Callan Sherman
| Company type | Television soap opera |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television series |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters who made their debut in 2005, introduced under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show’s 18th season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The first new character introduced that year was Eve Jacobsen, portrayed by Emily Perry. In March, Isaac Gorman and Sharni Vinson joined the cast as Ryan Baker and Cassie Turner, respectively. April saw the arrival of Doug Scroope in the role of Graham Walters. June brought the introduction of Amanda Vale, Ryan’s mother, played by Holly Brisley. August marked Todd Lasance’s debut as Aden Jefferies, along with the addition of the Holden family: widower Tony Holden (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). In November, James Mitchell appeared as Jonah Abraham, while Linden Wilkinson took on the role of Mumma Rose.
Eve Jacobsen
Eve Jacobsen—also known as Zoe McCallister—was brought to life by Emily Perry, who first appeared on 21 January 2005. Perry’s casting was spotlighted in TV Week towards the end of 2004. Having previously worked as an extra on the series, this role represented her first major acting opportunity. Eve is depicted as a psychiatric nurse who becomes entangled with patient Sarah Lewis (played by Luisa Hastings-Edge). Following the death of Sarah’s boyfriend due to a drug overdose connected to Sarah’s actions, Eve aids Sarah in escaping as part of a revenge plot. After Sarah commits a murder-suicide, Eve launches a personal vendetta against Summer Bay.
Eve murders hospital nurse Zoe McCallister, assumes her identity, and sets fire to Noah Lawson’s residence while his widow is inside. She orchestrates a seaplane crash resulting in pilot Benny Barron’s death and wrongfully implicates Marc Edwards for these offenses. When Sally Fletcher labels Sarah a psycho, Eve targets her with two attempted murders. After thwarting a bomb threat at a party, Eve kills Marc with a crowbar and continues to terrorize Summer Bay through threats at events like the "Miss Groper" beauty contest.
Detective Peter Baker grows suspicious that Eve might be Sarah returned from the dead, which leads to several confrontations including Sally’s kidnapping and an explosion at an abattoir that seemingly kills Eve. Later it emerges she survived and has adopted the name "Maxine Trood," continuing her campaign by staging bomb threats and sending taunting videos aimed at central figures such as Jack Holden and Martha MacKenzie.
The storyline reaches its climax when Eve holds Jack hostage over a balcony; Peter offers himself in exchange, ultimately leading to her capture. During Jack and Martha’s wedding, Eve takes Tracey Thompson hostage—who is unveiled as her accomplice—and both perish in a gas explosion triggered by sparklers on the wedding cake.
The “Summer Bay Stalker” narrative featuring Eve earned nominations for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards, with further recognition for its disruption of Jack and Martha's wedding in 2007. Additionally, Eve was included in Digital Spy's Serial Killer Poll in 2012. Critics lauded this storyline for its strong impact on audiences and its significance within Australian television drama at that time.
Ryan Baker
Ryan Baker, brought to life by Isaac Gorman, made his first appearance on 16 March 2005 and departed in 2007, with guest spots in 2008 and 2009. Gorman had earlier appeared on the series in 2002 portraying Riley Edwards.
Ryan arrives prior to his father Dan's marriage to Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou). Initially courteous toward Leah, he soon displays his displeasure through disruptive actions—spilling a drink, exhibiting rudeness, and damaging Leah's wedding gown. His conduct escalates when he burns the wedding invitations upon discovering his mother Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley) was not invited. During this incident, Leah’s son VJ is accidentally injured by the ashes, provoking anger from Dan and Leah. Ryan flees but is located by his uncle Peter, who informs him that Dan and Amanda will not reconcile. Ryan then apologizes, replaces the invitations, and returns to Amanda in America. He later reappears as a ring bearer at the wedding.
Subsequently, Dan arranges for Ryan to live with Leah, citing Amanda's detrimental influence. After a disagreement, Amanda takes Ryan back to Los Angeles but returns months later with him to settle in Summer Bay. They move into a mansion alongside Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), Amanda’s long-lost daughter and Ryan’s half-sister. Following the collapse of Amanda and Peter’s engagement, Ryan moves back in with Dan and Leah. When Dan accepts employment in America and wishes for the family to relocate, Ryan resists and acts out, expressing he misses Amanda. Dan then arranges for Ryan to reside with Amanda and Peter in the city.
After Dan tragically dies in an abseiling accident in America, Amanda and Ryan return for his memorial service. Ryan expresses concern about his role within Leah and VJ’s family but receives reassurance. They attend Belle's wedding to Aden Jefferies (Todd Lasance) and her subsequent funeral following her cancer diagnosis before returning to the city.
For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman earned a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards.
Cassie Turner
Cassie Turner, played by Sharni Vinson, debuted on 18 March 2005 and exited on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously made guest appearances in 2001 and 2003 as different characters. In 2004, she auditioned for the role of Martha MacKenzie but was ultimately cast as Cassie instead. Reports surfaced in July 2007 that Vinson planned to leave the show to explore opportunities in Los Angeles. By November, it was confirmed she had quit for personal reasons related to relocation, although her scenes continued airing into 2008.
Cassie was depicted as "strong-willed and fiercely independent," possessing the ability to "make friends easily and influence those around her." Vinson received a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards due to this role. A columnist from the Sunday Mirror described Cassie as a "seductive soap siren" and remarked that Vinson's departure was a disappointment for the show's male viewers.
Graham Walters
Graham Walters, portrayed by Doug Scroope, first appeared on 22 April 2005 and departed following the character’s death on 3 March 2006.
Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter's eighteenth birthday. Strain develops between him and his daughter Beth, stemming from his emotionally distant nature attributed to trauma from serving in the Vietnam War. He sells his farm and attempts to mend familial relationships. Graham becomes involved romantically with the younger Amanda Vale (who had previously dated his grandson Scott) and marries her despite family opposition.
Amanda's manipulative nature soon surfaces as she avoids consummating their marriage while imposing responsibility for her son Ryan Baker on Graham. He uncovers Amanda’s affair with Josh West and, with assistance from Morag Bellingham, exposes Josh’s illegal activities connected to Project 56. During a confrontation, Graham suffers a heart attack; although Amanda calls for help, she ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, Graham becomes the center of a family dispute over life support continuation. Robbie ultimately ends Graham’s life by turning off the machine.
Amanda inherits Graham's estate and organizes a wake that is largely ignored due to preference for gatherings with the Hunter family. She later returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. Robbie admits to switching off life support during trial proceedings; he is found guilty but avoids incarceration.
Diesel Williams
Diesel Williams, played by Marcus Jacometti, was featured on Home and Away from 9 May until 17 June 2005. This marked Jacometti's debut acting role after completing Year 12, with a commitment of 20 episodes. He traveled from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney for filming and described the experience as both thrilling and somewhat intimidating. Jacometti portrayed Diesel as a character who "falls for the wrong people, stirs up trouble, then moves on," noting that he shared some fundamental traits with the role.
Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High and is introduced to Sally Fletcher by the principal, Barry Hyde. His distinctive appearance attracts bullying, particularly from Jason Pappa, who assumes Diesel is gay because of a rose tattoo. To dispel the rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter but admits to Cassie Turner that he has no romantic interest in her. Jason persists in bullying and physically attacking Diesel.
After disclosing that he is homeless due to issues with his foster carers, Sally offers Diesel accommodation at her home with her husband Flynn Saunders, though Flynn is hesitant. Friction develops between Diesel and Flynn, prompting Diesel to relocate to a hostel arranged by Flynn.
Diesel falsely claims an affair with Sally and kisses her during a tutoring session, which Dan Baker witnesses. When Sally rejects his advances, Diesel burns a sketch he made of her and later accuses her of sexual harassment. Despite Ric Dalby and Cassie's attempts to help, Sally is suspended following these allegations. Diesel demands that Sally confess her love for him in exchange for withdrawing the complaint.
The situation intensifies when Diesel steals Sally’s locket and fabricates emails to implicate her further. Investigator Carl Summons uncovers evidence that deepens suspicion against Sally, resulting in her suspension. Barry Hyde confronts Diesel, urging him to tell the truth. The conflict culminates when Diesel takes Sally’s infant daughter hostage, insisting Sally admit she loves him. Flynn intervenes by tackling Diesel, who is then arrested and admits to framing Sally.
While in custody, Diesel apologizes and is sent for psychiatric treatment after discussing his troubled background with Ken Harper. Sally visits him, recognizing his pain but condemning his unhealthy obsession.
Amanda Vale
Amanda Vale, portrayed by Holly Brisley, first appeared on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with brief returns in 2008 and 2009. Brisley described Amanda as someone who "only moved to the city so she could come and go as she pleases." Her real-life pregnancy was incorporated into the storyline during her 2009 comeback. Amanda is depicted as the "ultimate attention-seeker," using manipulation to get what she wants. For this portrayal, Brisley earned a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.
Aden Jefferies
Aden Jefferies, enacted by Todd Lasance, made his first appearance on 4 August 2005 as a recurring character connected to Cassie Turner's narrative arcs. Although Lasance initially auditioned for a different role, he was later offered Aden’s part, which he accepted despite not having previously watched the show. After returning in 2007, he was promoted to the main cast. In 2009, Lasance signed with an agency in Los Angeles as part of plans to expand his career internationally; he filmed his final scenes in January 2010.
Lasance described Aden as "a complete bad-arse" and resisted changing him into a stereotypical "good guy." His portrayal earned him a nomination for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and won him "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards, along with another nomination in 2010.
Jack Holden
Jack Holden, brought to life by Paul O'Brien, made his first appearance on 5 August 2005 and departed on 28 November 2008. O'Brien garnered several award nods for this character, securing a Logie Award in 2006 for "Most Popular New Male Talent." He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O'Brien and his co-star Jodi Gordon earned a nomination for "Best Storyline," centered on Jack and Martha's wedding. In 2008, additional nominations included "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and "Best Couple" alongside Gordon. Furthermore, at the inaugural Digital Spy Soap Awards, O'Brien was recognized with a nomination for "Best On-Screen Partnership" with Gordon.
Tony Holden
Tony Holden, portrayed by Jon Sivewright, was featured from 5 August 2005 through 11 August 2010. By 2010, Sivewright ranked as the joint second longest-serving male cast member still on the show. Following the exit of fellow actor Amy Mathews, the producers opted to write Tony out of the storyline. His arcs largely revolved around coping with the loss of his wife, girlfriend, and child, illustrating his role as a committed family man. The official series website emphasizes Tony’s empathetic nature and optimistic attitude, noting his ability to maintain a balance between physical fitness and social engagement. Noteworthy scenes include his reversal of a vasectomy to start a family with Rachel Armstrong.
Lucas Holden
Lucas Holden, enacted by Rhys Wakefield, appeared from 5 August 2005 until 14 February 2008. Wakefield received a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards. Critics described Lucas as a "stroppy lad," underscoring his rebellious teenage character. In 2007, Home and Away along with the Seven Network faced scrutiny from the ACMA over broadcasting "raunchy scenes" during G-rated episodes—specifically episode 4358, which portrayed Lucas and Belle deciding to have sex. ACMA determined that this content exceeded appropriate boundaries for the classification, affecting the show's compliance protocols.
Michael Abraham
Michael "Jonah" Abraham, played by James Mitchell, first appeared on-screen on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast after graduating from the NIDA in 2004, appreciating the professionalism and dedication evident on set.
Michael is the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." The cult coerced Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into joining, with Mumma Rose orchestrating a plan for Michael to impregnate Tasha. Initially compliant, Michael later rebels and attempts to flee with Tasha but is captured. Both are eventually freed by law enforcement; Mumma Rose and Michael are incarcerated.
Upon release on parole, Michael returns using his birth name and reveals he was adopted and subjected to lifelong indoctrination. His infertility confirms he did not assault Tasha. Despite suspicion from locals, he sells cult property and takes up work as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). Michael forms a complicated relationship with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), overcoming animosity and jealousy linked to her former husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)). Although Martha plans to leave with him, Michael departs alone after realizing he would always come second to Jack.
Mumma Rose
Mumma Rose—whose actual name is Florence White—was introduced on 17 November 2005, with Linden Wilkinson portraying the character. Wilkinson had a prior role in the show as Katherine Walker in 1996.
As the charismatic head of a cult named The Believers, Mumma Rose employs her son, Jonah Abraham (played by James Mitchell), to entice Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into their fold. Although Tasha's friends and her boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith) harbor doubts, Mumma Rose orchestrates events to maintain control, including pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha’s phone to delay assistance. Robbie survives but lacks evidence to prove any wrongdoing.
When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) alerts Robbie about Mumma Rose’s intention for Tasha to conceive Jonah’s child, deemed "The Chosen One," Mumma Rose has Rebecca abducted and denies involvement when questioned by law enforcement. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to join The Believers to aid Tasha but is caught near Rebecca’s confinement and unable to collect proof.
Mumma Rose administers drugs to both Jonah and Tasha to facilitate impregnation, though they have no memory of the incident. After Jonah helps Tasha flee, they are recaptured, prompting Mumma Rose to arrange a fire-based purification ritual. However, Tasha turns the group against Mumma Rose, who is subsequently apprehended by police but manages to escape using a concealed vehicle.
Several months later, Mumma Rose reappears, taking Tasha and Martha hostage while coercing Tasha into natural labor under threat to the infant’s life. To enforce compliance, she kidnaps Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) and threatens self-surgery. Rachel attempts to sedate Mumma Rose but accidentally injects Tasha instead. Following a tip from Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), authorities arrest Mumma Rose.
With help from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose abducts Tasha’s newborn daughter, Ella Hunter, intending to perform a fiery cleansing ceremony. Charity changes allegiance and informs the police, leading to a hostage crisis involving Tasha, Robbie, Martha, and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). During this standoff, Mumma Rose falls from a window but is saved and taken into custody by officers Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) and Lara Fitzgerald (Rebecca George). She is ultimately confined in a secure psychiatric institution.
A writer for the Daily Record characterized Mumma Rose as "sinister."
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January–31 March | Greg Hill | Alex Sideratos | Medical professional at Northern Districts hospital who treats Leah Patterson following an appendix rupture and Sally Fletcher after a fall causing a blood clot. |
| 13–28 January | Gus Phillips | Peter Lamb | Kane Phillips’ estranged father with a background of abuse and financial troubles; rescues Hayley Lawson from fire but later involves Kane in criminal activity leading to arrest. |
| 14 January–1 April | Marc Edwards | Christopher Hobbs | Arrives after bushfires; blackmails Josie Russell over her past; ultimately killed by Eve Jacobsen who frames him for bombing. |
| 18 January–1 March | Anna McMann | Andrea Moor | Hospital administrator who suspends Flynn Saunders’ surgical privileges after complications but reinstates them following successful surgery. |
| 26 January–23 February | Greg Harvey | Steve Vella | Associate of Gus Phillips involved in pressuring him for money; provides ambiguous testimony against Kane. |
| 26 January–12 September 2008 | Lara Fitzgerald | Rebecca George | Yabbie Creek Police constable who arrests Kane Phillips; partners with Jack Holden; appoints Charlie Buckton as acting officer during maternity leave. |
| 4–7 February | Benny "Red" Barron | Colin Borgonon | Pilot of a charter flight that crashes fatally. |
| 17–25 February | Arthur Gordon | Alan McGuiness | Journalist exploiting Colleen Smart for information about Summer Bay Stalker; relationship ends when discovered. |
| 3–25 March | Lisa Stanniford | Zoe Tuckwell-Smith | Briefly involved with Scott Hunter during marriage; departs town after revealing separation and affair. |
| 7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020 |
Celebrant Claire | Mary Regan | Local celebrant officiating numerous weddings and funerals over more than ten years in Summer Bay. |
| 12 March–9 April 2008 | Darren McGrath | Kim Knuckey | Senior Constable stationed at Yabbie Creek Police. |
| 17 March | Alan Stanniford | Don Atkinson | Visits his wife Lisa in Summer Bay unaware of her affair; leaves without incident. |
| 18 March–26 April | Joy Foxton | Elaine Lee | Cassie Turner’s grandmother who arrives to revive local beauty pageant but suffers fatal stroke amid dispute. |
| 28 March–16 September | Alison Free | Larisa Chen | Doctor at Northern Districts hospital involved in significant medical cases including paternity revelations; dies in car accident before disclosing truth. |
| 6–12 April | Samantha Morton | Felicity King | Short-term romantic interest of Robbie Hunter intended to provoke jealousy. |
| 11 April–3 August | Clare Brody | Katrina Campbell | Senior Detective investigating Summer Bay Stalker; has previous relationship with Peter Baker; relocates after engagement ends. |
| 11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006 | Dale Browning | Barry Shepherd | Manager of local storage facility linked with bomb investigation and stalking case. |
| 15–26 April | Ben Foxton | Craig Elliot | Arrives following mother’s stroke; revealed as abuser of Cassie Turner and cousin Carla Bennett; taken into custody after report. |
| 25 April | 'Pauline Bennett', 'Carla Bennett', 'Liam Bennett' | 'Beth Armstrong', 'Ashleigh Johnson', Uncredited | 'Pauline is Cassie’s aunt arriving with children after Joy Foxton's death. Abuse claims against Ben Foxton confirmed by Carla and reported by Cassie.' |
| 3 May | 'Zoe McCallister' | 'Uncredited' | 'Nurse whose murder by Eve Jacobsen triggers identity theft investigation.' |
| 9 May–7 June | 'Jason Pappa' | 'Joshua Biagi' | 'Student bully involved in conflicts with Diesel Williams; provides false testimony against Sally Fletcher.' |
| 20–23 May | 'Jim Wallace' | 'Harold Hopkins' | 'Retired police officer who concealed Josie Russell’s past crimes; later disappears mysteriously.' |
| 1–13 June | 'Callan Sherman' | 'Kain O'Keeffe' | 'Ric Dalby’s friend with criminal history; attempts exploitation of Matilda Hunter but is confronted and flees.' |
| 7–16 June | 'Carl Summons' | 'John O'Hare' | 'School inspector investigating harassment claims against Sally Fletcher; suspends her pending police involvement.' |
| 9–10 June | 'Mystery Man' | 'Lleyton Hewitt' | 'Brief role as unsuccessful suitor of Hayley Lawson.' |
| 10–14 June | 'Terry Rawlings' | 'Laurence Coy' | 'Suspect in Matilda Hunter disappearance; arrested after she escapes captivity.' |
| 16 June–5 July | 'Noelene Baker' | 'Kris McQuade' | 'Mother of Peter and Dan Baker involved in family wedding tensions resolved before ceremony.' |
| 24 June–14 July | 'Troy Peters' | 'Christian Willis' | 'Stalker of Chloe Richards mistakenly suspected in her death; assaulted by Jesse McGregor.' |
| 4–5 July | 'Kevin Baker' | 'Andy Anderson' | 'Father attending Dan Baker's wedding; reconciles with son Peter.' |
| 22–23 July | 'Judith Lane' | 'Jane Fullerton Smith' | 'Mediator in custody dispute over Olivia Richards.' |
| 22–23 July | 'Michael Maleto' | 'Antony Grey' | 'Lawyer assisting Diana Fraser in custody case.' |
| 3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006 | 'Kevin Green' | 'Scott Hall-Watson' | 'Northern Districts Hospital doctor treating key patients including Flynn Saunders and Leah Patterson-Baker.' |
| 9–24 August | 'Tom Anderson' | 'Don Halbert' | 'Former lover of Kerry Hyde visiting during Kim Hyde’s search for his mother.' |
| 10 August | 'Harry Chambers' | 'Rodney Dobsen' | "Accuses Jack Holden of causing daughter’s death leading to community conflict." |
| 12–25 August | 'Leo Simms' | 'Johann Walravan' | "Burglar threatening Amanda Vale; dies accidentally during confrontation." |
| 15–23 August | 'Lorraine Robertson' | 'Gael Ballantyne' | "Barry Hyde’s sister impersonates Kerry Hyde to Kim Hyde; later reveals family secrets." |
| 23 August | 'Brian Robertson' | 'Paul Coolahan' | "Lorraine Robertson’s husband unaware of her connection to Hyde family." |
| 2 September–1 November | 'Corey Henderson' | 'Adam Saunders' | "Probationary constable involved in poisoning Irene Roberts and jurors; eventually arrested." |
| 9–13 September | 'Sean Jefferies' | 'Gabriel Egan' | "Aden Jefferies’ brother who assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage." |
| 18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006 | 'Greg Matthews' | 'Josef Ber' | "Doctor diagnosing Flynn Saunders’ terminal illness and attending his funeral." |
| 27 September | 'Len Green' | 'Gary Baxter' | "Local mayor framed by Josh West for political advantage." |
| 29 September | 'Pat McGrath' | 'Uncredited' | "Wife of Darren McGrath appearing socially at Noah's bar." |
| 13 October–25 November | 'Kylie Kopperton' | 'Leah Etkind' | "Works at nudist camp; introduces Kim Hyde to drugs resulting in overdose." |
| 19 October–8 November | 'Bert Biddle' | 'Zachary Garred' | "Intern at Northern Districts hospital unwittingly involved in Amanda Vale's paternity test schemes." |
| 25 October–25 November | 'Noah Hunter' | (Multiple actors) | "Newborn son of Hayley Lawson with paternity resolved through medical testing." |
| 28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006 | 'Dudley Shepherd' | 'Terry Serio' | "Bookmaker connected to Dan Baker's gambling debts leading to kidnapping incidents." |
| 28–29 October | 'David Knotts' | 'Alan Dukes' | "Gun dealer facilitating illegal firearm sale involving Martha MacKenzie." |
| 9–22 November | 'Jimmy Knox' | 'Paul Caesar' | "Associate of Dudley Shepherd pressuring Dan Baker over debts." |
| 11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012 | 'Derek Young' | 'Charlie Hopkins' | "Northern Districts Hospital doctor appearing during Flynn Saunders’ terminal illness storyline." |
| 11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006 | 'Charity Fernbrook' | 'Charlotte Gregg' | "Member of The Believers cult involved in major storylines including kidnappings and confrontations." |