma Rose leads the cult known as The Believers. She commands her son, Jonah Abraham (James Mitchell), to convince Tasha Andrews to join their group. Despite doubts expressed by Tasha's friends and boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith), Tasha remains devoted to the cult. Mumma Rose pushes Robbie into a river and confiscates Tasha's phone to delay rescue operations, although Robbie is later found unharmed.

When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) alerts Robbie about Mumma Rose’s intention for Tasha to become "The Chosen One" and bear Jonah’s child, Mumma Rose arranges Rebecca’s abduction and denies involvement during police inquiries. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to be interested in joining the cult in an effort to save Tasha but fails to gather sufficient evidence.

Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha to facilitate impregnation without their recollection. After Jonah assists Tasha in escaping, they are recaptured, and Mumma Rose prepares a purification ritual involving fire. However, Tasha turns the cult members against Mumma Rose, who flees when police arrive and detain the others.

Several months later, Mumma Rose returns, taking Tasha and Martha hostage at a secluded location to force Tasha into labor. She kidnaps Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) in an attempt to compel cooperation, but Rachel’s use of sedatives inadvertently affects Tasha instead. Following a tip from Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), authorities apprehend Mumma Rose.

With aid from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose escapes custody, abducts Tasha’s infant daughter Ella Hunter, and intends to perform a ritual cleansing by fire. Charity changes allegiance and notifies law enforcement. A hostage crisis ensues; Mumma Rose confines herself and others in a room but is subdued after falling from a window ledge during a confrontation with Tasha. She is subsequently committed to a secure psychiatric institution.

A Daily Record journalist described Mumma Rose as "sinister."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Greg practices medicine at Northern Districts hospital. He provides treatment to Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou) following a ruptured appendix and cares for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) after she experiences a fall and is diagnosed with a blood clot.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Gus, the estranged father of Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell), initially faces rejection due to prior abuse. He rescues Hayley Lawson (Bec Cartwright) from a fire but later his financial troubles and involvement in a robbery lead to Kane being falsely accused.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Arriving after the bushfire, Marc reconnects with Josie Russell (Laurie Foell) and extorts $20,000 by threatening to expose her past. Subsequently, Eve Jacobsen (Emily Perry) kills him and frames him for a bombing incident.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	Anna holds the position of Administrator at Northern Districts Hospital. She suspends surgeon Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy) following an unsuccessful operation but later reinstates him after he successfully operates on Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas).
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	Greg is an associate of Gus Phillips involved in criminal activity, demanding repayment of a $3000 debt and threatening Kane Phillips. He provides testimony against Kane but admits his account may be unreliable.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	Lara serves as a constable at Yabbie Creek Police, arresting Kane Phillips and collaborating with Jack Holden during investigations. She takes maternity leave in 2008, appointing Charlie Buckton as her replacement.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Benny pilots a charter flight carrying several locals including Leah Patterson and Kim Hyde. The aircraft crashes, resulting in Benny’s death.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	Arthur, a journalist, attempts to build rapport with Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood) to obtain information about the Summer Bay Stalker but is rejected once his true intentions are revealed.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Lisa engages in a relationship with Scott Hunter (Kip Gamblin) while concealing her marriage. Upon discovery of the truth, she departs alone despite offering to leave her husband for Scott.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	A local celebrant officiating significant weddings including those of Jesse McGregor and Josie Russell’s ill-fated ceremony, as well as Dan Baker and Leah Patterson’s nuptials, among others spanning through 2017 and beyond.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Darren functions as Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Alan visits Summer Bay intending to see his wife Lisa, unaware of her affair with Scott Hunter.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Joy, grandmother to Cassie Turner, arrives to revive the "Miss Groper" pageant but suffers a fatal stroke amid an argument with Colleen Smart.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	Alison works as a doctor at Northern Districts hospital treating patients such as VJ Patterson and Hayley Lawson. She uncovers irregularities in paternity tests but dies in a car crash before disclosing the information.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Samantha briefly dates Robbie Hunter aiming to provoke jealousy in Tasha Andrews.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Clare acts as Senior Detective investigating the Summer Bay Stalker case, initially clashing with Peter Baker before reconciling; she eventually leaves following their broken engagement.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Dale oversees a local storage facility linked to the Summer Bay stalker investigation, facilitating police access for inquiries.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Ben arrives after his mother Joy’s stroke; he is revealed as an abuser toward Cassie Turner and Carla Bennett and is reported to authorities.
25 April	'Pauline Bennett'	'Beth Armstrong'	'Pauline is Cassie Turner's aunt; she comes with children Carla and Liam following Joy Foxton's death. Abuse allegations against Ben Foxton arise during this period.'
	'Carla Bennett'	'Ashleigh Johnson'
	'Liam Bennett'	'Uncredited'
3 May	'Zoe McCallister'	'Uncredited'	'Nurse murdered by Eve Jacobsen who assumes her identity; body found by Matilda Hunter and Henry Hunter.'
9 May–7 June	'Jason Pappa'	'Joshua Biagi'	'Student bully targeting Diesel Williams; involved in conflicts with Ric Dalby among others; provides statements during school harassment investigation.'
20–23 May	'Jim Wallace'	'Harold Hopkins'	'Retired police officer who assists Morag Bellingham by providing information on Josie Russell’s history; disappears after agreeing to cooperate.'
1–13 June	'Callan Sherman'	'Kain O\'Keeffe'	'Friend of Ric Dalby engaged in criminal behavior including attempted drugging; ultimately escapes following confrontation.'
7–16 June	'Carl Summons'	'John O\'Hare'	'School inspector investigating harassment claims against Sally Fletcher; suspends her pending police inquiry results.'
9–10 June	'Mystery Man'	'Lleyton Hewitt'	'Unsuccessful suitor pursuing Hayley Lawson.'
10–14 June	'Terry Rawlings'	'Laurence Coy'	'Suspect in Matilda Hunter’s disappearance; arrested after she escapes from his shed; has troubled history involving deceased daughter.'
16 June–5 July	'Noelene Baker'	'Kris McQuade'	'Mother of Peter and Dan Baker; involved in wedding disputes highlighting cultural differences; reconciles with Peter.'
24 June–14 July	'Troy Peters'	'Christian Willis'	'Former boyfriend stalking Chloe Richards; wrongly suspected in her death; assaulted by Jesse McGregor.'
4–5 July	'Kevin Baker'	'Andy Anderson'	'Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with Peter during Dan’s wedding preparations.'
22–23 July	'Judith Lane'	'Jane Fullerton Smith'	'Mediator involved in custody dispute over Olivia Richards between Irene Roberts and Diana Fraser.'
22–23 July	'Michael Maleto'	'Antony Grey'	'Attorney representing Diana Fraser in Olivia Richards custody proceedings.'
	'Kevin Green'	'Scott Hall-Watson'	'Physician at Northern Districts Hospital providing care for key characters including Morag Bellingham and Leah Patterson-Baker.'
'Tom Anderson'	'Don Halbert'	'Former partner of Kerry Hyde visited by son Kim Hyde during search for Kerry.'
'Harry Chambers'	'Rodney Dobsen'	'Accuses Jack Holden of responsibility for his daughter’s death during community meeting.'
'Leo Simms'	'Johann Walravan'	'Burglar involved in incidents that escalate insurance fraud exposure; dies accidentally during confrontation with Amanda Vale.'
'Lorraine Robertson'	'Gael Ballantyne'	'Barry Hyde’s sister who deceives Kim Hyde about his mother’s identity; implicated in family secrets.'
'Brian Robertson'	'Paul Coolahan'	'Husband of Lorraine Robertson unaware of family complexities involving Kim Hyde.'
'Corey Henderson'	'Adam Saunders'	'Probationary constable who poisons residents including Irene Roberts; arrested following exposure.'
'Sean Jefferies'	'Gabriel Egan'	'Older sibling of Aden Jefferies; assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage before incarceration.'
'Greg Matthews'	'Josef Ber'	'Doctor diagnosing Flynn Saunders’ terminal melanoma; attends Flynn’s funeral.'
'Len Green'	'Gary Baxter'	'Local mayor framed by Josh West to manipulate election outcomes.'
'Pat McGrath'	'Uncredited'	'Wife of Darren McGrath appearing socially alongside other characters.'
'Kylie Kopperton'	'Leah Etkind'	'Employee at nudist camp influencing Kim Hyde into drug use leading to overdose.'
'Bert Biddle'	'Zachary Garred'	'Intern at Northern Districts hospital unwittingly involved in paternity test deception orchestrated by Amanda Vale.'
'Noah Hunter'	'Various actors (Zane Rugless et al.)'	'Newborn son of Hayley Lawson entangled in paternity dispute resolved through blood type analysis.'
'Dudley Shepherd'	'Terry Serio'	'Bookmaker connected with Dan Baker over gambling debts resulting in kidnapping and hostage situations.'
'David Knotts'	'Alan Dukes'	'Firearm dealer facilitating illegal gun purchase by Martha MacKenzie leading to accidental shooting incident.'
'Jimmy Knox'	'Paul Caesar'	'Associate of Dudley Shepherd pressuring Dan Baker over debts through escalating threats.'
’Derek Young’	’Charlie Hopkins’	’Physician at Northern Districts Hospital present during Flynn Saunders’ retirement announcement.’
’Charity Fernbrook’	’Charlotte Gregg’	’Member of The Believers cult involved in kidnapping plot targeting Tasha Andrews.’