Brooke Taylor (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
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 premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Below is an overview of characters who were introduced in 1999, all under the guidance of then-executive producer John Holmes. The show's twelfth season commenced on 11 January 1999. The first newcomer was Nick Smith, portrayed initially by Matt Juarez in March. In April, Nick’s father Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, made his debut. Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi in May. July saw the arrival of Cameron Welsh as Mitch McColl. August introduced Bianca Zeboat alongside lifeguard Shauna Bradley, played by Kylie Watson. September brought in science teacher Harry Reynolds, enacted by Justin Melvey. Finally, October featured the introductions of Anna Hruby and Stephen James King as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son, Edward Dunglass, respectively.

Nick Smith

Nick Smith made his first appearance on 18 March 1999, initially portrayed by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity before returning as a regular character from 2000, this time played by Chris Egan. Egan continued in the role until 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge depicted Nick in flashback scenes during 2003. For his performance, Egan earned a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2001.

Peta Janossi

Peta Janossi, enacted by Aleetza Wood, first appeared on 27 May 1999 and exited on 14 July 2000. Wood was cast while still attending university, with Series Producer Russell Webb choosing her for her youthful and fresh appearance. Her portrayal led to a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2000 awards.

Mitch McColl

Mitch McColl, portrayed by Cameron Welsh, debuted on screen on 15 July 1999. Welsh initially auditioned for a guest role before being cast as Mitch. In 2000, following a diagnosis of a herniated disc, Welsh took a six-week hiatus during which actor Mitchell McMahon temporarily assumed the role. Welsh resumed portraying Mitch from 3 April 2000 onwards. In 2005, he made a cameo appearance to celebrate the show’s 4000th episode, marking Mitch’s return for Alf Stewart's birthday celebration. Welsh later transitioned into producing Home and Away, attributing his acting experience as Mitch to deepening his production insights.

Welsh’s performance earned him a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the 2000 Logie Awards. Critics highlighted Mitch’s strong debut impact, particularly noting his chemistry with Hayley, which resonated well with viewers. His departure was also regarded as one of television’s memorable moments.

Bianca Zeboat

Bianca Zeboat, played by Lara Cox, was introduced on 11 August 1999. Cox landed this extended guest role shortly after completing work on Heartbreak High, managing to appear concurrently in both series. She characterized Bianca as a "manipulative" and "unpleasant" figure, contrasting sharply with her previous character Anita Scheppers, whom she found easier to relate to. Bianca is depicted as a model and actress pursuing the lead role in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher's novel On the Crest of a Wave. Upon arriving in Summer Bay to prepare for filming, she befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) to learn more about the part. Jesse, who is searching for both a partner and a maternal presence for his daughter, remains unaware of Bianca’s true intentions. After being dismissed by director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner), Bianca ends her relationship with Jesse and departs from Summer Bay.

Shauna Bradley

Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson, made her debut on 16 August 1999 and departed in July 2002. Watson landed the role soon after returning to Canberra, despite initial hesitation about auditioning. Her first acting opportunity came with Home and Away, supported by acting lessons organized by her agent. Watson received a nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards. Critics described Shauna as "feisty" and "sassy," with Andrew Mercado referring to her as a "sexy lifesaver." Her dramatic relationships, particularly with Harry and Gavin, were central to her storylines. In 2012, Channel 5 included an episode revealing Shauna’s adoption in a viewer voting feature titled "From Day One."

Harry Reynolds

Harry Reynolds, played by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and exited on 26 January 2001. Prior to joining the series, Melvey concentrated on modeling and developing his acting abilities. After auditioning in Sydney, he secured the role and moved from Los Angeles to Australia for filming. His portrayal of Harry earned him the "Most Popular New Male Talent" Logie Award in 2000.

Judith Ackroyd

Judith Ackroyd, enacted by Anna Hruby, featured from 21 October 1999 until 21 November 2000. Hruby had earlier roles including in Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith took over as principal of Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher’s (Norman Coburn) sabbatical.

Her storyline involves managing her son Edward Dunglass, who was born from an affair with a deceased lecturer who succumbed to Huntington's disease, raising concerns about Edward’s health prospects. Judith handles challenges with students such as Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) and assists Donald with revising his novel. Her personal life is complicated by a relationship with Joel Nash, which ends when he reconciles with his former wife and moves away.

After Edward receives a confirmed diagnosis, Judith arranges for him and his partner Peta Janossi (Aleetza Wood) to travel overseas. Following Joel’s departure, Judith accepts a position in Switzerland, recommends Donald’s return as principal, and appoints Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) as her replacement.

Edward Dunglass

Edward Dunglass, played by Stephen James King, appeared from 28 October 1999 until 14 July 2000. King balanced his high school education alongside this first television role after prior theatre experience. He commended the seasoned cast for their support and noted Edward’s gothic style set him apart from typical Summer Bay residents, affecting how others viewed him.

Edward is introduced on the beach where Will Smith mocks his goth appearance; Edward responds with sarcasm. After rescuing Duncan Stewart from bullies, he joins local youths for go-kart trials, setting the fastest lap before being interrupted by school principal Judith Ackroyd, who is revealed as his mother.

Donald Fisher recognizes Edward’s surname from knowing his father, Edward Sr., who died from Huntington's disease. Aware he might have inherited the condition, Edward quickly befriends Peta Janossi and Mitch McColl. He helps Peta commemorate her late grandmother, which stirs local rumors about his involvement in occult practices.

Edward’s friendship with Duncan causes tension with Alf and Ailsa Stewart. His candid opinions on illness upset Donald Fisher until Edward discloses his own diagnosis. Facing an uncertain future, Edward engages in risky activities that concern his peers; Peta ends their relationship after he jumps off Jump Rock but they later reconcile and attend self-defense classes together. Early symptoms of Huntington’s appear, including muscle spasms and transient paralysis. Edward and Peta hold a private "marriage" ceremony and move in together with Judith’s consent, despite objections from Peta’s foster father, Joel Nash.

Upon turning eighteen, Edward tests positive for Huntington’s but initially downplays the result. After a breakdown triggered by laughter, Judith gives him a video message from his deceased father. Edward then removes his gothic makeup and requests access to his trust fund to travel with Peta. Judith arranges for them to stay with her sister in Rome. Before leaving, Edward becomes irritable but is comforted by Peta. They depart following an emotional farewell; Will visits them the next year and confirms that Edward’s condition has deteriorated.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Relevant Context
11 January–3 March	Dr. Noble	Mariette Rups-Donnelly	Serves as psychiatrist for Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) following her abduction by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli); subsequently provides therapy to Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) for schizophrenia.
14–25 January	Mr Gilkey	Ben Ager	A driver exhibiting road rage who confronts Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) after a traffic incident, demanding compensation; his apology is declined.
14 January–21 May	Troy	Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz	A Year 12 peer and cricket teammate of Tom Nash (Graeme Squires).
18–19 January	Rhonda	Samantha Braniff	Utilized by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli) as bait to abduct Joel Nash (David Woodley).
21 January–10 February	Brian Matthews	Scott Swalwell	A graffiti artist and friend to Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright); dies after a fall.
3–12 February	Geraldine Peterson	Anna Lee	Member of The Wednesday Club; falsely claims success in charity fundraising, leading to tension with Rebecca Nash (Belinda Emmett) who subsequently leaves the group.
5 February	Mo Matthews	Pat Sands	Father of Brian Matthews; discovers Brian and Sam Marshall engaged in property tagging.
8–18 February	Kaia Stokes	Blazey Best	Supports Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenic episodes but departs when his hallucinations worsen.
19 February–6 October	Bob Playford	Tony Morgan	Real estate agent commissioned by Diana Fraser to investigate caravan park development; the community, led by Alf Stewart, purchases the park to block the plan.
4–23 March	Brooke Taylor	Bridie Carter	Develops an interest in Travis Nash (Nic Testoni) unaware he is married; her attraction is influenced by his resemblance to her deceased fiancé, who was Travis and Joel's father.
4–5 March	Mara Taylor	Ann Burbrook	Brooke Taylor’s sister; shows romantic interest in Joel Nash, unaware of his marital status.
10–17 March	Denise Hennessy	Lauren Clair	Former prison cellmate of Kylie Burton; escapes custody and befriends Jesse McGregor before fleeing town upon exposure.
11 March	Eleanor Mace	Deborah Piper	Candidates interviewed by Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) for the nanny role for Byron Fisher.
	Patsy Little	Jillian O'Dowd
	Skye	Karren Lewis
16 March–11 May	Ellen Porter	Anne Grigg	Employed as nanny for Donald Fisher’s infant son Byron; previously cleared of manslaughter charges but trusted; departs after revealing romantic feelings toward Donald.
17–22 March	Jim Woods	Nick Hogan	Local police officer investigating Denise Hennessy and assisting Will Smith concerning his brother Nick’s involvement with drugs.
19–23 March	Johnno	Josef Ber	Drug dealer pursuing Nick Smith over an outstanding debt; assaults Nick but leaves after deeming the debt settled.
24 March	Ted Williams	Kim Knuckey	"Foster father of Nick Smith; arrives with wife Wendy to retrieve him from the beach house."

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database