Buddy (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
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. The following compilation highlights characters introduced during 2016, all under the direction of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 29th season commenced broadcasting on 1 February 2016. Dylan Carter made his first appearance in the season opener. In March, Isla Schultz and Lindsay Ford joined the cast; May saw the arrival of Mick Jennings and Tori Morgan; followed by her brothers Brody, Justin, and Mason Morgan in June. July introduced Tabitha Ford, while September brought Hope Morrison and Raffy Morrison to the storyline. Jeannie Woods was added in November, with Justin’s daughter Ava Gilbert making her debut in December.

Dylan Carter

Dylan Carter, played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, debuted on screen on 1 February 2016. His casting was revealed on 5 August 2015. Dylan is introduced as a detective collaborating with Katarina Chapman (Pia Miller), holding a complicated history connected to Summer Bay. He returned for further appearances in 2017, including key story arcs involving amnesiac Robbo (Jake Ryan), and made another comeback in September 2019.

Dylan spearheads the inquiry into Charlotte King’s (Erika Heynatz) homicide, working alongside his former fiancée Katarina and Mike Emerson (Cameron Stewart). Their investigation involves interrogating suspects such as Martin Ashford (George Mason), Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen), and Hunter King (Scott Lee). Tensions arise between Dylan and Kat due to their shared past affecting his professional demeanor. After compiling evidence, Dylan formally charges Zac with murder; however, Zac’s attorney Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) uncovers misconduct where Dylan coerced a judge to deny Zac bail, resulting in Dylan’s suspension.

Post-suspension, Dylan exhibits increasingly unstable behavior; he confronts Kat aggressively and subsequently takes Ash, Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin), and Kat hostage. His erratic actions stem from unresolved grief over the death of his son Anton, culminating in his arrest.

In later storylines, Dylan becomes pivotal in a major plot involving the amnesiac Robbo. Evidence links Dylan to a boat connected to Robbo, revealing a violent encounter where Dylan was presumed dead but survived. To prove his innocence concerning his family’s deaths, Dylan abducts Robbo but is eventually captured along with criminal accomplices. Several weeks afterward, reports surface that Dylan was killed while incarcerated.

Isla Schultz

Isla Schultz, brought to life by singer Samantha Jade, made her first appearance on 3 March 2016. Jade's casting was revealed on 5 September 2015, with filming commencing soon after. She wrapped up her role in November 2016.

Arriving in Summer Bay with a complicated history and questionable motives, Isla becomes romantically involved with a male character. Jade characterized her as "somewhat mischievous" but fundamentally well-intentioned, entangled with dubious associates.

Within the narrative, Isla is employed by Dave Rogers to recover a debt from Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway). When Kyle fails to repay, Isla and Kyle are abducted by Dave but manage to escape. Kyle offers Isla refuge, leading to a romantic connection. Isla’s ex-partner, Harry Kingswood, arrives with their daughters for a visit. After Harry threatens legal proceedings, Kyle persuades Isla to return the children.

Upon discovering Harry plans to relocate interstate, Isla attempts an armed robbery at the Reefton Lakes golf club using a firearm she purchased. Kyle intervenes and convinces her to escape moments before the police arrive. Kyle is arrested for the armed robbery but takes responsibility to shield Isla. Before leaving, Isla promises to honor Kyle’s sacrifice.

Lindsay Ford

Lindsay Ford, portrayed by Georgia Flood, first appeared on 17 March 2016. Flood was cast in October 2015 and found the role intriguing despite initial hesitation. Lindsay’s storyline revolves around her efforts to reconnect with Hunter King (Scott Lee), which creates friction with his girlfriend Olivia (Raechelle Banno). Lindsay exposes a kiss shared with Hunter and engineers situations aimed at undermining Hunter and Olivia’s relationship, ultimately causing their breakup. She later steals Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) ute, resulting in Hunter being injured while trying to intervene. Lindsay escapes but receives a warning from Olivia to leave town or face legal consequences.

Mick Jennings

Mick Jennings, enacted by Kristian Schmid, debuted on 5 May 2016 as the long-lost son of established character Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). His backstory involves Irene’s teenage rape and subsequent adoption of Mick. Mick is later revealed as the perpetrator who assaulted Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin), positioning him as an antagonist within the series.

Initially, Mick deceives locals by masquerading as Chris Harrington's uncle before kidnapping Irene to force contact. He is arrested following a police rescue facilitated by a concealed phone. A DNA test confirms his identity. After release from a psychiatric facility, Mick attempts reconciliation but faces rejection and legal issues for violating an AVO. He later kidnaps Billie’s newborn daughter Luc Patterson, escalating tensions before surrendering.

Despite being granted parole and trying to reintegrate, Mick encounters hostility from residents including Billie’s brother Martin Ashford (George Mason) and Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi). Irene secures employment for Mick in Western Australia’s mining industry, which he initially declines. Subsequent developments include kidnapping threats from Ash, a mining accident, and custody disputes over Luc. Irene supports Mick through these difficulties and eventually relocates to assist his recovery after the accident.

Tori Morgan

Tori Morgan, portrayed by Penny McNamee, made her initial appearance on 5 May 2016. Her casting was revealed on 22 November 2015. McNamee expressed that the role represented her "dream job" and began filming in early November, highlighting the support she received from co-star Georgie Parker during production. Tori is introduced as a physician seeking a new beginning in Summer Bay and harbors "dark secrets". She arrives to assess the safety of the town for her family, being the first among the four Morgan siblings to appear.

Brody Morgan

Brody Morgan, brought to life by Jackson Heywood, first appeared on 7 June 2016. Heywood, who had previously guest-starred in 2009 as Lachie Cladwell, was cast along with James Stewart and Orpheus Pledger to form the new Morgan family, with their casting announced on 5 December 2015. Filming commenced during the week of 7 December. Heywood acknowledged comparisons to the Braxton brothers introduced in 2011 but emphasized that Brody's character offered a unique dynamic and storyline. Brody is characterized as an ambitious chef with significant goals.

Justin Morgan

Justin Morgan, played by James Stewart, also debuted on 7 June 2016. His casting was announced on 5 December 2015 alongside his on-screen brothers Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger. This role marked Stewart’s first continuous part following a hiatus from acting. Filming began in early December 2015. Stewart focused on establishing a fresh family dynamic rather than competing with previously popular characters. In August 2017, he was included in the longlist for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards, although he did not progress to the viewer-voted shortlist.

Mason Morgan

Mason Morgan, portrayed by Orpheus Pledger, also made his first appearance on 7 June 2016. His casting was announced with his brothers’ in December 2015, with filming starting that same month. Pledger relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this role. Mason is depicted as optimistic and morally grounded, balancing his medical studies alongside an active social life and dedication to fitness.

Tabitha Ford

Tabitha Ford, played by Eliza Scanlen, appeared as a recurring student character from 21 July to 27 September 2016. Known for her antagonistic presence at Summer Bay High, Tabitha’s storyline involved manipulating classmates, including Olivia Fraser Richards, by exploiting their vulnerabilities and engaging in deceitful acts such as tampering with exams and impersonating others. Her conduct escalated to blackmail, which led to intervention by authorities and her subsequent transfer to boarding school.

Hope Morrison

Hope Morrison, portrayed by Jessica Falkholt, first appeared on 19 September 2016. After hearing Justin Morgan outside her home, Hope attempts to attack him but is stopped by Martin Ashford and Kat Chapman. Justin informs her that her uncle, Atticus Decker, is hospitalized following a deliberate car crash. Spike Lowe and his accomplices attempt to abduct Hope and her sister Raffy; while Ash saves Raffy, Hope is taken captive. Spike impersonates Hope’s husband to gain access to Decker in hospital and attempts to murder him but is apprehended.

Hope and Raffy move in with Kat and Phoebe Nicholson. Hope creates tension by wearing Phoebe’s clothing and consuming her food without permission. After breaking her phone, Hope accuses John Palmer of damaging it and demands compensation, which he refuses. Justin offers Hope a part-time position at the garage, where she steals customers’ credit card information. She tries to flee but is arrested for theft.

Following her release, Justin reveals that Raffy is Decker’s daughter and Hope’s half-sister. Hope steals Mason’s car intending to escape with Raffy; after a breakdown leaves Hope injured, Nate Cooper provides medical treatment. While recovering, Hope warns Raffy against trusting the Morgans; however, Raffy discovers their true family connection. They plan to leave Summer Bay together; Hope steals money from Salt but is caught and sent to remand.

Struggling with solitary confinement, Hope is prescribed diazepam by Nate but overdoses on stolen sleeping tablets and requires hospitalization. She apologizes to Phoebe and asks her to look after Raffy. Upon discharge, Hope bids farewell before returning to prison, encouraging Raffy to trust the Morgans and asking Justin to care for her sister. A year later, Hope sends Raffy a handmade birthday card.

Raffy Morrison

Raffy Morrison, played by Olivia Deeble, made her first appearance on 19 September 2016. Deeble moved to Sydney to film the series and was contracted for three years. She departed from the show in 2019, with her final episode broadcast on 12 September, after deciding against renewing her contract.

Raffy's storyline revolves around her intricate family connections and personal hardships. Initially unaware of her relation, she learns she is the half-sister to the Morgan siblings due to an affair between her father, Atticus Decker, and their mother, Kate Lee. This discovery triggers considerable emotional distress and prompts Raffy to run away several times. Eventually, she settles with the Morgan family and builds important relationships within Summer Bay.

Her character faces numerous personal difficulties such as coping with her brother Brody’s substance addiction, enduring bullying at school, and surviving a harrowing kidnapping attempt from which she is saved. Raffy also explores early romantic experiences, particularly with Ty Anderson, which end after he comes out as gay.

In terms of employment, Raffy works as a waitress and at a juice bar. She attends Summer Bay High School, where she encounters bullying but also forms friendships with peers like Coco Astoni and Olivia Fraser Richards. Her participation in community activities and local demonstrations underscores her commitment to social causes.

A pivotal storyline involves Raffy being diagnosed with epilepsy following a head injury sustained during a camping accident. This medical condition affects her personal life and relationships, including a romance with Ryder Jackson. Mason Morgan supports her by creating an epilepsy treatment oil; however, this leads to legal complications.

Raffy's arc concludes when she accepts an opportunity to participate in a medical trial in Victoria, with encouragement from family members Brody and Simone. She leaves Summer Bay after writing a farewell letter to guardians John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers.

Throughout her time on Home and Away, Raffy Morrison’s character development highlights themes of family complexities, resilience through adversity, and striving for personal growth within a nurturing community setting.

Jeannie Woods

Jeannie Woods, portrayed by Anna Bamford, first appeared on 1 November 2016 and remained on the show for approximately six weeks. Introduced as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), Jeannie arrives in Summer Bay after being invited by Evelyn MacGuire (Philippa Northeast) to participate in a charity volleyball match.

Jeannie assists Brody with picking up barbecue supplies that were dropped and signs up for the volleyball game, initially teaming up with Matt Page (Alec Snow). Brody later offers Evelyn $1000 to play alongside Jeannie. After briefly disappearing, Jeannie returns for an interview at Brody’s restaurant and eventually begins working there. Their relationship develops through flirtation but early misunderstandings cause Jeannie to quit before she agrees to return following Brody's invitation.

Jeannie shares some of her personal struggles, including being expelled from her home by parents who are survivalist doomsday preppers. Her father, Randall (Paul Ceaser), visits and meets Brody, leading to clashes over their conflicting ideologies. Despite efforts to maintain their relationship secretly and reconcile differences, the tension stemming from their opposing viewpoints results in their breakup. Jeannie ultimately leaves the restaurant job to accept employment in Yabbie Creek.

Ava Gilbert

Ava Gilbert made her debut on 8 December 2016 as the daughter of Justin Morgan (James Stewart). The character was initially portrayed by Grace Thomas, followed by Alice Roberts, before being recast with Annabel Wolfe in February 2023. This change allowed for more complex and mature storylines, aligning with Ava’s growth into adolescence. Ava returns to Summer Bay unexpectedly to visit her father but finds it difficult to conceal her feelings for his apprentice, Theo Poulos (Matt Evans). Wolfe commented that the plot delves into authentic father-daughter relationships and the difficulties involved in rebuilding connections after time apart. Ava’s defiant nature creates friction, especially when she admits to communicating with a boy online, leading to clashes with Justin and support from Theo and Kirby Aramoana (Angelina Thomson). Ava is slated to reappear for Justin’s wedding to Leah in April 2024.

Ava’s initial meeting with Justin occurs when she returns his lost cap, later confirming their familial bond upon arriving at Nina Gilbert's (Zoe Naylor) residence. She quickly forms a rapport with Justin’s fiancée Phoebe Nicholson and sister Raffy Morrison. After a dispute between Justin and Ava’s stepfather Brian Gilbert (Tom O'Sullivan), Ava runs away and is accidentally hit by Patrick Stanwood’s vehicle. Brian ultimately grants Justin time alone with Ava. When Nina and Brian temporarily leave town, Ava stays with Justin and becomes friends with Scarlett Snow (Tania Nolan). On a later visit, she meets Justin’s girlfriend Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts), who assists in rescuing her following a kidnapping involving Boyd Easton (Steve Le Marquand) and Hazel Easton (Genevieve Lemon). After Willow and Justin separate, Nina limits Ava's contact with him.

Upon returning once more, Ava initially shows resistance toward Justin’s new partner Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou) but eventually bonds over football. Following Nina and Brian’s split, Justin assumes responsibility for Ava, managing custody complexities including restrictions on her communication with Brian. Amid family health crises, Justin balances caring for Ava while confronting his own challenges, such as revealing a spinal tumour diagnosis. He spends meaningful time with her before she heads back to the city ahead of his surgery.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 February	Louisa O'Brien	Claudia Cranstoun	Louisa invites Josh Barrett to join her and other HSC classmates for an afternoon together. When Josh cares for Casey Braxton, Louisa and friends visit his home. She turns off the baby monitor to spend uninterrupted time with Josh.
	Glen Day	Logan Stevenson	Glen spends time with Adriana alongside Louisa and Josh before leaving for work; Louisa encourages Adriana to follow Glen so she can be alone with Josh.
	Adriana Kerr	Hana Lee Woodbridge	Part of the HSC group socializing together.
	Psych Nurse	Angie Diaz	The nurse permits Skye Peters to visit her mother Carol and informs her that Carol can hear despite her condition.
18 February	Destiny Starr	Lara Schwerdt	Destiny goes on a first date with Chris Harrington at the diner. They connect until Chris brings up his ex, prompting Destiny to leave after realizing he is not over that relationship.
25 February	Coach McKinnon	Warren Ekermans	During a high school basketball game, Coach McKinnon intervenes in a fight between VJ Patterson and Hunter King, sending VJ off the court.
2 March	Zara Leonard	Georgia Nichols	Oscar MacGuire notices Zara at Angelo's and talks to her about their university course; later Skye Peters sees them kissing on the balcony.
2–17 March	Claire Lewis	Anita Hegh	Claire claims she might be Irene Roberts’ daughter. They develop a bond until Olivia Fraser Richards suggests a DNA test that disproves the connection. Claire decides to leave upon learning this.
15 March–11 April	Harry Kingswood	Wayne Bradley	Harry brings Florence and Lulu to Summer Bay to visit their mother Isla Schultz. After Isla takes the girls without permission, Kyle Braxton convinces her to return them.
	Florence Kingswood	Charlee Kwintner	Daughter of Harry Kingswood and Isla Schultz.
	Lulu Kingswood	Mia Kwintner	Daughter of Harry Kingswood and Isla Schultz.
17 March	Alessia De Luca	Bridgette Hollitt	Alessia attends a university party at Angelo's introduced by Maddy Osborne. She flirts with Oscar MacGuire; Skye Peters later observes them kissing.
	Tanya Hardy	Ashleigh O'Brien	Tanya meets Oscar at the university party after Alessia leaves; she walks away upon discovering he was involved with another girl.
22–31 March	Drew Panton	Govinda Roser-Finch	Drew attends Lindsay Ford's beach party; Lindsay pays him to flirt with Olivia Fraser Richards to provoke Hunter King. Drew admits he dislikes Lindsay and came only for free drinks.
19 April–8 June	Dom Loneragan	Lindsay Farris	Photographer friend of Ricky Sharpe; hired for Ricky's wedding photoshoot and hospital fundraiser. Flirts with Phoebe Nicholson; supports her after an explosion incident. Introduces his daughter Bella to Phoebe. Reveals ongoing love for wife Tess; Phoebe ends their relationship so Dom can reunite with his family.
20 April	Womma	Dean Kyrwood	Kat Chapman and Martin Ashford confront Womma after discovering Dylan Carter paid him to intimidate witnesses and vandalize properties.
21 April–9 March 2020	'Sergeant Phillip McCarthy'	'Nicholas Cassim'	'Replaces Sergeant Mike Emerson in Summer Bay; handles workplace assault report involving Dylan Carter; advises Kat Chapman on work-related matters.'
12 May–8 June	'Bella Loneragan'	'Teagan Croft'	'Dom Loneragan's daughter; initially wary of Phoebe Nicholson but gradually accepts their relationship. Her mother Tess brings her to Summer Bay causing family tension.'
16 May	'Alexandra Newman'	'Kate Fraser'	'Admitted urgently due to fetal distress; gives birth to a girl named after Nate Cooper and Tori Morgan.'
	'Natalie Newman'	'Uncredited'
17 May 2016 –10 April 2017	'Dr Bernice Chung'	'Karen Pang'	'Conducts interviews for head of emergency department; prescribes medication for Roo Stewart’s stress; involved in hospital budget cuts leading to staff redundancies including Nate Cooper’s voluntary exit following conflicts.'
30 May	'Andrew (uncredited)'
	'Kathy'
31 May–8 June	'Tess Loneragan'
7 June 2016–12 July 2021	'Buddy the dog'
9 June	'Janette Davis'
13 June, 20 February 2018	'Nurse Erica'
14 June–12 July	'Lara Adams'
23 June–14 July	'Danika Kulevski'
23 June–26 July	'Jordan Walsh'
27 June	'Sarah Smedley'
28 June–10 November	'Burt "Simmo" Simmons'
29 June–20 September	'Kevin Arthur "Spike" Lowe'
5 July 2016 –2 February 2017	'Nurse Gretchen'
5 July	'Beau Mitchell'
11–12 July	'Blaine Varden'
12 July–1 December	'Atticus Decker'
13 July 2016 –10 May 2018, 19 February 2019	'Doctor Genner'
20–26 July	'Aaron Walsh'
1 August	'Professor Calabra'
25 August 2016 –18 May 2017	'Kate Lee'
29 August	'May'
1 September	'Brian Dyson'
	'Derek Babcock'
	'Mia Whyte'
6 September	'Jeremy Glanville'
8 September–20 October	'Caroline Stewart'
	'Bryce Stewart'
27 September	'Juliette Ford'
3–4 October	'Damien Grogan'
10 October	'Richard Legrande'
	'Guitarist'
17 October	'Mrs Day'
20 October	'Stephanie Suttle'
25–26 October	'Rebekah Pops'
26 October 2016 –6 March 2017	'Samantha Webster'
2 November	'HSC Examiner'
3 November	'Shenae'
10–30 November	'Zoe Gardner'
10–24 November	'Randall Woods'
1 December 2016 –1 February 2017	'Ranae Turner'
8 December	'Detective Geddes'	Julia Billington	-	8 December	'Prosecutor'	Alan Dukes	-	'Defence Lawyer'	Leof Kingsford-Smith	-	'Judge'	Martin Portus	-	'Bailiff'	Kelly Blanco	-	'Mossy'	Sam Lyndon	-	8 December 2016 –25 April 2018	'Nina Gilbert'	Zoe Naylor	-	12 December	'Marco'	James Caitlin	-	'Steve'	Lance Rice	-	13 December	'Frank'	Oliver Cooney	-	15–19 December	'Carl'	George Banders	-	19 December Jessica Mauboy Herself Performs at Summer Grooves music festival organized by Evelyn MacGuire.|- -'Garbo'	Luke Quinton	-	19 December –30 January Festival DJ Flexmami Provides music between sets at Summer Grooves festival during Phoebe Nicholson’s performance.|- -'Phoebe's Band'	Interim	-

External links

• Cast and characters on the official Home and Away site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database