Bridget Simmons
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section outlines characters introduced in 2008, all under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 21st season commenced on 28 January 2008. The first new character to appear was the school principal Martin Bartlett, portrayed by Bob Baines, who debuted in February. In March, Trent Dalzell joined as Axel Hay, David Downer took on the role of Ross Buckton, and Celeste Dodwell appeared as Melody Jones. April saw Tessa James introduced as Nicole Franklin. During May, Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis were cast as Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips, respectively. June brought the arrivals of Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds playing Charlie and Ruby Buckton. On 8 July, Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano joined the cast as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen. Finally, November featured the introduction of David Jones-Roberts as Xavier Austin.
Martin Bartlett
Martin Bartlett, enacted by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. Serving as Summer Bay High’s principal from 2008 to 2009, he was introduced by Bevan Lee. Martin develops feelings for his secretary Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes), who rejects his advances and instead dates Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart). After dismissing Kirsty, she unknowingly becomes an escort, while Martin is revealed to be a client at the Sands resort—resulting in an embarrassing encounter for both.
Previously a veteran Science teacher at Summer Bay High, Martin succeeds Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) as deputy principal upon appointment by Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). Following Sally’s stabbing by Johnny Cooper (Callan Mulvey), Martin steps up as principal. He initially hires Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) as secretary after she blackmails him over witnessing his involvement in an illegal fight featuring Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), but later replaces her with Kirsty.
When Kirsty’s son Oliver (Oliver Davis) suffers a broken arm while under others’ supervision, Martin assumes responsibility and shares that he was raised by a single parent himself. Discovering Kirsty’s relationship with Miles, he terminates her employment but provides a reference enabling her to work at the Sands resort. Conflict arises when Miles learns Martin frequents the same establishment, leading to confrontations.
During a senior formal organized by Martin, Kane Phillips’ car crashes into the venue; Martin sustains fractured ribs but recovers following hospitalization alongside Kane. He also coordinates a commemorative school trek honoring Dan Baker (Tim Campbell)’s death anniversary. When students Jai Fernandez and Annie Campbell vanish during the trek—and Trey Palmer plants a bomb beneath their bus—Martin faces intense crisis management before appointing Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) as his replacement prior to departing on a cruise.
Axel Hay
Axel Hay, played by Trent Dalzell, was first seen on 19 March 2008.
Before Axel’s departure from the series, he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunk driver named Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who flees the scene afterward. According to Todd Lasance (Aden Jefferies), Axel is hospitalized with serious injuries while Jai escapes mostly unharmed. Initially unable to remember what happened, they recall seeing a silver estate car, leading Aden to realize that his father was responsible.
Axel is introduced as a Summer Bay High student attending Nicole Franklin’s party where he unsuccessfully attempts to pursue Belle Taylor. He later tries to assault Melody Jones, prompting Geoff Campbell to threaten him. After Axel is assaulted himself, suspicion falls on Geoff and Aden; however, Belle identifies Aden as the attacker due to his indifferent reaction. Although Axel’s reputation suffers, he eventually apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Axel dies following the accident caused by Aden’s father and later appears in Melody’s nightmares as a vision.
Ross Buckton
Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008. Serving as a police officer at Yabbie Creek Station, Ross leads the investigation into Sam Holden's death, conducting interviews with key individuals such as Martha MacKenzie and Jazz Curtis. Although Jack and Martha Holden were initially considered suspects, evidence ultimately revealed that Sam's demise was a suicide, resulting in the dismissal of charges.
Ross reconnects with Morag Bellingham from his past, navigating obstacles including concealment about his deceased wife Elsie and opposition from his daughter Charlie. His other daughter, Ruby, supports this renewed relationship, culminating in Ross and Morag marrying privately before embarking on a honeymoon across Europe.
After their return, Ross begins to exhibit symptoms of cognitive deterioration and is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Following several incidents, including one that nearly caused a fire, he agrees to receive care with Morag by his side.
When Grant Bledcoe's body is discovered and suspicion falls on Charlie for his murder, Ross admits to having killed Grant years earlier in defense of Charlie. He faces trial but passes away in 2011; his funeral takes place in Summer Bay.
Melody Jones
Melody Jones, enacted by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 shortly after completing her Higher School Certificate in drama. Dodwell initially auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, which was ultimately awarded to Tessa James. Her agent then informed her about the character of Melody, which sparked her interest. Dodwell eventually left the series to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.
Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin, brought to life by Tessa James, first appeared on 18 April 2008. Her casting was announced in January 2008, with Executive Producer Cameron Welsh describing her as an exciting new talent poised to connect well with viewers. James relocated to Sydney for this role, viewing the experience as valuable training and a form of apprenticeship. Fellow cast member Celeste Dodwell had originally tried out for Nicole’s part. Nicole’s prominent story arcs included rekindling romance on a desert island and enduring a hostage situation, showcasing her dramatic range. Media outlets characterized Nicole as a "flighty minx" and a "fiery favourite." TV Week highlighted James as one of the show’s most promising performers, suggesting she was ready for opportunities in Hollywood.
Jai Fernandez
Jai Fernandez, played by Jordan Rodrigues, debuted on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described this role as an entirely new experience and appreciated the recognition from fans. Jai’s background involves losing his entire family during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. He forms a bond with established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who also experienced family loss. Miles brings Jai to Summer Bay despite tensions stemming from Jai’s feelings of abandonment.
Rodrigues departed the show in 2009 to join ABC's Dance Academy. His performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.
Jai is first introduced when Miles discovers him living in a city refuge. Initially reserved, Jai accepts Miles’ invitation to move to Summer Bay. Finding it difficult to integrate at school, he befriends fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell). Their adventures include a tragic scooter accident caused by a drunk driver that results in Axel’s death. This loss triggers Jai’s reckless behavior, including performing dangerous stunts that lead to a romantic relationship with Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best). Despite initial resistance from their guardians, Miles and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), the couple remains committed.
Complications arise when Annie becomes trapped in a storm drain but is rescued by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Meanwhile, Jai endures bullying from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey), who falsely accuses others of misconduct. Jai retaliates by threatening to reveal Trey’s personal problems unless the harassment stops.
Jai’s relationship with Annie deteriorates after he drunkenly confesses at Ruby Buckton's (Rebecca Breeds) birthday party that he desires intimacy with her, leading to their breakup. Soon after, Jai is accidentally shot while handling an old shotgun found on Martha MacKenzie's (Jodi Gordon) farm but hides his injury until collapsing during a school trek. He subsequently recovers.
Romantic tensions persist as Jai grows jealous over Annie’s interest in Dexter Walker (Tom Green). The arrival of Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell), an old foster care friend pursuing Annie himself, further complicates matters. To escape the turmoil, Jai plans a student exchange trip to Japan but initially withdraws to support Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes) after her miscarriage. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie depart together for Japan after bidding farewell to friends.
Oliver Phillips
Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. His first appearance occurs when Irene Roberts collects him after he becomes unwell. Despite receiving hospital care, Ollie remains unresponsive. Kane, who is on the run, visits him covertly. Following Kane’s unsuccessful robbery attempt and arrest, Kirsty removes Ollie from the hospital, and they take refuge with Irene.
Ollie stirs conflict by exposing Belle Taylor’s romantic involvement, which negatively impacts her professional life, leading Kirsty to relocate them to the caravan park. Eventually, they establish a family unit alongside Miles Copeland and Jai. After Kane’s release from prison, he reunites with Kirsty and Ollie; however, relationship difficulties prompt their return. When Kane departs permanently, Ollie expresses relief at being back in Summer Bay.
Kirsty experiences a pregnancy but suffers a miscarriage. Ollie meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland for the first time when she arrives to support Kirsty. Subsequently, Shelley takes them to live with the family in the city.
Charlie Buckton
Charlie Buckton was introduced on 6 June 2008, portrayed by Esther Anderson, a former model brought in to enhance Home and Away’s appeal with added "sex appeal." Anderson, a devoted viewer of the series, was excited to land this role. She departed in November 2011 to explore acting opportunities in Hollywood.
Anderson received several award nominations for her role as Charlie, including "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards, "Best Daytime Star" in 2010, as well as nominations for "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" at the Logie Awards. The episode featuring Charlie's death earned a nomination from the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics praised Charlie as both a "sexy sergeant" and one of the show's most endearing crime fighters.
Ruby Buckton
Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, made her debut on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as carefree yet emotionally reserved. Arriving while mourning her mother’s passing, she conceals her grief behind a facade of strength and independence. Breeds described Ruby as spirited, deeply devoted to family, and confident.
In June 2012, Breeds filmed her final scenes before leaving Home and Away. She mentioned that Ruby’s storyline was left somewhat unresolved at that point. Breeds earned a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards in 2009 and later received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. At the 2012 Inside Soap Awards, she was nominated for "Best Daytime Star". Among Ruby’s memorable plots are dealing with her father’s illness and participating in a notable prank involving Skype and skinny-dipping.
Angelo Rosetta
Angelo Rosetta, portrayed by Luke Jacobz, first appeared on 8 July 2008. Jacobz secured this role in June 2008 following the cancellation of McLeod's Daughters, where he had a recurring role. Initially intending to work as a labourer in Sydney, Jacobz accepted the part with an initial six-month contract. In February 2011, it was announced he would be leaving Home and Away, with his final scenes broadcast several months later.
The character hails from a tightly bonded family of four brothers and was initially seen as brash and unlikely to succeed. Jacobz received nominations for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards that same year.
Elliot Gillen
Elliot Gillen, played by Paul Pantano, was featured in Home and Away from 8 July until 26 August 2008. Pantano gained attention in Digital Spy's gay spotlight segment. Within the plot, Elliot poses a serious threat to Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Driven by a desire for vengeance over his brother Mark's demise, Elliot holds Roman responsible and sets his sights on Nicole, resulting in a gripping storyline involving abduction and survival ordeals.
Elliot comes to Summer Bay seeking Roman, tied by their mutual SAS connection through Mark, who perished during an Afghanistan deployment. Skeptical about the official details surrounding Mark's death, Elliot employs psychological manipulation, including forming a romantic relationship with Roman’s daughter Nicole. When their romance ends, Elliot intensifies his vendetta by abducting Nicole and demanding ransom from Roman, compelling him to endure perilous challenges. Geoff attempts a rescue but sustains injuries inflicted by Elliot.
Roman agrees to Elliot’s conditions but must navigate a series of lethal traps set by Elliot in the wilderness. Despite suffering an arrow wound and narrowly escaping a landslide and mine explosion, Roman manages to subdue Elliot and ensures his arrest. While in custody, Roman reveals the truth about Mark’s death—Mark intended to surrender during an ambush but was shot by Roman to prevent betrayal; subsequently, enemy forces killed Mark. Confronted with this reality, Elliot discloses Nicole’s whereabouts before facing charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.
Xavier Austin
Xavier Austin, portrayed by David Jones-Roberts, made his first appearance on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012 when he relocated permanently to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts earned the role after undergoing four auditions, describing the accomplishment as "all the more awesome" due to the prolonged process. Notably, he discovered his casting news while using a payphone during a surfing outing. According to soap opera website Holy Soap, Xavier's standout moment involved witnessing Brendan cause a major car accident using a catapult.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 January–11 February | Aaron Copeland | Timothy Walter | Aaron is the father of Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland (Home and Away), appearing in flashbacks that reveal his struggles with alcoholism and domestic violence. After fleeing with Miles, he attempts to regain custody of Sally following her mother Diana’s death but ultimately allows her to stay with foster carers. Aaron dies in 2000 due to complications from alcoholism. |
| 11 February | Diana Wilson | Uncredited | Diana is Sally and Miles’ mother, shown in flashbacks illustrating her troubled marriage with Aaron and her subsequent death in a boating accident. |
| 11 February | Mrs Keating | Uncredited | Diana Wilson’s mother and grandmother to Sally and Miles, depicted in flashbacks suffering from Alzheimer’s disease while residing in a care facility. |
| 18 February–23 August 2010 | Anasthesist | Philip Dodd | Medical anesthetist attending to key characters following violent incidents. |
| 28 February–23 May | Gavin Johnson | Daniel Feuerriegel | Editor of Coastal News; involved in storylines concerning student interviews and editorial disputes affecting Belle Taylor. |
| 4 March–13 June | Cara Phillips | Holly Robinson | Schoolmate engaged in minor conflicts impacting Miles Copeland and Melody Jones. |
| 18 March | Steve Bradford | Nicholas Holland | Presents Leah Patterson-Baker with a $100,000 cheque as recognition for her late husband’s heroic deeds. |
| 20 March–16 April | Joe Stephens | Terence Hepburn | Bartender hired to assault Sam Holden; later provides information regarding Sam’s final days. |
| 25 March–12 May | Logan Roth | Radek Jonak | Associate of Johnny Cooper involved in illegal fighting rings leading to police intervention. |
| 10 April–27 January 2009 | Matthew Lyons | Ross Pirelli | Year nine student who bullies peers including Jai Fernandez and Ruby Buckton. |
| 14 April | Britt Grey | Meagan Drury | Sam Holden’s estranged sister who gains custody of nephew Rory Tolhurst amid investigations. |
| 6–13 May | Danielle Hay | Katrina Risteska | Axel Hay’s sister involved in school disputes affecting Miles Copeland’s class. |
| 7 May–26 February 2009 | Christine Jones | Elizabeth Alexander (actress) | Melody Jones’ mother; creates tension over academic issues and personal conflicts before relocating to New Zealand to rebuild her relationship with Melody. |
| 19 May | Peter Randall | Richard Gyoerffy | Runs a youth refuge; provides insight into Jai Fernandez’s withdrawn behavior. |
| 30 May | Jamie Cooper | Shardyn Fahey-Leigh | Julie Cooper’s son; participates in youth programs under Jack Holden’s guidance to overcome fears. |
| 12 June–5 November 2012 | Georgina Watson | Jaclyn Albergoni | Police officer at Yabbie Creek; evolves from conflicts with Charlie Buckton to promotion as Sergeant after Charlie’s passing. |
| 14 June–27 August | Jimmy Crawford | Adam Booth | Psychiatric patient with repeated hospitalizations; develops attachment to Rachel Armstrong influencing her professional decisions. |
| 20–27 June | Pat Jenkins | Lachlan Buchanan | Ruby Buckton's boyfriend; their relationship leads to Ruby's expulsion from her former school; leaves after acknowledging incompatibility. |
| 11 July | Mrs. Hay | Amelia Longhurst | Mother of Axel and Danielle Hay; appears following Axel’s fatal accident. |
| 15–24 July | Daisy Alexander | Jessica Smith | University roommate who supports Matilda Hunter through personal challenges during studies in Perth. |
| 15–24 July | Nathan Cunningham | Andrew Lees (actor) | Resident advisor at Perth university campus; involved in interpersonal tensions with Matilda Hunter and Ric Dalby. |
| 1 September–6 October | Edward Jones | Errol Henderson | Christine Jones’ husband and Melody’s father; involved in storylines addressing Melody’s mental health treatment and family disputes. |
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
- Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database