Beth Ellis (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section outlines the characters introduced during 2017, all under the direction of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series' 30th season commenced on 30 January 2017.[1] The character Riley Hawkins made his first appearance in the episode following the season launch. In May, Scarlett Snow was introduced, followed in June by the arrival of the Astoni family: parents Ben and Maggie, along with their daughters Coco and Ziggy. July saw the debut of Robbo and Jennifer Dutton, while August brought in Beth Ellis. October introduced Ryder Jackson, November added Willow Harris, and December featured the arrival of Jasmine Delaney.
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, first appeared on screen on 31 January 2017.[2] Interestingly, O'Kane’s roommate, Rob Mills, also auditioned for this role but was not cast.[3] Riley is brought into the storyline as a surgeon and former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee), stepping in to perform surgery on Justin Morgan (James Stewart).[4] The reunion between Riley and Tori is described as "shocking," considering their seven-year estrangement and Tori's family's involvement in witness protection.[4] Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), a fellow physician, harbors jealousy over Riley’s past relationship with Tori.[4]
On his initial day at Northern Districts Hospital, Riley operates on Justin Morgan, who is Tori’s brother. He confides in Nate about his desire to rekindle things with Tori and expresses remorse for previous unfaithfulness. Justin warns Riley to keep his distance from Tori. During treatment of an infection in Justin, Riley discovers a mass while conducting a bronchoscopy on Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin). He invites Tori for lunch to request another chance, but she remains wary. After sharing flirtations with Evelyn MacGuire (Philippa Northeast) at Billie’s wake, Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood) cautions him against hurting Tori again.
Riley suggests that Tori relocate with him to the city; however, she refuses due to family commitments. Observing Tori’s closeness with Nate, Riley tampers with Billie’s medical records and files a complaint accusing Nate of negligence. When Tori uncovers this deception, she ends their relationship. Following a confrontation at her residence, Justin challenges Riley, which results in Riley resigning from his hospital role and departing from town.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, made her debut on 8 May 2017. Nolan, residing in Los Angeles at the time, traveled to Sydney for a screen test and secured a six-month contract. She characterized Scarlett as "a bit of a mystery" with a tragic background that motivated her move to Sydney for this role.
Within the narrative, Scarlett becomes involved with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who is struggling with drug addiction. Initially detaining Brody after he steals her car, she later assists him in reconnecting with his family and supports his journey toward recovery. Scarlett disapproves of Justin Morgan (James Stewart)'s methods regarding Brody's addiction. When Brody relapses and steals from her, Scarlett loses her residence but finds employment at Alf Stewart's bait shop and moves into a caravan at Summer Bay Caravan Park.
Her estranged husband hires Bruno Addlen to track her down, demanding $8,000 to keep quiet. With assistance from Alf and Brody’s family repaying stolen money, Scarlett manages to settle this debt. She forms a bond with Justin’s daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) and confides in Justin that her son Max passed away a year prior—a tragedy that contributed to the breakdown of her marriage.
After enduring numerous personal hardships—including a near-fatal boating incident and complex emotions involving Justin—Scarlett faces renewed pressure from her husband Caleb Snow (Josh McConville), who urges reconciliation. Ultimately, recognizing the difficulties involved in pursuing a relationship with Justin, Scarlett opts to leave Summer Bay alongside Caleb.
Ziggy Astoni
Ziggy Astoni, brought to life by Sophie Dillman, made her first appearance on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni, forming part of the first traditional nuclear family introduced to the series in 17 years. Characterized as a "rebellious teenager" and "free spirit," Ziggy is also positioned as a potential romantic partner for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, also debuted on 20 June 2017. To be closer to the show's filming at Palm Beach, Nichol relocated from Melbourne to Manly. Ben arrives in Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters Coco and Ziggy. The Astoni family’s introduction marked the return of a conventional nuclear family to the soap after nearly two decades. Nichol describes Ben as dependable, affectionate, and down-to-earth—a character viewers would enjoy sharing a drink with.
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi’s casting was revealed earlier in 2017, with more details about her character announced on 4 June. She commented on the rapid filming pace of the show, which differed significantly from her previous film work, requiring her to adapt quickly. Maggie moves to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The arrival of the Astonis represented a strategic move for the show by reintroducing a nuclear family for the first time since 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, enacted by Anna Cocquerel, was introduced on 21 June 2017 as the youngest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni. Their family’s arrival was significant as it marked the first inclusion of a nuclear family in 17 years. Coco’s storyline involves being suspended due to cyberbullying incidents, which prompts the family’s relocation to Summer Bay. She develops close friendships with Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) and explores romantic feelings for VJ Patterson, portraying typical teenage relationship themes.
In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming schedule to focus on completing Year 12 studies, balancing education with acting responsibilities.
Coco’s narrative tackles serious topics such as bullying and bulimia, engaging audiences with important health-related issues. Following school conflicts and struggles with an eating disorder, Coco receives support from her circle of friends and family, emphasizing the show’s commitment to social awareness.
Her romantic journey continues with Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich), navigating complicated friendships while standing by her family during Maggie’s cancer battle. Coco’s character arc culminates with her attending boarding school in Cairns, serving as a planned exit from the series.
She makes a brief return months later for Raffy's birthday celebration, participating in dramatic plotlines involving familial tensions and romantic developments before heading back to boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), portrayed by Jake Ryan, first appeared on 25 July 2017. Ryan lost 13 kg for this role following a taekwondo injury and was cast to fill the "heart-throb" gap left by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo is introduced as a handyman, AFP Federal Agent, and gym owner who becomes a central love interest for Kat Chapman (Pia Miller). The character was written off in early 2020.
Robbo initially arrives suffering from amnesia, living in seclusion on an island and resorting to stealing food. After receiving medical care, he is nicknamed "Robbo" and allowed to stay at the Caravan Park. Struggling to remember his past, he gradually uncovers clues connecting him to a woman named Rose and discovers a corpse during his investigations. His backstory unfolds as he confronts Dennis Novak, a former criminal associate whom he kills in self-defense.
Following Novak's death, Robbo becomes the main suspect but evades capture with Kat's assistance. After surviving a serious car crash that results in Kat’s death along with their unborn child, Robbo grieves deeply. He returns to Summer Bay while evading Ash, who seeks vengeance. With help from Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) and Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts), Robbo regains memories revealing his true identity as Ryan Shaw—an AFP officer undercover to protect Kat and investigate his family's murder.
During his trial, AFP agents intervene confirming his genuine identity and covert mission. Choosing not to rejoin the AFP, Robbo purchases the local gym instead. He enters into a relationship with Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost), which faces obstacles including Tori's IVF pregnancy complications—miscarriage followed by an unexpected pregnancy without Robbo’s initial knowledge. After calling off his engagement with Jasmine due to these complexities, they eventually reconcile and marry.
Robbo's storyline concludes with hypnotherapy sessions aimed at recovering memories related to Dylan Carter’s case. Following a car accident requiring surgery, he suffers a fatal hemorrhage. Despite medical intervention efforts, Robbo passes away but later appears to Jasmine in a dream sequence.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga’s involvement was announced in June 2017 amid filming at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Introduced as a high school antagonist, Jennifer targets Coco Astoni with bullying behavior. She later becomes romantically linked to Hunter King, contributing significantly to Summer Bay High’s narrative.
Jennifer initially taunts Coco after her mother and principal, Maggie Astoni, gives her an embarrassing nickname. She provokes Coco by stuffing rubbish into her locker and ridiculing her social media posts. Raffy Morrison steps in to defend Coco, sparking a confrontation between Jennifer and Coco that leads to their suspension. Jennifer uncovers Coco’s eating disorder and exploits it to pressure Coco into arranging a date with VJ Patterson, which creates tension between Coco and Raffy.
Jennifer takes part in several pivotal moments, such as a surfing lesson with VJ and Coco and a fashion launch event where she encourages Raffy to overindulge in alcohol. During Summer Bay’s Glow Day obstacle race, she sustains a wrist injury after falling alongside Ryder Jackson. While Mason Morgan treats her injury, Jennifer flirts with him and they share a brief kiss; however, Mason rejects her advances due to his personal grief.
She offers support to Hunter King during his breakup with Olivia Fraser Richards and begins dating Hunter following a misunderstanding that leads to their first genuine date. Their relationship stirs conflict, particularly with Olivia. At a university party with Hunter, Jennifer’s father Nick confronts them, accusing Hunter of supplying alcohol.
After domestic disputes, Jennifer runs away and moves in with Hunter at Summer Bay House but is later evicted by Alf Stewart after being caught kissing Hunter. Their relationship ends, leaving Jennifer temporarily without a home before she returns to live with her father and parts ways with Hunter.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, first appeared on 31 August 2017. Apps was cast five months post-graduation from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Initially unsure about her audition performance, she was ultimately selected and described Beth’s storyline as emotionally impactful. Apps depicted Beth as "cheeky," "multi-dimensional," and "quirky," traits reflecting her own personality. Beth was introduced as a romantic interest for Mason Morgan (Pledger), with Apps highlighting Beth’s motivation to assist Mason due to seeing similarities between them.
Beth makes her debut at the hospital where she overhears Mason expressing frustration over his paralysis. She changes into nursing attire to lift his spirits and persuades him to use a wheelchair, fostering moments that deepen their connection. Although initially pretending to be a nurse, Beth discloses she is actually a patient awaiting a heart transplant because of cardiomyopathy. She admits enjoying the pretense as a way to avoid pity and agrees with Mason to start anew as friends. Beth encourages Mason to forgive his brother Brody Morgan (Heywood) for the accident that caused his disability.
Their relationship grows stronger when Mason discovers Beth’s bucket list; they get matching tattoos and share intimate experiences including dining together and skinny dipping. During a casino outing, Beth collapses due to breathing difficulties and is hospitalized. She later visits Mason and is introduced as his girlfriend to his siblings.
When Mason meets Beth's parents, Alan Ellis (McDonough) and Jackie Ellis (Coopes), he finds out Beth had not informed them about their relationship. Alan later requests Mason stay away from Beth, leading her to confront her father and affirm her commitment. As Beth’s health worsens requiring a stent and an expedited transplant listing, she briefly recovers enough for Mason to take her out for lunch where he presents her with a promise ring. Tragically, Beth dies shortly after suffering a fatal arrhythmia.
Following the funeral, Mason experiences a vision of Beth encouraging him to continue moving forward in life.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, brought to life by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich was selected for the role soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his debut in acting. Ryder is the offspring of Quinn Jackson (portrayed by Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (played by Ray Meagher). His early narrative involves breaking into the Surf Club and attempting theft from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, which ultimately exposes his familial link to Alf Stewart. His hesitation to disclose Quinn’s whereabouts raises suspicions with his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), hinting that he might have fled from home.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, was introduced on 14 November 2017. Prior to landing this role, Roberts auditioned for the parts of Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She traveled from Melbourne to Sydney for the audition process, which included a chemistry test with James Stewart, who plays Justin Morgan. Willow is depicted as a "strong female figure"—independent, fiercely loyal, and spirited—bringing both "mischief and some trouble" to Summer Bay. Roberts described her character as "undoubtedly a bad girl," whose questionable choices are driven by her fierce loyalty to those she cares about. Willow soon develops into a love interest for Justin Morgan.
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, played by Sam Frost, first appeared on 18 December 2017. Frost's casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 while she was participating in Hell's Kitchen Australia. After competing with multiple actresses, she earned the role following a second audition. Frost called this opportunity a dream fulfilled, marking her initial venture into acting.
Her casting attracted some criticism from fellow actors who perceived it as a publicity strategy. Jasmine’s early storyline centers around a car accident that causes the death of Kat Chapman, played by Pia Miller. Frost described Jasmine as "reserved" with an "anxious vibe," concealing secrets and a troubled history.
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January–23 November | Luc Patterson |
|
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings. Conceived after Billie was sexually assaulted by Mick, she allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is Luc's father until their wedding day. Billie gives birth shortly after escaping a bushfire. VJ and Billie name their daughter Luc in honor of Billie's deceased brother. Mick abducts Luc but later returns her through his mother, Irene Roberts. After Billie succumbs to terminal cancer holding Luc, VJ struggles with grief and entrusts Irene with Luc’s care. Ashford applies for and obtains temporary custody. Luc experiences bowel torsion and septicaemia but recovers post-surgery. Mick returns but accepts he cannot parent Luc; when Irene suffers a collapse, Mick takes Luc without notifying others. Ashford kidnaps Mick; ensuing custody disputes occur. Ultimately, VJ departs 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 showing Robbo being threatened at gunpoint by Dylan Carter. |
| 2 February | Lactation Consultant | Gail Knight | Provides assistance to Billie Ashford with breastfeeding her newborn daughter. |
| 23 February–1 May | Ambulance Officer | Rob Baird | Transports John Palmer following a seizure and later brings in Zac MacGuire after a fall, informing medical personnel about his head injury. |
| 27 February–8 May | Patrick Stanwood | Luke McKenzie | Patrick, believed dead brother of Billie and Martin Ashford, reappears during Billie’s funeral. He reveals his death was faked due to depression following military service and suffers PTSD impacting his relationships. After various conflicts, Patrick forms a bond with niece Luc and agrees to seek treatment. |
| 7 March–15 August | Lena Ascot | Felicity McKay | A university student involved in drug dealing at Salt nightclub. Has a brief romantic relationship with Brody Morgan who develops an addiction. Lena is questioned by police and later attends rehab alongside Brody. |
| 7 March | Byron | Benjamin Winckle | Encourages Olivia Fraser Richards to participate in Salt events; confronts Olivia’s boyfriend Hunter King over school-related issues. |
| 9 March | Local Woman | Meagan Caratti | Alongside Local Man, confronts John Palmer about fires he started; causes friction with his wife Marilyn. |
| 9 March | Local Man | James Caitlin | |
| 13 March–18 April | Jess Kearney | Jess Bush | Meets Olivia for study sessions; participates in social activities linked to Olivia’s circle. |
| 21 March | Cal Whitman | Craig Scott | Resident displaced due to bushfire; appreciates John Palmer's apology and offer of assistance. |
| 22 March, 6 December | Terry Diamond | Rob Flanagan | Esteemed restaurant critic who reviews Salt; initially offended by Brody Morgan but later commends his culinary skills. |
External links
- Official AU Home and Away site: Characters and cast
- Full cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database
- Ben Astoni profile at the Official AU Home and Away website
- Coco Astoni featured on the Official AU Home and Away site
- Ziggy Astoni page at the Official AU Home and Away website