Brian Gilbert (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced throughout 2017, all of whom were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series’ 30th season premiered on 30 January 2017.[1] The character Riley Hawkins made his initial appearance in the episode following the season launch. In May, Scarlett Snow was introduced, while June saw the arrival of the Astoni family: parents Ben and Maggie, along with their daughters Coco and Ziggy. July welcomed the characters Robbo and Jennifer Dutton; August featured Beth Ellis; October introduced Ryder Jackson; November brought in Willow Harris; and December concluded the year with the addition of Jasmine Delaney.
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his debut on 31 January 2017.[2] Notably, O’Kane’s roommate, Rob Mills, also auditioned for this role. Riley is presented as a surgeon and former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) who performs surgery on Justin Morgan (James Stewart).[3] The reunion between Riley and Tori is described as "shocking," considering they have been apart for seven years during which Tori and her siblings were under witness protection.[4] Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), a fellow doctor, exhibits jealousy over Riley’s past relationship with Tori.[5]
On his inaugural 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. Riley successfully treats Justin’s infection and later conducts a bronchoscopy on Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin), uncovering a mass. Riley and Tori share a tentative lunch date; however, despite his efforts to persuade her, she declines relocating to the city due to family obligations. After witnessing Tori with Nate, Riley tampers with Billie’s medical records to falsely implicate Nate in negligence, aiming to have him dismissed. Once this deceit is uncovered, Tori ends their relationship. Following a heated confrontation involving Justin, Riley resigns from the hospital and departs from town.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. Nolan, who resides in Los Angeles, traveled to Sydney for a screen test before securing a six-month contract and completing filming in May. She characterized Scarlett as "a bit of a mystery" shaped by a tragic background, which influenced her decision to accept the part.
Scarlett’s narrative revolves around her involvement with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood) as she assists him in confronting his drug dependency. Initially detaining Brody, she later supports his recovery journey and even offers him accommodation. Scarlett disapproves of Justin Morgan’s (James Stewart) methods regarding Brody’s addiction and takes up employment at Alf Stewart’s bait shop after losing her home due to Brody’s relapse and theft.
Her estranged husband hires Bruno Addlen to locate her, demanding $8,000 in exchange for keeping her whereabouts confidential. Scarlett manages to gather the money with assistance from Brody’s family. Throughout her stay in Summer Bay, she forms connections with Justin and his daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) while coping with the emotional trauma stemming from her son’s death.
Scarlett’s relationship with Justin develops amid various personal struggles, including a distressing flashback and complications arising from Caleb Snow (Josh McConville), her estranged spouse seeking reconciliation. After an incident at a bush cabin results in Scarlett being injured and escalating tensions between Justin and Caleb, she ultimately chooses to leave Summer Bay alongside Caleb, concluding her storyline in October 2017.
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. The introduction of the Astonis was notable as they became the first traditional nuclear family to join the soap in 17 years, following the Sutherlands’ arrival in 2000. Ziggy is depicted as a rebellious teenager with a wild streak and was introduced as a potential romantic partner for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, also debuted on 20 June 2017. Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly to be nearer to the show's filming site at Palm Beach. Ben relocates to Summer Bay with his wife Maggie and their daughters, Coco and Ziggy. The Astoni family represents the first nuclear family addition to the series in almost two decades. Nichol describes Ben as a devoted, caring individual and fundamentally a good man.
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, arrived on-screen on 21 June 2017. Morassi’s casting was announced early in 2017, with character information revealed on 4 June. She mentioned adapting to the rapid filming pace of the show, which contrasted with her previous film experiences. Maggie moves into Summer Bay alongside her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astonis were the first nuclear family introduced since the Sutherlands in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, enacted by Anna Cocquerel, first appeared on 21 June 2017. She is the youngest daughter in the Ben and Maggie Astoni family. The Astonis marked the revival of a nuclear family presence on the soap after a 17-year gap. Coco’s character was developed as a potential love interest for VJ Patterson. In late 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming commitments to focus on completing Year 12.
Coco’s storyline includes being suspended from school due to cyberbullying incidents, prompting her family’s move to Summer Bay. She forms a friendship with Raffy Morrison and becomes romantically involved with VJ Patterson while facing typical adolescent challenges such as bullying, binge eating, and bulimia. Her health struggles lead to hospitalisation and a candid admission of her eating disorder. As her relationships progress, she befriends Ryder Jackson and experiences jealousy and romantic complications involving Raffy.
Supporting her mother Maggie through a cancer diagnosis, Coco dates Ryder but they separate twice. She acts as maid of honour at Ziggy’s wedding to Brody Morgan. Later, Coco opts to attend boarding school in Cairns despite initial opposition from Maggie. She briefly returns for Raffy’s birthday celebration, confronting family issues before resuming her studies.
This narrative arc explores themes of family relationships, teenage health concerns, and personal development within the Summer Bay environment.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), portrayed by Jake Ryan, was introduced on 25 July 2017. Ryan lost 13 kg prior to his debut to fill the "heart-throb" role left vacant by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Initially presented as an amnesiac with multiple identities—including Beckett Reid and Ryan Shaw—Robbo’s story evolved from enigmatic handyman to undercover agent for the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The character exited the show in early 2020.
Robbo first appears hiding in a cove, suffering from memory loss due to trauma and unable to recall his true identity. Local residents such as Alf Stewart and Constable Kat Chapman assist him while investigating his background. Despite initial distrust, Robbo secures employment maintaining the Caravan Park and begins a romantic relationship with Kat. His quest for self-discovery uncovers links to a woman named Rose and leads him to find a corpse, after which he halts further investigation.
A significant plot revelation discloses that Robbo was an AFP officer undercover as Beckett Reid, assigned to track down those responsible for his family’s murder. His real identity had been wiped from official records as part of his cover operation. After recovering his memory during an AFP interrogation, Robbo returns to Summer Bay accompanied by fellow officer Lance Salisbury. Although offered reinstatement in the AFP, Robbo chooses instead to purchase the local gym and develops a relationship with Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost). He also shares a complicated connection with Tori Morgan, agreeing initially to father her child through IVF; following a miscarriage and an unplanned pregnancy without his knowledge, their relationship becomes strained leading to broken engagements.
Robbo’s storyline concludes with marriage to Jasmine and involvement in intense AFP missions. He undergoes hypnotherapy aimed at retrieving memories related to an investigation but suffers a fatal hemorrhage following surgery after a car accident. His death brings closure to an impactful storyline that intertwined undercover law enforcement duties with personal drama within the Summer Bay community.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga’s casting was announced in June 2017 while filming took place at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Jennifer was introduced as a high school student who initially bullies Coco Astoni (Anna Cocquerel) before becoming romantically involved with Hunter King (Scott Lee). Santariga’s portrayal quickly attracted attention due to its significant influence on the series’ narrative.
Jennifer's plotline revolves around her antagonistic treatment of Coco, involving teasing, bullying, and manipulating social dynamics. She threatens to reveal Coco’s eating disorder unless Coco agrees to set up a date with VJ Patterson (Matt Little), thereby gaining leverage over her and creating tension in Coco’s friendship with Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble). Jennifer also persuades Raffy to drink excessively at a fashion launch event, which results in a confrontation.
During Summer Bay’s Glow Day event, Jennifer injures her wrist while competing in an obstacle course alongside Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) and attempts to flirt with Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), who rejects her due to personal grief. She later supports Hunter King through his breakup and begins dating him, despite Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno) expressing disapproval. Their relationship faces obstacles when Jennifer is caught with alcohol at a university party by her father, Nick Dutton (Jacob Allan), who warns Hunter to stay away.
Jennifer eventually runs away from home to live with Hunter but is asked to leave by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) after being caught kissing him. After Hunter ends their relationship, Jennifer becomes homeless before returning to live with her father, concluding her storyline in March 2018.
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. Initially unsure about her audition, she was later cast and described Beth’s storyline as emotionally resonant. Beth is depicted as cheeky, complex, and quirky—traits that Apps relates to personally—and was introduced as a romantic interest for Mason Morgan.
Beth first appears in the hospital encouraging Mason, who is coping with paralysis, to participate in activities such as wheelchair racing. Initially posing as a nurse, Beth later reveals she is actually a patient awaiting a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy. She admits that her deception was intended to avoid eliciting pity. Their friendship develops as Beth helps Mason forgive his brother Brody for causing his accident. They bond over shared experiences including getting tattoos and visiting a casino.
Beth’s condition worsens during an outing with Mason, leading to hospitalization and an urgent requirement for a stent and heart transplant. Despite her father’s objections to her relationship with Mason, Beth insists on continuing it. After Mason presents her with a promise ring during a beach lunch, Beth suffers a fatal arrhythmia and passes away. Following her funeral, Mason experiences a vision of Beth urging him to move forward.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, portrayed by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich was cast soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his acting debut. Ryder is introduced as the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and grandson to Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His initial plotline centers around him breaking into the Surf Club and attempting to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson before disclosing his familial connections. His hesitation to provide Quinn’s contact information raises concerns with his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), who suspects he may have run away.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), played by Sarah Roberts, debuted on 14 November 2017. Prior to landing this role, Roberts auditioned for various characters, including Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She traveled from Melbourne to Sydney for a chemistry test with James Stewart, who portrays Justin Morgan. Willow is depicted as a resilient, independent, fiercely loyal woman who stirs up trouble in Summer Bay. Roberts described her character as a "bad girl," whose questionable actions stem from her loyalty to those she cares about. Willow quickly becomes romantically involved with Justin Morgan.
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, brought to life by Sam Frost, first appeared on 18 December 2017. Frost’s casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 during her participation on Hell's Kitchen Australia. After two auditions, she secured the role, which marked her entry into acting. Frost expressed enthusiasm, having been a longtime viewer of Home and Away.
Her casting drew criticism from some actors who viewed it as a publicity stunt. Jasmine’s initial storyline involves a car accident that results in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost described Jasmine as "guarded" with an "anxious energy," concealing secrets and a troubled past.
Additional Characters
| Dates | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January–23 November | Luc Patterson |
|
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings, conceived following Mick’s assault on Billie. Billie allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is Luc’s father until their wedding day. Luc is born after Billie escapes a bushfire. VJ and Billie name her after Billie's deceased brother. Mick kidnaps Luc but returns her through his mother, Irene Roberts. After Billie receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, she passes away with Luc in VJ’s arms. VJ struggles with parenting responsibilities and entrusts Irene with Luc’s care. Ashford gains temporary custody but faces challenges including Luc’s illness and Patrick Stanwood’s PTSD. Following Mick’s unauthorized removal of Luc, custody disputes ensue, culminating in VJ relocating overseas to raise Luc in Cyprus. |
| 1 February– | Constable Corelli | Nick Cain | Constable Corelli supports Kat Chapman in investigating an arson case and later discovers CCTV footage that implicates Dylan Carter. |
| 2 February | Lactation Consultant | Gail Knight | Provides breastfeeding support to Billie Ashford following the birth of her daughter. |
| 23 February–1 May | Ambulance Officer | Rob Baird | Delivers emergency medical transport for characters such as John Palmer and Zac MacGuire, reporting injuries to hospital staff. |
| 27 February–8 May | Patrick Stanwood | Luke McKenzie | Patrick, believed dead brother of Billie and Martin Ashford, reappears suffering from PTSD. He becomes involved in custody conflicts over Luc Patterson, experiences flashbacks that jeopardize others’ safety but eventually forms a bond with Luc and consents to treatment. |
| 7 March–15 August | Lena Ascot | Felicity McKay |
Lena infiltrates university social circles selling narcotics and briefly works at Salt restaurant under Brody Morgan, who develops an addiction. Their relationship ends following police intervention. Later, Lena appears in rehabilitation alongside Brody, attempting to lure him back into substance abuse.
| Dates | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|
! scope="row"| 7 March |'Byron' |'Benjamin Winckle' |'Byron encourages Olivia Fraser Richards to attend social events with him and Lena Ascot. He has a conflict with Olivia’s boyfriend Hunter King over academic achievements but is dismissed by Mason Morgan. |} ! scope="row"| 9 March |'Local Woman' |'Meagan Caratti' |'Together with 'Local Man', challenges John Palmer regarding accountability for fires he caused; prompts defense from Marilyn Chambers. |} |'Local Man' |'James Caitlin' |} ! scope="row"| 13 March–18 April |'Jess Kearney' |'Jess Bush' |'Engages Olivia Fraser Richards in study sessions; interacts socially with Hunter King during Olivia’s birthday celebration. |} ! scope="row"| 21 March |'Cal Whitman' |'Craig Scott' |'A resident displaced by bushfires caused by John Palmer; acknowledges John’s apology and assistance offer. |} ! scope="row"| 22 March, 6 December |'Terry Diamond' |'Rob Flanagan' |'A restaurant critic who initially clashes with Brody Morgan at Salt but later acknowledges his culinary talent. |} ! scope="row"| 29 March–3 April |'Donna Fields' |'Melissa Bonne' |'Surprises Phoebe Nicholson before her engagement party; discusses differing music career paths; invites Phoebe on a US tour. |} ! scope="row"| 29 March–29 August |'Lachlan Piers' |'Warwick Allsopp' |'John Palmer’s attorney advising an automatism defense; later informs Ben Astoni about heritage status affecting pier development applications. |} ! scope="row"| 29 March–20 April |'James Mayvers' |'Tim Ross' |'Roo Stewart’s boyfriend from Hawaii; involved in pregnancy storylines including disputes over termination decisions; experiences miscarriage later. |} ! scope="row"| 3 April–30 August |'William Zannis' |'Caleb Alloway' |'A drug dealer connected to Brody Morgan’s addiction; involved in violent incidents including kidnapping Ziggy Astoni; pursued by police resulting in bail revocation. |} ! scope="row" rowspan="3"| 10 April |'Court Officer' |'Alistair Bates' |'Administers oath to VJ Patterson during court proceedings. |} |'Jury Foreperson' |'Aanisa Vylet' |'Delivers guilty verdict in John Palmer's arson trial. |} |'Police Officer' |'Joshua Farah' |'Escorts John Palmer from court following the verdict. |} ! scope="row"| 11–25 April |'Prison Officer' |'PJ Williams' |'Oversees visitation protocols for Marilyn Chambers visiting John Palmer; manages inmate behavior including handling altercations. |} ! scope="row"| 12 April |'Annie Banks' |'Raelee Hill' |'Mediator in custody dispute involving Martin Ashford, Kat Chapman, Irene Roberts, VJ Patterson, Leah Patterson-Baker concerning Luc Patterson; escalates unresolved conflicts to court leading to interim parental order for Ashford. |} ! scope="row"| 13 April |'Delivery Guy' |'Brendan Dodds' |"Refuses payment at Salt due to declined credit cards while delivering food to Brody Morgan." |} ... [Subsequent entries continue similarly focusing on key character involvements relevant to story arcs]
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
- Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
- Ben Astoni profile on the Official AU Home and Away platform
- Coco Astoni profile on the Official AU Home and Away platform
- Ziggy Astoni profile on the Official AU Home and Away platform