Brian Helpman

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	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. This compilation focuses on characters introduced in 2006, all brought into the storyline by series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's nineteenth season was broadcast from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Noteworthy additions included Amy Mathews as Rachel Armstrong in January, Jessica Tovey portraying Belle Taylor in February, and Sam North joining as Dom Moran in April. Actors Rodger Corser and Trent Baines appeared as Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. In July, Bobby Morley took on the role of Drew Curtis, while Chris Sadrinna joined as Rachel's brother, Brad Armstrong. October saw the arrival of Jessica Chapnik playing Sam Tolhurst, along with her son Rory Tolhurst and the Cooper siblings, Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, enacted by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, with her character's husband also exiting the show. Official character profiles emphasize Rachel’s intelligence, independence, and resilience. Mathews characterized Rachel as lively, enjoyable, principled, and romantically inclined. For this portrayal, she received the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. Among Rachel’s most significant plotlines was her captivity by the Believers cult, a storyline that garnered attention from soap opera critics.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, played by Jessica Tovey, was introduced on 3 February 2006. Major narratives involving Belle included her quest to find her birth mother, struggles with drug addiction, her relationship with Aden Jefferies, and coping with a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the series in 2009, culminating in Belle’s on-screen death on 11 August that year. At just 18 years old, Tovey joined Home and Away for her first television role before announcing her departure in April 2009.

RTÉ described Belle as a lively and confident young woman whose insecurities originated from a strict and controlling upbringing. She craved affection and approval from her conservative parents who were taken aback by her rebellious behavior.

Tovey received several award nominations for her role as Belle, including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards and "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. She was also shortlisted for "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards and earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" (for drug addiction) in 2009. The wedding of Belle and Aden was recognized in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Additionally, the episode depicting Belle’s funeral was nominated for an Australian Writer's Guild Award in 2010. According to Virgin Media, Belle and Aden ranked among "Soaps' sexiest couples," while fans voted them Home and Away's Hottest Couple in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, enacted by Sam North, was featured from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Dom is employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors. He engages in hazardous pranks targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), resulting in Ric being harmed twice—once through exposure to battery acid and on another occasion due to a defective jack. Additionally, Dom bullies Ric’s girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), which leads to conflicts and ultimately causes Ray to dismiss him for posing too great a risk.

Upon his return the following year, Dom becomes involved in supplying illegal car components to Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) and participates in drag racing alongside the criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A tragic accident claims the life of Lisa Duffy (Jessica McNamee), who was Lucas Holden’s (Rhys Wakefield) former partner. To evade capture, Dom steals and sets fire to Drew’s vehicle but agrees to assist in exonerating Drew if Belle agrees to kiss him. Though hesitant, Belle complies and subsequently witnesses Dom’s arrest for theft.

After serving time, Dom kidnaps Belle but is stopped by Drew and Ray. Later, he collapses at the diner and requires urgent surgery. With support from physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), he begins rehabilitation but persists in pursuing Belle. Taking employment at the diner, Dom taunts Drew. To discourage his relationship with Belle, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange an interview with Irene’s daughter, Finlay (Tina Thomsen), yet Dom ruins the opportunity and departs for the city, vowing to return for Belle.

Clayton Smales of The Townsville Bulletin criticized North’s portrayal as a "woeful turn," labeling Dom a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, played by Rodger Corser, appeared from 5 April 2006 to 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted alongside Home and Away cast members in Coogee, sparking rumors about a potential comeback since his character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and former romantic partner of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). After meeting Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), he asks her out on a date; however, she declines. Returning several months later, Hugh develops feelings for Rachel, who is now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). He offers support during Rachel’s marital struggles and attempts to pursue Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), though the relationship proves awkward. Following a tense medical conference trip, Hugh moves out and shares accommodation with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).

During a night out, Hugh encounters Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) but confesses he is emotionally unavailable. Rachel confronts him about his feelings; he admits he still cares deeply for her. After Rachel separates from Kim, they share a kiss. When Hugh receives a job posting in Johannesburg, he demands Rachel choose between him or Kim. Hesitant to decide, she lets him leave for South Africa. Several months later, Hugh contacts Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden (Jon Sivewright)—but she refuses to meet him.

A poll conducted by Inside Soap revealed readers preferred Rachel ending up with Hugh rather than Kim, with Hugh securing 57% of votes.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, first appeared on 7 April 2006 and departed on 23 February 2007.

Macca's narrative primarily explores his tumultuous relationship with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson) and the cycle of domestic violence he inflicts upon her. Baines emphasized the storyline's social importance, underscoring the need for victim support and counseling services.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Macca is introduced as Martha MacKenzie's brother and quickly forms a friendship with Cassie, aiding her boxing training. Despite Martha’s reservations about his past behavior toward women, Macca accepts a courier position and commits to maintaining a long-distance romance with Cassie. Returning earlier than expected, he rents an apartment above the Beachside diner but struggles with the pressures of his job, leading to substance abuse. His drug use is uncovered by Ric Dalby and Cassie, triggering confrontations that escalate into jealousy-fueled domestic violence.

Following intervention by Sally Fletcher, Macca turns himself in to authorities and seeks assistance. Although barred from attending Martha’s wedding, he heroically saves Jack during an explosion but sustains injuries. After a helicopter crash involving Martha and others, Macca participates in the rescue effort, saving Ric despite his wounds before leaving once everyone is accounted for.

Several months later, Macca returns claiming to have completed counseling and resumes an affair with Cassie despite her reconciliation with Ric. This leads to a physical fight with Ric and Macca’s eviction from the caravan park. After briefly staying with Amanda Vale, who makes advances he declines, he accepts a desk job in the city and plans to move with Cassie despite Sally’s objections. However, following Sally’s stabbing and Ric’s arrest for murder, Cassie returns to Summer Bay. Macca attempts to convince her to leave again but resorts to violence before surrendering once more to the police.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, appeared from 7 July 2006 until 21 March 2008. Prior to joining Home and Away, Morley acted in Angels with Dirty Faces and was subsequently cast after auditioning for the series. Although older than the character he played, Morley relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming. He admitted feeling nervous adapting to the show's rapid production pace. Morley departed at the end of 2007 and later described his experience as feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent shirtless scenes.

The official Home and Away website characterized Drew as "brooding" and carrying a "chip on his shoulder the size of Queensland." Morley received a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards for this role. Media outlets described Drew as both a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," highlighting his appeal among younger viewers.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, made his debut on 11 July 2006 and exited on 13 November 2007. Introduced as a supportive presence for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders's passing, Brad's storyline involved personal tragedies such as coping with the death of his mother Elaine and losing his wife Emily Vincent to leukaemia.

Brad arrives in Summer Bay after Elaine’s death to assist his sister Rachel (Amy Mathews) in managing their grief and arranging the funeral. Early scenes depict Brad in awkward situations, including being discovered unclothed in Leah Patterson-Baker's home. He later rescues Sally from a fire, deepening their connection. Brad marries Emily in an intimate beach ceremony before her premature death devastates him. His relationship with Sally grows stronger as they support each other through their losses.

Serving as principal of Summer Bay High, Brad faces challenges such as handling troubled student Rocco Cooper and tensions involving Rocco's brother Johnny. His professional reputation is tested when Naomi Preston (Tiffany Preece) falsely accuses him, resulting in suspension. Despite these setbacks, Brad proposes to Sally; however, she jilts him on their wedding day, prompting his decision to move out.

A severe storm strands Brad alongside others at sea—a storyline that received critical praise. Subsequent family revelations reveal Brad and Rachel’s father Robert had an affair leading to a half-sister named Tamsyn. When Tamsyn's behavior threatens Brad's career opportunities, he assumes full responsibility for her care. Supporting Sally through her daughter's accident further emphasizes Brad’s role as a stabilizing influence. Ultimately, Brad opts to relocate to Tasmania, inviting Heather and Tamsyn to join him.

Sadrinna’s performance earned nominations for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards as well as Best Couple alongside Ritchie. The episode featuring Sally standing Brad up won an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008, while the sea storm episode was nominated for Best Single Episode at the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, brought to life by Ian Meadows, made his first appearance on 11 October 2006 and departed on 6 February 2007.

After transferring to Summer Bay High, Rocco faces skepticism from principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) due to his gang affiliations. However, Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) overrides Brad’s concerns, impressed by Rocco’s commitment, and later offers him a place to live after learning about his circumstances.

Rocco's elder brother, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), exerts pressure on him to stay involved in gang life, threatening fatal consequences for defiance. Although Rocco initially assists Johnny in criminal activities, he ultimately betrays him by reporting a staged Credit Union robbery. Following this, Johnny commands Rocco to murder Sally or face death; Rocco stabs her, but she survives the attack. Johnny retaliates violently, resulting in a brutal assault on Rocco that leaves him critically injured and eventually leads to his death while in a coma. His unmarked grave is attended solely by Sally, Brad, and Johnny under police watch. Initially, Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) is wrongfully imprisoned for Rocco’s murder but is freed once Johnny’s culpability is revealed.

The narrative involving Rocco stabbing Sally earned a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, entered the series on 17 October 2006. Chapnik secured the role unexpectedly and exited in 2008 to pursue career opportunities in the United States. She characterized Sam as a deeply troubled individual plagued by self-hatred and tragedy, making her inevitable downfall both complex and difficult to justify.

Eleven Magazine highlighted Sam as a catalyst for considerable upheaval in Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis of the Sun-Herald described her as a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, debuted on 19 October and left the show on 25 March 2008. Mulvey received consecutive nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in 2007 and 2008 for his portrayal.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) appeared between 20 October 2006 and 14 April 2008, initially played by Ed Willis before Jack Rickard took over the role.

Introduced through his mother Sam Holden’s relationship with Jack Holden, Rory quickly formed a close bond with Jack, who assumed a paternal role. After Sam was abducted and subsequently rescued, Rory left Summer Bay with her but returned following her injury. During this time, Rory was kidnapped by his father Shane Deeks, an escaped convict; Shane was killed during a police pursuit while Rory was safely recovered.

An academically gifted student, Rory advanced directly into Year 7 at Summer Bay High but encountered bullying until Aden Jefferies intervened—though this came at the cost of Rory agreeing to tamper with school election ballots. When discovered, Rory faced detention. On a school excursion, he and Annie Campbell were accidentally left behind but were later found.

Rory enthusiastically supported Jack and Sam’s engagement, producing an excellent paper portraying Jack as a hero. However, his behavior deteriorated after Martha MacKenzie expressed skepticism about their marriage, creating tension within the family. Despite this strain, Rory honored tradition by giving his mother away at the wedding.

The family’s stability shattered when Johnny Cooper attacked Sam. She took Rory to stay with her sister Britt Grey but later died from her injuries. Blaming Jack for Sam’s death, Rory distanced himself from him during the funeral.

For his portrayal of Rory, Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Ex-member of Mumma Rose's cult, The Believers. She tries to alert Tasha Andrews about the cult's risks but is abducted. Later, she pretends to comply to aid Tasha and Jonah's escape and contacts law enforcement.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who harasses Rachel Armstrong and escalates to blackmail concerning her relationship with Kim Hyde. His actions are reported to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case, ultimately sentencing him to nine months in prison.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor for the police involved in significant cases including those of Alf Stewart, Angelo Rosetta, Casey Braxton’s arson, and Sasha Bezmel’s murder trial.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO of Northern Districts Hospital managing inquiries into harassment and malpractice, including Rachel Armstrong’s suspension and nurse James Dalton’s termination.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Estranged father of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; serves as Regional Director of Emergency at Northern Districts Hospital with a contentious history involving a car accident and legal pressure on Rachel’s testimony.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Proprietor of Moran Motors and employer of Ric Dalby; involved in workplace disputes including conflicts with nephew Dom Moran and illegal fight promotions affecting staff.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother to Rachel and Brad Armstrong who suffers severe amnesia due to a previous car crash; later dies from injuries sustained in a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman whose health declines because of medication errors, resulting in cardiac arrest.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Grandson of Doris McKinnon; becomes close to Rachel Armstrong and Kim Hyde but displays obsessive tendencies that culminate in kidnapping Rachel; subsequently committed for psychiatric treatment.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Pregnant teenager involved with science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to son Joe, initially entrusting his care to Rachel Armstrong before reclaiming him.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Detective assisting with stalking investigations; later revealed as an accomplice to antagonist Eve Jacobsen; both perish in a gas explosion at a wedding event.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother involved in family secrets surrounding Belle Taylor’s adoption; pressured into silence through health-related threats.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police officer implicated in framing Drew Curtis under duress; faces charges including arson and bribery.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Belle Taylor’s adoptive father who extorts Kitty Landsdowne by threatening to expose family secrets; rejected by Belle.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot involved in an accident stranding key characters en route to the burns unit; acts as mediator during the crisis.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton; attempts coercion and is arrested after an attempted kidnapping.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Community member acquainted with Colleen Smart; participates in activities such as aerobics classes and bowls competitions involving other locals.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	Surf club gym patron who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault for attention; later admits the claim was fabricated, leading to efforts at family reconciliation.
3–28 August	' Mel Harris	' Sara Zwangobani	' Counsellor at a camp for troubled teens assisting Matilda Hunter with bulimia recovery; attacked by another camper but helps Matilda progress toward discharge.	'
3 August–27 September	' Dean Silverman	' Gary Brun	' Troubled adolescent who develops a relationship with Matilda Hunter; falsely accused of arson; comes out about his sexuality and reconciles with his partner before leaving.	'
3–10 August	' Vanessa Covacs	' Emma Terracini	' Teen attending a retreat for troubled youth exhibiting anger issues; attempts suicide and is transferred for specialized treatment.	'
18–23 August	' Hal Enpace	' Leigh Scully	' Influences Lucas Holden during his rebellious phase, encouraging vandalism that leads to financial restitution demands.	'
	' Lawrence	' Uncredited	' Associate of Hal Enpace participating in rebellious acts.	'
21 August–15 September	' Emily Armstrong	' Libby Richmond	' Brad Armstrong’s fiancée who marries him shortly before succumbing to leukemia.	'
21 August–5 September	' Gordon O'Neill	' Andrew Tighe	' Local police superintendent involved in contentious sexual assault inquiries concerning his daughter Tara O’Neill and Kim Hyde; later reconciles family conflicts.	'
21 August–10 October	' Ella Hunter	' Multiple actors (child roles)	' Daughter of Tasha and Robbie Hunter, central to cult-related storylines involving Mumma Rose; eventually relocates with her parents after several kidnapping incidents.	'
28 August–27 September	' Gareth Westwood	' Benjamin Ronczka	' Linked with Dean Silverman at the troubled teens retreat; their relationship is revealed and strengthened prior to their departure together.	'
4 September	' Grace Carter	' Elaine Smith	' Gordon O’Neill’s ex-wife who provides evidence supporting Tara O’Neill’s history of false allegations.	'
16 October	' Dennis Gillen	' Danny Adcock	' Criminal adversary seeking vengeance on detective Peter Baker; presumed dead following a violent encounter.	'
17 October–7 February 2007	' Ash Nader	' Ben Geurens	' Police officer with a concealed family life complicating his relationship with Martha MacKenzie, ultimately leading to their separation.	'
30 October–28 November, 19 September–3 October 2008	' Joe Morton	' Multiple actors (child roles)	' Son of Lee Morton temporarily placed in Rachel Armstrong’s care; suffers from bone cancer resulting in death after complex custody disputes.	'
31–24 October 2008	' Dane Smith	' Cody Kaye	' Lee Morton’s boyfriend involved in custody battles over Joe Morton, ultimately abandoning Lee and facing disproven child abuse suspicions due to medical findings.	'
27 November–	Reverend	Peter Flett	Local clergyman officiating numerous significant weddings and funerals within the community, including the marriage of Kim Hyde and Rachel Armstrong, maintaining involvement over several years.	-	1 December–7 February 2007	Rianna Nader	Lotte St. Claire	Ash Nader’s wife arriving with children Declan and Jess, initially unaware of Ash's affair; later becomes pregnant prompting Ash's return home.	-	Declan Nader	Jack Concoran	Child of Ash and Rianna Nader.	-	Jessica Nader	Amy Baran	Child of Ash and Rianna Nader.	-

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away website
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database